Social Media Surgery In Public Space

The Social Media Surgery concept is where we go to shopping malls, shopping centre and public places where we provide social media training, advice to the public, non-profits and businesses in the format of a surgery. This is the first of its kind in Africa allowing local citizens to engage with one another and globally. The spot for the Surgery was at the Bridgetown Community Center a location that is central and where gangsters hang out.

Early Saturday morning the RLABS team met at the office and loaded all the equipment need for the Social Media Surgery. The cool thing was that we did not have to travel far as this event was to be held at the local community centre in the area. At the community centre we set up our speakers outside to play music and make announcements to attract the crowds. Inside we set up our laptops from where we were going to sign up various Social Media accounts for the locals.

Bridgetown Community Centre

It s was not long before the curiosity got the better of the people walking past and the streamed in to see what was happening. We explained to them what we are doing and they were more than happy to be signed up to facebook, twitterand blogging platforms for free. We have also invited the same people to theRLABS space in the future to enhance their social media knowledge.

Girl Power

Yesterday we ran a Social Media class with the girls City Mission Educational Services. We had not had a class with them for a while now. In yesterday’s session we did a recap on Gmail with them. These girls have a long way to go and much more to learn.

I remember when was first exposed to a computer about 2 years ago and did not know anything. It was a very overwhelming feeling and did not know if I was going to be able to finish the course. Well if I see where I find myself today I know teaching these girls is not impossible.

I am looking forward to the next session with them. We will be taking them to the next phase which will be Facebook. Soon they will be bloggers and setting the World Wide Web alight. Watch this space.

We have to impart in them what we have learned. If someone did not take the time out to teach us we would not be where we are now.

87th Birthday Celebration At The Impact Centre

Here are some pics of 87^th birthday bash:

Yesterday there was lots of laughter all around here at the Impact Centre. And there was a good reason for this. One of ladies from our Monday senior group was celebrating her 87^th birthday. Her name is Mrs Murtz and I know her from a very young age. I so happen to be friends with her grandson.

She has not changed one bit and is still the sweet lady I have known her to be from that time. She is the most humorous old lady I know and so full of life. Most people get grumpy when they age, but not this lady. One can really see God’s grace upon her life when you see how energetic and full of life she still is.

It is because of these seniors in our community praying for us that most of the guys here at the Centre are here today. They have seen us grow up, and they have witnessed our destruction. So all they could was pray for us and as I now know, God answers prayers. I honour these seniors and my prayer is that God continue too strengthen them, provide for them and bless them more than they could ever expect.

Mom3.0 session at Maxi’s

In Maxi's restaurant

This last past Saturday the ladies from the mom3.0 class enjoyed a breakfast at Maxi’s restaurant as part of their excursion. The ladies have class every second week in the RLABS space. The moment was captured on camera and in the next class the ladies will be posting these pics up on facebook and blogging about the moment.

The ladies of mom3.0 have done Gmail and facebook in their class thus far. They will be doing some things on Facebook and then will be moving on to Blogging.

Some of the moms placing a order for breakfast

We were also joined by Dr. Gary Wills and Mike Santer from the U.K that was doing interviews with the ladies. A special thanks to Maxi’s in Vangate Mall for availing the restaurant for the moms. This was the 1^st of many excursions to come.

Dr.Gary Wills interviewing and engaging with some of the ladies

Stay tuned to see the progress of these moms as they set the Social Media scene alight.

Two cops critically injured on my door step

This morning Craig, Clinton and myself headed off to a meeting at Marlon Parker’s house with the director of the movie: “I Now Pronounce You Black and White”. Our meeting was however canceled and then we decided to head back to the RLABS office.

This is the horrific scene we came across

On our way back to the office we came across a horrific scene. We saw lots of police vans and cops standing in lower Klipfontein road. We approached what seemed to be a crime scene. As we did further investigation we discovered that two police officers has been shot by one of the new and upcoming gangs, The Playboys. I have heard previously by my ex gang members, that this gang is trying to make a statement and they should not be messed with.

Well they certainly got tongues wagging. The members in this particular gang are very young and are growing in numbers by the day. What has our country come to, when not even our cops are safe? Two members of the PlayBoy gang were in the park in the early hours of the morning and when the cops approached them they opened fire on them, critically injuring them. This took place about 5 minutes drive from where I live.

The two cops colleagues on the crime scene

Thank God that I am no longer caught up in this madness but I am however praying without ceasing for those still caught up in gangstersim and violence. My heart goes out to the families of the cops who was critically injured in this incident. I pray that the peace of God will be with them.

Day out at Cape Town Stadium

View from outside the Cape Town Stadium

On Saturday the Impact/RLABS staff went to watch a soccer match at Cape Town Stadium. This was our way to relax and spend some time together out of the office. I have driven pass The Cape Town Stadium many times and did not realise how huge it really was. Only when I was standing at the entrance to the stands I saw how huge it was. I felt so tiny as I was standing there and looking up towards the roof.

Me outside Cape Town Stadium.Behind me is the back of the stands

I will not be speaking about the soccer match as the results very disappointing .That is all I am going to say. However I have to commend The City, developers and builders of the stadium. It is absolutely stunning with its retractable roof that adds to the features. Well done to everyone that had a hand in this building this stadium.

Soccer Fans cheering on Bafana Bafana

I am so looking forward to going back to the stadium to watch another match there. Just pities I don’t have any tickets to the world cup match as our tickets that we applied fro were rejected. The good thing is that after the World Cup the stadium will still be here for us Capetonians to enjoy.

Bafana Bafana verses Nigeria

testing.......