deur Gerda Taljaard (Penguin Uitgewers)
Soms lê ek in my bed, lyf opgekrul om herinneringe aan hom, totdat dit voel asof die woonstel se dak oplig en die mure wegval en ek omhels word deur die nag se fluweelsagte duisternis. Dan dryf ek uit my lyf, tot in die buitenste ruim waar my ouers glo al vir dekades lank saam met ruimterommel en stukkies meteoriet, al om en om ’n hemelliggaam sweef. Op my boekrak staan ’n geraamde foto van hulle, geneem net voor hul laaste ruimtesending. Hul gesigte is stroef, asof hulle geweet het dit is hul laaste missie. Of dalk het hulle net in die son gekyk. Mila Kozlowa is ’n Moskouse psigoterapeut wat tydens beradingsessies sit en fantaseer oor geroosterde salm en seks. Sy dink ook aan haar kinderjare - sprokiesagtige besoeke aan ’n afgeleë hut in ’n berkewoud saam met haar ouma Babusja. Nou is Babusja oud en verswak en Mila is verantwoordelik vir haar. Wat steek haar ouma vir haar weg? Waar is Mila se ouers? Het hulle regtig tydens ’n ruimtereis verdwyn? Intussen ontmoet Mila ’n Suid-Afrikaner wat sy oorlogtrauma met haar deel en kort voor lank begin die skeidslyn tussen werklikheid en fantasie vervaag. Waar eindig die droom en begin realiteit? Vir hoe lank kan ’n mens jou eie leuens glo?
Dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - South Africa has the world’s highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), but weak regulation to stem this condition. This is the reality as the country marks International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day on Tuesday September 9, a day to confront one of the most preventable yet devastating public health crises affecting our children. FASD is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, even small amounts cause harm. Its effects are lifelong, impacting a child’s brain development, learning ability, behaviour, and health. Some communities in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, which have the highest rates, report that as many as one in three children are affected.
Bouncing back from summer flu and allergies
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - The worst may be over: the fever’s down, the body aches have eased, and you’re finally breathing easier. But whether you’ve just shaken off a nasty summer flu or you’ve been battling seasonal allergies that left you run-down, your body still needs time and care to bounce back. “Even after your flu or allergy symptoms subside, your body is working overtime to repair, recover, and rebuild,” explains Lindie Pretorius, Brand Manager for Linctagon®. “This is where the right nutrients can help as they support your immune system while it’s still regaining strength.”
Don’t stay silent, support can stop suicide
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Feeling alone, even when surrounded by others, is common among people who are at risk of suicide. With a reported suicide rate of 23.5 per 100 000 people in South Africa, there is an urgent need for us all to talk more openly about mental health. “Behind every statistic is a person, as well as their family and community - suicide is not an isolated problem, even though for the person with suicidal thoughts it may feel extremely alienating,” says Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso’s Crisis Line Manager.
Listen to Ellen Pakkies
Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Ellen Pakkies, who has admitted to strangling her tik-addict son, endured years of abuse not only at the hands of her son, but also during her childhood. Ellen, a social worker, will give a motivational talk at Alabama Secondary School in Isipingo Street, Alabama on September 6. An award-winning film was made about her struggle with drugs and her decisions. The URCSA choir will present this talk. The theme of the talk is “From pain to purpose - A journey of strength and survival”. The tickets are R80 per adult and the talk will be held in the hall. The time is 14:00. Refreshments will be for sale. Contact the school on 083 847 1157 to buy tickets.
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