Further Education and Training (FET)
Grade 11
SASL
The poem ‘SASL’ is a highly abstract one, filled with symbolism. Its topic is the struggle South African Sign Language undergoes to be recognised as a real, vibrant human language – not a system of signs or a lifeless code.
The composer and dramatizer is a Deaf adult who is proud of his language.
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The Sense of the Self
This poem provides an interesting perspective on the writing process. It portrays the internal struggles through which creative writing can take one, from frustration and despair to delight. Hidden words come to the fore and are strung together in a manner that makes the poet feel satisfied.
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Death Brings Peace, at Last
This poem tells of disconcerting visions seen by a pharaoh; a mummified being from the past, who is still “in existence” today. This indicates the universality and timelessness of the battles faced by and caused by mankind, such as physical violence, the abuse of women and children, and racial tension, amongst others.
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The Fight for Equality
This poem tells the story of a person who will fight for his freedom and that of his children with everything that is inside of him. The poet ends the poem with an important question, namely whether he and the people he is fighting are not equal.
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Graça’s Dream
This story is a narrative version of the life history and accomplishments of Graça Machel. It shows how a little girl from a poor, rural village in Africa completed high school, studied abroad, and became Minister of Education and Culture in her country. Her efforts impressed people the world over; she is celebrated internationally as a woman of vision.
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Queen of Soweto
Basetsana Kumalo is a beauty queen, but she’s also much more than that. She is a successful business woman, job creator, committed mother, community worker, and so the list goes on. She teaches us that true beauty is about having a heart filled with love and generosity.
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The Cotton Wool Doctor
This text tells the little-known story of a brave girl who became a brave woman and achieved extraordinary exploits – disguised as a man, because the social system of the time would not allow her to do what she knew she was called to do as a woman. The text will give learners some insight into how people lived two centuries ago, what social issues were pressing at the time, and which of those issues are still unresolved today.
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