Who Is Marc Aupiais | About our Editor

Marc Aupiais

LLB Law Graduate. Journalist. Editor. Aspirant Advocate at Law.

Location

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

Industry

Law Practice  

Marc Aupiais's Overview

Current

• Editor in Chief at SACNS News
• Correspondent in South Africa at Les News (A French language international news service based in Paris)
• Writer at InfosNews Breaking News

Past

• Class Representative for all learners at the day school plenary class. at LEAD: Legal Education and Development (Auckland Park) [Law Society Day School]
• Student Paralegal, Family Division at University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic
• Web assistance, upkeep, technical advice. at ADHASA

• Class Representative elected unanimously by Students for Contract Law Class at University of the Witwatersrand
• Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee on Campus (elected unopposed and in first year) at Democratic Alliance Students Organization (DASO) at the University of the Witwatersrand
• Class Representative elected unanimously by Students for Global English Literature and Film Class at University of the Witwatersrand
• Leader at St John's Northriding YCK
• Student Key Holder at De la Salle Holy Cross College

see less

see all

Education

• LEAD: Legal Education and Development (Auckland Park) [Law Society Day School]
• University of the Witwatersrand
• St John's North Riding Catholic Church

• Trinity House High School
• Trinity House School
• De la Salle Holy Cross College
• De La Salle Holy Cross College
• Roosevelt Park Nursery School, near Linden

see less

see all

Connections

85 connections

Websites

• Personal Website
• Poetry
• Blog

Marc Aupiais' Summary

My greatest skill is in presenting myself and in presenting my views. In high school, all the children said I should go into law. In first year, I was instantly electable, often unanimously: to positions of authority, this continued in later years. I am told I come across as intelligent, presentable, and knowledgeable on subjects I speak of. I've been told that I take questioning well, and am at ease during a crisis.

I have a fascination with language, and have extensively investigated my own home language of English. I love to read, especially older books, and enjoy reading non-English works also. Law absolutely fascinates me, as do most of the workings of the world.

I have extensively investigated, where I can: the world's cultures, legal systems, morals, courtesy, language systems and intricacies, and religions: for the purposes of my own interests. In my spare time I have also written a number of novels, and edit a network of on-line informative services, which have had an unexpected proportion of success.

I consider myself a global citizen and a South African patriot, and have many connections in different countries across the world, who have aided me in better understanding other points of view.

I like to argue a controversial matter, and do not fear debate, nor do I easily fall into fear, when faced with a predicament.

I believe success requires more than hard work, it requires intelligence, perseverance, and where necessary, the assistance of those better versed in a matter than I am, which advice I am not afraid to seek out to better my argument, and where necessary: myself.

I especially have a passion for evidence law, and criminal law.

Specialties: web design, debate, negotiations, convincing hostile parties, law, branding and identity, economics, politics, political watching, geopolitics, defence monitoring, fact verification

Marc Aupiais' Experience

Editor in Chief

SACNS News

Educational Institution; 1-10 employees; Media Production industry
September 2007 – Present (6 years 9 months) Worldwide
The SACNS News Service has a global audience. Many other news services rely on it, and many journalists the world over take into account what appears on it. I am proud to have founded and to edit this exceptional entity.

'Accuracy without Harm... Truth intrepidly told... A striking spotlight on the beautiful and terrible events of humankind.'

It is something we hold ourselves to.

http://sacns.scripturelink.net/

The first article of the actual SACNS (15 September 2008) service began long after my first work on the larger network which eventually coalesced under it (In 2007 I began publishing the first research articles). A scholarly tradition from the earlier sites, of research, expertise, and critiques remains.

Correspondent in South Africa

Les News (A French language international news service based in Paris)

December 2013 – Present (6 months) Paris Area, France
Les News was founded 17 July 2009. With 280 k followers on Twitter including from the French political class, Les News has a reputation for breaking news fast. It first came to fame reporting on the Columbine massacre when others had yet to report on it globally.

What I report on is global, and very few of the many stories published with me in the via line are on South Africa, with most being about Europe or America. Much of the news I provide for Les News gets at least dozens of Retweets, with some getting in excess of 100. I am one of about 30 journalists of Les News globally.

'Les dernières informations du monde en français. Alerte, Flash info, Breaking news !
http://lesnewsfr.com'

Writer

InfosNews Breaking News

January 2014 – Present (5 months) France
I started my work here on 12 Jan 2014. It is a side project of Les News. InfosNews was founded 23 April 2011. I have taken over a primary role with InfosNews, and write most of the Tweets on their twitter breaking news site, for my bosses at France's Les News.

Temporary Class Representative for all learners at the day school plenary class.

LEAD: Legal Education and Development (Auckland Park) [Law Society Day School]

January 2014 – January 2014 (1 month) Auckland Park, Johannesburg
The lecturer for criminal court practice asked if we had a class representative. While the students at the school said I was the class representative for all the students in the day school: I stated that I had not been elected as such in any official capacity. The lecturer asked if students wanted a class representative, most shouted they wanted me to be so. One student said they would like their friend to be representative instead, so I requested we have a vote in case there be any dispute or hard feelings. The lecturer put one of the students, a man named Brendan in charge of the election, and three candidates including myself were nominated and seconded. One candidate got 6 votes (10 % of the students), and another got about 10 votes, however, the plurality of students by show of hands, again decided that I should be class representative, confirming the vote by voice earlier.
 When I brought the first major student issue to the attention of the director, she stated that the LEAD program did not have student representatives elected by majority, but rather selected from among the group leaders from groups which were to be created for groupwork. The group I was in chose another student as their group leader, and the group leaders and LEAD staff chose a class representative from among these in accordance with their procedures and informed us of those they had selected to fill class representative and deputy class representative from among these group leaders.
 My role thus had ceased to exist.

Student Paralegal, Family Division

University of the Witwatersrand Law Clinic

Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry
January 2013 – October 2013 (10 months) Empire Road and Yale Road, Johannesburg
My job was to act as a legal advisor, write memos, write legal letters, draft legal pleadings, communicate with clients and others, form legal opinions.

Area: Divorce, Custody, Status, Domestic Violence, Guardianship, Unmarried Fathers, Maintenance, Breach of Promise, Common Law Universal Partnership laws, Appointment of Receiver and Liquidator where needed, Post-Divorce, Annulments, Court Orders, and variation and nullification thereto.

I achieved 67% for the Practical Legal Studies subject this formed part of. One of my memorandums was considered useful enough that I was asked to produce a redacted version to be shared with other supervisors by my supervisor, to assist those faced with similar cases.

Web assistance, upkeep, technical advice.

ADHASA

2011 – 2012 (1 year) Johannesburg Area, South Africa
I acted as a consultant to ADHASA on technology and information technology. I assisted with their website and in their interplay with experts, in order to help them achieve their goals.

Class Representative elected unanimously by Students for Contract Law Class

University of the Witwatersrand

Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry
July 2010 – November 2010 (5 months)
During the currency of my 2nd year 2nd Semester at the University of the Witwatersrand, the Contract Law lecturer asked for the election of a class representative to represent our class's concerns as she succeeded our first semester contract law lecturer, half way through the year. I was readily elected. I interfaced regularly with the lecturer and my suggestions were generally followed, and the class concerns were relayed.

Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee on Campus (elected unopposed and in first year)

Democratic Alliance Students Organization (DASO) at the University of the Witwatersrand

June 2009 – March 2010 (10 months) Empire and Yale Road, Johannesburg
When I accepted the position, I was informed that I was the first ever First Year student ever to be elected to the position. As my grandfather was a politician for the Progressive Party, in Welkom, who campaigned on the platform that Apartheid was damaging the economy, I thought it interesting to join the student body of the Democratic Alliance, into which this party was later amalgamated. I spent half a year on the executive of DASO, a time in which I thoroughly utilised my political techniques, knowledge, and expertise to help insure we were optimally productive, and to prevent very present special interests of outside forces from crushing our mandate. I subsequently chose to resign at a bi-election after the already tenuous working of the executive collapsed due to differences between the then president and chairperson, whereby I was promoted from third to second in charge, and it appeared the committee had become defunct given we did not have the numbers in the executive to proceed normally. My resignation was almost immediately after registration for 2010, where I determined not to sign up for DASO but to become politically unaffiliated, given the DA's union with the Independent Democrats and my uncertainty as to the future direction of the party. I remain politically unaffiliated but involved in my community, which I think is possibly for me, a beneficial position, given the fast moving, often changing political climate in South African politics. When I do vote I vote on the merits of a candidate in a particular political contest and not due to any loyalty to one or other party. I pride myself in my respect for the views of people who either support the various parties as well as those who support none, or who vote based on a particular candidate or other, and I believe our diversity as a nation, and our ability to vote for the party of our choice are vital institutions of a democracy, despite my unaffiliated, but politically involved status.

Class Representative elected unanimously by Students for Global English Literature and Film Class

University of the Witwatersrand

Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry
February 2009 – November 2009 (10 months)
The University of the Witwatersrand desired to have a class representative to interface with on matters of concern and asked students to elect one. I was elected unanimously by several hundred students present. I was elected to this esteemed position by students in the First Year Global English Literature and Film class. My task was as liaison between the students and the applicable department of the university's staff. I furthermore was tasked by the university with the responsibility to remain aware of any changes in venue and of the curriculum and any matters which might arise which could be of concern, or affect the welfare of the students enrolled in the course, I would then be required to assist the other students with these and other matters of concern. I fulfilled my duties to the best of my ability, and believe I was effective as Class Representative.

Leader

St John's Northriding YCK

June 2007 – June 2009 (2 years 1 month) Northriding, Johannesburg
As a requirement of confirmation into the Catholic Church, I was required to serve my community in some way or other. I originally intended to attend YCK (Young Christian Kids) as an assistant to the leaders for such purpose, however when my required time was finished I was approached by Amanda, the person in charge, to continue, and to be brought on formally as a leader as I was seen as very effective in leadership. Others who had assisted for confirmation purposes were not asked to stay on. I thought it over and decided to continue on as a leader, a position which entailed planning, catering, day to day running, and involvement in the planning meetings to insure we remained on track and were prepared and organised for a particular year.

I assisted in insuring the weekly smooth running of the YCK, which included providing games and entertainment for children, and conflict prevention management so as to prevent fighting and bullying when problems emerged.

The YCK further involved discussions on the importance of family, good behaviour, good life choices, and involved discussions of the basics the Catholic religion to which I belong, and the meaning of religious holy days such as Christmas.

Student Key Holder

De la Salle Holy Cross College

February 1998 – November 1998 (10 months) Victory Park
I was appointed to this position by the Grade 2 teacher, as students sometimes left their possessions in class accidentally, and the teacher did not desire to leave the door unlocked. The Grade 2 teacher requested that I keep the classroom key during break time in case there was some student emergency. This is a role I held for most of my Grade 2 year of schooling, until the end of the year. This was one of my first positions of responsibility. I was 7-8 years of age.

Marc Aupiais' Volunteer Experience & Causes

• Volunteer Interests

  • Causes I care about:

    • Disaster and Humanitarian Relief
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Human Rights
    • Politics
    • Science and Technology

  • Organizations I support:

    • Catholic Relief Services
    • ADHASA

Marc Aupiais' Courses

• LLB 4 year, Law, English

  University of the Witwatersrand

  • Delict (Laws2003)
  • Insurance (Laws3002)
  • Negotiable Instruments & Banking Law (Laws3005)
  • Business Entities (Laws3010)
  • Constitutional Law (Laws3011)
  • Introduction to Law (Laws1006)
  • English Global Literature and Film (Eng1003)
  • Introduction to Constitutional Law (Laws1002)
  • Foundations of South African Law (Laws1004)
  • Persons & Family Law (Laws1005)
  • Customary Law (Laws1003)
  • English Literature in Context (Eng1001)
  • Criminal Law (Laws2001)
  • Contract (Laws2002)
  • Succession (Laws 2004)
  • Legal Information Literacy (Laws2005)
  • Criminal Procedure (Laws3031)
  • Jurisprudence (LAWS2017)
  • Property (LAWS3029)
  • Public International Law (LAWS3030)
  • Evidence (LAWS3032)
  • Civil Procedure (LAWS3033)
  • Forensic Medicine (FORM 4005/1)
  • Administrative Law (LAWS 4060)
  • Special Contracts (LAWS 4056)
  • Appropriate Dispute Resolution (LAWS 4043)
  • Practical Legal Studies (LAWS4003)
  • Competition Law (LAWS4045)
  • Environmental Law (LAWS4047)
  • Insolvency Laws (LAWS4050)

Marc Aupiais' Publications

• The Tempest and the Hurricane

  • scripturelink.net
  • January 1, 2008
  Authors: Marc Aupiais
  My extensive knowledge of and deep passion for language is on display within my poetic and other works on this website.

• SACNS News Service

  • SACNS News Service
  • September 15, 2008
  Authors: Marc Aupiais
  ~The SACNS News Service
  'Accuracy without Harm... Truth intrepidly told... A striking spotlight on the beautiful and terrible events of humankind.'

Marc Aupiais' Skills & Expertise

1. Web Design
2. Programming
3. Research
4. Fact checking
5. Blogging
6. Public Relations
7. law
8. legal
9. journalism
10. internet
11. computers
12. Microsoft Office
13. Journalism
14. Pathology
15. Legal Drafting
16. Drafting Pleadings
17. Legal Letter Writing
18. Legal Research
19. Legal Writing
20. Legal Advice
21. Legal Assistance
22. Legal Documents
23. Legal Issues
24. Criminal Law
25. International Law
26. Family Law
27. Administrative Law
28. Web Content
29. Editing
30. Publishing
31. Books
32. Politics
33. Proofreading
34. Copy Editing
35. Freelance Writing
36. Editorial
37. Press Releases
38. Contract Law
39. Strategic Communications
40. Management
41. English
42. Human Rights
43. Speech Writing
44. Investigative Reporting
45. Legal Translation
46. Public Speaking
47. Storytelling
48. French
49. Courts
50. Document Drafting

View All (50) Skills View Fewer Skills

Marc Aupiais' Languages

• English

  (Native or bilingual proficiency)

• Spanish

  (Limited working proficiency)

• French

  (Professional working proficiency)

• Afrikaans

  (Limited working proficiency)

• Zulu

  (Limited working proficiency)

• Latin

  (Elementary proficiency)

Marc Aupiais' Education

LEAD: Legal Education and Development (Auckland Park) [Law Society Day School]

I enrolled in the 6 Months day course (January to June 2014), Practical Legal Training, Bar Exams contents, ethics, day to day, court process, trial advocacy, etc

2014 – 2014 (expected)
The Legal Education and Development school was established by the Law Society of South Africa, with the statutory function of substituting one year of article clerkship with six months of consistent examination and training in the practical aspects of a legal career. In a sense it is a respected trade school set up for statutory purposes of insuring lawyers are well trained in the day to day matters in running a practice and in managing and arguing a case. I was accepted to the 6 month day school course at LEAD.

It allows 6 months intensive training, as a substitute, in order to take a year off of clerkship under the requirements to become an attorney, and also can provide experience should an individual desire to be admitted to pupillage to become an advocate, and this course also qualifies a person to write the Law Society board exams after completing it.

Activities and Societies: Labour Law

University of the Witwatersrand

LLB 4 year, Law, English

2009 – 2013
Grade: I qualified for my degree in 2013, and have graduated Bachelor of Laws LLB.
My grandparents on my mother's side, my mother, and sister attended Wits. I determined also to attend this esteemed educational institution.

I was accepted to the most difficult law degree, the LLB or Legum Baccalaureus.

In first year I was unanimously elected class representative in Global English Literature and Film by several hundred students. I was also the first ever First year to be elected to the executive of a specific political party on campus. In subsequent years I was continually elected to positions of responsibility and leadership.

While I did engage in sports: tennis and Kayaking among others, I preferred to do so outside of campus. I have a K1 River Kayak, and also joined a tennis club outside of university.

I consistently spent much of my free time bettering myself and my general and specific knowledge outside of university, including by means of on-line learning via coursera, and I additionally edited and reported for SACNS as a journalist.

Activities and Societies: DASO, ACTS

St John's North Riding Catholic Church

Confirmation, Catholicism, life Skills, Christian Faith

2007 – 2009
Grade: Confirmed
Confirmation is a religious ceremony for Catholics to enter or confirm their desire to be a part of the Catholic Church. It involved training in being a good South African citizen, bible study, ethics classes, classes referencing South African law. and the study of Catholic social doctrine and morality, as well as classes on marriage, and on being respectful to your partner and yourself and considerate in a romantic relationship. Community service and attendance of a camp which entailed prayer, confession, meditation, study of the Mass (Catholic church service), etc. were also mandatory.

Activities and Societies: YCK, Stations of the Cross, Weekly lessons on Tuesday afternoon, education on abortion, discussions on faith, God, Society, History, sexual education, mandatory attendance of confirmation camp, to learn about the Mass.

Trinity House High School

Matric, IEB Curriculum

2004 – 2008
Grade: Passed with university exemption.
As I had attended Trinity House School, I continued onto Trinity House High School.

Like the junior school it had a very high academic standard even for a private school. Dress was formal and always strictly enforced upon students, and the school was very disciplined.

I did well academically, despite the high standard demanded of students.

When we as a class read Shakespeare, I impressed my fellow students with my public speaking skills, and also gained a reputation for being able to do group-work report-back as well as ordinary speeches off the cuff, and in what I was told was an impressive manner. My ability to argue a point and detailed knowledge of history caused other students at this school to suggest that I go into law as my career.

Activities and Societies: Chess club, Field Hockey

Trinity House School

Primary education / Junior School, IEB Curriculum

2001 – 2003
Trinity House School had a very high academic standard even for a private school. Dress was formal and enforced. Students underwent regular and extensive academic testing to insure they were up to standard for examinations. In English class reading fiction books was encouraged as a necessity. Zulu and Afrikaans were studied from Grade 1 at a high standard.

I received +-90% in Zulu in my final year at Trinity House school, and also succeeded in passing Afrikaans at the higher level demanded by this school. I played Cricket at Trinity House School.

Activities and Societies: cricket

De la Salle Holy Cross College

Primary education, general

1997 – 2000
Having attended De La Salle Holy Cross College for Grade 0, I began my academic career in Grade 1 in this long established learning institution. It focussed on English language ability, especially speech giving ability, on mathematics, computer science, and on history.

In art class, we were taught the history of art, and the meaning of paintings and symbols. We copied the Old Masters, sculpted, painted, did cross-hatch, worked with wire, and created organic art via a small enclosed tree atrium. We also had a field trip to an art museum.

Activities and Societies: wrote book in extra mural class with teacher and few other students in Grade 2, soccer, cricket, extra mural math puzzles

De La Salle Holy Cross College

Grade 0, learnt to sing in latin, did a play

1996 – 1996
Students were taught to sing songs in Latin and other languages, and there was also a Christmas play.

Activities and Societies: Church, choir, play on nativity

Roosevelt Park Nursery School, near Linden

general, pottery, Papier-mâché, sandpit castles, naps, music, painting, drawing, art

1994 – 1995
Classes involved singing of songs as a teacher played on the guitar, games, story telling, arts and crafts, painting, creation of large Papier-mâché artworks, drawing, and so forth.

Activities and Societies: pottery, paper mache, sandpit castles, naps, music, painting, drawing, art

Marc Aupiais' Additional Information

Websites:

• Personal Website
• Poetry
• Blog

Interests:

Law, Geopolitics, intra and inter-politics, economics, social issues, history, Greek Mythology, Roman Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, myths and legends, literature, music, history, geography, writing systems, language, linguistics, world religions, cultures, genealogy, psychology, International law, Treaties, conflict history, Kayaking, Golf, digital photography, web design, design, language studies, stenography.

The morality of what we cannot alter... Cannot Change!..

(Also appeared at : Journey in a Broken World 26 / 08 | August / 2009)


Title: The morality of what we cannot alter... Cannot Change!..

Apologetical Article by Marc Aupiais

Shadow sprayed across the moon... this night. Night, darkness... Hiding the terror, the horror of the deep black, deathly shadow of lightless fog.

The thick, heavy dark clouds passed across innocently harsh waves of the reflecting moon. The trees splintered shadows, as the light filtered down in airy silver sheets of visible nightmares.

Within this place, horrors happened. Within that place, people were hurt... People- We... We never heard about, never saw... Or knew at all.

Yet, if this airy place exists, if it is as whole nations are at times... Evil, horrendous, murderous and worse. If it is real- do you truly care what occurs there? Do you mind if infants are killed, or children hurt? Do you care if women are abused, men treated as animals? Would you still care if it were done by your government, race, culture, ideology or party, or religion?

What happens out of our control, we are not guilty of. What happens beyond our ability to know... We are not guilty of. These things, we read about afterwards- in articles by media and books by persons, who never encompass the fullness of happenings. And sometimes we learn hate from these, or believe what is not true or really sourced. We find sometimes- we learn the devil's lesson, and unwittingly mimic the faulty beliefs of the oppressors- while holding as martyrs- the oppressed.

We are never guilty of what we had no chance to prevent- or fight against. Yet, there is another dimension at play- another role of the conscience's dice.

The reason the Christian must become part of a creative minority, as the Pope called our modern day mission when still a Cardinal- my reason for this, not his, which I do not remember, my reason which I shall speak of: is simple. The Christian must look sceptical at the news, and statements of officials of so many groupings. He must be suspicious of those tasked with the care of souls, and suspicious of those opposing them. He must attempt to see the truth, to dig deeper and understand the real issues at play.

What we do not know of- we are not guilty of not stopping. What we cannot stop, we are not guilty of not succeeding against... Yet- what if we were able to know and chose not to know ... What if we could have strengthened our cause, and endurance, and have fought against evil... And won?

We are not guilty of what we cannot stop, but we are guilty if our negligence is our own doing- this is why gluttony is a sin, and sloth is evil.

Yet- what of that we cannot stop, it seems, when we come face to face, nose to nose with it- we merely observe its happening and oft forget morality. We look coldly at history, and justify acts of evil, or ignore them, or heartlessly study these... in icy cold. When we cannot act- we turn morality off; we observe?

The truth is- that when we do so, we learn apathy. When we consign ourselves to doing nothing, to neglecting even judgement of evil as what it deeply is and neglect keeping memory... When we turn to holding tight onto justification of evil- we forget the effect that which we cannot halt has... Even... on us.

There are times we tolerate evil, but the righteous must only do so for a time. There are times when doing nothing is right, but inside we must condemn the evil we watch. Inside we must note it, and should we ever be able to combat it justly- we must ensure justice prevails.

I may not be able to prevent abortion, or oppose the killing of other innocents throughout the world- but I can observe it as evil, speak of it as inhumane, note it- and attach the wrong to those guilty of it- and account for this as evil- whatever it is. It must be remembered, whatever the evil- and the one who did it must not be forgotten for what they have done. Forgiveness, as sound theology relays- is not weakness or amnesia. Forgiveness is a state when one analyses a situation and does what is most right, most just and Godly to do.

I may be helpless, but do I pray? And should I be able to act- do I do something... Something solid and powerful, something tactical and worthwhile?

... Shall I choose to do the right thing- or lose my life in refusing to do wrong?

To be a Catholic is to never stand by and do nothing when evil takes action... It is to act or omit action in the way which best benefits good over evil- or less evil over greater evil.

One does not have to be righteous to have God on their side. The world is a system, thereby... Sadly, truthfully... where there is greater evil, all suffer. The smaller evil becomes, the greater the situation is... for all.

We may not be able to stop evil, or even confront it- but we can win the small victories we are able. We can win the victory within, that of Faith- a mind set which attempts to view the world as it really is. Every matter, every issue in the world pertains to proportional truth, and to falsehood- and to their children- life and death...

If all we can do is acknowledge something is evil- at least we may take a step to truth and hope. If we can do more... We should wisely, prudently, cautiously, if not boldly and firmly act! It takes creativity to be good, does it not..?

The logic and illogic of judging-- based of birth and breeding!

(Also appeared at : Journey in a Broken World 26 / 08 | August / 2009)


Editorial by Marc Aupiais

Hopefully, this article will clear up some of what I see as misperceptions of which sort of judgement based on birth and breeding is illogical and thereby superstitious and evil, and which judgement based on birth and breeding- is just and good.

A lot in society, in morality is based on geneology. Joseph, the step father of Jesus- was descended of Solomon, and Solomon was the son of David. The Jews were the Chosen People, the gentiles were not. Based on genetics, and their results- it is moral to kill a chimpanzee for food, but not to unjustifiably murder a human being. It is moral to easily hunt one form of animal- but not another which is endangered- this too is told us.

In modern times, we have become increasingly acute to the prejudice of racism. Racism is wrong, but so is unpreparedness.

Philosophically- is the treatment of one's own child with more care than another's, or the way in which inheritance is distributed wrong- I would say not so. It is "prejudging" in some perspectives, it is judging based on lineage, based on one's physical makeup- but just judgement, is it not.

If one assumes that a child is good because of the parent- this is not itself illogic- but if, having used prejudice (judging, based- often: not on behaviour of the individual or what may well be seen as apparent fact, but otherwise- often done prior the time- and kept up), we cease to judge- seeing the person act badly, this is illogical, as with sweepingly condemning all people of a race. Prejudice itself can prepare one to avoid danger or embarrassment- if in its right place- as speculation, or preparedness.

In one of my law books, when it was speaking of logic- it mentioned that most criminals in South Africa are black- something oft mentioned by some. I felt offended- I am white, but I hate racist comments. It went on to explain that the majority of South Africans are black. It is only logical that the majority ethnicity in a nation, are the majority of convicts in addition to this. Any percentage increase would also be explained- by poverty and history, and possibly other factors.

The race of a person is incidental to their circumstance.

While racism is illogical, as with bigotry- compensating for race is not, and the same with for instance- compensating for culture, is also certainly not. Not making a meat meal when a Catholic visits you on a Friday- is not bigotry. Knowing the values which are regular in a culture, and vetting what you share is not wrong, but correct.

I would be careful about saying "I love you" to an Afrikaans girl. In my English Speaking etc culture- it oft is an expression of friendship- though one should only say it to girls. For the Afrikaans culture- it means so much more. In my culture- it portrays everything from like, to humour- to undying affection and unending love!

And this does extend further. It is illogical to treat different people like one and the same. They are different- in good and bad ways, and if we judged persons of a different culture as though they belonged to our own- we endanger ourselves and the friendship.

It is wrong to judge on race in isolation, but just as illogical not to take people's race into account as we serve God and our fellow men- including those whose race and nation and culture we must also take into account while serving them, or accounting for them. When one has something firmer than culture to judge on, then the rebuttable presumptions of prejudice seem to fade or solidify.

If I were talking about the Gospel to an ethnic European, I may well compare the sacraments, and grace of God to a sort of Magic, as C.S. Lewis does with grace to magic, acknowledging that magic is evil. Knowing the cultural climate, I would hesitate to use the same example when speaking to some other South Africans- given our history of superstition and "witch" hunts and burnings in South Africa, of whole families. This is not to impart guilt, but to acknowledge a fear which haunts some or their fellows.

When the church therefore considers it an honour for a person of one or other race to be sainted. When a pope says that it is a favour to his country that he is elected and made leader- this is not illogical, "racism" as the slur says, said on these matters.

Race matters, appearances give hints of culture- but it should never blind us. This is why it is evil and superstition to purely judge on race if given more- or to class all of a race as one man, but not evil to assume relatively who a person may well be- based on what can be ascertained from their background.

We all have the same species DNA. We are mankind and one race, yet our differences- while sometimes historic are there for a reason. It is just as evil to be entirely "colour blind" as to be racist. And it is wrong to judge on race- while ignoring the facts. Racism, the vice- is foolishly out of proportion and is thereby evil, yet we need to also guard against those who want a world without culture, religion or race, that idea is dangerous. It is the basis of much of the modern persecution many face.

"He helped others, but couldn't save himself"

(Also appeared at : Journey in a Broken World 26 / 08 | August / 2009)


Editorial by Marc Aupiais

"He helped others, but couldn't save himself"

Are these not famous words. Words about Jesus, about our beloved words. True words in a sense. I always try to view the gospel via different eyes- and these words, at least in english- are true of Jesus.

He helped many, but he could not save himself. Even his mention of hosts of angels who could save him shows his nature true- he says that it must not be.

God is infinite in all- defined and contained by his nature. It was impossible for Jesus to avoid the cross- impossible because he was and is God.

When he rose again, I would say that again- He made it impossible for Him to save himself. His name was Jesus- Yahweh Saves, and I would say that He was risen from death by the other persons of the Holy Trinity, possibly His own power also- possibly all three acting- but Jesus never once did a miracle on his own power- He said it was faith, or prayer- or the Holy Spirit. I have prayed to God to pray for me, and been scolded by non-Catholics for it, but God does pray to God, and did when on earth.

The priest can hear my sins, and have God heal them- but he cannot hear his own sins. Nor can the saints do miracles apart from Reality- from God, Yahweh.

Jesus could help others, but He was never sent to save Himself from the crucifixion.

This message gives us simple truth. God demands we save ourselves first- by the parable of the splinter and log, but he also makes us to rely on others- and the world, so others rely on us.

We can only save others if we in turn are saved by God- safe I say rather- for salvation can be lost is the cutting in half and splinterring of a moment. Yet, who can save themselves alone?

The Gospel teaches perseverance in salvation as the ultimate virtue... Yet, we save ourselves by being Godly to others.

God the Son does not scratch his own Back- God the Holy Spirit enabled his miracles.

The message which that terrible comment teaches us is simple- God never works alone. Our salvation and that of others are linked. If we pray for others, we are adding good to the world- we are aiding our own salvation. It is why the wisdom of the Old Testament says to throw bread in the river so it will return on one.

Our every breath has changed the world. Our every action is but prayer. Our faith is in our actions- for salvation is In Faith, Within Faith. Our faith is in word, thought- our salvation in perseverance... Within Faith.

We cannot save ourselves, but if we do not play our part in our salvation- we will not be saved! For Jesus was murdered and thrust into Prison, where He preached- yet in this obedience saved all who may be called all. And then- He was raised- himself saved though he was never lost.

We are never alone- we have the saints- living and eternally living. And we have the sacred Mother, and the church, with her doctor's healing sacraments where Christ acts on our Salvation by chosing his way- to enter into his ways!

The God of Love does not save in isolation. My whispered lie, can cause death in you- my hidden truth can save you..!

"He saved others but (by his very Nature) He can't (Now) save Himself (yet, in allowing His loss, His Trust, He enabled our salvation!)"

God bless.

Marc

My many loves and hates

(Also appeared at : Journey in a Broken World 26 / 08 | August / 2009)

Editorial by Marc Aupiais

I watch as she walks, I smile and breathe in and admire her for her beauty. Then I stop and repeat... But it is not my spouse or potential spouse, it is not even someone I know who I would be fawning over if they were here. I am watching television, watching a leading female character, knowing fully it is an illusion, but freed, knowing she does not seemingly know me, I do not need any affection returned. Granted, I believe we all truly, divinely are connected, in that way I know her, the actress that is. I also know you by that- and you, may realise you know me- and that person you pass on the street.

With my many female friends, it can be similar- I truly love them each, more deeply than a girl I once considered my girlfriend, who once considered me her boyfriend. My love for my friends is deeper and stronger and infinitely more free. I love them and sometimes tell them so. I love my other friends also, but differently than my closest friends, who are often women.

I have many friends, and very little at all in common with some. Some, no, many- I do not even know the names of- but I do care for quite a number of them- to a degree. Yet, the reason I speak of this, why I share how wonderful I find it is... to love my friends is not straight forward simple, but complex.

Jesus commands us to love one another as he loved us. I take this seriously, I greet people I do not know, I discuss, joke, laugh, smile- play socially- I enjoy this, it is as though God commanded us to eat chocolate- I love being social in a good way.

When I have been saddest- helping others was my deepest cure. When I am heartbroken- loving others is a cure, when sad or hurt. When I do not love for a while- I feel stale, repressed, ugly, depressed.

I find now, as I said in the beginning, that I do not need love returned- though it hurts when it isn't. I am not then after romance- but also that to love properly, I must be loved in return. A friend is a person who let's us love them, who we let love ourselves.

So you may well seek attention and love, but I seek to give attention, confidence and love.

You may seek help- I seek to help. You may seek praise- I seek people who deserve my praise.

I take joy in loving, and naturally loving truthfully.

When I learnt to love, I found it was painful- but then, I learnt to love in pain and beyond it- to care should I not be cared for; empathise when painful. It is freeing. I do love deepest those who love me, these I would fight to protect. My affection and loyalty are not one and the same- but I find that the best love can well feel pain and go past it. The best love refuses to be taken advantage of unjustly, refuses to become a tool, or object, or be abused evilly.

I do chose to love, and to manifest love and channel it within, to those I deeply love.

So- in Christ, I have become the opposite of what I once was. I need friends, loyalty, love, hope, kindness- but I seek also to give these first. I want to marry a perfect woman one day- and so I learn perfection for her- what better test of preparedness for the Sacrament than learning to be a perfect, true- genuinely true friend? Oddly, if one seeks to be honest, and if one allows themselves to justly empathise, and see the world rightly- love comes for those we love; and we rejoice at their love. Every relationship is subject to God, and he determines their end. In this I trust others sometimes- but only as much as is wise.

My friends matter to me. I see their fate as intertwined with mine, their web connected to mine. What happens to them- I feel to happen to me. Yet, to my acquaintances I am kind and just if able- or at least just.

I am not as fortunate to have love returned (my deep desire), as I am to love deeply. I may go out of my way naturally- for my friends and my God- but that I may is a gift mostly to me.

I am fortunate to have learnt to love- to change and become someone else- who encompasses my essence. I may be weak, I may not be perfect, but I can love- and love is infinite and eternal. I encourage you, yes- you- to learn the same. To take the risk and care... Hurt, and care all the more: rejoicing for the pain is pleasure in unconditional true love!

Learn to be a good friend! As I hope to one day become!

Apologetical work: Is God a woman?

(South African Catholic)

Short Apologetical Equation by Marc Aupiais

According to a number of New Wave figures: God is a "woman"- or "clearly" not a "man". Ignoring wilfully the incarnation of Jesus (God the Son- one of the three distinct persons of the Holy Trinity) as an actual male of the human species. For this reason- many uses of the masculine in the Sacred Text- have been rendered gender-neutral in a number of translations- even in "Catholic Bibles".

The reason why this is unacceptable corruption of the text- lies not only in the distortion of many prophesies- but further in the philosophical sense of what is "male" and what is "female". This sense of the words- is what is used when manufactured connectors are labled "male" or "female".

It is God who gives us grace- who gives our bodies life- and who instills the church with life and what unity it has.

God fulfils the Spiritually "male" role in his relation to us. It is possibly: in part- for this reason- I would argue- that God created mankind as "male" and "female", and not simply asexual- it is also important therefore that Genesis places the fact that women exist- on the existence of man. We exist because of God.

It is therefor a vital issue to put forth- That God- in relation to us is philosophically "male"- and that while his "gender role" is possibly, and I deeply stress the word possibly- "gender-neutral"- his philosophic position in relation to us: is "male".

South African National Defence Force (SANDF)- on verge of collapse- experts!

(South African Catholic)

Note by Marc Aupiais

According to the IOL (Independent Newspapers) news group- of South Africa- multiple experts on military matters- have warned that South Africa could handle only the most "minor" of Defence crisis.

Jane's Defence Weekly Southern Africa correspondent Helmoed-Romer Heitman, Henri Boshoff of the Institute of Security Studies in Pretoria, retired Brigadier-General George Kruys of the University of Pretoria, and Professor Renfrew Christie, dean of research at the University of the Western Cape have all raised serious concerns about the state of the South African Army.

It has been warned that if piracy moves south- that our navy is not capable of patrolling the Mozambique Channel to protect commercial shipping, that should Zimbabwe collapse- our army would not be capable of intervening, that taking the police off border patrol would be deadly- and that if events turn sour in Darfur- that it would be hard to evacuate our troops.

South African troops situated throughout Africa- have been credited with a deep stabilising influence- but soldiers are ageing, equipment is reportedly unserviceable, and funding is scarce- in comparison to the mammoth tasks demanded of South African soldiers in multiple giant frontiers throughout some of the most dangerous hot spots on the African Continent.

Defence Minister: Lindiwe Sisulu (appointed by the ANC [African National Congress]- ruling party) has expressed confidence in the readiness of the South African National Defence Force, according to IOL.

The Official Opposition of the Republic of South Africa, the DA (Democratic Alliance), disagrees with the Defence Minister. Their shadow Minister of Defence: Mr David Maynier claims that South Africa must take action least it experience: "soldiers without vehicles, ships without sailors, planes without pilots, and military hospitals without doctors".

A study a while back warned that a smaller deployment of South African troops Up North on the continent- could lead to dire consequences and destabilization. South African troops which were deployed in Burundi are credited with the stabilisation of the country, as South African diplomacy throughout the continent has been credited with ending wars.

The nay sayers seem to believe that either the army should be funded in a manner they would see as adequate: for its mammoth tasks- or that it should be used in what they would see as: more economically wise matters, or in a more economic manner.

C.F.

IOL (Secular; Independent; South African) 02 / 08 | August / 2009
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?&set_id=1&click_id=79&art_id=vn20090802062434798C127223

Our Viewers: By continent

(Editorial edits)

Article by Marc Aupiais

For the first time ever: I have decided to properly monitor traffic on a website I control. It has quite allot more visitors than expected at this time of operating, but it is interesting. What I found is that a large amount of those viewing are from other continents:

Which is interesting to say the least: N America: 58.3 %

Africa 25%

Oceania/Australasia: 8.3 %

Europe 8.3 %

Of course, I have never before done this, but it is interesting, and quite a bit of traffic comes from other Scripturelink sites, and is quite useful.

Marc

Response of Cardinal Napier on certain abuses in South Africa; including anti-Vatican sentiments aired in the Southern Cross

Cardinal Napier was informed of a Priest who got his congregation to sing happy Birthday to a member of it, and got them to clap for success in a recent fund raiser: something directly condemned by Pope Benedict XVI: as meaning that all meaning of the mass is lost: the mass centering on the Eucharist:

"You are obviously French-speaking, and that is why some of the points that you make in your correspondence do not come across as clearly as they would need to. That is a problem that would best be overcome by first speaking to someone face to face and only then putting your thoughts to paper.
Regarding the issues that you raise, namely 1) cheering and clapping in the Church at Margate and 2) the orthodoxy of the Southern Cross’s editorial policy and practice.

1)      Cheering and clapping in Church

The first thing to say is that anyone who attends Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, will know that it is quite common for the participants to cheer and applaud the Holy Father when he enters the Church for Mass, and that they do the same every time he mentions their country or nation in his message of greetings.

I had the good fortune to attend the African Synod held in St Peter’s in April-May 1994. The first thing that marked that Synod was the way in which Pope John Paul II accepted and even encouraged lively African style singing, which necessarily include ululating, cheering and clapping. I remember in particular that the choirs who sang at the opening and closing Masses used banjoes and drums among other instruments popular with African congregations.

The second element of good fortune that I attribute to the African Synod is proclamation of the principle of inculturation. Inculturation was introduced into Catholic thinking by Vatican II and was incorporated by the Holy Father in the post Synodal exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa”.

This important Church document sanctioned inculturation and then proceeded to spell out two criteria that were to be used to distinguish genuine from false inculturation. The first is “compatibility with the Gospel” and the second is “unity with the universal Church”.

So, the questions to be asked are: a) Is cheering and clapping incompatible with the Gospel? b) Does it break the unity of the particular Church with the universal Church?

I would say that in neither case does singing and clapping offend those two principles.

2)      The orthodoxy of the Southern Cross

In this case I would argue that from time to time, and on given issues, editorial practice does not follow stated policy as closely as one would expect. At times there may be justifiable divergence of opinion, at other times it would seem that editorial independence is being given priority.

If you are a regular reader of the Southern Cross you will know that I have often expressed my concern at its anti-magisterial bias. I do not mean that it openly opposes Church teaching but like a nagging sore keeps on putting the world’s view rather than the Church’s. This is often done I would say rather by the choice of letter for publication rather than by direct editorial statements.

As you can see I am not a total fan of the Southern Cross, but I would not seek to shut it up. I would prefer to see ordinary Catholics take issue with its position by affirming their faith in letter that tell their faith stories. I am confident that these stories would reveal a reality that is very different from the reality which certain people are trying to present through the Southern Cross.

By the way, the parish of Margate is in the Diocese of Umzimkulu, and is in the capable hands of one of the best young priests in the country. He is very much in touch with me as Apostolic Administrator and together with the other members of the Presybterium of that Diocese is very involved in seeking way to ensure that the Mass is a lived experience of our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, which becomes actualized when we receive Holy Communion and carry over its effects into our daily life.

May I use this letter to offer you some advice, and I do so not to put you down, but to point you in the right direction, because I sense that you are genuinely concerned about your faith and the way your Church is living, teaching and passing it on.
“Try to be humble enough to see good in others, even when you don’t, or even can’t, agree with what you see them do or say”.
Why? Because it was the way Jesus interacted with the “sinners” of his time. It was the way he led them in great numbers to conversion  them.
I am sure that a similarly humble, honest and compassionate approach will help you lead many more to conversion than your current approach, which falls more into the category of “hammering the heretics into orthodoxy.
  
With best wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year,

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, OFMArchbishop of Durban"
Email from the cardinal's office to a private individual: confirmed by our organization!

It was then pointed out that it was not the letters in the Southern Cross, which have been internationally condemned by the esteemed Trinity Communications, known for their connection, and the used of these by EWTN. No response was given.

While at time of publishing, no response was given, and while we have great respect for the Cardinal, we still are looking into what can be done on these issues, which we have got evidence of. We would like to remind our readers, that the bishops are the true heirs of the Apostles. Whether we agree or disagree: we cannot create animosity towards these men: only try the best we are able to obey our church, our pope first, and and then our bishops and others in line with Canon law. Much of what the Cardinal says is well said, and based on the experiences of a servant of the universal church. Perhaps, in future, something may be done, perhaps not.

"See What We See" Archive: 17 November 2008: Published 18th November 2008

External Newsbrief- Some Interesting stories this week

(Just a quick news brief, we are gradually also investigating non-religious, or less guarenteed sources of some degree of known quality in order to report more fully on Africa, for now we are simply linking to some articles, later we may more thoroughly investigate actual articles. At present, a link to an article is not an endorsement, simply a note that it carries some interest. Not all articles linked to at present are religious. In future, we plan to do our own independent research into such stories, but for now we are covering them in this manner. Stories in this section either cover issues of note to Catholics, or else stories we have already covered, but with different perspectives. If you desire us to stop this new initiative, please email us, by clicking reply on your message, if any sources we note have a bad history, so as to be inaccurate, please inform us)

Compillation of Links by Marc Aupiais

The appearance of a site, or statement linked to in this brief does not imply any form of endorsement, either of the organization in question, or of the views given by external journalism sources linked to here.

Mail and Guardian- Catholic Church sees promise in I-pod Bibles
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-25-catholic-bishops-want-the-word-of-god-on-ipods

Mail and Guardian- UN security council may send in special forces-
the article covers issues we also are covering- involving the DRC

With the increased violence, we have for weeks been reporting, the UN may finally take some further action, by possible deployment of special forces to "protect civilians"
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-25-un-council-seen-backing-special-forces-for-drc

Mail and Guardian- Paper claims Politicians will choose who new "scorpions" prosecute
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-25-ministers-to-run-new-scorpions

Mail and Guardian- further stresses with power sharing in Zimbabwe
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-24-fresh-elections-loom-for-zimbabwe
See also
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=18414&lan=eng

Southern Cross, based on CNS article claims that a Catholic official sees power sharing deals, which we note were brokered by South Africa's former mediating politician have not been successful, as cabinet posts were not decided when the negotiation had ended. This may have something to do with pressures in South Africa at the time, which resulted in the Mediator, and a former president of Zimbabwe's neighbor to be basically caused to resign.

The Southern Cross Article can be found here:
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805221.htm



Mail and Guardian- DA claims attacks by persons claiming to belong to ANC- against members
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-23-da-calls-on-iec-to-quell-political-violence

The Southern Cross of 22-28/10/08, covering a different part of South Africa also has a story about Cardinal Napier of Durban's comments about expected violence and deaths, from clashes between different parties, as also happened between IFP and ANC supporters prior the 1994 elections.

I heard of pre-apartheid stories from a Progressive Party Politician's family, about intimidation in their days- we likely will see allot of this, even possibly at rallies. Recently, on a government Radio Station- I hear comments "from" "ANC" members in Orange farm, claiming propoganda, and looking negatively at the new ANC split party. We can expect to see the usual politics in news and media with the coming election, as has already started between the two ANC groups.

Mail and Guardian- Wednesday- The Infamous "War Veterans" in Zimbabwe, whose forced removal of White Zimbabweans from farms, and seeming attacks on MDC members before the last election- is still a fresh memory, have asked Mugabe to form a government without the MDC, as the MDC and Zanu PF continue to have problems... They have threatened the MDC leader with possible force.
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-22-zim-war-veterans-threaten-tsvangirai-over-deal
Shortly after the election took place, E-News Channel, a South African station, claimed that due to delays in a re-vote- technically the MDC should have won, according to Zimbabwean law. The MDC had a majority in parliament.

African Leaders call for free trade block all around Africa - Mail and Guardian; Agenzia Fides
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-22-african-leaders-push-for-single-market
http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=18415&lan=eng

Mail and Guardian- International Criminal court takes odd actions involving DRC warlord

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-22-icc-wont-release-drc-suspect

Catholic News Agency- Bishop's voting document reaches over 100 000 voters on 5 non-negotiables
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14156

We ourselves wonder when our own bishops will note that it is an excommunicable offense to aid efforts at abortion for instance. http://scripturelinkvotersguide.blogspot.com gives Catholics reviews on each of the main parties on the issues of abortion and Homosexual Marriage in our own country, as accords the 7 non-negotiable issues mentioned in Catholic Answers Action's review of these same issues.

Catholic News Agency Official- Israeli interference with Catholic procedures of canonizing saints is tiresome, responding to Israeli Government attacks on Pope Pius XII.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14150

The Israeli's have made a war memorial, vilifying the pope who himself risked life and limb to quietly save Jewish holocaust survivors. Israel's major political party, was recently embroiled in a scandal- when a popular website run by supporters- created a collage of Benedict XVI, involving a Nazi symbol. http://scripturelinkvotersguide.blogspot.com/2008/10/israeli-leading-party-in-anti-catholic.html

Catholic News Agency- McCain Catching up; Mail and Guardian also estimates only five point difference

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14140

Vatican Newspaper gives positive review of Disney movie Wall-E

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=14120

Disney has often been noted for matters of negative interest by Catholic Non-Profit Organizations- and by human rights groups, but it seems somehow that the Vatican Newspaper's reviewers saw Wall-E as pro-life, or good in some degree as regards this.



Mail and Guardian- IMF,and African Development Bank- 30 of 48 Sub-Saharan African states have electricity issues- poor management, lack of investment may be to blame- 75% of people don't have adequate electrical needs fulfilled

http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-10-26-keeping-the-lights-on-in-africa

South Africa's The Times (Daily Version of the "Sunday Times") Attacks Sainting of Indian Saint- saying church is race obsessed, article does not note that the Indian Christians in large areas of the country are being wiped out in a Genocide, while making antagonistic comments about the church:
(Link purposely not included, we have kept records of this on separate storage facilities- this kept is evidence of what was said)