Would you like to see, or should others be allowed to watch, full-colour, full-motion video of children having sex with each other, with adults or with animals? Until recently, this would have been an easy question to answer. But in an age where we can produce near-perfect digital versions of real-life events, without the slightest […]
2007
Posted inGeneral
Somizi can play with my jewels any day
Did you hear about the case of indecent assault opened against dancer, choreographer, singer and actor Somizi Mhlongo? This is the type of story with “Silwane Files material” written all over it. The article reports that Somizi’s accuser approached him to ask for an autograph and Somizi “played” with the accuser’s private parts during this […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Sky News report on Jo’burg an outrage requiring a response
I don’t know how many of you saw last week’s insert on Sky News about Johannesburg and crime, purportedly as part of its build-up to Soccer World Cup 2010, but it merits a response. How dare Sky suggest that Johannesburg is one of the most dangerous cities in the world and that people are too […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Lash those name-givers!
A few years ago, at a conference in the Middle East, I met a man called Mustapha (which is another name for the Prophet Muhammad). Interesting guy, Mustapha. Passionate about social justice issues, outspoken against Islamophobia, strident critic of Israeli occupation, a strong believer in equal rights. But … someone needs to take Mustapha’s parents […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Wimps, political correctness and what it means to be a member of the ANC
Recently a fellow blogger wrote an excellent column criticising South Africa’s shameful decisions with regard to rape, Burma and Zimbabwe at the United Nations Security Council. But, he diluted his fine comments by limply saying toward the end that his comments came “as an ANC supporter”. What did he mean by that? That criticism only […]
Posted inMedia
Fired for blogging
So history has been made. Llewellyn Kriel has been fired from the Sowetan for his writings in his Thought Leader blog. At a hearing held at Avusa (Johncom) on Thursday afternoon, November 29, his contract of employment was formally terminated. While this was not unexpected, the first firing of a South African journalist for what […]
Posted inBusiness, Media, News/Politics
On making history or making a difference
Yesterday I made history. But it’s a distinction I can do without. I became the first South African to be fired for blogging. It’s a dangerous thing, this blogging. Even if your judge doesn’t have the foggiest idea what a blog is; even if he thinks sub-editors are not journalists and even if he thinks […]
Posted inGeneral
I love South Africa?
I write this just a short while after finding out about the tragic death of a family member. The elderly member, grandfather of a few, loved by many, was tragically shot and killed in his home in the early hours of the evening on October 31. He was a soft and warm man, always with […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Women love Zuma?
The ANC Women’s League’s endorsement of Jacob Zuma for the party’s presidency is mind-boggling. I just can’t fathom it. I acknowledge that the body can and should support whomever it wants. People accusing the league of missing an opportunity to give a woman a fighting chance at the top seat are blithely missing the fact […]
Posted inLifestyle
Flies just want to have fun
One of the worst things about summer is the endless supply of flies and mosquitoes eager to become part of your day, to add you as a friend on Facebook. The intensity of these insects, however, pale in comparison to what summertime Scotland has to offer. First up, they have something called clegs. These things […]
Posted inSport
Pick on someone your own size!
It seems that Australian rugby players are so down in the dumps after a shocking 2007 in the oval game that they have resorted to beating up marsupials to feel better. Yes, people, you heard me correctly; luckily there was a witness named Dan Andrews who was on hand to report this shocking behaviour, and […]
Posted inGeneral
Blogger of the Week: SA’s first media blog casualty
Later today, history will be made when, for the first time, a South African journalist will be punished for blogging. A hearing is due to be held at Avusa (formerly Johnnic Communications) at 3pm today (Thursday) to decide the fate of a Sowetan sub-editor, who has been found guilty of ”gross misconduct” for what he […]