Since local organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan first spearheaded South Africa’s campaign to host a World Cup, he has frequently repeated the refrain: “There is no contradiction between African and world class”. And this country’s favourite sports administrator was at it again following the slick and impressive draw for the 2009 Confederations Cup. Although the […]
2008
Posted inNews/Politics
Mumbai: Indian foreign minister accuses Pakistan
The US intelligence community in terms of a report styled “Global Trends 2025”, suggested that the planet will be living with the daily threat of nuclear war over the period of the next two decades. As we watch the events in Mumbai unfolding the bleak picture that they have painted for our medium to long-term […]
Posted inNews/Politics
A lesson from history
Submitted by Fana Marivate In the early days of the new republic, after the battle for liberation had been won, the party was overwhelmingly strong. Its leader, a man whom posterity would acclaim as among the greatest statesmen his country has ever produced, ascended to the nascent republic’s presidency. The party went from strength to […]
Posted inLifestyle
Could the SA post office just not steal over Christmas?
We have simply learned not to send gifts back to South Africa unless the item is not worth stealing … which sort of makes it pointless to send worthwhile presents, doesn’t it? Family in New Zealand has sent family in SA stuff like the entire kiwi rugby clobber (there are some closet kiwi supporters in […]
Posted inNews/Politics
What will it take to break the Zimbabwe talks impasse?
This week’s Talkback question on the Mail & Guardian Online: What will it take to break the Zimbabwe talks impasse?
Posted inNews/Politics
Mbeki’s Aids and Zimbabwe policies under scrutiny
Two areas of former president Thabo Mbeki’s term of office are undergoing scrutiny in the international media; his administration’s policies on Aids and Zimbabwe. Neither are going to serve his legacy well. Mbeki’s achievements have been well documented throughout this blog and it would be unfair and unkind to dismiss them during the course of […]
Posted inGeneral
2009 Super 14 to be stopped in January? Maybe not…….positive developments are underway
On Wednesday SA Rugby’s President Oregan Hoskins received a written demand from one of South Africa’s leading labour attorneys, Jacques Jansen of Jansens Inc, advising SA Rugby that they have received a mandate from personnel and players formerly of the Southern Spears, to recover unpaid salaries, leave pay, notice pay and outstanding bonuses from SA […]
Posted inGeneral
It’s high time these idiots were shown the red card
Footballers have a rough deal, don’t they? It is easy to look at them with a hint of green as they go to “work” for a few hours a day and reap their vast rewards. But there is a line that you don’t cross … well, at least one you shouldn’t cross. And it is […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Dr Water Crisis is seriously weird
Everyone is springing to the defence of Anthony Turton, the scientist suspended by the CSIR for his paper detailing the impending crisis in SA’s water supply. It makes grim reading. You will quickly understand why the CSIR tried to shut him up – and it’s got nothing to do with water. His paper is a […]
Posted inGeneral
The chemotherapy of emigration
Losing South Africans to alleged international paradises of peace and tranquility is tantamount to the painful, but unavoidable, removal of a cancer from the human body. We are left weakened, saddened and worse-off, but with a remaining chance to live a full and happy life. The current available emigration statistics are reportedly unreliable and sound […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Time to make good on the promise of democracy
Quick, what’s the difference between a catfish and a politician? The one is a slimy, predatory, bottom-feeding opportunist that would eat its own young. The other is a fish. That’s the overwhelming feeling washing over South Africa’s battered middle-class as they watch the bizarre events unfolding ahead of next year’s elections. There’s a new logo […]
Posted inLifestyle, Tech
How to start a rumour with an iPhone
It struck me the other day when I read a message from a friend on Facebook. “Who’s Alan?” he wrote. Alan? I wondered. Alan? I don’t know any Alans. I went back over what I had written to him. I was explaining why I needed a polio shot and other vaccinations, according to my new […]