I have always worked on the assumption that for every topic there is one individual in the world who is the ultimate expert on it. Of course the subject has to be narrow enough for an absolute expert to exist. By my reckoning this should, in all fairness, preclude the rest of us from ever […]
2008
Posted inLifestyle, Media
I think I might be a commie bastard
If I told you that the system of capitalism depended largely on the spinelessness of the individual, I would hope that you’d take my word for it. I would hope that you wouldn’t get all technical on me and start regurgitating outmoded Economics 101 textbooks from your undergraduate days circa 1986. Capitalism depends largely on […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Survival guide for SA politicians
Are you a top public servant or politician who occasionally receives wads of cash in excess of R5 000 in unmarked brown envelopes as payment for work done after hours? Do you sometimes prefer to do business in a gentleman’s club? Are any of your close friends renowned drug traffickers? Have you from time to time […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Case for Umshini Wami!
I am happy that Jacob Zuma sang Umshini Wami at his inaugural speech as ANC president. I hope that he will do so again when he gives his first official address to his party’s followers on the occasion of the January 8 statement. We cannot blame the selective amnesia that prevails in this country — […]
Posted inBusiness, Media
The power of word-of-mouth marketing
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to market and grow a company. Many people think referrals just happen, but to take full advantage of this technique, you need a formal plan to encourage it. Some tips on how to maximise your referral business: 1. Ask for referrals. Schedule periodical feedback calls with your […]
Posted inGeneral
Rigours of reconciliation: An inside job
I’m still relatively new to the blog scene. My first posting on ubuntu leadership had quite a number of spicy responses. I wasn’t sure what to do with them. I decided to let the comments be. Although I was itching to write back, I decided to stick to the fact that the purpose of the […]
Posted inSport
An hour with Bryan Habana
Without any shadow of a doubt the greatest achievement of Bernie and Faith Habana is the way in which they have raised Bryan (and his brother and sister). He is not a study in fake sincerity or modesty and is a truly well mannered, decent human being who just happens to be a superstar. Regardless […]
Posted inGeneral
Dear Chris, I am here — God
Dear Chris, It was so good to hear from you again, although it would be nice to hear from you when things are going well — not just a prayer when you have gone and made a mess of things. Again. Yes, I’ve been watching developments in South Africa for the past several years. I’ve […]
Posted inNews/Politics
A chimera that threatens the protectors of our freedoms: Judges on trial?
“As far as South Africa is concerned, the greatest challenge will be to deepen a very fragile democracy and to uphold the rule of law. The assertion of new forms of lumpen-radicalism and the colonisation of both the state and the public sphere by anti-elitist and anti-intellectual forces will severely test South Africa’s capacity to […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Bad week for Selebi, worse week for Mbeki?
It was undeniably a bad week for police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi, but I would contend that it might have been an even worse week for President Thabo Mbeki. And that says a lot about the dire political straits in which our president finds himself. Of course, Selebi is in big trouble. Ironically it was […]
Posted inLifestyle, Media, News/Politics
No more ‘first black’ stories
Last week was a good/bad week for “first blacks”. The media made a big fuss over the appointment of South Africa’s first black Springbok rugby coach. And, of course, we have had all the troubles related to South Africa’s first black police commissioner. But the “first black” story that was the icing on the cake, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Dear God, South Africa could really use your help again
Dear God Sorry to bother you again, but you did such a splendid job with that Rainbow Nation miracle in the early 1990’s, we’d really appreciate it if you could glance our way again because things are looking decidedly dodgy. For starters, ANC members are fighting among themselves and it has got so nasty that […]