Do you remember the old Peter Stuyvesant adverts? Something like: “When it’s skiing time in St Moritz or the cowboys are bringing in the herd down El Paso way that’s where you’ll find them; for this is the great big wide world of Peter Stuyvesant yadda yadda yadda”. Down here we get: “When the world’s […]
2008
Posted inGeneral
Rugby in South Africa: where is the love?
Rugby in South Africa is at war with itself and it is tearing the game apart. Given that the game of rugby is intended to bind us South Africans, be we rich or poor, or black or white, and to develop fine sportsman that become role models in the community, it is most uncomfortable to […]
Posted inLifestyle
Sosaties and roosters: dipping a big toe into Potch
It is either slightly disconcerting or enormously flattering when you arrive at a hotel for the first time and the receptionist greets you by name. In the case of my arrival at the Rapid Waters Hotel (and I use all three of those words advisedly) 29km outside of Potchefstroom, it could only be the former. […]
Posted inLifestyle
Ching chong Chinaman & the MRI brain scan
I see the dreaded abbreviation MRI on the medical form. The Shanghaiese lady doctor gives me a worried look after examining me. I couldn’t stand on one leg, kept falling. And my ears ringing all the time, the whine of electronic gnats. People swim in and out of focus. The doctor patters off something to […]
Posted inNews/Politics
On Mo Shaik, spy allegations, arms deal and political conspiracy.
The genesis of absurd assertions of a political conspiracy against Jacob Zuma can be traced back to 2001 when former President Mbeki ordered a probe by the Auditor General, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Public Protector into allegations made by Patricia De Lille in parliament in 1999 that members of government were involved […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
From socialists to socialites
It has been interesting to note the personal attacks from ANC alliance leaders to the potential breakaway party to be launched by Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa. Several ANC leaders, including spokesperson Jessie Duarte, Women’s League President Angie Motshekga, and Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, have taken swipes at Lekota and Shilowa’s personalities and their […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Alien nation: middle class linguistic migration
A small group of Bushmen sell their wares at the junction of the main road to Rietfontein, close to the Namibian border and Tweerivieren in the Kalahari Gemsbok Park. The two women huddle in the shade of a makeshift ‘skerm’, their fingers busy with ostrich-shell beads and threads. The two men are dressed in skin […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Why didn’t we think of that?
Next Friday is Halloween. In many parts of the world All Hallows Eve, end of the harvest and the onset of advent in the build-up to Christmas, is celebrated. Steeped in pagan traditions centuries old and heavily seasoned with ancient superstition and autumnal fear, it is a time to marvel at the irony and paradox […]
Posted inNews/Politics
What leave to appeal in Zuma case means
The media are confirming that the National Prosecuting Authority has been granted leave to appeal against the judgment handed down by Judge Chris Nicholson last month in the matter against ANC president Jacob Zuma. Judge Nicholson, based upon the application before him, held the view that another court – the court where the appeal will […]
Posted inMedia, News/Politics
What young Afrikaners can learn from Nelson Mandela about freedom of expression
A childhood friend, Simphiwe Sesanti, who is the only African lecturer at the Stellenbosch School of Journalism invited me to deliver a talk to post-graduate students last Monday. Following is the talk I delivered to, mostly, young Afrikaner boys and girls who are the future media leaders of this country: “I am proud to come […]
Posted inLifestyle
Getting around: Sydney vs Joburg
One of the best things about Sydney is the fact that I get to ride to work in a boat. No traffic circles, no minibus taxis or BMW drivers (at least, not in their BMWs), twenty minutes chugging across one of the world’s most beautiful harbours: it’s hard to imagine a more pleasant commute. The […]
Posted inGeneral
Cricket season drinking game
Summertime and the living is easy, the distinctively soft (well since Lance Klusener seemingly lost his mojo) thwack of leather upon willow can be heard announcing the beginning of easy summer vibes and days out at cricket grounds big and small, majestic and rustic all over this beautiful country of ours. Yes, no sooner do […]