The clash between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia, as disturbing as it may be, could have been far worse if Georgia was a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In that instance the Russian attacks on Georgian cities, as part of its retaliation for the invasion, would be considered an assault on a […]
2008
Posted inGeneral
The revolution must come full circle
Submitted by Garikai Nyaruwata revolution noun [C] a deep-seated change in method of thinking often designed to effect fundamental changes in the political and socioeconomic situation. Earlier this year the University of Cape Town ANC Youth League distributed a number of posters on campus containing a treatise in commemoration of Chris Hani. A substantive portion […]
Posted inGeneral
Community commerce
Don’t you love a creative business idea whose time has come? One that rewards local ingenuity, funky design and distributes wealth to smart people who are innovative and contribute to a community business model? Springleap is an idea whose time has come and it’s great to see that this is being recognized by The Industry […]
Posted inBusiness
Arts can help business training get a standing ovation
The creative arts and power of today’s multimedia technology are emerging as new tools for achieving business success, particularly in the realm of skills development where it is being applied in inventive and fresh ways to help enhance teamwork, improve decision-making and boost productivity. Using the input of artists, graphic designers, movie makers, cartoonists, theatre […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The Zuma conundrum
The Mail & Guardian, in its fabulous article “Scramble to secure a Zuma presidency”, sets out the challenges facing those who would convert the ANC president’s party leadership into a national presidency. In doing so, they capture not only why the “Zuma faction” are taking the measures they are, but also the impact this is […]
Posted inGeneral
South Africa’s moment in Africa’s ‘fierce urgency of now’
Africa can be rid of all its negatives if stronger nations take over weak ones. For the purposes of this discussion, weak nations shall mean all failed states experiencing all manner of ills detracting from a decent quality of life; including but not limited to severe economic decline, bad governance, inadequate or non-existent public service, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Democracy deferred, again.
I have been challenged by Michael Trapido to write my take on the ANC. I have lots to say and lots I feel about the ANC. While we can laud the party for playing a huge role in the struggle against apartheid and certain members have been instrumental in nation building as well as peace […]
Posted inBusiness
When can donors ask for their money back?
I have been following the saga of the donation by Count Natale Labia to the Department of Public works and Iziko Museums of his father’s luxurious Venetian-style residence in Main Road, Muizenberg, which has been known to Cape Town as the Natale Labia Museum. This 20-room building, constructed in 1929-30, was the home of his […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Patani — the forgotten suffering.
July 26 2008 — The former Malay kingdom of Patani is composed of what are now the three Thai provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. They are home to 1.8 million Muslims or 80 percent of the populace. The most that people from other countries know about this region is that it has a majority […]
Posted inGeneral
Proteas: Is this our golden generation?
What a great time to be a Protea fan. No, I’m not referring to the flower, although I suppose this would also be a good time as spring is almost upon us. I am, of course, referring to the Proteas, our national cricketers. The last time I was this excited about South African cricket, Hansie […]
Posted inGeneral
A dialogue of chameleons?
My view is that politicians are like chameleons: they change their skin colour depending on the environment that they want to adapt to. This is the case today as it was yesterday, with Zimbabwean politicians from all political formations. Suddenly Zanu-PF and the MDC are bed-fellows; they can together mislead the media, agree to media […]
Posted inBusiness
Failing to train your staff will sabotage your business
What should you spend your money on when you open a business? If you are a retailer you might think that the more stock you have the better. But what if you haven’t trained your staff to deal with, and specifically, sell to your customers? Your stock range is likely to stay just as wide […]