Sixty people were so disgusted with what they claimed was electioneering and a refusal or failure to invite other party leaders that they walked out during ANC president Jacob Zuma’s address of the Rhema Church on Sunday. The church thereupon denied that they had in fact endorsed Zuma. Pathetic. The likely future president of South […]
2009
Posted inGeneral
There is no housing crisis in South Africa
I was watching the debates on the upcoming election in the Western Cape recently. A large piece of the debate referred to what was deemed a “housing crisis”. I hear similar things being said around Durban and indeed all over South Africa. I make the claim there is no housing crisis in South Africa. The […]
Posted inLifestyle
Just imagine saying “yes” to absolutely everything
Picture the idea of taking a vow to say “yes” to any request made of you, to say “yes” to any event. Heck, I wonder if we would still be alive after a week. I would have to follow my wife’s suggestion, which I get from time to time of, “oh, why don’t you just […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Stand up and be counted
In May 2000 Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry of Pakistan was one of 12 supreme court judges who endorsed the military coup of former president general Pervez Musharraf. This was the start of a love-hate relationship between the two which would see Chaudhry, then chief justice, suspended by Musharraf during March 2007 and then reinstated during July […]
Posted inMedia
Let the sunshine in
This week is national Sunshine Week in the US. It has nothing to do with the weather (though after the past weekend, some ultraviolet rays would be lekker), nor does it have anything to do with the Mordoresque financial climate (except indirectly). It has everything to do with opening the closed doors of secrecy everywhere […]
Posted inBusiness
How not to report on economic matters
An article that damns South Africa as the riskiest of emerging market economies is a good example of how not to write about economics for a popular journal. The Economist article, titled Domino Theory, published on February 26, used several indicators to compile a ranking according to risk. These seemed mainly to be taken from […]
Posted inLifestyle
Twenty-one years of smoke-free lungs — it can be done
The one thing I hated more than smoking, when I smoked, was those infuriating reformed smokers whose holier-than-thou condescension had me red in the face. So, when finally the habit kicked me, I swore never to become a reformed ex-smoker — I just wouldn’t smoke, live and let live and all that. BUT. Yes, you […]
Posted inGeneral
Football needs TV refs
It is difficult to converse about the use of TV technology in football after such a wonderful week at least for Manchester United and Buccaneers. In African-American English, We got it good man! Manchester United are turning Old Trafford into the Theatre of Dreams we have known it to be under Sir Alex. The usual […]
Posted inGeneral
Wherefore art thou Badih, buddy?
So the news wires and opinion forums (this one included) have been all abuzz about the latest chapter in the life of a well-connected, rule-flouting, middle-aged businessman. Views, bile and hysteria have been spewing forth much like the golden nectar from the draught taps at a hot, lazy and increasingly despondent Kingsmead this past weekend. […]
Posted inGeneral
I think I’d be great friends with Julius, seriously
And I mean it. I think he is a pretty pleasant and probably funny guy too. I can’t help but imagine exchanging slaps on the back and doubling back in laughter as we have chats about whatever it is that young men talk about. As much as I take issue with some of the things […]
Posted inGeneral
How should we be dealing with the influx of Zimbabwean refugees?
This week’s Talkback question on the Mail & Guardian Online: How should we be dealing with the influx of Zimbabwean refugees?
Posted inGeneral
Getting it wrong 101: Durban name changes
When Schabir Shaik eventually recovers from his terrible (let’s hope it’s not terminal, eh?) illness and re-enters Durban social life, he won’t find quite the same place he left. A lot has happened during his brutal 28-month stint in that private ward. For one thing, it’s been raining for months on end, not only aggravating […]