We live in a world where marketing your message is critical, whether you’re selling a commercial product or sanctuary. Even the most inherently good messages can be lost when shrouded with layers of extremism and contrast. The idealist in me hates that fact. The realist in me doesn’t like it much more, but works with […]
2009
Posted inNews/Politics
I’m backing Selebi
Former national police chief Jackie Selebi pleaded not guilty to all the charges read out against him in the High Court today and then promptly accused Bulelani Ngcuka and Vusi Pikoli of corruption in terms of his plea statement. Boundary lines have been clearly drawn, let battle commence. Well let it commence tomorrow with the […]
Posted inGeneral
China’s taking over
The above title is one that’s often seen in sensationalist news reports these days. But is it true? Is China really taking over Africa? And what does “taking over Africa” really mean? “China has supported development in Africa since independence,” said Sanusha Naidu from the social networks movement Fahamu. She was speaking last week at […]
Posted inGeneral
What is the one thing you would do to reduce the levels of crime in South Africa?
This week’s Talkback question on the Mail & Guardian Online: What is the one thing you would do to reduce the levels of crime in South Africa?
Posted inGeneral
Religion: A commitment to the ideology of suffering
By Rachel Adams As far as religion is a form of acknowledging a higher power and of connecting with the creative force that is responsible for this incredible universe, I have no problems. But if there is any group of people that has gone one step further and adopted religion, Christianity particularly, as a legitimator […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Is China really our BFF?
Africa has a new BFF. China. Across the continent everyone seems to be loving them. They have quickly become our superbro in the world of economics. A destination for our exports. And the supplier of all our needs from white tees to blue jeans to cheap guns. The new meme on the street seems to […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Yes they can! SA’s opposition-led government takes shape
Today President Jacob Zuma will, again, formally unveil his latest party trick: the presidential “hotline”. Our president, we know by now, has the magician’s knack of drawing the eye away from the trick. Should a fraction of his talent for getting himself out of trouble be deployed in some wider national purpose, South Africa would […]
Posted inGeneral
Signs of transition: From accumulation to edifying experience
Hiking along a beautiful gorge in the Groendal area outside of Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape with a young friend yesterday, our conversation ranged from complexity theory to cuisine (he happens to be an accomplished chef), what South Africa has to offer the world except minerals and tourist-attracting natural beauty, and, eventually, the emerging signs, […]
Posted inGeneral
‘Racist’ jokes and getting over ourselves
The Pope and Julius Malema are on the same stage in front of a huge crowd. The Pope leans towards Julius and says, “Do you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, like […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zille: Donatella Quixote
By making a decision to introduce legislation, which will ban officials from doing business with the state, the DA proves that collectively they have no clue about eradicating corruption. Indeed, while yes, there are loopholes which allow for the state to be pillaged by people who have been entrusted with running the state, and yes, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zuma’s hotline: Clever or crazy?
Whoever came up with the idea of President Zuma’s hotline is either very crazy or very brilliant. There is an interesting story to be told on both sides of the reality of the consequences of this bold initiative. First of all it is an indictment that citizens in any well functioning country should have to […]
Posted inGeneral
Why Khoza needs to back down
For several years now, the relationship between Irvin Khoza and Danny Jordaan has been fraught with tension. They are, after all, the most formidable soccer administrators in the country and they have played a crucial role in securing South Africa the rights to host the 2010 World Cup and overseeing the mammoth task of hosting […]