One of the major problems politicians experience in living in a global village, during the information age, is that everything they say or do is quickly recorded, translated and then spewed out to a waiting world. The planet in its turn then analyses that information or data and assesses its impact on individual countries, their […]
2009
Posted inGeneral
Minister Nzimande must resign
I have evidence that both Sasco (including the PYA, ANCYL, YCL) and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande declared that FREE HIGHER EDUCATION was and would be an objective of the Zuma administration. Indeed having spent a good hour laughing at Sasco’s plan for free higher education, and at least ten seconds wondering why Blade bothered […]
Posted inSport
Peter de Villiers: Misunderstood genius or living on borrowed time?
This week’s Talkback question on the Mail & Guardian Online: Peter de Villiers: Misunderstood genius or living on borrowed time?
Posted inGeneral
Malema Political School will offer woodwork
African National Congress Youth League President Julius Malema has confirmed that in order to avoid becoming another Zanu-PF, his organisation had decided to open a political school in Krugersdorp (which they officially launched yesterday). I haven’t seen it but I’m sure it’s to die for. Malema says they are of the view that the school […]
Posted inGeneral
Sports psychology
The highs and lows of life in Joburg, a personal curiosity that kicks in after thirty and probably a little peer pressure (everyone else does, so shouldn’t I?) has led me to explore the Western concept of the shrink. I’m on visit number four and Floppy is starting to get interesting. It’s a bit difficult […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Tightening the leash on the SABC and Icasa
No one has come out shining in the mud-slinging around the SABC, but the biggest loser is the autonomy of communications. This has been paralleled by a similar song-and-dance in parliament, in regard to the broadcasting regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). The consequence is that South Africa currently sits with both […]
Posted inGeneral
Where is the care?
In respect of your itinerant practice: You are registered to be in practice and in attendance at the public hospitals and clinics, and are therefore supposed to be in attendance at these places for the purpose of consulting with and attending to the needs of the government’s patients (who present themselves for treatment in their […]
Posted inLifestyle
The day my wife (nearly) went blind
I know there are many people who scornfully knock the saying “everything happens for a reason”. However, they do miss the profound chink onto appreciating life more: there is a teacher in every event. Whether one acknowledges the teacher in the event is another matter. Once giving consent to that truth, the chink then opens […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Be honest. Is your Jacob Zuma T-shirt ironic?
My shirt is bright yellow. Zuma’s rows of baby teeth are spread across my belly. On the way to the shop a guy says to me, softly with a nod to my shirt, “Viva Zuma”. He’s missed my shrewd irony, sees me as a JZ supporter and who can blame him? My stab at humour […]
Posted inGeneral
Burka violates women’s right to dignity
Freedom of expression, subject to particular limitations, in all democratic societies is guaranteed to all citizens. Democratic values of human dignity and equality are affirmed by such freedoms, which we hold dearly. It is generally accepted in our country that while we exercise these freedoms, none of us should extend them to advocacy of hatred […]
Posted inGeneral
170 000 unsold Lions tickets!
There has been a little bit of a dust-up and finger pointing between SA Rugby and the Lions over the question of some unsold tickets and why? The number of unsold British & Irish Lions Tour tickets after 9 matches is a staggering 170 000. Take the average round value cost for provincial and mid-week games […]
Posted inGeneral
Chilliboy to get his due?
To be Mahlatse Ralepelle. “Chilliboy” to the okes. Talented schoolboy player with great leadership potential. Rose up the ranks smoothly enough, earning his stripes along the way and maturing into a better rounded player. Then out of the blue (a then) under-fire Jake White picks him to make a cheap political statement. Remember those days, […]