Well, according to some, if I still have to ask the question of myself in an uncertain manner, then I am a racist. Or rather (notice how he hastily adds) I have racist tendencies I need to deal with. I could have just said I am not a racist as I abhor that character trait […]
2009
Posted inGeneral
Thoughts in the wake of Africa Day
Monday was Africa Day. It’s a bit like Mother’s Day — once a year we remember somebody or something that is always part of our life, but far too often neglected. Kaya FM played more African music than usual (apart from what Nicky Blumenfeld plays over the weekend) and a number of newspapers ran leaders […]
Posted inMedia
Auctioning Kgomotso to the highest bidder
I believe that there is a dearth of insightful, incisive yet irreverent and witty social commentary on these shores. Look, our publishing houses churn out enough political commentary and biographies. And of course there is a market for that type of work. But if I see yet another 1 100-page book on the arms deal, I […]
Posted inGeneral
Getting around that spouse-shaped obstacle
The Confed Cup, Lions Tour, Tri-Nations, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (nothing like a fine mist of clay on that buxom Serena Williams to make one appreciate His handiwork eh?) a competitive F1 sans the familiar faces and Peter de Villiers press interviews — the sporting gods have surely looked upon us with great favour this year. […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Mkhize appointment a blow to university’s reputation
The recent appointment of KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize — a key supporter of President Jacob Zuma — as chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will only further damage the institution’s already shattered reputation. In the space of a little more than five years this university has gone from having a judge respected for his […]
Posted inGeneral
No, actually, you do want me to lie to you
The truth is the most overrated thing in the world when it comes to relationships. This fact permeates all the stages of a relationship, from the courtship and honeymoon period, to the stage of “showing one’s behind” and even to the unfortunate, though mostly inevitable end to these necessarily doomed engagements. Throughout all these stages, […]
Posted inLifestyle
The cost of not learning new parenting skills
“There is much more flow at home. Children seem happier, it takes half the time to have supper, get them bathed and ready for bed. Surprisingly my wife and I now have a more relaxed evening after the children have gone to bed, whereas before we both were exhausted and irritable by the daily evening […]
Posted inMedia
The ultimate reality show
One wonders what the producers of TV shows think when they prepare to pitch for new shows. Is it entirely the prospect of ad revenue that underpins their sales line? Do they consider the post-production revenues from the fame that flows to the participants? Do they lie awake at night wondering whether they will be […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Zille unmoved by Zuma olive branch
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille has clearly rejected the overtures made by South African President Jacob Zuma to opposition parties during his inaugural address. In his opening speech Zuma called upon opposition parties to work with the government where there are areas of common interest and called upon the ruling party to be more open […]
Posted inGeneral
R150m gone in 60 minutes!
Last week Thursday, Sanzar (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions) met in a watershed meeting in Dublin to discuss the expansion of Super Rugby from 2011 to 2015 in the Southern Hemisphere and especially the broadcast agreement that needs to be tabled to the broadcasters (Newscorp and SuperSport) on or before June 30. […]
Posted inGeneral
SA’s unresolved challenges
Noam Chomsky, an eminent scholar and activist, in his celebrated Profit over People reflects that: “The first great experiment was a bad idea for the subjects, but not for the designers and local elites associated with them. This pattern continues until present: placing profit over people. The consistency of the record is no less impressive […]
Posted inMedia
This woman should not be famous, but she is
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems standards of fame are declining. Back in Andy Warhol’s day, everyone got fifteen minutes; in the YouTube era, it’s down to five. Maybe that’s just as well, because nowadays it’s possible to be famous for anything, no matter how stupid or pointless. As in the case of Clare […]