While Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is undoubtedly the worst role model Africa has ever had — and that includes Idi Amin — that does not explain the strange claims that are being made by expatriate and X Factor reject Gamu Nhengu who suggests that if she were to be deported there would be a “firing […]
2010
Posted inGeneral
To the commentators on Thought Leader: Stick to the topic
There are a number of regular commentators on Thought Leader who write as much as the bloggers do. Some are clever and witty and make relevant points that further a blog or challenge what the blogger wrote. Many also make nasty, snide, irrelevant remarks that have no bearing on the blog. I notice that some […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Let us honour Africa’s thieves, despots, megalomaniacs and killers
Trying to foster leadership by awarding prestigious prizes is admirable but futile.
Posted inGeneral
Has science reached its sell-by date?
By Roger Diamond When will we ever know enough? If the scientists are to be believed, never. Politicians love this — it means real action and real change can be forever delayed on the grounds of not really being actually, totally, quite utterly certain! So we can just plop a few million into research and […]
Posted inBusiness
A local obsession
How do we tell the story of economic policy in South Africa? As an analyst my tools are statistics and substantiation, and even sometimes a case study. Steve Mandy, a fashion artist, tells the story through art. His exhibition, which I viewed only online, tells a more accessible story. It offers a profound and demanding […]
Posted inGeneral
Commonwealth Games a waste of time
Can anyone tell me what is happening at the Commonwealth Games, apart from the obvious chaos away from the actual sports? I certainly wouldn’t, because in reality I don’t care. While there might be those who say the Commonwealth Games have a place in the international sporting calendar, I firmly belong in the camp that […]
Posted inGeneral
Australia’s strength within
Since my arrival in Melbourne, I have spent much time trying to figure out what makes this island continent and the people who live here tick. It should be said that what follows is merely my opinion, so after you read this and you have something to add, please do so. Australia itself shares certain […]
Posted inEquality, Lifestyle, News/Politics
Sex sells sick boobs
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Who doesn’t love to have an extra feel of their or their partner’s breasts to check them out for health and safety? It’s essential and if you’re not sure how to do it, have a look at this guide on how to cop an educated feel. Remember that this […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Nationalisation…it ain’t gonna happen in our lifetime
So, nationalisation will be debated — big deal. When Mandela was released from jail 20 years ago, one of the first PR gaffes to be associated immediately with his name was the claim that the ANC was going to nationalise anything that moves. Typically none of that happened because you cannot take at face value […]
Posted inMedia
Who else is sick of these ads?
It struck me in the Sandton City parking garage of all places. Revelation is normally not associated with the area in front of the pay stations below the Fountain Court — usually one is too busy swearing because the machine keeps rejecting your R20 note — but Sandton City sells space on its lift doors […]
Posted inGeneral
Why is the (hi)story of Spartacus so fascinating?
The short answer to the question, why the story of Spartacus has fascinated people for centuries, is that it is a story of the endless quest for freedom on the part of humankind. Why endless, one may object — has history not “ended’, normatively speaking, when liberal, capitalist democracy appeared to triumph conclusively at the […]
Posted inGeneral
Why I hate smokers
My disdain (that borders on a hatred) of smokers has nothing to do with my desire for a nanny state or for social controls to stop smokers from smoking. I really do not mind if people wish to smoke and harm themselves, but the problem is that smokers do not just harm or affect themselves. […]