Recent events in South Africa (like the looming attempts to control the media), together with a comment by “Maria” on one of my previous posts, have set me wondering if we are seeing the beginnings of what Arundhati Roy, Indian social activist and novelist, called “creeping fascism”? Referring (in 2003) to what was happening under […]
2010
Posted inMedia, News/Politics
The Rocky Horror Media Show
In a dramatic turnaround, South African journalists have welcomed the proposed changes to the Protection of Information Bill and the Media Appeals Tribunal, as vetted by the national government last month. The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) hosted a press conference in Pretoria on Tuesday issuing an apology for the initial “hysterical” reaction to […]
Posted inGeneral
Born-frees will learn the ‘value’ of freedom
Since 1994, there has been a lot of talk about South Africa’s lost generation — the Y generation that is apathetic, apolitical, consumerist and vulnerable to a range of social ills, such as substance abuse and Aids. More recently, we have heard talk of the so-called born-frees growing up in ignorance of the hardships that […]
Posted inGeneral
Is Pattison not good enough for Bafana?
Pitso Mosimane announced a strong squad for the 2012 Afcon qualifier against Niger on Saturday. It is encouraging to see Jingles including youngsters like SuperSport United striker Kermit Erasmus, Daylon Claasen, Keegan Ritchie and Andile Jali. It shows that the coach is not only worried about getting results now, but is also planning for the […]
Posted inGeneral
The bokkie stops here
There are two words commonly used in South Africa which I really, really can’t stand. The one is the word “comrade”. The other one is the word “bokkie”. “Bokkie” is often used in insipid Afrikaans love songs by commercial singers (presumably because it rhymes with “sokkie”). In that way, it fulfils the same function that […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The worst is not behind us
If a sliver of South Africa’s future can be glimpsed through the prism of the current public-service protests, then the future should be delayed indefinitely. The unchecked culture of irresponsible protests has been allowed to grow into a soulless monster, ready to incite anarchy and we should all be afraid. Much has been said about […]
Posted inGeneral
Just when you thought it was safe to get back onto the cricket field
I awoke on Sunday awash with a dazed feeling (thanks Bokke … see previous post) which, after logging onto a well-known cricket website, was exasperated a thousand fold. News had broken that Pakistan bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, among other team mates, had been accused of “spot-fixing” by a middle man sourced by the […]
Posted inGeneral
Bokke continue to frustrate…and win
I happened to be in a mate’s car driving past Loftus Versveld after the game against Australia, and what struck me was the sombre attitude of the supporters leaving the heartland of Bulle rugby. I’ve been privileged enough to watch the last two Tests against Australia and France at Newlands, and the difference in mindset […]
Posted inMedia, News/Politics
Media campaign gathers reinforcements
A case of the proverbial hornets’ nest having been thoughtlessly kicked
Posted inGeneral
First sexual encounters and shame
So I have to change her name. Well, at least to the name I have chosen to use in a semi-autobiographical novel I am writing, tentatively titled Shame. Well I remember being attracted to Alexis in what was then a rural part of Boksburg. She had a younger brother, Cosmo, and the three of us […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The ANC’s tiresome quest for the secret formula
Mills persuasively identifies the one thing that outweighs all others in fast growing economies that have pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps. It is leadership.
Posted inNews/Politics
How I broke into Helen Joseph Hospital to see my patients
Never had I imagined having to break in and out of work. To understand the nature of this strike, you need to realise that a hospital has both clinical and non-clinical staff. The clinical staff are far more reliant on the non-clinical staff in order for the hospital to function in any capacity and to […]