In about 1991 I remember having some female friends when living in Cape Town. Some were divorced or going through one. Two in particular one evening were discussing how they were going to wangle more money out of their “ex’s”. They were laughing and putting down their poor ex-sods. I was most indignant, made a […]
2010
Posted inGeneral
Keeping it REEL
By Marius Redelinghuys As Mandela Rhodes Scholars in residence, living the legacy of Nelson Mandela and delivering on the promise of leadership is a central element of the scholarship and also of every individual scholar. In reflecting on the promise of leadership, by asking the question, how Mandela Rhodes Scholars contribute to delivering the promise […]
Posted inGeneral
African football on the decline
After watching the recent ended African Nations Cup, I have to say African football is on a downward spiral and this asks a lot of questions about their performance in the upcoming world cup, a first on African soil. African football is always about skill and flair mixed with creativity and dribbling which would lead […]
Posted inGeneral
Looking through a different lens
Yesterday a friend of mine implied that I was racist. It all started because I received this joke Click to enlarge on email. I’d seen it before, it gave me a little bit of a chuckle and so I forwarded it. To me it was no more than another joke about the jokes we have […]
Posted inNews/Politics
‘Mandela can make a bomb from a spoon’
Twenty years ago when Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years of incarceration for fighting for his right to fight for the right to be a free man, I was too young to know what was happening. I knew that whatever it was that was happening was a significant event. Why it was I was […]
Posted inBusiness, Media
Is Toyota headed down the toilet?
Once upon a time I loved Toyota. Though I’ve flirted with other brands — Fiat (something I still can’t explain) and BMW (now driven by the ex) — I’ve always regarded Toyota as the most rational choice when it came to choosing wheels. Solid, reliable. A little more exciting than it used to be, but […]
Posted inBusiness
Are you ready for this?
If the “brother leader” were to have had his way during his presidency of the AU, Africa would now be one country under the name of the Unites States of Africa with all the trappings of a modern state, including a common currency. Whether the world is ready for another country with the name of […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The ‘bonus’ of polygamy…a colonial perk (Part 2)
Has Jacob Zuma registered his multiple marriages? This question is vital as the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998 does not apply to “indigenous African” marriages that have not been registered. Its safeguards and benefits, therefore, would have no force in such cases. The choice whether to register a customary marriage in terms of […]
Posted inLifestyle
Avatar’s message is clear…stop the destruction
By Roger Diamond A few nights ago I went out with a friend to the Labia Theatre, the only independent cinema in Cape Town, where we typically watch depressing environmental documentaries, the seats filled with liberal, erudite and pensive types. A few nights ago, however, my friend Rob suggested we see Avatar, which I keenly […]
Posted inGeneral
Scary stats for the average South African
You’ve heard them before. They’re the type of stats that you hear and shake your head in disbelief. For example, you’re more likely to die from eating shark than from being eaten by a shark. Can you believe it? If you can believe that what do the stats say for ordinary South Africans. What are […]
Posted inGeneral
Phallic jokes and where Zuma can gloriously take us
A young Scotsman, Wee Tom, disliked his nickname for obvious reasons. His schoolboy friends had seen him in the shower and he was very wee where matters are supposed to count. “Ha ha, Tom, when you get it up you’re going nowhere. She will fall asleep from boredom.” “Just wait and see,” retorted Wee Tom. […]
Posted inGeneral
A total perspective on sex, war and money
Whenever I find myself sadomasochistically desiring to feel spectacularly insignificant recourse to classical and continental philosophy usually does the trick. When I was younger staring blankly at the night sky and attempting to take in the immensity of it all usually did the trick, however it does not quite have the same effect when 90% […]