What happened outside the private-owned Mediclinic in Arcadia, Pretoria, in the last six weeks that Nelson Mandela was in hospital was neither a make-believe kaleidoscope of non-racialism nor uncaring citizens trying to be what they are not. Rather, this monumental expression of solidarity, cooperation and interaction of a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, trans-class and largely public display […]
Sandile Memela
Sandile Memela is a journalist, writer, cultural critic, columnist and civil servant. He lives in Midrand.
Posted inGender violence
Men love sports more than they love women
It seems men love sports more than they love women. In fact, they would rather watch soccer than fight the scourge of violence and abuse against women and child abuse. This is according to the relatively poor turnout at The Brothers for Life “Not in my name” pledge and campaign for the male species to […]
Posted inGeneral
What does authentically African mean?
Over the last 20 years, self-appointed custodians of “authentic Africaness” have derogatively referred to fellow blacks as “coconuts”, that is, citizens with black skins but white souls or cultural tendencies. Perhaps instead of feeling indignant and insulted, it is important to provide a context for what is meant by this label. It may be long […]
Posted inMedia
Everyone has a story…so write a book
Not too long ago I attended the first Jozi Book Fair held at MuseuMAfrica in Newtown. It was the initiative of Khanya College to create a space for small independent publishing houses to display their books, newspapers, highlight opportunities, share resources, reconnect and, hopefully, create an information-exchange forum and networking platform. I was impressed by […]
Posted inMedia
I know why Mbeki won’t endorse black radio
I know why former president Thabo Mbeki was evasive when asked to endorse Power FM recently. The Renaissance man was, rightly, concerned about the role of black radio (sic) in not only speaking truth to power but disseminating enlightening information and knowledge that builds self-confidence and a spirit of self-determination among the previously disadvantaged. When […]
Posted inEquality, News/Politics
Let’s celebrate the good times
Not too long ago, the government launched the framework to celebrate the 20th anniversary of democracy and freedom at Freedom Park. The event was attended by a group of eminent citizens who not only embody the values enshrined in the Constitution but in their own work and life display unconditional love for the country. Sadly, […]
Posted inEquality, Lifestyle, News/Politics
Inequality in the land of plenty
I see her every Saturday or any other day that I visit home in the townships. I know more than just her name as they have been our neighbours for more than 40 years that we have stayed in the townships. Honey, as she is popular known, has told me countless times that I am […]
Posted inLifestyle, Media
The fading beat of Drum magazine
Drum was the only magazine when the winds of change were blowing through the African continent in 1957. It celebrated its 60th birthday recently. The best talent available in the urban South African community was, like moth to light, attracted to the charismatic power of its visionary and prophetic founder, a Mr Jim Bailey. It […]
Posted inGeneral, Lifestyle
There is talent but no gallery in Soweto
During April Freedom Month I was in Soweto to celebrate not just freedom osmosis but the triumph of the human spirit, the spirit of self-responsibility and determination. This was made possible by the hard work, focus and, above all, determination of two individuals taking their lives and the future of Soweto into their own hands. […]
Posted inGeneral, Lifestyle
Elites who drive like taxi drivers
I find that some blacks are inclined to drive like taxi drivers irrespective of the model car they drive or their social status. It would seem that when it comes to doing the right thing on the road there is no difference between motorists from privileged suburban communities from, say, taxi drivers from the working […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Why I will not fight for CAR or any other country
Why would they ask me to put on a uniform and go to the heart of Africa to fire high-calibre machine guns and drop bombs on fellow Africans whose leader got into power through a coup and not democratic elections? I will not draw guns and shoot bombs at the sight of marauding African rebel […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The government must speak to the people not the media
The government does not need to fight or over-invest in the media. In fact, it can afford to keep its distance and insist on factual, accurate, correct and truthful reporting. It is an open secret that not only is the media overly juniorised but its professionals are so underpaid and demoralised they cannot uphold their […]