The Speaker of parliament Baleka Mbete issued a statement on September 22 2008, outlining the parliamentary process to deal with the resignation of President Mbeki. The statement made reference to the election of the new president in terms of section 86 of the Constitution. Section 86(1) reads, “At its first sitting after its election, and […]
Sentletse Diakanyo
Sentletse Diakanyo's blogs may contain views on any subject which may upset sensitive readers. Parental guidance is strongly advised.
Posted inGeneral
President Mbeki, Godspeed!
On Sunday evening, September 21 2008, I somehow felt that no human being could fail to be deeply moved by the address of President Thabo Mbeki to the nation on occasion of his resignation from the highest office, after being pushed by vindictive members of the party to which he had dedicated his life and […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The mighty has fallen, wounded and humiliated by his own comrades!
William Butler Yeats in the The Second Coming uses religious symbolism to illustrate his anguish over the apparent decline of Europe’s ruling class. The poem is more poignant given the depressing political events in our country. Yeats said: “Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
“Prosecute President Mbeki, Maduna and Ngcuka!”
Judge Willem Heath has engaged in some extrajudicial adventures and a personal crusade against President Mbeki, former Minister of Justice Panuel Maduna and former Director of National Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka. Heath has suggested that charges be laid against these three men following the injudicious inferences contained in the judgment passed by Judge Nicholson. According to […]
Posted inBusiness, News/Politics
Arms trade: corrupting the soul of Africa and developing countries
The government’s strategic arms procurement (the so-called “arms deal”) has been the root of all troubles for our young democracy. The arms manufacturers prey on young democracies and the developing countries, enticing them with promises of endless benefits that industrial participation projects (offset arrangements) make possible. Shortly after freedom ushered a new government after 1994, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Disturbing political interference in the NPA continues unabated
Judge Nicholson in his judgment correctly indicated that politicians should not interfere with the functions of the NPA nor impede or influence the manner in which they discharge these functions. President Mbeki has been ridiculed by those less informed of the judgment by Nicholson; and accused of being the chief conspirator against Jacob Zuma. If […]
Posted inBusiness
Wall Street turning the American dream into a nightmare!
James Truslow Adams (1878-1949), the American writer and historian, in his book The Epic of America stated: “The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Could Zuma be the architect of his ‘political conspiracy’?
History is beset with illustrious men whose ascendancy to power owe to the employment of manipulative schemes intended to provoke innate emotions of the general mass of desperate people. The presence of particular conditions is requisite for the purpose of aspirant leaders to capture the imagination of people and inspire hope. When society is torn […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Judge Nicholson leaves President Mbeki with no clothes on
The pronouncements relating to President Mbeki as made by Judge Nicholson in his judgment in the matter pertaining to the president of the ANC, Jacob Zuma, are serious and troubling. Judge Nicholson inferred in his judgment that there had been political interference in the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) case against the president of the ANC. […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The dawn of a new era of hope for desperate Zimbabweans
The reaching of an agreement between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai is a momentous occasion. After months of the egos and selfishness of these two leaders’ overwhelming reason and deep concern for the people of Zimbabwe, the people of Zimbabwe can now finally sigh in relief as there appears to be hope on the horizon. […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Africans, Afrikaners and their determination of purpose
Paul Kruger (1825-1904), a symbol of Afrikaner resistance against the British, said, “One who wants to create the future must not forget the past.” If we, as South Africans, are determined to sweep away the perverse vestiges of racialism that afflict our society, we ought to appreciate the past in order that we do not […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Jacob Zuma defends the judiciary, or does he?
President of the ANC Jacob Zuma, when addressing students at University of Johannesburg, defended the right of free speech, indicating that the judiciary is not beyond reproach. Zuma is right that we must, as responsible citizens, hold our judicial system accountable. He said, “It can’t be said you can’t criticise the judiciary. That is what […]