I would like to add my two cents’ worth about issues pertaining to the so-called “hate speech” trial of ANC Youth League President Julius Malema. The complainant, AfriForum/Solidarity, called as one of their witnesses a music academic, Anne-Marie Gray, who calls herself a “liberation struggle song expert”. Come on, does that sound right? She is […]
Shareef Blankenberg
Although all contributions are my personal views, I am an ANC member and a cadre. I am employed as a study group secretary by ANC Caucus in Parliament. I grew up in the ANC, and it forms a large part of who and what I am
Posted inSport
Let’s blow our own vuvuzela
Recently, international soccer governing body Fifa decided to take a Cape Town company to court over their selling of key rings. The key rings are in the form of two ixilongo (plural for vuvuzela) crossing towards the blow ends with “2010” embossed onto a soccer ball. What’s worrying are reports of an inspectorate who will […]
Posted inSport
Our heritage is no joke
It’s been dubbed “anthemgate”. November 13 2009 the South African rugby team, affectionately known as the Springboks, is playing France at the Municipal Stadium in Toulouse and the stadium is packed. Both teams are lining up for the national anthems and I thought the French were quite the sportsmen as they were absolutely on attention […]
Posted inGeneral
Mbalula, I salute you
So the deputy minister of police, Fikile Mbalula, is now being heralded as someone who has a complete disregard for our Constitution, one who wants to kill people of South Africa, an enemy of democracy. For years I read articles and readers’ comments about the state of crime in South Africa and the inability of […]
Posted inNews/Politics
With open eyes we wander
Brandon Huntley claims he has “opened people’s eyes” to the problem of crime in South Africa. For those not in the know, Huntley was recently granted refugee status by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada on the basis that he has given “clear and convincing proof ” that he was a “victim of his […]
Posted inLifestyle
Women’s Day is gone, now what?
Muslim children attending madrassa are taught from a very early age about the role of a mother and the respect we need to accord them. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon Him) once said: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother (related by Ahmad, narrated by Nasai). At another occasion a man […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Malema, Malema, Malema
I must admit that I was never a fan of ANC Youth League President Julius Malema. I used to criticise many of his statements, both in private and in ANC circles. When I hear of another Malema dilemma, I tend to ask myself, “Oh God, what has he done now again?” But I really fail […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Join the PARTY, Helen et al …
So Helen Zille feels that President Zuma did a good job, except for the fact that he is not acting like an executive president, but more like a deployee of Luthuli House. Well, duh, what else is he supposed to be? For the Helen-ites out there, let me explain carefully how South Africa’s electoral system […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Goduka uyokuphumla, Tutu et al
So, the Archbishop Emeritus is saying that he would boycott next year’s election if things continue in the ANC the way they are. He also said that ANC President Zuma should withdraw “as ANC candidate for the presidency“. Once again, Tutu is displaying his ignorance of how the ANC works and once again proof that […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Real stars for Cabinet
So, President Kgalema Motlanthe announced his new Cabinet. A lot could be and had been said about both the old and the new Cabinet. But for today, I would like to concentrate on two specific Ministers: Emmanuel Nathi Mthethwa and Masenyane Richard Baloyi. I would always think of Minister Baloyi as Comrade Rich (although I […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Let those without sin, cast the first stone
I have been accused here on Thought Leader of being racist and not liking white people. Funny, seeing that two of my best friends (I don’t have many) are white and I have a very good relationship with several white members of parliament and other politicians (even in opposition parties). I know I am opening […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Compensation of sharks
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) was set up to compensate victims of road accidents. Due to the fact that few people knew the legal system, it was thought best to include in its legislation provisions for legal representation. But, as time went by, many people were ripped off by the very same people they hired […]