Michael Trapido

President George Bush and other members of his administration have sent a clear message to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki — give us tangible results or you’re on your way out. With the reports on the military “surge” due in September, Bush himself is under pressure to prove to the American people that this latest […]

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel’s claim that foreign intervention to impose regime change in Zimbabwe would occasion another Iraq is patently wrong. The finance minister, who I would love to see as our next president, has clearly not thought this thing through. It hardly needs pointing out that foreign intervention is not the only way to […]

When Madiba finally crossed the Rubicon and started us on the road to a multiracial democracy, the overwhelming majority of South Africans rejoiced. Some 13 years on, in my humble opinion, both presidents, Mandela and Mbeki, have served us well. The country has progressed and is achieving growth. However, like an autistic child, we have […]

While Americans have had their own English for many years now, South Africans are just starting to redefine the language. Herewith a brief summary of new definitions : “QUIET DIPLOMACY” shall mean the act of thanking former comrades in arms by standing aside or offering moral and/or material support, while they implode an entire region. […]

Mrs Traps cooking carries a hechsher from the International Atomic Energy Agency: Our leftovers require disposal in accordance with the international regulations governing nuclear waste. The IAEA at present has an entire division working on antidotes for anyone who comes into contact with her “Duck Surprise”. “Surprise?” That duck dropped a turd when she shot […]

Southern African leaders, meeting in Zambia, once again failed to deal with the crisis in Zimbabwe. Where strong words and decisive action were desperately needed, Robert Mugabe was treated to a heroes’ welcome, condemnation of everyone but himself and the incredible proposition that the problems being experienced in Zimbabwe were exaggerated. Moreover, the one glimmer […]

In a recent survey by the National Prosecuting Authority, it turned out that housebreaking was the crime that most people feared. The reason being that the chances are, you’ll be there when it happens.