The shape of our technological future is already coming into view, judging by Sherry Turkle’s recent book Alone Together. To be more accurate, if one takes the latest developments in the area of electronic communication, internet activity and robotics, together with changing attitudes on the part of especially (but not exclusively) young users into consideration, […]
General
Posted inGeneral
As uncertainty deepens, the human condition further worsens
In a compelling poem by the great African intellectual giant Amílcar Cabral, a powerful ‘story’ of Return is told. A relatively young Cabral, in his 20s, published a timeless poem that remains relevant – though written in 1949 – even today. It is worth presenting a couple of verses from it: Old Mama, come and […]
Posted inGeneral
Going green in 2012: 12 steps for the developing world
Many of us are thinking about the changes we want to make this year. For some, these changes will be financial; for others, physical or spiritual. But for all of us, there are important resolutions we can make to “green” our lives. Although this is often a subject focused on by industrialised nations, people in […]
Posted inGeneral
Why is SARU waiting until January 27?
Detective Jimmy McNulty once said in The Wire, when referring to lives on the street versus the way politics interacts with those lives, “It just never connects.” He was known to be a brilliant detective, but self-destructive, at the cost of those around him, with his partner Bunk Moreland once stating, “You’re no good for people, Jimmy.” […]
Posted inGeneral
Biff and Knorr: Building a nation
There is absolutely no truth in the spurious claims made by some analysts that South Africans lack sufficient common ground with which to transcend their differences in race, culture and religion and become a united people. Quite the contrary. There are in fact many strange and idiosyncratic occurrences which we all have to endure on […]
Posted inGeneral
10 things resellers should look for in a UC vendor
Whether you’re scrapping for an up-and-coming new unified communications vendor or running with the big dogs, inspiration is a big part of what makes a channel partner want to win it for its principal. So, what is your vendor doing to make you proud and excited to be in the trenches for it? 1. […]
Posted inGeneral
The weird, warm hospitality in Chinese toilet signs
I stared in awe and envy at the large sign above the public loo. “Come, easy go in rushing”. Me being me, the Freudian meaning first sparkled through my mind: “Take it slowly as you build up to a climax”. Well, I knew the sign could not have that steamy meaning even though loads of […]
Posted inGeneral
Dear ANC, thanks for the liberation, we’ll take it from here
By Maphale Moloi In the wake of the recent ANC centenary celebrations, many have commented on the party’s role in post-apartheid South Africa. Some have said that the ANC is living in the past and is no longer relevant to the youth and/or the plight of the average South African. Let’s step back for a […]
Posted inGeneral, Lifestyle
On the politics of bottom-touching in China
I recently had a fresh cultural shock here in China: seven to 10-year-old kids, at the primary school I sometimes teach at, who have a fondness for running up and touching my backside. Including in class. I tried to understand the reason why. I think it’s because Westerners, by and large (forgive the pun), actually have butts. There […]
Posted inGeneral
What Africa’s promising youth need to succeed
Today, among corporations, governments, and individuals alike, there is much optimism regarding Africa’s future. One of the main reasons for this is the continent’s enviably youthful population, whose median age is only twenty years old. Africa’s 54 nations are also currently home to more than 500 million people of working age, or 15 to 64 […]
Posted inGeneral
Would YOU let a bricklayer investigate your prostate gland?
According to a recent report, dentistry, as a profession, faces extinction. This is very worrisome. Much as we all hate dentists, we cannot live without them. Dentists do terrible things to our mouths, but we need them. We need their expertise. Without the art of dentistry, I would have looked much worse on photographs and […]
Posted inGeneral
Regulation of the porn industry is not a free speech issue
Late last year, South Africa’s journalists and assorted media types decked themselves out in black to protest the Protection of State Information Bill. Shortly thereafter the news sites started buzzing with proposals to introduce a porn channel to our TV sets. And very shortly after that, various organisations threatened to boycott the channels concerned and […]