General

David Diop’s Reflections on Colonialism – Africa – convey important points; a message one cannot ignore: Africa tell me Africa Is this you this back that is bent This back that breaks under the weight of humiliation This back trembling with red scars … That is Africa your Africa That grows again patiently obstinately And […]

In the most recent issue of the German magazine Zeit Wissen, a discussion is devoted to what is called “The 12 great (big) questions of science”. At first sight some of these strike one as being more philosophical (even metaphysical) than scientific, but on reflection, the German word Wissenschaft, which means “science” in the narrower […]

It’s safe to say that 2009 will be the most important year in this country’s sporting history. In just six months, some of the giants of international football (including Brazil and Italy) will compete in the Confederations Cup. With a $17-million prize fund, it will be the biggest sporting event ever staged on the African […]

South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. could make southern hemisphere and Super Rugby more valuable to sponsors and broadcasters with an attractive rugby spectacle by introducing a coherent rugby inventory that complements the existing domestic and international tournaments and makes the Super 14 stronger. SA Rugby’s Hoskins as Chairman of Sanzar, […]

It’s that time of the year again when most people are in a resolute mood about all the things they’re going to change in the next twelve months. Needless to say, they won’t achieve anything. Nothing substantial in any case. The fatties won’t put down the supersized Double McGrease Deluxe Whopper Meals with extra onion […]

What I wouldn’t give for some of these to occur, though in all likelihood only the first and last are worth putting the kids trust fund on … 1. Robert Mugabe will stay in power. 2. The ANC will win a two-thirds majority. Again. This would, however, have more to do with Jesus not being […]

Any Derby County fan older than five years of age will know the significance of the appointment of the boy Clough as the manager of the Rams — the messiah has come. (NB ANC members need not panic this is not a reference to the one referred to by ANC president Jacob Zuma when he […]

Right then — I’ve found and (somewhat) dusted off my crystal ball. Here goes nothing: 1. Despite playing the most beautiful brand of footie in the PSL, Orlando Pirates will not win anything during the regular season. 2. Frustrated at their continuing inability to beat The Mighty Buccaneers, Kaizer Chiefs will re-introduce the Sparletta Cup, […]

Having spent the first 34 years of my life under the rule of apartheid South Africa I am acutely aware of the enormous role played by Helen Suzman in not only attacking that evil system but also, unlike Breyten Breytenbach, having the courage of her convictions to usher in and try to improve the new […]

I’m being invaded. The neighbours spend entire days on my property, and on more than one occasion they’ve managed to get inside the house. Just last night, I found one of them in my bedroom, acting as if he owned the place. Perhaps it’s cat karma. For months I’ve been without feline company, and now […]

Much exhortation is doing the rounds at present to look back on 2008 and list the things for which one is grateful. This is a noble and laudable call, for in considering moments of radiance, we may see beauty, splendour and wonderment. At watershed moments such as the onset of a new calendar year, one’s […]