Companies of all kinds have begun to introduce‘gamification’ into the way their products, processes, training and marketing are presented and consumed. Gamification is particularly successful at promoting engagement with brandsand portfolios, and drivingstrategic objectives likeincreased sales, marketing and even innovation. This is because of a predisposition in many people to respond to fun, […]
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TEST RUGBY SUCKS
I watched the first half of Saturday’s rugby match between South Africa and England before taking a cold shower. Based on what I’d seen from Heyneke “I don’t care how we play as long as we win” Meyer’s charges, I thought it preferable to simply catch the end score. Poor English goal kicking and a jammy […]
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The problem with ‘non-racialism’
Enshrined in the Constitution and serving as a basis for public rhetoric the ANC-led government has repeatedly billed itself and its policies as “non-racial”. I think however that this position is at best questionable and at worst actually makes more problematic the various narratives of race which the country and its citizens have to negotiate […]
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Rocking the cultures of the aftermath
Muse is a rock band with a difference. That was true of Queen as well, and it is no accident that Muse counts this redoubtable exponent of highly original rock music among its progenitors. But they seem to take originality to a new level – their new album, The 2nd Law, pays homage to nothing […]
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Aid donors perpetuate Palestinian hate
Countries and aid agencies offering aid and assistance to Gaza have blood on their hands. While food and other humanitarian assistance has been pouring into Gaza, the democratically elected ruling party Hamas, has been funneling funds and huge resources into manufacturing and acquiring rockets. Palestinians, and Gazans in particular, have carefully cultivated an image of […]
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Poor policy slows SA’s growth
James Carvelle, Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign strategist, coined a phrase that remains pertinent the world over, especially in South Africa, when he said “the economy, stupid”. As we now paraphrase Carvelle’s phrase, “it is [indeed] the economy, stupid”. In the case of South Africa, I insist that it is both the economy, and more fundamentally, […]
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Another round concluded in the Gaza dance of death
The following imagined scenario seems to me to sum up pretty accurately the latest round of hostilities between Hamas and Israel: imagine a man who drives a Mini and another who drives a large lorry – let’s call them Abdul and Avi. Now imagine that Abdul hates Avi – really hates him. One day, Abdul […]
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Why I believe in non-violence
I believe in non-violence. That means that I don’t stand for any organisation or belief that encourages or perpetuates violence. I think of feminism as a non-violent movement to end sexist oppression. I think of being a part of the environmental movement as a non-violent movement to protect the animals, plants and air that we […]
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Tracking the aftermath of the financial crisis
In Aftermath: The Cultures of the Economic Crisis (Oxford, 2012), Manuel Castells, Joôa CaraÇa, Gustavo Cardoso (editors) and a number of colleagues from the social sciences set out to provide some insight into the financial/economic crisis that flared up in 2008 (and has still not run its course). More than that, as the title of […]
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Racism nothing new in Australia
Cricket has been the main talking point as South Africa began their Test tour of Australia with a draw at the Gabba in the first of three rubbers. However, the Sunday Times carried a story about comments made by former Australian Test cricketer Greg Ritchie at a dinner at the Gabba, where he reportedly said, […]
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Proteas given lesson at right time
South Africa’s tour of Australia was viewed with positivity by the punditry, this one included, for reasons advocated here. I myself predicted a 2-1 victory for South Africa, but that has already been blown out the water following the drawn first Test at the Gabba where the Australians had the better of it. South Africa, from […]
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Neeskens chance at redemption.
Mamelodi sundowns must take the Telkom knockout cup as their chance at redeeming themselves after an embarassing start to this season. Coach Neeskens knows very well how important it is for him to guide his charges to a Telkom knockout cup victory, winning this cup might help him to stay on as the brazilians coach […]