A critical thinking friend called St. Pee was telling me that the Million Man March (MMM) is a set up to create a buffer between the real culprits behind crime in the country and the rising anger of the ordinary citizens. “Desmond Dube should stick to what he knows best,” he said sipping his cocktail […]
News/Politics
Posted inNews/Politics
Why has Nelson Mandela remained silent on Zimbabwe?
Yesterday I picked up on a question from Christopher Hitchens in Slate magazine: Why has Nelson Mandela remained silent on Zimbabwe? The answer, in my humble opinion, is twofold. Firstly he hasn’t, and secondly Madiba has now earned his rest from politics and should, as his doctors advise, remain free of stress, which I would […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Where are all the Republicans?
Is the experience of coming to South Africa so life-changing that Republicans immediately become Democrats or independents upon landing in the Rainbow Nation? Or is it that Republicans are less likely to visit South Africa in the first place?
Posted inNews/Politics
South Africa “under siege”?
“Can I see a falling tear, and not feel my sorrow’s share? Can a father see his child weep, nor be with sorrow fill’d? Can a mother sit and hear an infant groan, an infant fear? No, no, never can it be, Never, never can it be!” “Does spring hide its joy when buds and […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Are South Africa’s politicians pleasers or doers?
Are South Africa’s politicians pleasers or doers? These two categories of politicians came to my attention courtesy of an article by Don Russell, who was once an adviser to former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating. Russell describes pleasers and doers thus: Pleasers will try not to upset people, will seek approval from as many groups […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Homecoming revolution?
“Many South Africans are leaving the country.” “South Africa is experiencing a brain-drain, as many (especially white) professionals are leaving the country.” “Many South Africans are living abroad nowadays.” “Crime is driving South Africans out of their own country.” “If Zuma becomes president, I am leaving South Africa.” Above are just some of the comments […]
Posted inLifestyle, News/Politics
Point taken? No point!
Picture this. A rep, late for an appointment in the next town, gets caught doing 143 km/h in a 120 zone. The fine’s supposed to be R750, but the cop seems a little reluctant to start writing. Finally, he broaches the subject of “breakfast.” He and his partner, he says, don’t feel like all the […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Hold my hand, I’m a stranger in paradise
I was driving home last night and was half-listening to the news on 94.7 when I caught a sound byte from one of the areas affected by xenophobia. Some woman was screaming abuse at a reporter but her words were aimed at some of the foreign refugees, whom I would imagine were within earshot. I’m […]
Posted inNews/Politics
The myth of overpopulation
As the food price crisis deepens, many commentators are pointing the finger of blame at overpopulation. Apparently, the real problem is the “human plague”: all those teeming, swarming billions of people in China, India and elsewhere, who are wolfing down so much meat and rice that food production methods have gone into meltdown. It’s time, […]
Posted inNews/Politics
Xenophobia: The environmental causes
Firstly, let’s clarify what the term “environment” means. Long gone are the days when environment simply referred to fauna and flora. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, the slogan “sustainable development” referred to a triangular relationship between people, planet and prosperity — giving each an equal importance. More recently this understanding has […]
Posted inBusiness, News/Politics
Ten myths about inflation and interest rates
“Someone stop Tito, please,” implores a headline on a News24 column by struggle journalism old-timer Max du Preez. His angry column brims with common myths about the economy, interest rates and inflation. Let’s look at them one by one. Myth No 1: Higher interest rates cause higher inflation, including higher food and fuel prices. “I’ve […]
Posted inNews/Politics
A country without future?
I had a long conversation with a small group of unemployed youths a few days ago. Young people in their early 20s, who are supposed to have a long, bright future ahead of them. At least theoretically. These guys were not so sure about that though. They were actually quite angry. Jaded already before they […]