I have finished reading The Trial by Franz Kafka. The book makes for a compelling read which spurred me on to the end, anxious to discover the outcome of the Josef K.’s trial.
The book is about Josef K., a chief clerk at a bank, who is suddenly arrested one morning by the police for no apparent reason. He is frustrated by the court process which is slow and secretive. He doesn’t get to know the charge he’s arrested for and with the help of his uncle, Leni, he gets himself a lawyer.
But still he remains frustrated as he sees no progress in the conclusion of his trial despite having a lawyer. He talks to numerous people who offer to help him but he turns down their offers. Notable amongst these is Titorelli, the painter.
He explains the three options that K. has; absolute acquittal, apparent acquittal and deferment. Titorelli offers to help K with the last two options only because the first one is uncommon as far as he is aware.
K. finally decides to fire his lawyer in the hope that doing so would enable him to take control of his trial and make things move faster.
The book shows how the functioning of the court system inconvenienced, frustrated and humiliated the defendants. It was of course difficult to defend yourself if you didn’t even know the indictment against you. Further, as a defendant you could wait for years before your case was resolved.
At the end, disappointingly, K. is taken away by two unknown men to meet his Maker. He doesn’t even know who they are. From the narrator’s description, they might possibly be policemen or executioners.
‘The courts don’t make their final conclusions public, not even the judges are allowed to know about them…’ Titorelli told K during their meeting. It made me wonder what kind of justice was this. Quite strange.
I must now finish Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. I can thereafter move onto Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, James Joyce’s Ulysses, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, and many other classics in English literature.
I hope that I will be able to give myself time to write a brief review of each book as soon as I finish reading. Another book that I must give a brief review of is F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Saturday 27 December 2008
Monday 15 December 2008
COPE 'is coming'
So sang the delegates
The 4000 delegates to the inaugural congress of the Congress of the People (COPE) sang and clapped joyfully during the opening of the congress.
I listened attentively to hear if they will sing mshini wam (bring my machine gun) or boo the speakers as they addressed them. It seems the ANC never planted a group of noise makers to disrupt Terror Lekota as he spoke.
The Congress of the People (COPE) is indeed here. Fresh from a high court victory on Friday to use the name Congress of the People, the delegates sang iyezi COPE! (COPE is coming)
The interim chairperson, Mosiuoa Terror Lekota, spoke freely about "our forebears in Presidents, Mandela and Mbeki." This was a bold statement to show that the ANC does not own Mandela or other leaders who led the liberation struggle.
Maybe the ANC ought to begin now to patent Nelson Mandela and other struggle heroes' names before COPE 'steals' their legacy. We must remember that history, liberation, the Freedom Charter, June 16 and everything else is supposed to belong to the ANC.
Lekota also spoke about the fear that people were subjected to if they joined COPE, the disruption of COPE meetings, the attack on the judiciary, and how the members of the press "are under constant pressure to give special attention to approved news items and ignore some..."
These are genuine concerns that society needs to talk about openly without fear of intimidation. So COPE is in a way giving hope to those who are afraid to voice their opinions freely because of the events of the recent past.
After this inaugural congress, when the dust has settled, it will be up to the voters to decide as to who becomes the next government.
The 4000 delegates to the inaugural congress of the Congress of the People (COPE) sang and clapped joyfully during the opening of the congress.
I listened attentively to hear if they will sing mshini wam (bring my machine gun) or boo the speakers as they addressed them. It seems the ANC never planted a group of noise makers to disrupt Terror Lekota as he spoke.
The Congress of the People (COPE) is indeed here. Fresh from a high court victory on Friday to use the name Congress of the People, the delegates sang iyezi COPE! (COPE is coming)
The interim chairperson, Mosiuoa Terror Lekota, spoke freely about "our forebears in Presidents, Mandela and Mbeki." This was a bold statement to show that the ANC does not own Mandela or other leaders who led the liberation struggle.
Maybe the ANC ought to begin now to patent Nelson Mandela and other struggle heroes' names before COPE 'steals' their legacy. We must remember that history, liberation, the Freedom Charter, June 16 and everything else is supposed to belong to the ANC.
Lekota also spoke about the fear that people were subjected to if they joined COPE, the disruption of COPE meetings, the attack on the judiciary, and how the members of the press "are under constant pressure to give special attention to approved news items and ignore some..."
These are genuine concerns that society needs to talk about openly without fear of intimidation. So COPE is in a way giving hope to those who are afraid to voice their opinions freely because of the events of the recent past.
After this inaugural congress, when the dust has settled, it will be up to the voters to decide as to who becomes the next government.
Friday 14 November 2008
"All shall enjoy equal human rights!"
The initiative by the founders of the Congress of the People is to be welcomed. The disregard for the rule of law, criticism of the media and the judiciary, the intolerance of dissenting views and the tendency to deal with those who differ within the ANC have necessitated such an initiative.
The ANC is a reputable movement whose record speaks for itself. It is heartbreaking to see it crumbling before our eyes and this is a sad moment in Africa’s history.
Parties are a microcosm of society and therefore the ANC must represent the collective and democratic will of the people. But it is becoming more selfish and represents its own views and interests more than those of the people.
The late eighties and early nineties were characterized by political intolerance fuelled by a third force bent on undermining the efforts of freedom loving South Africans to achieve their objective of liberation. But as with many revolutions the desire to build a society based on freedom to assemble and belong to a political party of one's choosing triumphed.
The intolerance of differing views must be condemned. Instead people must be allowed to differ. We must disagree and still be friends. But some people think they have a monopoly on ideas and views expressed in society. And they are ready to crush anyone who differs. They have the right to air their views in the media but when others do the same they are branded counter-revolutionaries, snakes and dogs.
That is not what we fought for. The values of our society are enshrined in the Freedom Charter, the Constitution and ubuntu. It is a courageous step to voice the truth in a storm of fierce opposition. The more diversified the contending voices in a society the better it is for its democratic wellbeing.
Many fear to differ on issues of principle because they fear those who hold arbitrary power to suspend or expel so-called dissidents.
I want a society where I can express my views free from intimidation or violence or inflammatory propaganda. The heroic sacrifices of our leaders cannot go to the dustbins of history trashed by people bent on ascending to power by all means, even if it means disregarding the rule of law.
Are we going to allow the abuse of power and position to go unabated or do we protect the values of humanity? It gives me hope to see that some people stand up against leaders who want to rule by force under the guise of democracy.
The ANC is a reputable movement whose record speaks for itself. It is heartbreaking to see it crumbling before our eyes and this is a sad moment in Africa’s history.
Parties are a microcosm of society and therefore the ANC must represent the collective and democratic will of the people. But it is becoming more selfish and represents its own views and interests more than those of the people.
The late eighties and early nineties were characterized by political intolerance fuelled by a third force bent on undermining the efforts of freedom loving South Africans to achieve their objective of liberation. But as with many revolutions the desire to build a society based on freedom to assemble and belong to a political party of one's choosing triumphed.
The intolerance of differing views must be condemned. Instead people must be allowed to differ. We must disagree and still be friends. But some people think they have a monopoly on ideas and views expressed in society. And they are ready to crush anyone who differs. They have the right to air their views in the media but when others do the same they are branded counter-revolutionaries, snakes and dogs.
That is not what we fought for. The values of our society are enshrined in the Freedom Charter, the Constitution and ubuntu. It is a courageous step to voice the truth in a storm of fierce opposition. The more diversified the contending voices in a society the better it is for its democratic wellbeing.
Many fear to differ on issues of principle because they fear those who hold arbitrary power to suspend or expel so-called dissidents.
I want a society where I can express my views free from intimidation or violence or inflammatory propaganda. The heroic sacrifices of our leaders cannot go to the dustbins of history trashed by people bent on ascending to power by all means, even if it means disregarding the rule of law.
Are we going to allow the abuse of power and position to go unabated or do we protect the values of humanity? It gives me hope to see that some people stand up against leaders who want to rule by force under the guise of democracy.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
The first black US president
Barack Hussein Obama makes history
On July 03 this year I made my predictions on this blog regarding three issues that were of concern to the world at large. One was that Barack Obama will be the first black US president. And indeed the senator from Illinois was elected as the 44th US president.
He won an overwhelming support of Americans both black and white and thus history was made by Barack. And it is worth celebrating his victory although I'm not sure yet as to how it will benefit us as Africans.
It also remains to be seen how he will handle the issue of Iraq, Afghanistan, the war on terror and the Israel-Arab conflict particularly Iran's uranium enrichment programme.
On the other two issues regarding the price of oil and the imminent attack on Iran by Israel I think that it is just a matter of time before these happen. As soon as the world financial crisis is under control the price of oil will skyrocket. The markets enjoy managing one crisis or another.
The tensions in the Middle East won't be resolved, not now. War is imminent in that part of the world as long as Islamic extremists believe that Israel must be destroyed and Israelis believe in their right to exist.
On July 03 this year I made my predictions on this blog regarding three issues that were of concern to the world at large. One was that Barack Obama will be the first black US president. And indeed the senator from Illinois was elected as the 44th US president.
He won an overwhelming support of Americans both black and white and thus history was made by Barack. And it is worth celebrating his victory although I'm not sure yet as to how it will benefit us as Africans.
It also remains to be seen how he will handle the issue of Iraq, Afghanistan, the war on terror and the Israel-Arab conflict particularly Iran's uranium enrichment programme.
On the other two issues regarding the price of oil and the imminent attack on Iran by Israel I think that it is just a matter of time before these happen. As soon as the world financial crisis is under control the price of oil will skyrocket. The markets enjoy managing one crisis or another.
The tensions in the Middle East won't be resolved, not now. War is imminent in that part of the world as long as Islamic extremists believe that Israel must be destroyed and Israelis believe in their right to exist.
Thursday 2 October 2008
So far so...
It's nearly even time. I mean for the year. Sooner we will be reveling as it will be the festive season. Then the festive season will pass and a new year will begin. This will continue the next and the following year until we are deep down six feet.
So what we are living for? To make it through each day and year so we can see the next. I think many people wouldn’t agree. Some contend they have a purpose greater than just making it through each day.
I love and hate the festive season. I love it because it's the time for reflection. I look back and look forward. The road I have trodden and the road that lies ahead.
But I hate the festive season for the noise, partying and brawls. Young people dance and drink and do all stupid things imaginable. This is the time when you might believe that the world is coming to an end.
As I look forward to 2009 I also look forward to production. In blogging, writing and photography. I also look forward to train as a journalist. Whether I get a journalism opportunity or not I must write for publication. The ultimate aim is to publish a novel.
In everything that I do I must not forget to give back to my community by working with my peers and interested community members to build and empower our neighbourhood.
We can only lead ourselves to a better life.
So what we are living for? To make it through each day and year so we can see the next. I think many people wouldn’t agree. Some contend they have a purpose greater than just making it through each day.
I love and hate the festive season. I love it because it's the time for reflection. I look back and look forward. The road I have trodden and the road that lies ahead.
But I hate the festive season for the noise, partying and brawls. Young people dance and drink and do all stupid things imaginable. This is the time when you might believe that the world is coming to an end.
As I look forward to 2009 I also look forward to production. In blogging, writing and photography. I also look forward to train as a journalist. Whether I get a journalism opportunity or not I must write for publication. The ultimate aim is to publish a novel.
In everything that I do I must not forget to give back to my community by working with my peers and interested community members to build and empower our neighbourhood.
We can only lead ourselves to a better life.
Friday 22 August 2008
Looks like 2009 is around corner
And the road seems long and bumpy
Since the beginning of the year achievements have not been abundant. I'm still living the old life I used to live last year.
There's no significant event that has occurred and by the looks of things nothing will occur. The year has four months left and I hope this year's December will be better than the last. Moreover, I believe I'll make the year 2009 a year of achievements.
The greatest challenge is to make the most out of the remaining months of the year. The most I can do is to read, write and pray. But I will create something to be proud of.
I will make it happen for my own sake.
Since the beginning of the year achievements have not been abundant. I'm still living the old life I used to live last year.
There's no significant event that has occurred and by the looks of things nothing will occur. The year has four months left and I hope this year's December will be better than the last. Moreover, I believe I'll make the year 2009 a year of achievements.
The greatest challenge is to make the most out of the remaining months of the year. The most I can do is to read, write and pray. But I will create something to be proud of.
I will make it happen for my own sake.
Thursday 21 August 2008
Been a long time
I have not blogged for a very long time.
Am I still interesed? Blogging is about writing and therefore I can't say I'm no longer interested. I should not limit myself to much but rather write as much as possible.
Further I should write what I like just as the late Black Consciosness Movement leader Bantu Stephen Biko. I don't mean to step on other people's toes and criticize unnecessarily like some writers and anlysts do.
All I'm going to do is write as much as possible. Time and tide waits for no man, and talent is wasted if a man of my writing prowess fails to pen diligently.
I will return shortly.
Am I still interesed? Blogging is about writing and therefore I can't say I'm no longer interested. I should not limit myself to much but rather write as much as possible.
Further I should write what I like just as the late Black Consciosness Movement leader Bantu Stephen Biko. I don't mean to step on other people's toes and criticize unnecessarily like some writers and anlysts do.
All I'm going to do is write as much as possible. Time and tide waits for no man, and talent is wasted if a man of my writing prowess fails to pen diligently.
I will return shortly.
Monday 7 July 2008
What makes Iran so confident?
World peace under threat
Claims that Iran wants to proceed with uranium enrichment in order to acquire a nuclear bomb are not to be taken lightly. Tehran has vehemently denied that it wants a nuclear bomb.
Despite this denial Iran's defiance and 'elimination of Israel from the face of the earth' war talk should not be allowed to go unchecked. This is hate speech and incitement to war and will do harm to the volatile Middle East region.
If Iran cannot recognize the state of Israel; obviously they will do anything in their power to destroy it, & what better way to do that than to get a nuclear bomb and drop it on the tiny state of Israel.
The haughtiness of Iran lies in the fact that it is the world's fourth largest oil producer. If it is attacked it might choke the supply of crude oil and this will lead to an undersupply and high prices. What a strategy to hold the world to ransom.
World leaders at the G8 summit in Japan should condemn Iran. Zimbabwe is a small issue as it is not likely to pose a threat to world peace
Should Israel attack Iran would it be justified to do so? You be the judge.
Claims that Iran wants to proceed with uranium enrichment in order to acquire a nuclear bomb are not to be taken lightly. Tehran has vehemently denied that it wants a nuclear bomb.
Despite this denial Iran's defiance and 'elimination of Israel from the face of the earth' war talk should not be allowed to go unchecked. This is hate speech and incitement to war and will do harm to the volatile Middle East region.
If Iran cannot recognize the state of Israel; obviously they will do anything in their power to destroy it, & what better way to do that than to get a nuclear bomb and drop it on the tiny state of Israel.
The haughtiness of Iran lies in the fact that it is the world's fourth largest oil producer. If it is attacked it might choke the supply of crude oil and this will lead to an undersupply and high prices. What a strategy to hold the world to ransom.
World leaders at the G8 summit in Japan should condemn Iran. Zimbabwe is a small issue as it is not likely to pose a threat to world peace
Should Israel attack Iran would it be justified to do so? You be the judge.
Thursday 3 July 2008
3 Things Likely to Happen
I predict that the following will happen in the next few months:
1. The price of oil will continue to rise. It was selling at more than $145 dollars on Thursday. By the end of the year it will soar past $200.
2. An attack on Iran by Israel. Though George W Bush has indicated that a diplomatic solution is the way to go, Israel is bent on attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.
3. Barack Obama will be the first black American President. He's won a tough race against Hillary Clinton and is the favourite to take over as the next US President.
1. The price of oil will continue to rise. It was selling at more than $145 dollars on Thursday. By the end of the year it will soar past $200.
2. An attack on Iran by Israel. Though George W Bush has indicated that a diplomatic solution is the way to go, Israel is bent on attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.
3. Barack Obama will be the first black American President. He's won a tough race against Hillary Clinton and is the favourite to take over as the next US President.
Monday 23 June 2008
Interests rates go up again
And so does my blood pressure
On Friday the 13th my blood pressure was abnormally high. Incidentally, when interest rates rise my blood pressure follows suit.
Over the past two years interest rates have risen steadily to the extent of threatening our livelihood. The National Credit Act has gone a long way in reducing reckless lending and borrowing. So the regular rise in interest rates is uncalled for.
Enough is enough. Mr. Tito Mboweni, please have mercy on us. We are struggling to make ends meet with rising food and fuel prices. A few months back a R100 note could buy me a few necessary grocery items, but now it's worthless.
What is difficult to stomach is that my house is slowly slipping out of my hands. With each interest rate hike I fear that I will end up in the streets or in a mkhuhku lest I sell my house and ensure I get a handsome R50 000 profit.
I can then use this to buy an RDP house. The prices range from R20 000 to R100 000 depending on the area and improvements on the property.
The price of electricity will rise by 27.5% from July and petrol will also increase by 70 cents a litre. My predictions that this will be a gloomy year are correct.
The next certain thing is not economic stability but the end of the world.
On Friday the 13th my blood pressure was abnormally high. Incidentally, when interest rates rise my blood pressure follows suit.
Over the past two years interest rates have risen steadily to the extent of threatening our livelihood. The National Credit Act has gone a long way in reducing reckless lending and borrowing. So the regular rise in interest rates is uncalled for.
Enough is enough. Mr. Tito Mboweni, please have mercy on us. We are struggling to make ends meet with rising food and fuel prices. A few months back a R100 note could buy me a few necessary grocery items, but now it's worthless.
What is difficult to stomach is that my house is slowly slipping out of my hands. With each interest rate hike I fear that I will end up in the streets or in a mkhuhku lest I sell my house and ensure I get a handsome R50 000 profit.
I can then use this to buy an RDP house. The prices range from R20 000 to R100 000 depending on the area and improvements on the property.
The price of electricity will rise by 27.5% from July and petrol will also increase by 70 cents a litre. My predictions that this will be a gloomy year are correct.
The next certain thing is not economic stability but the end of the world.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
14 years of freedom
Reasons to celebrate
Creation of a black elite
Eskom regular power cuts
Rising food prices & interest rates
Abortion and gay marriages
Spiralling crime
Creation of a black elite
Eskom regular power cuts
Rising food prices & interest rates
Abortion and gay marriages
Spiralling crime
Wednesday 23 April 2008
Why South Africans hate immigrants
Xenophobia hides behind a string of unconvincing reasons
The attacks by South Africans on foreigners are heartrending. Whether a person is in the country legally or otherwise we cannot sit and fold our arms while the dark flame of xenophobia engulfs the African nation.
During the apartheid years illegal migrant workers from Mozambique, fleeing the civil war in their country, settled in the black townships and lived peacefully with the locals. They used fake ID’s and surnames; they were taunted sometimes but they remained part of our communities.
After the 1994 democratic elections, the government allowed people from other African countries to move freely in and out of the country. Africans fleeing hunger, civil wars, repression and others seeking better career opportunities flocked here.
Some entered the country as refugees, and yet others illegally.
The years following 1994 eroded the hospitality and ubuntu of the South Africans due to a rising cost of living, spiralling crime, corruption in the home affairs department and joblessness.
Accustomed to blaming apartheid for their problems, the locals turned to the illegal immigrants as their scapegoat. Some of the reasons advanced for the inhumane treatment of black foreigners include, amongst others, that:
• They are taking our jobs (they sell their labour far below accepted minimum wages)
• Commit acts of crime (housebreaking, car theft, robbery, muggings, rape etc)
• Steal our names by buying fake ID’s
• Sell drugs and run brothels (mostly referring to Nigerians)
• Dirty and overcrowd the streets of Joburg with their markets (street stalls)
• Take "our" businesses (spaza shops and interent cafés)
• They bring illness and deseases
• Steal our wives and daughters (to make them live-in partners
• Corrupt our government officials
• Invade buildings in the Joburg inner-city
Although some of the concerns raised by South Africans hold water, not all immigrants living here are destroying the country. It is therefore important for us to practice tolerance and accommodate our neighbour in times of need. But obviously we must be wary of bandits who are here to loot and cause chaos.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A754242
The attacks by South Africans on foreigners are heartrending. Whether a person is in the country legally or otherwise we cannot sit and fold our arms while the dark flame of xenophobia engulfs the African nation.
During the apartheid years illegal migrant workers from Mozambique, fleeing the civil war in their country, settled in the black townships and lived peacefully with the locals. They used fake ID’s and surnames; they were taunted sometimes but they remained part of our communities.
After the 1994 democratic elections, the government allowed people from other African countries to move freely in and out of the country. Africans fleeing hunger, civil wars, repression and others seeking better career opportunities flocked here.
Some entered the country as refugees, and yet others illegally.
The years following 1994 eroded the hospitality and ubuntu of the South Africans due to a rising cost of living, spiralling crime, corruption in the home affairs department and joblessness.
Accustomed to blaming apartheid for their problems, the locals turned to the illegal immigrants as their scapegoat. Some of the reasons advanced for the inhumane treatment of black foreigners include, amongst others, that:
• They are taking our jobs (they sell their labour far below accepted minimum wages)
• Commit acts of crime (housebreaking, car theft, robbery, muggings, rape etc)
• Steal our names by buying fake ID’s
• Sell drugs and run brothels (mostly referring to Nigerians)
• Dirty and overcrowd the streets of Joburg with their markets (street stalls)
• Take "our" businesses (spaza shops and interent cafés)
• They bring illness and deseases
• Steal our wives and daughters (to make them live-in partners
• Corrupt our government officials
• Invade buildings in the Joburg inner-city
Although some of the concerns raised by South Africans hold water, not all immigrants living here are destroying the country. It is therefore important for us to practice tolerance and accommodate our neighbour in times of need. But obviously we must be wary of bandits who are here to loot and cause chaos.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A754242
Tuesday 22 April 2008
Why the bitterness
What do whites want?
Whites are angry, very angry. Just read their prominent columnists, including the former Sunday Times' David Bullard, Thought Leader contributors, letters to newspaper editors and their blogs. They are forever spewing bile at the government, the leaders and blacks in general.
Why they are angry I'm not certain. But I think it is because of crime, the black government, corruption, BEE, affirmative action, race quotas and racial integration. Although they have lost political power, whites still command economic power.
On crime and other issues they are not alone. Crime affects me too and my community and unfortunately we don’t have money to install sophisticated security systems or hire security companies. I 'm angry too on this one. We hate corruption and nepotism but we cannot overlook the good the government does because of a few black sheep.
Years after legislated racial segregation was abolished, most whites (not all of course) still think that blacks are criminals, incapable of leading, inherently corrupt, don’t deserve the best jobs and to share in the country's wealth. Did they criticize the apartheid government with the same passion they criticize the black government?
Apartheid was a reflection of the collective psyche of whites. And it is not easy for them to accept that the glory days of apartheid are behind us. But let's pray that they will wake up to the reality that you don’t build by trashing all and sundry just because they are of a different race.
Whites are angry, very angry. Just read their prominent columnists, including the former Sunday Times' David Bullard, Thought Leader contributors, letters to newspaper editors and their blogs. They are forever spewing bile at the government, the leaders and blacks in general.
Why they are angry I'm not certain. But I think it is because of crime, the black government, corruption, BEE, affirmative action, race quotas and racial integration. Although they have lost political power, whites still command economic power.
On crime and other issues they are not alone. Crime affects me too and my community and unfortunately we don’t have money to install sophisticated security systems or hire security companies. I 'm angry too on this one. We hate corruption and nepotism but we cannot overlook the good the government does because of a few black sheep.
Years after legislated racial segregation was abolished, most whites (not all of course) still think that blacks are criminals, incapable of leading, inherently corrupt, don’t deserve the best jobs and to share in the country's wealth. Did they criticize the apartheid government with the same passion they criticize the black government?
Apartheid was a reflection of the collective psyche of whites. And it is not easy for them to accept that the glory days of apartheid are behind us. But let's pray that they will wake up to the reality that you don’t build by trashing all and sundry just because they are of a different race.
Monday 21 April 2008
Please go back home fellow Zimbabweans
I would like to appeal to all fellow Zimbabweans to return to their motherland. Running away to South Africa in droves won't alleviate the problems you left behind in your country.
The self proclaimed martyr, Morgan Tsvangirai, should lead all the Zimbabweans back to their country to stage protests against perceived oppression, dictatorship, election rigging and theft. What do you want Thabo Mbeki to do, send an army to Harare to forcibly remove Mugabe?
If you want that go to the African Union (AU), they managed to remove Mohamed Bacar of Anjouan in the Comoros islands from the office he held illegally. The AU should be fair enough and remove Mugabe if it is true that he stole the votes.
Please stop blaming Mbeki and rather make your case to the AU. If that fails, call upon your courage and go and demonstrate in the streets of the capital. Apparently, you are on your own and it's every man for himself.
All you need is UNITY.
The self proclaimed martyr, Morgan Tsvangirai, should lead all the Zimbabweans back to their country to stage protests against perceived oppression, dictatorship, election rigging and theft. What do you want Thabo Mbeki to do, send an army to Harare to forcibly remove Mugabe?
If you want that go to the African Union (AU), they managed to remove Mohamed Bacar of Anjouan in the Comoros islands from the office he held illegally. The AU should be fair enough and remove Mugabe if it is true that he stole the votes.
Please stop blaming Mbeki and rather make your case to the AU. If that fails, call upon your courage and go and demonstrate in the streets of the capital. Apparently, you are on your own and it's every man for himself.
All you need is UNITY.
Thursday 17 April 2008
We'll miss Reporter.co.za
It was with heaviness of heart that I learnt Reporter.co.za will be going on a break at the end of April.
They want to revamp it. We don't know how long this will take but I hope that when it comes back, it will be better and livelier. We also don't know if it will indeed come back.
We will surely miss our champion of online journalism.
At least I have my own blog and it will keep me busy in the meantime. Further, I must express my gratitude to Reporter.co.za for motivating me to start my own blog and write what I like.
They want to revamp it. We don't know how long this will take but I hope that when it comes back, it will be better and livelier. We also don't know if it will indeed come back.
We will surely miss our champion of online journalism.
At least I have my own blog and it will keep me busy in the meantime. Further, I must express my gratitude to Reporter.co.za for motivating me to start my own blog and write what I like.
Wednesday 9 April 2008
I’m very afraid
My piece published in Reporter.co.za today
By Tsuai
Academic and freedom of speech under assault.
The flurry of criticism thrown at Unisa rector Barney Pityana for saying that Zuma is a leader who does not inspire confidence is alarming.
Pityana, a respected academic, recently told the Law Society of South Africa that JZ is a flip-flop leader. Most analysts concur that Zuma is a cunning politician who tells different sections of the population what they want to hear. In the process he sometimes contradicts himself.
Meanwhile, our society is degenerating as a select group of people want to claim monopoly of views in the battle of ideas. And those who differ with them are labeled as conservative, ultra-left, pushing the white/DA (Democratic Alliance) agenda, anti- transformation and racist.
Apparently I’m becoming a reactionary. But freedom of speech, freedom to differ with the opinions of others is a fundamental element of a democratic constitutional state.
I’m afraid to differ. I realised that you cannot differ and get away with it when I was personally attacked in a discussion forum of a prominent youth organisation for voicing a different opinion (http://tsuai.blogspot.com/2007/12/things-that-i-do.html). In this discussion forum, those who voice views that are not sanctioned by the majority are cut to pieces.
This makes me wonder what the purpose of debate is? Don’t we discuss and debate so that we can differ? After all, we are different and can never think alike.
http://www.reporter.co.za/columnists/article.aspx?ID=RP21A744650
By Tsuai
Academic and freedom of speech under assault.
The flurry of criticism thrown at Unisa rector Barney Pityana for saying that Zuma is a leader who does not inspire confidence is alarming.
Pityana, a respected academic, recently told the Law Society of South Africa that JZ is a flip-flop leader. Most analysts concur that Zuma is a cunning politician who tells different sections of the population what they want to hear. In the process he sometimes contradicts himself.
Meanwhile, our society is degenerating as a select group of people want to claim monopoly of views in the battle of ideas. And those who differ with them are labeled as conservative, ultra-left, pushing the white/DA (Democratic Alliance) agenda, anti- transformation and racist.
Apparently I’m becoming a reactionary. But freedom of speech, freedom to differ with the opinions of others is a fundamental element of a democratic constitutional state.
I’m afraid to differ. I realised that you cannot differ and get away with it when I was personally attacked in a discussion forum of a prominent youth organisation for voicing a different opinion (http://tsuai.blogspot.com/2007/12/things-that-i-do.html). In this discussion forum, those who voice views that are not sanctioned by the majority are cut to pieces.
This makes me wonder what the purpose of debate is? Don’t we discuss and debate so that we can differ? After all, we are different and can never think alike.
http://www.reporter.co.za/columnists/article.aspx?ID=RP21A744650
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Writing for our times
'... and I didn’t want to go to any other black I knew in London. It's one thing to be comrades against whites and it's totally another to be penniless; the comrades would be suddenly struck by amnesia as far as knowing you went.' p.58 The Black Insider Dambudzo Marechera.
These are the words of Zimbabwean born writer and poet Dambudzo Marechera (1952-1987). He wrote The Black Insider while living in London where he had been offered a scholarship to study at Oxford.
In 1979 his book, The House of Hunger, won the prestigious Gurdian First Book Award.
I think many people living in post apartheid South Africa will identify with his words in. There was a time in my life when I felt alienated and hopeless and when I read these words they struck me like a gem of undiscovered truth.
The late Marechera was a terrific writer. And he would put to words through his incisive writing what many were afraid to say. He spoke truth to power. In post apartheid South Africa we need writers like Dambudzo who can fearlessly capture the state and mood of our nation and challenge the status quo. Notably, we need more young black writers.
I'm going to write a novel and tell about life from the south of Africa.
These are the words of Zimbabwean born writer and poet Dambudzo Marechera (1952-1987). He wrote The Black Insider while living in London where he had been offered a scholarship to study at Oxford.
In 1979 his book, The House of Hunger, won the prestigious Gurdian First Book Award.
I think many people living in post apartheid South Africa will identify with his words in. There was a time in my life when I felt alienated and hopeless and when I read these words they struck me like a gem of undiscovered truth.
The late Marechera was a terrific writer. And he would put to words through his incisive writing what many were afraid to say. He spoke truth to power. In post apartheid South Africa we need writers like Dambudzo who can fearlessly capture the state and mood of our nation and challenge the status quo. Notably, we need more young black writers.
I'm going to write a novel and tell about life from the south of Africa.
Friday 4 April 2008
Happy preparation day
I encourage you 'to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Nothing beats prayer.
'Prayer is the breath of the soul ...the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence ...and the opening of the heart to God as to a Friend.' Christ's Object Lessons p.129 in Great Prayers & Pray-ers of the Bible, Seventh Adventist Church Adult Bible Study Quarter 1 2001
'So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.' Luke 11:9,10
I wish everyone a happy day of preparation.
'Prayer is the breath of the soul ...the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence ...and the opening of the heart to God as to a Friend.' Christ's Object Lessons p.129 in Great Prayers & Pray-ers of the Bible, Seventh Adventist Church Adult Bible Study Quarter 1 2001
'So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.' Luke 11:9,10
I wish everyone a happy day of preparation.
Thursday 3 April 2008
Words of Inspiration
Now that we are living in the perilous last days, I entreat you to ‘...take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ (Ephesians 6:17).
‘No man can gain insight into the Word of God without the illumination of the Holy Spirit. If we will but come into the right position before God, His light will shine upon us in rich, clear rays.’ Ellen G White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1152 in God Shows and Tells, p.60, SDA Adult Bible Study Guide Quarter 1 1999.
Stay blessed.
‘No man can gain insight into the Word of God without the illumination of the Holy Spirit. If we will but come into the right position before God, His light will shine upon us in rich, clear rays.’ Ellen G White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1152 in God Shows and Tells, p.60, SDA Adult Bible Study Guide Quarter 1 1999.
Stay blessed.
Tuesday 1 April 2008
Koolie, boesman, coconut, grigamba or makwerekwere
Another piece I wrote for Reporter.co.za published today.
By Tsuai
Observe the golden rule and stop name calling
During the dark repressive years of apartheid whites used to call black Africans kaffirs. This name is derogatory and Africans resented it and they still do today. White racists who are not happy with transformation in the country still call blacks kaffirs.
Blacks retaliated by calling Afrikaners boers. They did this to spite the Afrikaners but the boers were not offended in any way. They are, after all, boers, which means farmer.
Seemingly the whites were the masters of bigotry. They called the Indians koelie. And to be honest, I have known Indians as koelies and it was only later that I learnt that the name was derogatory.
Then there is the boesnman. This is used to refer to the coloured people who are descendants of white and black South Africans. The word boesman in fact means bushmen but some silly people use it to the humiliate coloureds.
But it looks as if black South Africans have not learnt their lesson. They continue to call their fellow Africans from across the continent with demeaning names. These are the people we should treat with more respect than with disdain. Instead of calling them grigambas and makwerekwere because of their darker hue and language, we should embrace and welcome them as our brothers and sisters.
Lastly, there are blacks who are privileged and live in the suburbs, go to private schools, speak English with an accent and shun the townships where they were born. They would rather keep white than black company. Is it necessary for us to call them coconuts? Why can’t we live and let live?
As a nation, we must learn to treat others as we would like them to treat us.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A737789
By Tsuai
Observe the golden rule and stop name calling
During the dark repressive years of apartheid whites used to call black Africans kaffirs. This name is derogatory and Africans resented it and they still do today. White racists who are not happy with transformation in the country still call blacks kaffirs.
Blacks retaliated by calling Afrikaners boers. They did this to spite the Afrikaners but the boers were not offended in any way. They are, after all, boers, which means farmer.
Seemingly the whites were the masters of bigotry. They called the Indians koelie. And to be honest, I have known Indians as koelies and it was only later that I learnt that the name was derogatory.
Then there is the boesnman. This is used to refer to the coloured people who are descendants of white and black South Africans. The word boesman in fact means bushmen but some silly people use it to the humiliate coloureds.
But it looks as if black South Africans have not learnt their lesson. They continue to call their fellow Africans from across the continent with demeaning names. These are the people we should treat with more respect than with disdain. Instead of calling them grigambas and makwerekwere because of their darker hue and language, we should embrace and welcome them as our brothers and sisters.
Lastly, there are blacks who are privileged and live in the suburbs, go to private schools, speak English with an accent and shun the townships where they were born. They would rather keep white than black company. Is it necessary for us to call them coconuts? Why can’t we live and let live?
As a nation, we must learn to treat others as we would like them to treat us.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A737789
Zim MDC must await official election results
The leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirayi, must not preempt the election results by announcing early victory prior to the release of official results.
By so doing he is stoking the fires of post election violence should the MDC lose the election. Who wants another Kenya just across our border. We have more than enough illegal Zimbabwean immigrants living in South Africa.
Yesterday in the Johannesburg city centre, near the Noord street taxi rank, Zimbabweans were happily proclaiming that MDC has won and Mugabe is out. This is as a result of the irresponsible behavior of people like Tsvangirayi.
He should wait until the results are officially released. If there is any reasonable suspicion of election rigging, then the intervention of the African Union (AU) can be sought.
If the AU concludes that the elections were indeed rigged then they should act, and do so harshly. They can send an army to remove anyone clinging to power illegally like they did in the Comoros Island. Then I'll have confidence in the toothless AU.
By so doing he is stoking the fires of post election violence should the MDC lose the election. Who wants another Kenya just across our border. We have more than enough illegal Zimbabwean immigrants living in South Africa.
Yesterday in the Johannesburg city centre, near the Noord street taxi rank, Zimbabweans were happily proclaiming that MDC has won and Mugabe is out. This is as a result of the irresponsible behavior of people like Tsvangirayi.
He should wait until the results are officially released. If there is any reasonable suspicion of election rigging, then the intervention of the African Union (AU) can be sought.
If the AU concludes that the elections were indeed rigged then they should act, and do so harshly. They can send an army to remove anyone clinging to power illegally like they did in the Comoros Island. Then I'll have confidence in the toothless AU.
Thursday 20 March 2008
Going on sabbatical
I will be on a sabbatical for a week. It is incumbent that I go on vacation and I don't want to mention the consequences that would result should I fail to do so.
When I come back I will give my blog a new lease of life. I will improve the image and the quality of the news, commentary and write more frequently.
I wish everyone a happy Easter weekend. I pray that people will avoid things like alcohol, drugs and speeding.
I encourage everyone to read. You may read a book, a poem, a story or newspaper. But whatever you do, don't forget to read.
When I come back I will give my blog a new lease of life. I will improve the image and the quality of the news, commentary and write more frequently.
I wish everyone a happy Easter weekend. I pray that people will avoid things like alcohol, drugs and speeding.
I encourage everyone to read. You may read a book, a poem, a story or newspaper. But whatever you do, don't forget to read.
Wednesday 19 March 2008
We are not kaffirs
The name kaffir is a derogatory name that Afrikaners used to call Africans during the era of apartheid racialism. Some racist elements still use the name but apparently the incidents are isolated. One can compare this to the situation in the United Sates when white Americnas used to insult African Americans by calling them niggers.
Although some African Americans have accepted the name nigger to refer to themselves, we South Africans have not and we will never embrace the kaffir name. Who knows, maybe after 100 centuries?
When Arthur released the song "Kaffir" in the mid 1990's I thought the name would find appeal among the youth kwaito generation. Being part of this generation then, we tried using the name with my friends but it simply didn’t stick. It is an ugly name and there is nothing cool about it.
When Irvin Khoza told an African journalist to stop thinking like a kaffir I was baffled. He went on to claim that Africans in the townships use the name to refer to themselves. That is a blatant lie. Perhaps he considers himself a kaffir, but he must not think we are also kaffirs.
All I can say is that the man does, after all, talk like a kaffir.
Although some African Americans have accepted the name nigger to refer to themselves, we South Africans have not and we will never embrace the kaffir name. Who knows, maybe after 100 centuries?
When Arthur released the song "Kaffir" in the mid 1990's I thought the name would find appeal among the youth kwaito generation. Being part of this generation then, we tried using the name with my friends but it simply didn’t stick. It is an ugly name and there is nothing cool about it.
When Irvin Khoza told an African journalist to stop thinking like a kaffir I was baffled. He went on to claim that Africans in the townships use the name to refer to themselves. That is a blatant lie. Perhaps he considers himself a kaffir, but he must not think we are also kaffirs.
All I can say is that the man does, after all, talk like a kaffir.
Thursday 13 March 2008
666
Is the Beast about to reveal himself?
When Fikile Mbalula, president of the African National Congress Youth League said that the sale of liquor must be banned on Sunday I was not overly surprised. It set my mind wondering why Mbalula chose Sunday of all the days.
I asked myself; did he visit the Vatican and was asked to subtly champion the sanctity of Sunday and the impending mandatory Sunday worship?
I find this distressing. Maybe it's because I refuse to take it lightly. Hardly a week after the statement by Mbalula, the British Parly passed a motion numbered 666 on the order paper calling for the separation of state and church.
The efforts to unite the world and to bring about so-called global peace and prosperity under one government are nothing but a farce to control the world and force people to worship on Sunday.
The beast is revealed. He is a man, and his number is 666, and he is VICARIUS FILII DEI.
When Fikile Mbalula, president of the African National Congress Youth League said that the sale of liquor must be banned on Sunday I was not overly surprised. It set my mind wondering why Mbalula chose Sunday of all the days.
I asked myself; did he visit the Vatican and was asked to subtly champion the sanctity of Sunday and the impending mandatory Sunday worship?
I find this distressing. Maybe it's because I refuse to take it lightly. Hardly a week after the statement by Mbalula, the British Parly passed a motion numbered 666 on the order paper calling for the separation of state and church.
The efforts to unite the world and to bring about so-called global peace and prosperity under one government are nothing but a farce to control the world and force people to worship on Sunday.
The beast is revealed. He is a man, and his number is 666, and he is VICARIUS FILII DEI.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Are police cowards?
We want the army
Police are human. They have their fears, concerns, aspirations and goals.
The fact that they have undergone intensive physical and firearm training and that they carry guns and shoot to kill when it is necessary does not make them Terminators or Rambos.
But their role remains a noble and imperative one; to protect our lives and property.
As marauding gangs of armed bandits intensify their siege on ordinary citizens in the country, we look up to the police to protect us.
But what do we do when police themselves are scarred of the armed criminals who answer fire with fire?
The brutal murder of seven year-old Gofaone Tyatya at the Zandspruit informal settlement in Johannesburg on Sunday raises doubts about the ability of the police to deal effectively with crime.
If police are afraid to respond to a crime because an area is dangerous then we are doomed. The fact that they did not have a car is a lame excuse. Where were the cars in the first place?
If they are afraid, then the government must excuse them and bring in the army. They will surely do a better job. I bet some have been in the barracks for some time and are now itching for some action.
All South Africans, black and white, are sick and tired of crime.
Police are human. They have their fears, concerns, aspirations and goals.
The fact that they have undergone intensive physical and firearm training and that they carry guns and shoot to kill when it is necessary does not make them Terminators or Rambos.
But their role remains a noble and imperative one; to protect our lives and property.
As marauding gangs of armed bandits intensify their siege on ordinary citizens in the country, we look up to the police to protect us.
But what do we do when police themselves are scarred of the armed criminals who answer fire with fire?
The brutal murder of seven year-old Gofaone Tyatya at the Zandspruit informal settlement in Johannesburg on Sunday raises doubts about the ability of the police to deal effectively with crime.
If police are afraid to respond to a crime because an area is dangerous then we are doomed. The fact that they did not have a car is a lame excuse. Where were the cars in the first place?
If they are afraid, then the government must excuse them and bring in the army. They will surely do a better job. I bet some have been in the barracks for some time and are now itching for some action.
All South Africans, black and white, are sick and tired of crime.
Monday 3 March 2008
Scantily clad women march to taxi rank
Published in Reporter.co.za today.
Taxi drivers angered by marchers blockade
By Tsuai
The Noord street taxi rank came to a chilling standstill on Friday when scantily clad women marched to the rank in protest against the disrespectful behavior of taxi drivers towards women.
The marchers, under the banner of Remmoho Women’s Forum (RWF), were determined to assert their freedom and right to choose what to wear and when to wear it. This march followed the incident at the Noord street taxi rank where a 25 year old woman’s clothes were torn off because she was wearing a mini-skirt.
The indecent assault has aroused widespread condemnation from all and sundry.
The police had to call for back up to prevent the taxi drivers from attacking the marchers who blockaded the Plein street exit of the taxi rank. Marchers sang struggle songs, danced and exposed their breasts and panties provocatively as they dared the taxi drivers to touch them.
The taxi drivers retaliated by singing ’Awulethu umshini wam,’ (bring me my machine gun), insulting the female marchers and taking off their trousers and showing off their backside. A drunken man believed to be a taxi queue marshal was arrested for insulting and provoking the police.
The secretary of the Top Six taxi association Mr. Mogorosi accepted the memorandum of demand from the marchers and condemned the behavior of those taxi drivers who sexually harass women.
When asked whether RWF condoned the actions of the marchers who showed off their bodies, Nosipho Twala justified the behavior as a form of protest and a show of disgust and outrage at what they did to the female who was sexually harassed and many other women.
Another leader of the marchers, Tebogo Mashota, said that they were ’not intimidated by the actions of the taxi drivers.’
Most of the marchers believe that women must not be controlled by males, their parents, and the community as to what they must wear.
http://www.reporter.co.za/newszone/article.aspx?ID=RP21A718550
Thursday 28 February 2008
Mini-skirt incident sparks outrage
This is an article by Tsuai, my alter ego, published in Reporter.co.za
Women to march to Noord street taxi rank
The incident at the Noord street taxi rank in central Johannesburg, where a 25 year old woman’s clothes were torn apart because she was wearing a miniskirt, is an indication of how morally bankrupt and sick our society is.
Women say it raises concerns about the victimization of women by men and taxi drivers in particular. This is not the first time that such incident has occurred at this taxi rank.
They say that if the trend is allowed to continue without being checked by the authorities and conscientious community members, it will get out of control.
A group of women under the banner of Remmoho Women’s Forum, which is an initiative of the Anti Privatization Forum, will march to the Noord street taxi rank on Friday to highlight the plight of women who suffer sexual harassment and indecent assault at the hands of taxi drivers.
Teboho Mashota of Remmoho, which means we are together, said that this behavior ’has to come to an end, and it is not happening for the first time.’
They also want the authorities to improve security at the taxi rank and update them on progress of the investigation into the sexual assault case of the 25 year old woman.
’We also want an explanation as to what happened and why the police do not have footage from the closed circuit cameras in that area,’ she said
The march is expected to attract hundreds of women who will move from Beyers Naude Square to the Noord street taxi rank. They will be united in the fight for women to be treated with respect, dignity and humanity.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A716339
Women to march to Noord street taxi rank
The incident at the Noord street taxi rank in central Johannesburg, where a 25 year old woman’s clothes were torn apart because she was wearing a miniskirt, is an indication of how morally bankrupt and sick our society is.
Women say it raises concerns about the victimization of women by men and taxi drivers in particular. This is not the first time that such incident has occurred at this taxi rank.
They say that if the trend is allowed to continue without being checked by the authorities and conscientious community members, it will get out of control.
A group of women under the banner of Remmoho Women’s Forum, which is an initiative of the Anti Privatization Forum, will march to the Noord street taxi rank on Friday to highlight the plight of women who suffer sexual harassment and indecent assault at the hands of taxi drivers.
Teboho Mashota of Remmoho, which means we are together, said that this behavior ’has to come to an end, and it is not happening for the first time.’
They also want the authorities to improve security at the taxi rank and update them on progress of the investigation into the sexual assault case of the 25 year old woman.
’We also want an explanation as to what happened and why the police do not have footage from the closed circuit cameras in that area,’ she said
The march is expected to attract hundreds of women who will move from Beyers Naude Square to the Noord street taxi rank. They will be united in the fight for women to be treated with respect, dignity and humanity.
http://www.reporter.co.za/article.aspx?ID=RP21A716339
Monday 18 February 2008
Letter to the Editor (The Star newspaper)
Published on Thursday February 14 2008. (Klipoortje is in Germiston and not Alberton)
There is no compelling reason to have two deputy presidents. One is enough as it is. The ANC deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, must wait for his time to come if he wants to serve in government.
During the time of the government of national unity it was understandable and justifiable to have two deputy presidents. The aim was to forge national unity in the country.
When Nelson Mandela became the country's president he had no experience in government. But he did make the best of his term as president and managed to serve as a symbol of unity and reconciliation. Let us hope that Motlanthe will wait until the next round of deployments to get into the government and then prove his worth as a leader.
Thando Tshangela
Klipoortje, Alberton
There is no compelling reason to have two deputy presidents. One is enough as it is. The ANC deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, must wait for his time to come if he wants to serve in government.
During the time of the government of national unity it was understandable and justifiable to have two deputy presidents. The aim was to forge national unity in the country.
When Nelson Mandela became the country's president he had no experience in government. But he did make the best of his term as president and managed to serve as a symbol of unity and reconciliation. Let us hope that Motlanthe will wait until the next round of deployments to get into the government and then prove his worth as a leader.
Thando Tshangela
Klipoortje, Alberton
Monday 28 January 2008
Cry the beloved country
Cry the beloved country
I foresee tough times ahead of us. South Africa is facing innumerable challenges for the year 2008.
One fundamental challenge is the doubtful calibre of leadership elected at the Polokwane Conference of the ruling liberation movement the African National Congress (ANC) in December 2007.
Just a month after their eventful election the national executive committee members of the ANC have attacked the judiciary and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Their contention is that the judiciary is not partial and possibly Jacob Zuma might not get a fair trial.
Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Dikgang Moseneke was the latest causality of this unwarranted vitriol directed at the judiciary. But the ANC has since retracted its statement after a meeting with Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke.
The former President of the same Constitutional Court Justice Arthur Chaskalson and human rights lawyer George Bizos had to defend the independence of the judiciary to ensure that politicians don't rubbish judges.
How can we, ordinary law-abiding citizens, have confidence in the administration of justices and respect judges if our leaders attack them and cast doubt on their professional independence and impartiality?
Are the attacks a deliberate attempt to discredit the judiciary and the prosecuting authority before the appeal case of ANC President Jacob Zuma is heard in the Constitutional Court in March? The appeal from the Supreme Court of Appeal relate to the search and seizure operations by the Scorpions at Zuma's residence and his lawyers' offices.
An indictment has already been served on Zuma to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court for corruption, fraud, racketeering, and tax evasion in August this year. It is probable that the attacks are aimed at creating an impression that the NPA and judiciary are not going to be impartial and that Zuma will therefore not get a fair trial.
We are all equal before the law and everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is thus important that each and every accused must be afforded an opportunity to prove his innocence. This is what Zuma must get and it will be in the best interests of the country for politicians to stay out of the whole process.
On the issue of the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions), the NPAs investigation arm, the ANC's December conference resolved that the unit be integrated into the South African Police Service (SAPS). This is because the Scorpions have been audacious in their pursuit of corruption by the ruling class and their patrons. It is also blamed for Zuma's woes.
The planned integration must happen by June. The whole issue of doing away with the Scorpions as an independent investigation unit has raised the ire of opposition parties that strongly believe that the Scorpions should not be disbanded. They argue that it is necessary to retain the unit as a means to help fight white-collar crime and corruption by the top politicians and police members.
With the year in its infancy, we look set to dig deeper into our already empty pockets. The price of bread has gone up by 40 cents. A shop in my area has hiked the price by 60 cents and their loaf costs an exorbitant R6.60.
Our woes don’t stop here. They will possibly continue right through the year. Over the past 18 months interest rates have been hiked up more than I can count and some analysts predict that they will rise this year as the Reserve Bank tries to curb inflation.
This has had a negative impact on the household income of many South Africans who are struggling to make ends meet.
The petrol price is set to increase by 15-20 cents next month. And when the cost of petrol goes up, food prices go up. Taxi fares will also go up and this will be a burden for us as we will have to fork out more for our traveling expenses to work and fro.
The price of Brent crude oil, which climbed to a high of $96 a barrel, is likely to reach $100 before the end of June, I suppose. This will of course have negative repercussions for us and the whole world.
What is lamentable is that the poor, the ordinary man on the street, is going to suffer most. The wages that we get now are not enough, and it looks as if we are going to find it difficult to eke out an existence.
Another issue that is of concern is the electricity supply. The electricity supply commission (Eskom) has hiked tariffs by 14% but consumers will start to feel the pinch in July when local municipalities raise their electricity charges.
Despite the increase in the price of electricity, most parts of the country are experiencing load-shedding (electricity cuts) as Eskom maintains that there are power supply shortages and these will continue for the next five years. As a result we need to save electricity and also consider alternative sources of power.
With the winter not in the far too distant future, I think the load shedding means that one must brace himself for a cold, dark winter.
The year 2008 is going to be a gloomy, cold and tough year. Folks, let us keep the torch of hope alive and brace ourselves for the year of the rat.
I foresee tough times ahead of us. South Africa is facing innumerable challenges for the year 2008.
One fundamental challenge is the doubtful calibre of leadership elected at the Polokwane Conference of the ruling liberation movement the African National Congress (ANC) in December 2007.
Just a month after their eventful election the national executive committee members of the ANC have attacked the judiciary and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Their contention is that the judiciary is not partial and possibly Jacob Zuma might not get a fair trial.
Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Dikgang Moseneke was the latest causality of this unwarranted vitriol directed at the judiciary. But the ANC has since retracted its statement after a meeting with Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke.
The former President of the same Constitutional Court Justice Arthur Chaskalson and human rights lawyer George Bizos had to defend the independence of the judiciary to ensure that politicians don't rubbish judges.
How can we, ordinary law-abiding citizens, have confidence in the administration of justices and respect judges if our leaders attack them and cast doubt on their professional independence and impartiality?
Are the attacks a deliberate attempt to discredit the judiciary and the prosecuting authority before the appeal case of ANC President Jacob Zuma is heard in the Constitutional Court in March? The appeal from the Supreme Court of Appeal relate to the search and seizure operations by the Scorpions at Zuma's residence and his lawyers' offices.
An indictment has already been served on Zuma to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court for corruption, fraud, racketeering, and tax evasion in August this year. It is probable that the attacks are aimed at creating an impression that the NPA and judiciary are not going to be impartial and that Zuma will therefore not get a fair trial.
We are all equal before the law and everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. It is thus important that each and every accused must be afforded an opportunity to prove his innocence. This is what Zuma must get and it will be in the best interests of the country for politicians to stay out of the whole process.
On the issue of the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions), the NPAs investigation arm, the ANC's December conference resolved that the unit be integrated into the South African Police Service (SAPS). This is because the Scorpions have been audacious in their pursuit of corruption by the ruling class and their patrons. It is also blamed for Zuma's woes.
The planned integration must happen by June. The whole issue of doing away with the Scorpions as an independent investigation unit has raised the ire of opposition parties that strongly believe that the Scorpions should not be disbanded. They argue that it is necessary to retain the unit as a means to help fight white-collar crime and corruption by the top politicians and police members.
With the year in its infancy, we look set to dig deeper into our already empty pockets. The price of bread has gone up by 40 cents. A shop in my area has hiked the price by 60 cents and their loaf costs an exorbitant R6.60.
Our woes don’t stop here. They will possibly continue right through the year. Over the past 18 months interest rates have been hiked up more than I can count and some analysts predict that they will rise this year as the Reserve Bank tries to curb inflation.
This has had a negative impact on the household income of many South Africans who are struggling to make ends meet.
The petrol price is set to increase by 15-20 cents next month. And when the cost of petrol goes up, food prices go up. Taxi fares will also go up and this will be a burden for us as we will have to fork out more for our traveling expenses to work and fro.
The price of Brent crude oil, which climbed to a high of $96 a barrel, is likely to reach $100 before the end of June, I suppose. This will of course have negative repercussions for us and the whole world.
What is lamentable is that the poor, the ordinary man on the street, is going to suffer most. The wages that we get now are not enough, and it looks as if we are going to find it difficult to eke out an existence.
Another issue that is of concern is the electricity supply. The electricity supply commission (Eskom) has hiked tariffs by 14% but consumers will start to feel the pinch in July when local municipalities raise their electricity charges.
Despite the increase in the price of electricity, most parts of the country are experiencing load-shedding (electricity cuts) as Eskom maintains that there are power supply shortages and these will continue for the next five years. As a result we need to save electricity and also consider alternative sources of power.
With the winter not in the far too distant future, I think the load shedding means that one must brace himself for a cold, dark winter.
The year 2008 is going to be a gloomy, cold and tough year. Folks, let us keep the torch of hope alive and brace ourselves for the year of the rat.
Friday 4 January 2008
The New Year is here-2008
The New Year is upon us. Reveling, drunkenness, brawling, accidents....etc will give us a break at least until the next summer festivities.
The sun has been continually burning like fire for the past three weeks. If global warming is anything to go by, I wonder how hot it will be in the next five to ten years. At least the intervention of rain yesterday night and this morning gave us a much needed intervention albeit temporarily.
Johannesburg aka Jozi, the former city of gold (has lost its golden touch, although optimists may find this to be disputable), was quieter for the past two weeks. Obviously the noise of traffic, people going to and fro will pick up gradually from next week. I've seen people, young and old, alighting from taxis and buses with bags.
As for me, I'm going to miss all the serenity which had visited itself on the streets as over the past few weeks.
Since 1994 the Johannesburg Central Business District has become a slum. The street corners smell of urine. Shops carry on business during the day and at night they are used as lodgings. Before 1994 there were not so many foreigners, legal and illegal, selling fake clothes, cigarettes, drugs, buying fake Identity Documents. I have nothing against foreigners but what I can say is that they have changed the face of Johannesburg, and South Africa too. And most have done so in a negative way.
I spent mine own New Year's day reading David Copperfiled and analyzing short stories for my critiques to the Internet Writing Workshop.
This year is "The year of the writer" for me. At least I must complete my novel which I started 2 years ago and never moved beyond chapter one. I had no confidence that I would complete it and beyond that get it to be published.
But then I've resolved that for now, nothing is important than completing this whodunit. Everything else will follow after, whether I get it published or not is not of paramount importance now. The thrill of writing a novel, even if unpublished, will be enough to set me to rest peacefully. I also want to enter Nanowrimo (the National Novel Writing Month in November) this year with a determination to make it beyond the finish line.
Furthermore, I want to be a better writer by writing more often and on various topics. I want to try sports writing, scripts, drama and essays. This will help stretch my imagination and help me get exposure to different kinds of writing.
Another piece of significant writing is my journal. Over the past 18 months I have neglected my journal writing after a 13 year endeavour. This was after my girlfriend went through my journals and unearthed every bit of my life that I though no one but me was entitled to. I was distraught. I then decided to write my journal on the computer and save it with a password. At least now I'm back at my old labour.
Further, I want to continue to study for a law degree, or maybe switch to an honours in English Literature. This year I want to cut on social life, if any, in order to read and write more.
I want to give Lesego, my preemie baby girl who will be turning a year on the 22nd of January 2008, all my love. Her mom, Shadi, will be turning 30 tomorrow and I hope we will have a lovely small birthday party for her.
The sun has been continually burning like fire for the past three weeks. If global warming is anything to go by, I wonder how hot it will be in the next five to ten years. At least the intervention of rain yesterday night and this morning gave us a much needed intervention albeit temporarily.
Johannesburg aka Jozi, the former city of gold (has lost its golden touch, although optimists may find this to be disputable), was quieter for the past two weeks. Obviously the noise of traffic, people going to and fro will pick up gradually from next week. I've seen people, young and old, alighting from taxis and buses with bags.
As for me, I'm going to miss all the serenity which had visited itself on the streets as over the past few weeks.
Since 1994 the Johannesburg Central Business District has become a slum. The street corners smell of urine. Shops carry on business during the day and at night they are used as lodgings. Before 1994 there were not so many foreigners, legal and illegal, selling fake clothes, cigarettes, drugs, buying fake Identity Documents. I have nothing against foreigners but what I can say is that they have changed the face of Johannesburg, and South Africa too. And most have done so in a negative way.
I spent mine own New Year's day reading David Copperfiled and analyzing short stories for my critiques to the Internet Writing Workshop.
This year is "The year of the writer" for me. At least I must complete my novel which I started 2 years ago and never moved beyond chapter one. I had no confidence that I would complete it and beyond that get it to be published.
But then I've resolved that for now, nothing is important than completing this whodunit. Everything else will follow after, whether I get it published or not is not of paramount importance now. The thrill of writing a novel, even if unpublished, will be enough to set me to rest peacefully. I also want to enter Nanowrimo (the National Novel Writing Month in November) this year with a determination to make it beyond the finish line.
Furthermore, I want to be a better writer by writing more often and on various topics. I want to try sports writing, scripts, drama and essays. This will help stretch my imagination and help me get exposure to different kinds of writing.
Another piece of significant writing is my journal. Over the past 18 months I have neglected my journal writing after a 13 year endeavour. This was after my girlfriend went through my journals and unearthed every bit of my life that I though no one but me was entitled to. I was distraught. I then decided to write my journal on the computer and save it with a password. At least now I'm back at my old labour.
Further, I want to continue to study for a law degree, or maybe switch to an honours in English Literature. This year I want to cut on social life, if any, in order to read and write more.
I want to give Lesego, my preemie baby girl who will be turning a year on the 22nd of January 2008, all my love. Her mom, Shadi, will be turning 30 tomorrow and I hope we will have a lovely small birthday party for her.
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