If you live in Gauteng you will be aware of the fact that the government has spent the last few years upgrading the highways. While I praise the government for upgrading the national roads around Gauteng I abhor the way they are going about paying for it. As of February 2012 all highway users will need to have an electronic tag and will be charged 40c per kilometre travelled on the highways.
A public road should be just that, public; a service that is available to all and not a chance for business to make millions off the public.
Private companies stand to gain millions from the average South African worker as they benefit from the tolls. I would not have a problem with this if we had a reduction in our taxes to cover for our payments in the tolls.
As it is the average taxpayer receives very little in return for the amount paid. Many South Africans pay for private health care, private security and private schooling. If we cannot drive on our roads for free then what is the government actually providing?
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has issued a call for all South African's to boycott the tolling system. This would mean that we do not buy the e-tag, we drive through the toll gantry, refuse to pay the toll, refuse to pay the fine, refuse to appear in court and challenge the government to arrest us all. I think COSATU has made a good call here and I would love to do it, but I fear that I do not have the courage. I know that we need to stand up to our government and demand accountability but up till now I have done nothing myself.
Is now the time to stand up and have my voice heard by engaging in civil disobedience? What will you do?
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
We will not be silenced!
Our government is doing everything in its power to silence the media and restrict media freedom. Tomorrow, Tuesday 22 November 2011 is your opportunity to stand up to this in your own way.
The National Press Club has called for a day of mourning called 'Black Tuesday'. They are calling on all South Africans to wear black to protest against the implementation of the Secrecy Bill, which Parliament will be voting on tomorrow. By choosing this name the Press club is invoking some very powerful history.
On the 19th October 1977 the National Party government banned several newspapers and magazines as well as 19 Black Consciousness activists, the day was dubbed 'Black Wednesday'. That particular 'black' day was seen as the death of press freedom in South Africa.
I challenge you, stand up for what is right, lead South Africa, and do your bit by educating yourself, and by wearing black tomorrow. Let us all fight for press freedom and say 'We will not be silenced'
You can learn more from the following sites:
http://www.r2k.org.za/
http://www.leadsa.co.za/
http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-11-21-black-tuesday-protest-declared-against-secrecy-bill
The National Press Club has called for a day of mourning called 'Black Tuesday'. They are calling on all South Africans to wear black to protest against the implementation of the Secrecy Bill, which Parliament will be voting on tomorrow. By choosing this name the Press club is invoking some very powerful history.
On the 19th October 1977 the National Party government banned several newspapers and magazines as well as 19 Black Consciousness activists, the day was dubbed 'Black Wednesday'. That particular 'black' day was seen as the death of press freedom in South Africa.
I challenge you, stand up for what is right, lead South Africa, and do your bit by educating yourself, and by wearing black tomorrow. Let us all fight for press freedom and say 'We will not be silenced'
You can learn more from the following sites:
http://www.r2k.org.za/
http://www.leadsa.co.za/
http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2011-11-21-black-tuesday-protest-declared-against-secrecy-bill
Friday, November 4, 2011
ANC members are 'more equal' than others
Of all the atrocities committed during the dark days of apartheid one of the worst had to be the search for chemical weapons to subdue the black population; this team was headed up by Dr Wouter Basson.
During the Truth and Reconciliation commission this Dr Basson did not apply for amnesty and as a result he was charged for his offences during apartheid. Through an independent court he was found innocent and allowed to continue his medical practise.
Over the last few years the government has done everything in its power to try and prevent Dr Basson from practising medicine in South Africa. They feel that his past immoral actions should exclude him from caring for sick people in our country.
While I agree that Dr Basson did some wicked things, I disagree with the morals behind this government intervention:
Tony Yengeni, a National Executive Committee Member (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) was recently found guilty of fraud relating to the procurement of weapons for South Africa (also known as the Arms Deal). He was given a ludicrously light sentence, allowed home on weekends, broke his bail conditions, was let out early, and welcomed back into the upper echelons of the government with open arms. This same Toni Yengeni has now been appointed to the Defence Review Committee of Parliament. When challenged on the farce of this appointment the ANC bent over backwards to justify this appointment. They say that he has served his time and he should be free to serve his country.
How can it be that a Doctor wanting to practise in a private capacity should be hindered from doing so when a convicted criminal can serve the public in the very field he was convicted of a crime?
According to Chapter 2, section 9 of our constitution: "Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law." However, it seems that if you are an ANC member you are more equal than others.
During the Truth and Reconciliation commission this Dr Basson did not apply for amnesty and as a result he was charged for his offences during apartheid. Through an independent court he was found innocent and allowed to continue his medical practise.
Over the last few years the government has done everything in its power to try and prevent Dr Basson from practising medicine in South Africa. They feel that his past immoral actions should exclude him from caring for sick people in our country.
While I agree that Dr Basson did some wicked things, I disagree with the morals behind this government intervention:
Tony Yengeni, a National Executive Committee Member (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) was recently found guilty of fraud relating to the procurement of weapons for South Africa (also known as the Arms Deal). He was given a ludicrously light sentence, allowed home on weekends, broke his bail conditions, was let out early, and welcomed back into the upper echelons of the government with open arms. This same Toni Yengeni has now been appointed to the Defence Review Committee of Parliament. When challenged on the farce of this appointment the ANC bent over backwards to justify this appointment. They say that he has served his time and he should be free to serve his country.
How can it be that a Doctor wanting to practise in a private capacity should be hindered from doing so when a convicted criminal can serve the public in the very field he was convicted of a crime?
According to Chapter 2, section 9 of our constitution: "Everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law." However, it seems that if you are an ANC member you are more equal than others.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Julius Malema: the most astute politician in the land
Politics is a dirty business. As much as we would like to think that the people presented to us are the best leaders for the country this is most often not the case.
In modern politics there are so many people to please and quite simply, it is impossible to please everyone. As a result, the person who has the ability to 'play the field', so to speak, is the one who wins. These people have mastered the art of manipulation and deceit. They know when to cause a storm, and when to disappear in the storm. They know how to change allegiance at the right time and when to appear entirely devoted to a life-long cause.
Since his short time in the political arena Julius Malema has proved that he is, by far, the best politician that we have. He has swung like a pendulum, turned his cloak, lied, cheated (and some say stolen) for years, but is at the forefront of the political landscape.
His current trial is a case in point: he is on trial for bringing the ANC into disrepute and for breaking the rules of the party. However, through some masterful political strokes, he has taken himself well out the lime light. First he delayed the trial by storing up violence outside the hearing, then he delayed by appealing to the constitution of the ANC, then he questioned the legality of the charges, and finally he missed his hearing due to illness. All this has served to quieten the storm around him and remove the negative emotion from his trial. It appears as if we will only hear the verdict during November.
He may not be a great example of the kind of leader that we want but the above information serves to confirm that Julius Malema is the most astute politician in the land.
In modern politics there are so many people to please and quite simply, it is impossible to please everyone. As a result, the person who has the ability to 'play the field', so to speak, is the one who wins. These people have mastered the art of manipulation and deceit. They know when to cause a storm, and when to disappear in the storm. They know how to change allegiance at the right time and when to appear entirely devoted to a life-long cause.
Since his short time in the political arena Julius Malema has proved that he is, by far, the best politician that we have. He has swung like a pendulum, turned his cloak, lied, cheated (and some say stolen) for years, but is at the forefront of the political landscape.
His current trial is a case in point: he is on trial for bringing the ANC into disrepute and for breaking the rules of the party. However, through some masterful political strokes, he has taken himself well out the lime light. First he delayed the trial by storing up violence outside the hearing, then he delayed by appealing to the constitution of the ANC, then he questioned the legality of the charges, and finally he missed his hearing due to illness. All this has served to quieten the storm around him and remove the negative emotion from his trial. It appears as if we will only hear the verdict during November.
He may not be a great example of the kind of leader that we want but the above information serves to confirm that Julius Malema is the most astute politician in the land.
Monday, September 26, 2011
A (very) brief History of South Africa, by Lance de Ruig
Having just celebrated another Heritage day I thought it would be a nice idea to do a (very) brief summary of our history. It is a little bit tongue in cheek and by no means is it comprehensive. Please bear with the length, it is hard telling the history of a country in 300 words. Also, in my (very) brief history I have intentionally excluded post 1948 due to the fact that many South Africans have no idea that we actually have a Heritage pre-1948. We focus so much on the atrocities of the last 50 years that we neglect the formative years of this great country. So, here goes:
Very little is known of South Africa pre-colonialism as most African tribes had no written language and as such we mostly rely on archaeological evidence. What we do know is that between 3000 BC and 1000 BC peoples from Ethiopia and Somalia migrated to Southern Africa. Also, In 400 AD many Bantu speaking tribes from Central Africa made their way to our shores and began disposing many of the existing tribes (those would be the San, Khoi, Zulu and Xhosa).
In the late 1400s we know that the Portuguese, through Bartholomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama, made their way around the tip of Africa and made stops along the Southern African coast. They butchered and bruised, but also fell in love with the country and the people (well, the topless women actually) and many settled and made new lives in Southern Africa.
While there were some ‘whites’ in Africa, the real trouble started in1652 when our friend (well, maybe not yours) Jan van Riebeeck founded a Dutch settlement called the Cape Colony. Thousands upon thousands of Europeans, mostly Dutch, made their way to our fine climes and started a new life at the tip of Africa.
As the Dutch poured in and built with their blood, sweat, guns and tears, an upstart French invader named Napoleon was ravaging their ‘home’ country. In order to protect the strategically placed Cape Colony from the dirty French, the British occupied the colony at the Cape. Needless to say, the British soon realised that sun was good for their sickly skins and so they flocked in their hordes to the sunny skies of Africa.
It would be amiss not to mention that while the pasty poms were invading, Shaka was building his empire. Between 1816 and 1826 the Zulu nation struck fear and loathing in the hearts of black and white hides alike. Dispossessing, murdering and conquering at will, it seems as if the only real match for Shaka was betrayal.
Meanwhile, back at the colony, the Dutch (or Boers as they would be called, meaning farmer) could not handle the rule of the Brits and so left the Cape en-masse to find some living space. Having fought disease, famine, drought and warring tribes the Boers found a place to call home and created the ZAR (modern day Transvaal) in 1856.
All was at peace (well, sort of) until that pesky yellow metal called Gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886 (turns out that 70% of the world's gold has come from this tiny Republic) and true to form, the Brits (yes, them again) wanted their piece of the pie.
In 1899 the crown invaded the independent Boer republics and a long and bitter war was fought with thousands of Boer and black women and children being starved to death in the world's first concentration camps (yes, it was the Brits, not the Germans). Eventually the broken and beaten Boers would sign peace in 1902.
What followed was a brilliant piece of nation-creation (well, if you were white) and in 1910 the Union of South Africa was created, joining the Boer Republics and the British Colonies, creating modern day South Africa (Yes, we were 100 years old last year and no one knew). The problem was deciding what to do with the black people in this new nation, the solution was the 1913 Land Act, forbidding black people from owning land outside of a predetermined (and tiny) chunk of land know as the 'Home Lands'.
The Brits had a merry time running their new creation until 1948, when the Afrikaans, through the National Party, won the election and did all sorts of horrendous things to hang on to power. And the rest, as they say in the classics, is history.
A (very) brief history of our country points to one amazing point: being African does not mean Zulu, or Xhosa, or even Afrikaans; what African means is Somalia, Ethiopia, Britain, Congo, Netherlands, Portugal, France, Sotho, and so many more. As we celebrate Heritage days in the years to come may we remember where we come from, and embrace where we want to go, together!
The rest, as they say, is history
Very little is known of South Africa pre-colonialism as most African tribes had no written language and as such we mostly rely on archaeological evidence. What we do know is that between 3000 BC and 1000 BC peoples from Ethiopia and Somalia migrated to Southern Africa. Also, In 400 AD many Bantu speaking tribes from Central Africa made their way to our shores and began disposing many of the existing tribes (those would be the San, Khoi, Zulu and Xhosa).
In the late 1400s we know that the Portuguese, through Bartholomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama, made their way around the tip of Africa and made stops along the Southern African coast. They butchered and bruised, but also fell in love with the country and the people (well, the topless women actually) and many settled and made new lives in Southern Africa.
While there were some ‘whites’ in Africa, the real trouble started in1652 when our friend (well, maybe not yours) Jan van Riebeeck founded a Dutch settlement called the Cape Colony. Thousands upon thousands of Europeans, mostly Dutch, made their way to our fine climes and started a new life at the tip of Africa.
As the Dutch poured in and built with their blood, sweat, guns and tears, an upstart French invader named Napoleon was ravaging their ‘home’ country. In order to protect the strategically placed Cape Colony from the dirty French, the British occupied the colony at the Cape. Needless to say, the British soon realised that sun was good for their sickly skins and so they flocked in their hordes to the sunny skies of Africa.
It would be amiss not to mention that while the pasty poms were invading, Shaka was building his empire. Between 1816 and 1826 the Zulu nation struck fear and loathing in the hearts of black and white hides alike. Dispossessing, murdering and conquering at will, it seems as if the only real match for Shaka was betrayal.
Meanwhile, back at the colony, the Dutch (or Boers as they would be called, meaning farmer) could not handle the rule of the Brits and so left the Cape en-masse to find some living space. Having fought disease, famine, drought and warring tribes the Boers found a place to call home and created the ZAR (modern day Transvaal) in 1856.
All was at peace (well, sort of) until that pesky yellow metal called Gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886 (turns out that 70% of the world's gold has come from this tiny Republic) and true to form, the Brits (yes, them again) wanted their piece of the pie.
In 1899 the crown invaded the independent Boer republics and a long and bitter war was fought with thousands of Boer and black women and children being starved to death in the world's first concentration camps (yes, it was the Brits, not the Germans). Eventually the broken and beaten Boers would sign peace in 1902.
What followed was a brilliant piece of nation-creation (well, if you were white) and in 1910 the Union of South Africa was created, joining the Boer Republics and the British Colonies, creating modern day South Africa (Yes, we were 100 years old last year and no one knew). The problem was deciding what to do with the black people in this new nation, the solution was the 1913 Land Act, forbidding black people from owning land outside of a predetermined (and tiny) chunk of land know as the 'Home Lands'.
The Brits had a merry time running their new creation until 1948, when the Afrikaans, through the National Party, won the election and did all sorts of horrendous things to hang on to power. And the rest, as they say in the classics, is history.
A (very) brief history of our country points to one amazing point: being African does not mean Zulu, or Xhosa, or even Afrikaans; what African means is Somalia, Ethiopia, Britain, Congo, Netherlands, Portugal, France, Sotho, and so many more. As we celebrate Heritage days in the years to come may we remember where we come from, and embrace where we want to go, together!
The rest, as they say, is history
Friday, September 16, 2011
How to kill democracy in 3 easy steps
Step one: Trample the independence of Parliament
Last year a number of dodgy lease deals were signed by government. The Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, looked into these and found them to be corrupt and she urged President Zuma to take action. Her report gave President Zuma until Monday 12 September to announce what he would do with the two ministers concerned (Bheki Cele and Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinda). President Zuma has blatantly ignored the deadline and has shown contempt for the legal processes of our country. On Wednesday this week Members of Parliament tried to hold President Zuma to account for this lack of action and instead of rigorous debate, the speaker of Parliament ANC member Max Sisulu, protected the President and denied Parliament the opportunity to question the man who is supposed to be leading our country. This shocking show of party politics has no place in Parliament
Step two: Question the integrity of the Judicial system
A number of months ago Julius Malema sang a song at a rally called "awudubule ibhunu" (Shoot the Boer). Many individuals and organisations were concerned that this was hate speech and duly took Mr Malema to court. The ANC threw their weight behind Malema. This week the ANC lost and the song has rightly been called hate speech. Rather than accepting an independent legal process the ANC has come out and shamelessly challenged the courts. If we cannot respect rule of law we cannot call ourselves a democracy.
Step three: Crush the freedom of the media
For any democracy to thrive the media need to be free to challenge and question the party in power. This serves to strengthen and reinforce the freedom of speech and the culture of transparency. In the last year the ANC has introduced proposed legislation, which would greatly restrict media freedom. This legislation allows for the classification of any information the government deems fit, coupled with jail time for any journalist who should publish this classified information regardless of public interest. By crushing the media's freedom the ANC is crushing our democracy
Having read the above statements, you tell me if you feel that our government is committed to democracy or not.
Last year a number of dodgy lease deals were signed by government. The Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, looked into these and found them to be corrupt and she urged President Zuma to take action. Her report gave President Zuma until Monday 12 September to announce what he would do with the two ministers concerned (Bheki Cele and Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinda). President Zuma has blatantly ignored the deadline and has shown contempt for the legal processes of our country. On Wednesday this week Members of Parliament tried to hold President Zuma to account for this lack of action and instead of rigorous debate, the speaker of Parliament ANC member Max Sisulu, protected the President and denied Parliament the opportunity to question the man who is supposed to be leading our country. This shocking show of party politics has no place in Parliament
Step two: Question the integrity of the Judicial system
A number of months ago Julius Malema sang a song at a rally called "awudubule ibhunu" (Shoot the Boer). Many individuals and organisations were concerned that this was hate speech and duly took Mr Malema to court. The ANC threw their weight behind Malema. This week the ANC lost and the song has rightly been called hate speech. Rather than accepting an independent legal process the ANC has come out and shamelessly challenged the courts. If we cannot respect rule of law we cannot call ourselves a democracy.
Step three: Crush the freedom of the media
For any democracy to thrive the media need to be free to challenge and question the party in power. This serves to strengthen and reinforce the freedom of speech and the culture of transparency. In the last year the ANC has introduced proposed legislation, which would greatly restrict media freedom. This legislation allows for the classification of any information the government deems fit, coupled with jail time for any journalist who should publish this classified information regardless of public interest. By crushing the media's freedom the ANC is crushing our democracy
Having read the above statements, you tell me if you feel that our government is committed to democracy or not.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Sunday Times has got it wrong
The Sunday Times this week has got it wrong!
Two main articles this week caught my attention. The first being the front-page story titled ‘Malema on the ropes’ (Sunday Times, 7th August 2011). The article relates how Julius Malema, the President of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), has crossed the line with his reference to overthrowing the government of Botswana. The article then adds that the African National Congress (ANC) is planning on coming down hard on him for his embarrasing statements. The article was well written, informative and well researched, but nothing new, we have heard this all before.
The second was an article in the opinion section, written by ANC stalwart and National Executive Committee member ‘Cyril Ramaphosa’ titled: ‘Let’s mine, not undermine’. Ramaphosa explains that the ANCYL have a very good point in wanting a solution to our rampant poverty and unemployment but argues that nationalisation is not the answer they are looking for. He acknowledges that mines have exploited the poor and he challenges the mines to find long-term solutions to the plight of the poor and re-invest the billions that they are making into real benefits for the poor. He believes that the ANCYL and the mines have the potential to work together and plot a new trajectory for South Africa’s economic growth. Please do yourself a favour and read the article (http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/commentary/2011/08/07/let-s-mine-not-undermine).
He has clearly, intelligently and thoughtfully provided a solution to a potentially explosive situation and through his article Ramaphosa gives our country something that we desperately need: leadership. Rather than choose sides and deride the opponent, Ramaphosa has seen that a new way forward needs to be plotted if we are going to get anywhere as a country. He also knows that the only way we will succeed is if seeming enemies can find a way to work together.
What the Sunday Times got wrong was to mix up the order of importance of the stories; Ramaphosa’s conciliatory article should have been their front-page headline, pointing the nation in a positive direction. The confrontational statements of Malema should have been tucked away where they belong, far from sight.
What do you think?
Two main articles this week caught my attention. The first being the front-page story titled ‘Malema on the ropes’ (Sunday Times, 7th August 2011). The article relates how Julius Malema, the President of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), has crossed the line with his reference to overthrowing the government of Botswana. The article then adds that the African National Congress (ANC) is planning on coming down hard on him for his embarrasing statements. The article was well written, informative and well researched, but nothing new, we have heard this all before.
The second was an article in the opinion section, written by ANC stalwart and National Executive Committee member ‘Cyril Ramaphosa’ titled: ‘Let’s mine, not undermine’. Ramaphosa explains that the ANCYL have a very good point in wanting a solution to our rampant poverty and unemployment but argues that nationalisation is not the answer they are looking for. He acknowledges that mines have exploited the poor and he challenges the mines to find long-term solutions to the plight of the poor and re-invest the billions that they are making into real benefits for the poor. He believes that the ANCYL and the mines have the potential to work together and plot a new trajectory for South Africa’s economic growth. Please do yourself a favour and read the article (http://www.timeslive.co.za/opinion/commentary/2011/08/07/let-s-mine-not-undermine).
He has clearly, intelligently and thoughtfully provided a solution to a potentially explosive situation and through his article Ramaphosa gives our country something that we desperately need: leadership. Rather than choose sides and deride the opponent, Ramaphosa has seen that a new way forward needs to be plotted if we are going to get anywhere as a country. He also knows that the only way we will succeed is if seeming enemies can find a way to work together.
What the Sunday Times got wrong was to mix up the order of importance of the stories; Ramaphosa’s conciliatory article should have been their front-page headline, pointing the nation in a positive direction. The confrontational statements of Malema should have been tucked away where they belong, far from sight.
What do you think?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
When teachers fail their students
The plight of the South African student is well-documented; poor facilities, lack of motivation, low standards, uneducated teachers, ongoing strikes and poor school leadership all have lead to the dismal state of South African education. Student failure and drop-out rate equals over 70% and recent tests show that 1 in 6 Grade 6 South African students achieved over 50% for basic numeracy and literacy. Something drastic needs to happen for this situation to change.
It is thus with utter dismay that I learned that the South African Democratic Teacher's Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape has forbid its members from writing competency tests in order to be eligible to mark matric papers. It has furthermore urged all Principals and Deputy Principals to boycott the signing of performance contracts. I do not understand why.
The Western Cape government simply wants to raise the standard of marking and the standard of leadership quality in schools. The only reason I can see for SADTU's stance is that they know that many of their members would fail the competency tests and would fail performance contracts.
If we are to stop the rot of perennial failure of our students we need to ensure that our students are taught by the very best. Until SADTU change their stance, teachers will continue to fail in their duty to serve and educate the youth of our nation.
It is thus with utter dismay that I learned that the South African Democratic Teacher's Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape has forbid its members from writing competency tests in order to be eligible to mark matric papers. It has furthermore urged all Principals and Deputy Principals to boycott the signing of performance contracts. I do not understand why.
The Western Cape government simply wants to raise the standard of marking and the standard of leadership quality in schools. The only reason I can see for SADTU's stance is that they know that many of their members would fail the competency tests and would fail performance contracts.
If we are to stop the rot of perennial failure of our students we need to ensure that our students are taught by the very best. Until SADTU change their stance, teachers will continue to fail in their duty to serve and educate the youth of our nation.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
ANC does not take Youth League seriously, neither should we
So Julius Malema has been voted in for another term as leader of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), does this mean anything to our country?
Traditionally the ANCYL has produced leaders of incredible calibre that have gone on to change this country (think Anton Lembede, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisula, Oliver Tambo etc). However, while they were in the Youth League they had very little say in the running of the ANC main body. The impotence of the Youth League has not changed much to this day. The Youth League is a place for people to rant and rave but not get much done. The latest Youth League conference was no different.
This weekend Malema waxed lyrical about taking land, banks and mines and returning them to the people. Today, the ANC came out and said that the ANCYL has no power to change ANC policy and that they have no intention of making the changes the Malema was demanding.
Why then does this upstart get so much media attention? Every 30 minutes there was a news update on the goings-on at the conference. To my mind this is what Malema wants. He spews out ridiculous statements knowing very well they have no power for actual change, but the media gobbles it up like it is manna from heaven. He loves the attention and the media gives it to him.
We need to realise that the ANC does not to its own Youth League seriously, so neither should we.
Traditionally the ANCYL has produced leaders of incredible calibre that have gone on to change this country (think Anton Lembede, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisula, Oliver Tambo etc). However, while they were in the Youth League they had very little say in the running of the ANC main body. The impotence of the Youth League has not changed much to this day. The Youth League is a place for people to rant and rave but not get much done. The latest Youth League conference was no different.
This weekend Malema waxed lyrical about taking land, banks and mines and returning them to the people. Today, the ANC came out and said that the ANCYL has no power to change ANC policy and that they have no intention of making the changes the Malema was demanding.
Why then does this upstart get so much media attention? Every 30 minutes there was a news update on the goings-on at the conference. To my mind this is what Malema wants. He spews out ridiculous statements knowing very well they have no power for actual change, but the media gobbles it up like it is manna from heaven. He loves the attention and the media gives it to him.
We need to realise that the ANC does not to its own Youth League seriously, so neither should we.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Mr President, take a bow
When President Zuma came into office he immediately reshuffled his Cabinet and created a number of new posts and committees. A distinguished teacher-friend of mine from Zimbabwe cried foul. He said that this was simply a process of creating jobs for friends and reminded him of his home country up north. When I disagreed with him he said I should give it two years and see if the new posts produce anything of value.
Two years have passed and one of the new committees, the Planning Commission headed by Trevor Manuel, has just presented their diagnostic report to Parliament. They have identified that unemployment and sub-standard education are the two biggest challenges facing our government. You might read this and say: “that is obvious”, but you cannot treat a sickness without first having an accurate diagnosis.
The report tabled in Parliament is thorough, intelligent and insightful. Furthermore, it provides real solutions to the problems that they have identified. We are now one step closer to correcting problems that were centuries in the making. For this our President needs to be praised.
Mr President, take a bow.
Two years have passed and one of the new committees, the Planning Commission headed by Trevor Manuel, has just presented their diagnostic report to Parliament. They have identified that unemployment and sub-standard education are the two biggest challenges facing our government. You might read this and say: “that is obvious”, but you cannot treat a sickness without first having an accurate diagnosis.
The report tabled in Parliament is thorough, intelligent and insightful. Furthermore, it provides real solutions to the problems that they have identified. We are now one step closer to correcting problems that were centuries in the making. For this our President needs to be praised.
Mr President, take a bow.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Can we take COSATU seriously?
Zwelinzima Vavi -the Secretary General of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu)- is a man that I am growing to admire. His unending challenge of the opulence of parliamentarians as well as his fight for the rights of workers is something I can respect.
However, On Monday 06th June Zwelinzima Vavi said that South Africa is a ticking time bomb on the verge of a massive uprising. Whether this is true or not is debatable, but his comment brings to light the double standards of the trade union.
Cosatu foresees disaster for this country yet just a few weeks ago they willed their members to go out in numbers and vote for the ANC. Since 1994 Cosatu has been a bedfellow of the ANC, insisting that all of its 2 million members vote for the ANC. As a reward for this, Cosatu's leadership get handed high positions of power in parliament and cabinet. Essentially Cosatu have a hand in running our country without ever having to canvass anyone for votes.
They are complaining about the state of our country but they are part of the leadership running our country. When they are challenged on this duplicity they say that the ANC holds all the power and they are powerless to change economic policy.
So either they need to stop talking and start fixing. Or if they feel that they do not have sufficient power to change our economic policies then they should break away from the ANC and run in elections independently.
They are doing neither, so it begs the question: can we take Cosatu seriously? And if we can’t, can we still take their leader seriously?
What do you think?
However, On Monday 06th June Zwelinzima Vavi said that South Africa is a ticking time bomb on the verge of a massive uprising. Whether this is true or not is debatable, but his comment brings to light the double standards of the trade union.
Cosatu foresees disaster for this country yet just a few weeks ago they willed their members to go out in numbers and vote for the ANC. Since 1994 Cosatu has been a bedfellow of the ANC, insisting that all of its 2 million members vote for the ANC. As a reward for this, Cosatu's leadership get handed high positions of power in parliament and cabinet. Essentially Cosatu have a hand in running our country without ever having to canvass anyone for votes.
They are complaining about the state of our country but they are part of the leadership running our country. When they are challenged on this duplicity they say that the ANC holds all the power and they are powerless to change economic policy.
So either they need to stop talking and start fixing. Or if they feel that they do not have sufficient power to change our economic policies then they should break away from the ANC and run in elections independently.
They are doing neither, so it begs the question: can we take Cosatu seriously? And if we can’t, can we still take their leader seriously?
What do you think?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Are we becoming a police state?
A few months ago the residents of Ficksburg in the Free State went on a violent protest against lack of service delivery and incompetent officials. In an attempt to protect old ladies being blasted by a police water cannon Andries Tatane took off his shirt and stood in the way. The police response was to surround him, beat him, and shoot him (see the video on you tube). He died from his injuries.
The national response was one of shock and injustice at the obvious abuse of power by the police. In response, the police force quickly arrested the policemen involved and justice seemed to be taking its course. However, this did not stop comparisons being drawn between this situation and apartheid-era police tactics.
In the 1980s in South Africa some of the most horrendous human rights abuses took place when this country was essentially a police state. All over the country the townships were burning with protests and the response of the government was violence, murder and underhand tactics. It seems as if nothing has changed.
On Wednesday evening at 9.30 pm the main witness in the case against the police, Molefi Nonyane, was arrested on a charge of fraud allegedly committed 5 years ago. The timing of this arrest is very questionable even if Mr Nonyane is guilty. This stinks of a rotten police force intimidating citizens and protecting their own.
We have great cause for concern about our country returning to a police state.
The national response was one of shock and injustice at the obvious abuse of power by the police. In response, the police force quickly arrested the policemen involved and justice seemed to be taking its course. However, this did not stop comparisons being drawn between this situation and apartheid-era police tactics.
In the 1980s in South Africa some of the most horrendous human rights abuses took place when this country was essentially a police state. All over the country the townships were burning with protests and the response of the government was violence, murder and underhand tactics. It seems as if nothing has changed.
On Wednesday evening at 9.30 pm the main witness in the case against the police, Molefi Nonyane, was arrested on a charge of fraud allegedly committed 5 years ago. The timing of this arrest is very questionable even if Mr Nonyane is guilty. This stinks of a rotten police force intimidating citizens and protecting their own.
We have great cause for concern about our country returning to a police state.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
When human rights are wrong
According to a 2001 Constitutional Court ruling the South African government cannot extradite someone suspected of a capital crime to a country that enforces the death penalty. The ruling does however allow for the extradition if the requesting government provides a commitment that they will not pass the death penalty.
A victory for human rights? I don't think so.
In the last few years two men from Botswana suspected of a capital offence (murder) have entered South Africa. The government of Botswana asked for these men to be extradited so that the cases can be put to trial. Subsequent to this one of these men has died but the case continues to be dragged out in our courts. The snag; Botswana has a mandatory death penalty for convicted murderers.
Our government has appealed to the government of Botswana for a commitment not to pass the death penalty; understandably they refused. This has created a legal dilemma: the men cannot be tried in a South African court, but also cannot be extradited. This has two obvious infringements on human rights. Firstly, the accused could potential get away with murder and the victims not see justice. Secondly, South Africa could become a safe-haven for criminals fleeing potential execution thus our citizens right to safety in infringed upon.
In an attempt to protect human rights, our constitution has actually protected potential murders.
A victory for human rights? I don't think so.
In the last few years two men from Botswana suspected of a capital offence (murder) have entered South Africa. The government of Botswana asked for these men to be extradited so that the cases can be put to trial. Subsequent to this one of these men has died but the case continues to be dragged out in our courts. The snag; Botswana has a mandatory death penalty for convicted murderers.
Our government has appealed to the government of Botswana for a commitment not to pass the death penalty; understandably they refused. This has created a legal dilemma: the men cannot be tried in a South African court, but also cannot be extradited. This has two obvious infringements on human rights. Firstly, the accused could potential get away with murder and the victims not see justice. Secondly, South Africa could become a safe-haven for criminals fleeing potential execution thus our citizens right to safety in infringed upon.
In an attempt to protect human rights, our constitution has actually protected potential murders.
Friday, May 6, 2011
All they have are unenclosed toilets
The Democratic Alliance (DA) presented the residents of Makhaza Township in Cape Town with two choices: either the council builds one toilet to be shared by five families and the council will enclose them, or the council builds one toilet per family and each family enclose them.
The decision made by the community was one toilet per family, enclosed by themselves.
According to the law, the basic human rights of residents of Makhaza were infringed upon by the erection of these unenclosed toilets. I agree with this, despite the fact that the residents agreed to it. The law is the law.
As we get closer to the elections this judgement has given the African National Congress (ANC) much impetus. Opposition parties are referring to trivial matters such as: police brutality, failure to deliver basic services, a crippled health-care system, one of the worst education systems on the continent, rife corruption, and rampant crime (to name one or two). The ANC has chosen to focus on the Makhaza issue and almost every single ANC election rally over the last week has used this judgement to 'prove' that the DA are racist and do not care about black people.
If one looks at it objectively, it seems as if all the ANC have are unenclosed toilets.
The decision made by the community was one toilet per family, enclosed by themselves.
According to the law, the basic human rights of residents of Makhaza were infringed upon by the erection of these unenclosed toilets. I agree with this, despite the fact that the residents agreed to it. The law is the law.
As we get closer to the elections this judgement has given the African National Congress (ANC) much impetus. Opposition parties are referring to trivial matters such as: police brutality, failure to deliver basic services, a crippled health-care system, one of the worst education systems on the continent, rife corruption, and rampant crime (to name one or two). The ANC has chosen to focus on the Makhaza issue and almost every single ANC election rally over the last week has used this judgement to 'prove' that the DA are racist and do not care about black people.
If one looks at it objectively, it seems as if all the ANC have are unenclosed toilets.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Our democracy needs changing
Essentially there are two kinds of democracy: 1) Proportional Representation and 2) a Constituency system.
After South Africa emerged as a democracy debate raged as to which voting system we would use and the Proportional Representations system was chosen. This system functions essentially along these lines: rather than voting for an individual one votes for a party. According to the percentage (proportion) of the voters that vote for your party equals the percentage of seats you receive in National or local government (assembly). Each party chooses the candidates that they want to represent them.
However, a Constituency system works as follows: every single area of a country is divided into small segments. In each segment an individual politician has to canvass the votes of the people in that segment (constituency). The person who wins the majority of the votes in that segment then becomes the leader and representative for that segment.
In my view the Proportional Representation system it is severely flawed and is challenging our democracy.
Firstly, there is no accountability; when the party or an individual fails to fulfil their promises they hide behind one another and no one is held accountable. This is due to the fact that bad local and national leaders can hide behind the party and the party can hide behind the excuse of 'it was one bad individual'. In the Constituency system the voters know the face and name of their local leader and that person is held accountable if they don't fulfil their promises.
The second reason is that the 'leader' is not answerable to the voter, but rather to the party. As a result the 'leader' has to tow the party line or face loosing their job.
In our current political climate it is essential that politicians start being held accountable, and that is best handled by changing the way that we run our democracy.
After South Africa emerged as a democracy debate raged as to which voting system we would use and the Proportional Representations system was chosen. This system functions essentially along these lines: rather than voting for an individual one votes for a party. According to the percentage (proportion) of the voters that vote for your party equals the percentage of seats you receive in National or local government (assembly). Each party chooses the candidates that they want to represent them.
However, a Constituency system works as follows: every single area of a country is divided into small segments. In each segment an individual politician has to canvass the votes of the people in that segment (constituency). The person who wins the majority of the votes in that segment then becomes the leader and representative for that segment.
In my view the Proportional Representation system it is severely flawed and is challenging our democracy.
Firstly, there is no accountability; when the party or an individual fails to fulfil their promises they hide behind one another and no one is held accountable. This is due to the fact that bad local and national leaders can hide behind the party and the party can hide behind the excuse of 'it was one bad individual'. In the Constituency system the voters know the face and name of their local leader and that person is held accountable if they don't fulfil their promises.
The second reason is that the 'leader' is not answerable to the voter, but rather to the party. As a result the 'leader' has to tow the party line or face loosing their job.
In our current political climate it is essential that politicians start being held accountable, and that is best handled by changing the way that we run our democracy.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Will our President please stand up
No one will dispute that South Africa has come a long way and has set the benchmark for a democratic, peaceful revolution. With great national pride millions went to the ballot box for the first time on the 27th of April 1994. Since then the day has been commemorated as a national day of celebration to remind us of what we have achieved as a nation.
However, this year's celebration was a disgrace.
According to the government's website Freedom Day is celebrated for the following reasons: ... every South African, young and old, to recognise the values and principles enshrined in our constitution and avoid behaviour that may impact negatively on society.
... We celebrate living in a system which guarantees that never again will our human dignity be taken from any South African irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation.
None of what the government says we celebrate was expressed at the ceremony this year.
Members of government -from a number of different parties- gathered at the Union Buildings and many were given the opportunity to address the crowd. Whenever a member of an opposition party got to the platform and tried to speak they were heckled, booed and shouted offstage. A lame attempt was made by Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile to calm the crowd but it was to no avail.
This was no political rally, but rather a chance to celebrate our hard fought political freedoms. However, the very thing that was meant to be celebrated was dragged through the mud while our President did nothing.
It is to President Zuma's eternal disgrace that he sat on his chair and watched a national celebration turn into a farce. It seems as if the President is unable to separate his role as President of the Country and President of the ruling party; the two are very distinct. As his role of President of this country it was his duty to defend and protect a national day.
In addition, this was not the first time President Zuma has shown a blatant lack of national leadership. At this year's Human Rights Day celebrations in Cape Town opposition members were booed while the President watched on.
This is totally unacceptable and an embarrassment.
Please Mr President, stand up and lead.
However, this year's celebration was a disgrace.
According to the government's website Freedom Day is celebrated for the following reasons: ... every South African, young and old, to recognise the values and principles enshrined in our constitution and avoid behaviour that may impact negatively on society.
... We celebrate living in a system which guarantees that never again will our human dignity be taken from any South African irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation.
None of what the government says we celebrate was expressed at the ceremony this year.
Members of government -from a number of different parties- gathered at the Union Buildings and many were given the opportunity to address the crowd. Whenever a member of an opposition party got to the platform and tried to speak they were heckled, booed and shouted offstage. A lame attempt was made by Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile to calm the crowd but it was to no avail.
This was no political rally, but rather a chance to celebrate our hard fought political freedoms. However, the very thing that was meant to be celebrated was dragged through the mud while our President did nothing.
It is to President Zuma's eternal disgrace that he sat on his chair and watched a national celebration turn into a farce. It seems as if the President is unable to separate his role as President of the Country and President of the ruling party; the two are very distinct. As his role of President of this country it was his duty to defend and protect a national day.
In addition, this was not the first time President Zuma has shown a blatant lack of national leadership. At this year's Human Rights Day celebrations in Cape Town opposition members were booed while the President watched on.
This is totally unacceptable and an embarrassment.
Please Mr President, stand up and lead.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
ANC needs to be careful with what it says
Due to a shocking series of administrative errors no ANC candidates in Potchefstroom will be running in the upcoming elections. Quite simply no names were handed in to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) before the deadline closed. The man accused of this error is ANC provincial secretary for North West Kabelo Mataboge.
In response to the allegations Mataboge acknowledged that the ANC will not be contesting seven of the wards in Potchefstroom and then said, "We hope this is due to human error and not political conspiracy by the IEC" (The Mail and Guardian, 21 to 28 April 2011, page 3). This is a very dangerous comment to be making.
In order for our democracy to survive and flourish there needs to be unwavering faith in the institutions that protect our freedom. Democracy lives and dies on holding free and fair elections and thus the independence of an Electoral Committee is paramount.
As long as the ANC accepts comments such as the one made by Mataboge a platform can be laid to question our election results. As we have seen in so many fledgling democracies, when a set of results come out that are unfavourable to the incumbents then the results are questioned. As soon as results can be questioned there will be room for revolution, coup d’état and civil war.
The ANC need to distance themselves from the comments made by Mataboge and be very careful with the language that they use in future.
In response to the allegations Mataboge acknowledged that the ANC will not be contesting seven of the wards in Potchefstroom and then said, "We hope this is due to human error and not political conspiracy by the IEC" (The Mail and Guardian, 21 to 28 April 2011, page 3). This is a very dangerous comment to be making.
In order for our democracy to survive and flourish there needs to be unwavering faith in the institutions that protect our freedom. Democracy lives and dies on holding free and fair elections and thus the independence of an Electoral Committee is paramount.
As long as the ANC accepts comments such as the one made by Mataboge a platform can be laid to question our election results. As we have seen in so many fledgling democracies, when a set of results come out that are unfavourable to the incumbents then the results are questioned. As soon as results can be questioned there will be room for revolution, coup d’état and civil war.
The ANC need to distance themselves from the comments made by Mataboge and be very careful with the language that they use in future.
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