I WRITE WHAT I LIKE

Umtshato ka Webster

2011-12-14T11:54:00.000+02:00

I am a married man, but I did not have a big wedding and my friends are just like me at least most of them. They all had small family and friends wedding, but last weekend I attended a big wedding of my last friend standing Mawethu. The last one in our group of four (Me Tlou, LBK and Webster). We left on a Saturday morning in a hired car. It took us six months from the day I received a call from webster telling me that he was getting married. I remember the call one Sunday afternoon when Webster called me, initially I thought he was going to send me to some music store in Johannesburg to buy him old school and jazz music as he usually does. To my surprise he told me in a very soft voice “ndiyatshata nge 26 ka November” I’m getting married in November and I just kept quiet because this came as a shock.

I told my other two friends of what I have just heard they were still shocked. As a merried man I had to speak to my wife about this and we had to agree that even though she knows Webster she won’t go. We immediately started working on logistics like hotels, means of transport, routes to take if we drive.

Initially we wanted to use our cars as we realised that flying to Umtata was a hustle. Using East London was going to be problematic if the “African time “(starting late) comes to effect we would have a problem. So we decided to hire a car. I used my credit card and my friends had to top it up in Pretoria, which is where I live. Tempest was the company of choice as it still offers unlimited mileage. Avis was our first choice because we always use them, but s they no longer offer unlimited km’s. I drove down to Johannesburg to pick up my friends. But then we were already running late as we expected to leave at 9h00, but now it was about 10h30 already. LBK suggested that we use Bloemfontein route. I had never travelled to Umtata using this rout before. I was excited that I was going to use a different route.

Lbk drove from JHB to a small town with the name starting with venter…something. I took over from there to Umtata/ Mthata these days. We had to fill up in Bloem Lbk told me about the closest garage ,but I missed the off ramp to the garage. And they scolded me for that but there was an Engen garage which for some strange reason Lbk and Tlou did not like. Even more surprising was that Tlou has never been to Bloem, Lbk has never used this garage before. They just did not like it for no reason or maybe is because I missed their beloved Shell ultra city. We refilled both the car and our stomachs. We bought refreshments and moved on. We were so careful not to get traffic fines that I was encouraged to drive at 100 Km/H in a 120 speed zone. We turned into N6 to Aliwal north the route did not seem to be busy there was a Quantum taxi with EC registration number which was going at a freighting speed. I assumed that there were no speed traps and started to increase the speed but within the confines of 120.

Before we got into Aliwalnorth there was a stop and go of 20-30 minutes and Lbk informed us that there are four more stop and go’s ahead of us.

AliwalNorth has a feel of the old Matatiele(a small town south of Kwazulu Natal where the three of us as friends originate from) about it, but first we crossed the huge bridge over the Orange River. The bridge is long and old, but tough the river is so scary I wish I could see it when it when it is full. It must be one of the scariest rivers in the world, but it looked so spectacular now that is was empty.

I did not know there was a town called Jamestown in South Africa, it is so small we had passed it in four minutes driving at 60. It was around 17h30 and people there look like they are from Southern cape (mostly coloured/colored what ever) The small town was clean though.

We arrived in Queenstown around 18h50. There were a lot of road works in the main road, but we had no choice, as we did not know other alternative routes. There was less or no signage at all to help us through. I protested that I was tired, but Lbk insisted that we were almost 30 minutes away from Umtata so I continued. As we drove out towards Ezibeleni (an old Queenstown township) Tlou told me in confidence that it cannot be 30 minutes to Umtata he had driven on that route before. Bad signage problem continued as we saw a road sign board that indicated that we would have to turn right if we go to Cofimvaba and Umtata and we immediately had to turn. I had a problem stopping I past it a little but fortunately it was not a one way so I turned around and went to join R67 to Umtata. The route goes over the rout we were using as to why they did not just build an off ramp to the left I have no idea. To me it looks cheaper and less time-consuming, but who am I to question the eastern cape engineers. Tlu also mentioned that we were going to turn left into Transkei road, which was confusing when I saw that we should turn to the right. By now it was becoming darker and the roads were becoming iffy by a kilometre as we drove. Cars were becoming more and more old on the road. Now even the road signs that warn against stray animals were plenty.

We arrived in Umtata at around 21h00 thanks to dodgy roads, dodgy cars and even rain. I missed another turn but this time my friends were more forgiving.

“No we will use the Fort gale entrance it is okay,” said Lbk. By that time I had given my phone to Tlou to look for the number of the B&B we were going to use. He could not find it; we stopped at Myezo Sasol Garage so that I can check it myself. I could not find it, “aketsebe ke e seyivile ka mang number ena” I said. We asked at the garage if they know a place called Hlalanathi Myezo lodge. The petrol attended did not look self assured, but told us to use the back rout as there are several B&B along that street.

We went up the street and down without any luck. We saw three girls and a guy leaving another house we stopped to ask they told us to go up again. By now I was the bigest joke in the car, but guys were tired I understood. Lbk called a friend who gave us better directions we went further up and and we saw the B&B. behind us there was an Audi car following us. As we approach the lodge I indicated my intention to enter, the car behind did the same. We stopped at this huge gate pressing buttons but no response. Occupants of the other car came out two women and 2 guys. I said to my friend “these guys came prepared”, he just looked at me he was tired very tired I am not sure who was supposed to be more tired the one who was driving (me ) or my passengers.

The occupants of Audi said they had the mobile number of someone inside but they don’t have airtime. I gave them my phone and eventually someone came out. We enterd this huge mansion turned into a B&B. Every one from all the occupants of the Audi and the lady who easy opening the gate for us was drunk. We were sharing 2 the rooms with my friends and it was one of those few moments where we could talk about our issues with LBK. It is amazing how our life styles stifles open conversation amongst friends, I mean the staff that you can to BBM or Wattsapp or even over a telephone conversation. We slept very late that night.

We were having a breakfast when one of our hostess came to have a conversation with us. Later she asked if we were going to pay by credit card of cash. “Cash why” I asked. “ you can save some money if you play along” she said. She later explained to me that she does not earn much but today they are alone as hostesses they want to share at least money for a room. I did not like the sound of it but I was assured that I won’t be part of it. We shared to room, this lady wrote that we shared one room between the three of us. It was a cold morning with drizzle we drove to Ncise a village just outside of Umtata.

I was not expecting to see the Groom who is my friend. I don’t know much about these big weddings, but there he was waiting for us at the gate very happy that we drove all the way from Jozi. He led us into a dinning room and told his sister to take care of us and he disappeared into one of the rooms. The first thing his sister who introduced herself as Sibabalwe did was to introduced us to the MC for the day from East London. Before we knew it there was a heap of home made bread, meat and drinks in front of us.

Later we were put on a nicely prepared table in the main Tent with some Mawethu’s colleagues. It was a good day until I was called by Sibabalwe to lead a toast. I have never done it I don’t really do these sort of things ,but this was for my friend I agreed. I called my wife who does a lot of these to give me some tips. By the time I went to the stage I was armed. Then we had to leave later, but first we were put in his bed room so that we can change those suit and into comfortable clothes for us to drive long distance. But not before Sibabalwe staffed take away boxes with meat and more drinks. We left for Johannesburg leaving festivities continuing. Now it was raining so we made sure that we don’t leave late the the roads would be very tricky for us. We wished them well and left.

Spanner in the Works

2011-11-01T09:48:00.000+02:00

Politics are running on overdrive in the ANC, not because they want to serve better, but because some are power hungry. Just when we thought we are over the oil gate scandal and Mahlangu Nkabinde and Shiceka debacle now Fikile Mbalula.

Since Polokwane the ANC of Oliver Tambo and Albert Luthuli will never be the same again. It seems like every time the organization is facing a big shake up we hear scandal after scandal. When Vavi said comrade are (beefing up security not because they fear right wing) you sit and wonder.

Is Mbalula a sex pest or a pawn in the dirty game of politics leading to Mangaung? Motlanthe had his share, Tokyo had his own share, and I think the next in line is Mathews Phosa. I must say I have lost respect for most leaders in our movement including comrade Motlanthe himself. The media is playing that role again just like they did with Zuma character assasination.

Is it Islamic? I don't think so

2011-10-27T09:25:00.000+02:00

I watched with pure disgust as Libyans queue with their kids to watch deposed and maimed leader Muama al Ghadafi aka Bother leader. It is not because I sympathise with him nor has followers but because I am not used to that, it was a cultural shock to me. Muslims normally bury the dead within 24 hours at least they do that in South Africa. For rebel leaders to allow his decomposing body to be exposed to the elements so that they can satisfy their bloodthirstiness I am afraid to me they have shown that they are as bad.

When I was young I think I was around 12 years if not eleven, my friend and I used the “skiet rekker and old bed’s springs too shoot the white police man walking on our street like they owned it. One police man turned and realised we were skieting and them with these home made toys initially he just ignored us and that spurred us to action, then he turned again there was a gun shot, my friend collapsed next to me. I went into the house screaming that they have shot him that was the last time I saw him. Even on the day of his funeral children of my age were locked in the room and were not even allowed to peep through the window.

Now you understand where I come from, things have change even in South Africa kids go to the funerals where their class mater a friend or neighbour of their age is buried.

Seeing those kids with Cameras and cell phones taking pictures of Ghadafi was nauseating for me

Reshuffling or ANC stinker

2011-10-25T09:59:00.000+02:00

Every one from man on the streets to opposition parties welcomes President Jacob Zuma actions as brave and courageous. Helen Zille went as far as saying “it is better late than never”. Indeed his actions are commendable, but are it sincere?

Media sometimes focus on one issue like they have a vendetta. Remember when the media was focusing on Judge Hlophe going to constitutional court? He was not appointed Judge Mogoeng was, but when Mogoeng was interview for the head of Constitutional court there was a media outcry.

The fact that Gwen Mahlangu Nkabinde and Sicelo Shiceka have been fire sound very hollow to me, these guys are just going without any accountability. You remember that Sicelo Shiceka is still challenging public protectors findings. Therefore the president might be buying time to send these guys to foreign affairs as ambassadors. Who will win then?

It seems like our president is playing politics, he unleashed oil gate commission outcomes. When it turned out to be a non-starter he unleashed the second wave of attack by means of reshuffle. The second wave was not to hurt, but to help him to be seen as doing something against corrupt politicians.

Thula Nxesi has replaced Baloyi, we all know there is no love lost between Baloyi and Public servants. We know the song by workers when they are on strike “Samthata uBaloyi sambeka e pitoli now Voetsek” now his comrades will be saying “Voetsek” to him. This was done in order to buy sometime from COSATU, which seems to be a divided house every time they communicate to the media.

If there is any winner in this it is Advocate Thuli Madonsela who kept her feet on the ground when the media was trying to make celebrity out of her. She went about her work

I have never felt so scared for my life.

2011-09-12T10:20:00.001+02:00

Just two days after Police minister Nathi Mthethwa told the World that murder and car hijackings were down in South Africa, a Mazda ridge followed me and my wife home. Fortunately for me I saw them and tried to drive defensively with the hope to show them that I am aware they were following me. When I turned into my streets they did not have enough time to maeup their minds then they kept on Driving. I was relieved thinking that was it, I also thiught maybe I was just paranoid like most South Africans, but the guys came from another street. Maybe they thought I saw them initialy now they wanted to surprise me. unfortunately for them I was already on my drive way they turned and drove away very quickly.

What concerns me the most is that this is the second time this happens to me. The first time I did not see the car following me but my wife did. As I stopped at my driveway they drove passed me and that was when I realised they were all guys packed in a white Nissan skyline. After they had passed they acted strangely as they seemed to be lost and ended up making a U turn I reversed quickly into my driveway as they passed slowly in front of me not even looking at me to avoid being identified.

One never think of dying at their gate until last weekend I had a feeling that someone is doing some surveillance on me. Most South African are paranoid and paranoia got to me this time I could not sleep the whole night thinking they might come. What scared me the most is that my wife comes home late on Friday’s. I have a strong belief that our neighbourhood is one of the quietest neighbourhoods not rich but just the working class,

Juju a court case or election machinery

2011-04-21T11:46:00.000+02:00

I am not a Malema fan and most importantly I totally against doing things that fellow South Africans feel are uncomfortable for them. I would love to feel welcome at my back yard. Malema was very impressive in court yesterday, he made his points clear to everyone so much that even the Afri-forum lawyer Advocate Martin Brassey seem to run out of questions and relied on a dose of abrasive and provocative line of questionings to unsettle him. Malema Sat quietly on the dock in his expensive suit showing a big expensive watch on his wrist. When he opened his mouth he was so smooth he even tried to make friends with Advocate Brassey by saying he knows that he had represented some of his comrades in the past.

Calm Malema in court

I must say Malema mostly speak crap on public platforms, yet yesterday he carefully chose words even when he was angry after being asked some abrasive questions. He showed some political maturity that I have never seen before. This was probably the defining moment for his political future. Both parties tried to play to the gallery, but Malema passed with distinction leaving Brassey’s ego bruised.

Secondly the Afri-forum grew their brand immensely which I think was the big idea behind this court case. ANC ended up wining in that front too, they really made a meal of this case. As Malema-phobia according to Gwede Mantashe was playing itself inside the court room, Malema maniacs were making fool of themselves outside running up and down Pritchard street the whole day.

Literally there was an ANC rally every day on Pritchard and Kruis streets. This court case came at the right time just before Local elections and they milked it to death.

Afrifrum have every right to protest against “dubula ibunu” struggle song, but I am not sure if the route they took will help their cause that is if there is any

I ran for my life

2011-03-30T09:42:00.002+02:00

One evening we decided to go on an illegal tour in a game reserve with the hope of seeing one of the big five if not all the big five. When we reached the reserve it was midnight and the paid game ranger told us to stick together as we can easily get lost. We were a group of few ten maybe including me, my two friends and some tourists. We were there until we realise it was early morning, the first light started to appear and we had not seen even one of the big five. The sound of the birds singing in harmony was a sign that we should leave.

Suddenly we heard a Lion roar from a distance. The roar was so powerful one could not help it but tremble in ones pants. Several Echoes made it very difficult to detect from which direction the sound of the roar was coming from. We were in the middle of nowhere in the forest. With roar after roar coming closer and closer the members of the group became anxious and the game ranger was visibly shaken.

That was the time when my two friends and I decided to take matters into our own hands. We ran towards the entrance, which is a normal reaction from a layman like me. As we approach the entrance we could see from a distance a huge lion outside of the game reserve approaching the reserve, the there was a big man made hole in the fence which I suspect the lion used it to get out of the reserve in the first place.

I looked behind us for a place to hide, but there was an open area, which was, quiet a distance before we could reach the forest. The only option we had was to run as fast as we could and hope that we will get to the fence all alive. I was the fastest among all my friends, based on that I believe I had a chance of surviving to tell the tail. As soon as we started running the lion also started the chase. This lion came strait for me I have no idea why, maybe it was the clothes I was wearing. It ran past two of my friends whom by then they had even changed their direction everyman for himself.

I could hear the lion breathing down my neck. I knew I was not going to survive I said a little prayer, I also prayed for the lion to kill me instantly hopefully with less pain. I guess I would not even feel the pain given how much I was traumatised. I could hear from a distance my friends giving instructions as to what to do, but I had ran out of options the lion was right behind me, I was just waiting for that jump and attack from the back when I suddenly stopped. The lion just passed me at high speed only to turn around to face me, face to face. I was just few seconds away from my death and at that moment I wished I had a bad dream. My alarm rang I woke up, Yes I was dreaming what a relief.

Business express gone wrong

2011-03-18T10:35:00.000+02:00

I am a loyal Tshwane business express passenger. I am not driving to Johannesburg any more thanks to this train. By the time you reach your destination (Pretoria and Jhb) you have read two free newspapers (Sowetan and The Star) had a morning coffer of your choice (hot chocolate, gone through emails even had made Skype calls) this is all only from R870.00 per month. The success of the led to PRASA introducing the second train that leaves earlier at 05h40 and the second train leaving at 06H15. The Second train even helps to take Pretoria passenger. Everyone was happy at that time.

The reservations are have about this is that even though when we were lured into this train we were told this will be standard, over a very short period of time these services are altered without any communication to paying customers.

1. Two newspapers in the morning

Sowetan that they use to give us with The Star they just stopped giving it to us without telling us anything.

2. Variety of drink in was reduced as well no more hot chocolate in the middle of winter only Coffee and Rooibos is available.

3. Parking was chaotic at first in the beginning it is still disorganized but it is better much better than in the beginning when they were still going trough teething problems.

4. One was guaranteed to be in Johannesburg or Pretoria on time not 1hour as they claim, but it was at least 1h15 on time almost all the time. This was because it was given preferential treatment on tracks if there was a problem on the way. How things have changed, the fact that we still pay R870.00 means nothing, as the traveling time can be anything between 1h30 minutes to 5hour.

5. On Friday the 18^th of March 2011 things came to a crunch when the train Manager Mr. Leshilo exchanged insults with passengers as he tried to address passengers on why middle Carriages of the train did not have anything to drink for the past three weeks and counting.

Passenger were very upset especially when this explanation comes just two days after this train arrived in Pretoria at 22h00 and the only passengers who were taken care of were Pretoria. Those who disembarked in Kempton Park and Centurion were left to fend for themselves. The manager even wanted one passenger to be arrested far saying a hostess is just a tea hostess. This was in the heat of the moment where the manager said one passenger is a Taxi Driver, which I am not sure, what he thinks of them.

As all this is happening passengers are still paying the same R870.00 even though PRASA is obviously making a profit by reducing its services to the passengers. Is it not time the passenger’s request reduction in ticket price?

Are SETA's working or job creation for pals.

2011-03-09T14:53:00.000+02:00

Are South Africans really benefiting from Sectoral Education & Training Authorities? (SETA's) I am asking this beacuse, in an effort to transform workplaces in South Africa, the government introduced affirmative action, Black Economic Empowerment and improved labour laws. But this did not help much as the majority of the disadvantaged working class are still unemployed and those who are working lack skills. In order to address this crisis, the government introduced learnerships, which are meant to help the unemployed to have some qualifications and skills to be more employable. Those who are already employed are also meant to improve their skills to move to higher positions. Its objectives are to ensure that the skills requirements of the various sectors are identified and that the adequate and appropriate skills are readily available. This morning I heard over the radio that we still don’t have skills that SA industries want. Only few weeks ago we read in the news that the SETA’s CEO is vacating the post. What has he done? To what extent are the Sectoral Education and Training Authorities (SETA’s) helping to improve the skills of the unemployed, women and the disabled?

Employment equity

2011-03-09T14:21:00.001+02:00

Since the dawn of our democracy in South Africa the matter of employment equity has not been a tangible one, the human-resource policy has been characterised by limited commitment.

Few understand the term Employment Equity in the workplace and it remains an apprehensive manner. To appraise this system of establishing equal access to jobs for members of designated groups who experienced past discrimination, such as black people.

People with disabilities and members of minorities and women. The employment equity initiatives of employers and governments while at the same time ensuring those current members' seniority rights are protected.

The aims of the Employment equity are to promote and achieve equity in the workplace, by encouraging equal opportunity amongst all workers. Is this the case in South Africa I don't think so

No happy endings in real life.

2011-02-24T16:11:00.000+02:00

The late Teddy Pendergrass once said, “life is a song worth singing”, but when I look at what is happening in the world and around me, he couldn’t be more wrong. Life seems to be a song one has to sing because there is no choice. I have seen people struggle their whole life. A friend of mine Michael was born to a loving family, they were a God fearing family that goes to church every Sunday. I remember vividly they were the envy of many as they use to wear look alike suits (suits were really rare for kids in our community in late 70’s to early eighties.

Mike was Fourteen years his brother Hloni and Tumi were 11 and 9 respectively and younger sister Nono was a baby. One rainy afternoon their mother was struck by lightning and their house was burnt down to ashes. The family member had to share kids as their father was working for Johannesburg mining companies that kept only men in hostels. Mike was sent to live with her Gogo (grand mother) from his mother’s side. Like most men, their father discovered a new woman and later moved in with her. He was no longer going home to visit his kids. When Michael was 18 he came to work in the mines like his father. He didn’t do much to uplift his siblings either, and it was not long before bad luck struck again. He was retrenched for joining a union (NUM) and went to sit at home. His siblings were still living separate lives like strangers even worshiping at different churches.

I know this because I went to initiation school with one of his young brothers by then he was trying to reopen their neglected home, which still bore the scars of lighting that struck years ago. Mike wanted them to be a family again as he worked as a seasonal worker in Cape farms. During off-season he got another job as a security guard for Security Company that was transporting money. He was given a day off one Monday and on that Monday his colleagues were ambushed and undisclosed amount of money was taken. He was the prime suspect because he was not on duty. He was never convicted, but he lost his job anyway.

He had to stay with a relative and he seemed fine even though at his age he was uneasy. Their relatives had lost faith in them even though they were still good people. Unfortunately a relative he was living with also passed away and she was a widow and had no kids. He was forced to leave as the relatives were fighting over the house, but another relative took him in. It was not long before news broke out. The wife of that relative was pregnant and Michael was the father. He went to ground for sometime.

Sometimes God can see when you are desperate, a big supermarket chain called Boxer soon employed him. Three years later he lost his job under unclear circumstances that he doesn’t want to discuss with anyone. By then he had build a life for himself and his younger sister. By then he was married with a kid. He was back to square one, but now there were two more mouths to feed. Forced to reopen their home with the hope that they will make it. His wife became a hard working hawker in Town. Luck was still on his side. He got the job in the farms outside of Cape Town and he was looking after his family well and in the process of stopping to drink. One evening I received a depressing call from him he wanted us to me as he was coming to Tygerburg Hospital for a check up. I agreed and I was living just a stone throw away from the hospital in the nearby Parow Valley. He was diagnosed with Throat cancer. This was so advanced that the hospital applied for grant on his behalf and order him to stop smoking and stop working.

The only good news is that he is still alive living on the meagre grant with wife and 3 kids. The kind of life they live thought them to be independent, but no one went to school beyond standard 7 (grade 9). He is depressed drinking cheap home brew beer to forget about his worries that he wake up to daily. The circle continues as his kids are already struggling to pay school fees.

Will there be a happy ending I don’t think so. This is just one case there are worse cases in rural South Africa.

MAT is still boiling under

2011-02-21T15:30:00.001+02:00

The most talk about topic in 2010 was not the public servants strike which was suppose to hog the fast lane, but the Media Tribunal.

The ANC led government rightly feels that the media is focusing on what is wrong instead of building the young democracy (I am not sure for how long will it remain young) I am personally not against discussing any issue that will help shape our democracy especially our media. Our media is elitist by its nature as a result if you start an African language newspaper it is likely to drawn and die.

The ANC saw this, but instead of finding new ways to improve the mechanisms that exist they went for the new Animal called “MAT”

What makes this animal scary is that some of the ANC cadres are calling it a done deal why waste our time fighting it. At Wits University debate on media tribunal Joe Tlholoe said something very important. He said in 5-10 year time even ICASA will be useless, so this debate is already “obsolete”.

It is the truth that cannot be disputed that our media is elitist and focuses on the elite. This has to change some how but cannot be achieved by putting gun on the media via tribunal. Jackson Mthembu said there would be no need to amend the Constitution to accommodate the MAT. As a Chapter five institution MAT somehow will need Constitutional amendment to function well, what was he thinking?

The media need to stop being defensive and listen out and take what is useful in the debate and try and implement it trough Ombudsman. Thanks goodness they are busy doing that. (Apparently the ANC only wished them luck) The ANC Government must stop using 2 thirds Majority to push down our throats what ever they think is right for our consumption.

Public Transport in Gauteng

2011-02-21T15:20:00.000+02:00

Gauteng province in South Africa is one of the most congested provinces in Africa if not the world. It is has a World-class city (Johannesburg) in Africa. Prior to the world cup a lot of upgrade was done to the airport rail and roads. The government was taking responsibility and credit for all the upgrades, but for some strange reason they left that responsibility to a private company when it comes to the roads after the World Cup. Now the private company is doing every thing to extort money as quickly as possible from road users by installing expensive tollgates on all the roads that have been upgraded. They even proudly told road users that government is not part of it any more (literally saying Drivers you are on your own) . Now the country is up in arms fighting back, but just like Mubarak our leaders are far removed from the sufferings of their people. The minister of Transport Minister Sbusiso Ndebele even suggested that we use Public transport which they failed upgrade since they took over from white government as well.

South Africa has badly managed and maintained public transport with major transport Railway and taxi the riskiest modes of transport one can ever think of.

For government to consider tolling the public roads the public transport upgrade should be their main priority. This would help to releave some pressure from the national roads.

Most roads that are in dire need of repairs in Gauteng are municipal roads, what this tolling system will do to them is to divert traffic away from national roads to these municipal roads putting unnecessary pressure on them . Municipalities are already struggling to maintain them but money recovered from new e-talling won’t be used to repair these roads even though they will be under stress as a direct results of them.There is no question that we need better roads and that they don’t come cheap, but when the price of driving around you city become so expensive it defeats the purpose of a developing economy.

The impact of the e-talling with directly lead to high prices as we know in South Africa Tracks transport everything including coal on our roads. These prices of transport will be passed on to consumers thus leading to higher inflation.

Underpaid workers who depend on Public transport that the minister says we should consider, as an alternative will bore the brunt of these tollgates, as no Taxi owner will want to forfeit their profits. Trains are unsafe; as they are already not coping with pick hour passengers. You can see passenger hanging in opened door between carriages even on top.

The government seems to be detached from this and very soon municipal elections are coming. I hope they pull wool over our heads until elections and retreat to their safe suburbs, as all this does not affect them

Hooligans

2010-06-10T10:01:00.000+02:00

Westrand trains are suspended because apparently workers torched a metro rail train for being late. I don’t buy into a belief that commuters spontaneously burn trains whenever they are angry. Do we believe that people go to work expecting to be upset and therefore carry with them Petrol, Matches and all these dangerous stuff that you can think of? I don’t think so, there are people behind this, why would commuters burn their only cheap means of transport.

I was driving via Bree taxi rank last week and I couldn’t believe how long were the queues to west rand. A colleague of mine who use trains called around 18h00 telling me that she was still in Johannesburg. She left the office at 16h00, I only left the office at 17h00 and by the time she called I had already negotiated the N1 traffic to Pretoria and was only 5 minutes away from my house. She told me some people arrived in Krugersdorp at around 23h00 in the evening and their bosses expected them early morning the following day. Taxi industry cannot cope with the train people ever.

Much ado about nothing

2010-06-01T17:37:00.000+02:00

The city of Cape Town entered into agreement with the people of Makhaza to build them toilets. Stupidly the city fell for an agreement to build the infrastructure for the and later they could erect walls for them selves. For desperate people this is a very tempting proposal. If I were going to the donga to soil a toilet of any nature would be acceptable.
When the infrastructure was done people were left with stand-alone toilet sits.

Enter ANC youth league, which according to the ANC documents it, is in disarray. They were prepared to prove once and for all to Hellen Zille that they could still bite. I have no they managed to squeeze DA led city council to erect structures. But they were hoping that local government election would reach those toilets and capitalise on that. They were not aware that the City council has other ideas. The city decided to give in to ANVYL pressure and built structures around the toilets to preserve dignity of the people which they should have done long time ago.

Now frustrated and out of ideas the youth league decided to dismantle them or should I say they destroyed them. Condemning those who still go to the dongas to help themselves to another misery. One resident said she wanted that toiled because she was tired of going to the dongas or neighbouring township for a toilet as it is not safe. One Buffoon from the ANC said she was minority. Ironically this guy has a flushing toilet in his house. Now the DA led municipality has an upper hand as they will save money and not build those toilets again.

The irony of all this is that, when the ANC was running the city they never thought beyond tenders and build toilets for the poor. They squabbled to oblivion; now that someone is doing something for the poor they start talk. The city can do better those toilets are not good enough but they are far better than what I have seen country wide in ANC run municipalities. Just go to Dieploot, Alex, Nelson Mandela the list is endless. What they could have done was to constructively intervene, but let people use those toilets they need them.

I hope the ANC could win local government and see what they would do. I am beginning to ask myself do I keep on voting these guys. This is Hooliganism of the highest order of wasting taxpayer’s money by destroying what we already have. No wonder when workers strike or there is a protest March people burn existing structures. Looting and all of that is because when the youth league run riot the ANC is as quiet as a mouse

Now the DA upped the ante they removed the infrastructure all together. Makaza residents are now a football in the field of ANCYL and the DA. Both exploit their plight. As the saying goes when elephants fight it is the grass that suffers. It will take some tie for the local government to put back those toilets. The ANC Youth League must be proud of themselves that they successfully denied Makaza residence some kind of privacy. Makaza residents also not innocent they didn’t voice their dissatisfaction with the league but later they show interest in those toilets by burning tyres and protesting.
They should have done that in the first place when they ANC YL denied them access to their toilets.
Plato feels in top of the world now that he managed to egg on ANCYL faces not that they care they live in houses with in house toilets any way. Plato was supposed to bring the police when installing those toilets nothing would have happened to them.

Still on track

2010-05-25T08:16:00.000+02:00

At least bafana bafana are showing a steady progress, it is amazing how a change of coach can do to players. Sometimes it is said players don’t want to play for a coach. I think it was the case with Santana. These players lost 9 out of 10 games under Santana, but under Pereira they have not lost a single game in as many matches. Maybe playing Thailand first was not bad after all. Despite the draw bafana could have won by a bigger margin if they took all their chances against Bulgeria, but Ivanov stuck to Mphela like a glued wood.

Kagiso was oozing with confidence, which is what we want from our player. For a change Teko Modise played well I hope he will build up his confidence from here. As a commentator Cebo Manyaapelo put it, South African are quick to write players off if they don’t see them. Siyabonga Nomvete still has some good touches and speed they the youngsters can envy. Again my player was the unfashionable Thanduyise Kuboni, I must admit that I never thought he would crack it when he was called up. Now seems to be confidant cool and composed under pressure. South Africa needs a player like him not fancy and stylish but very effective.

I am sure Pereira by now is confused as to leave out and who to take. Lance David I consider him a very lucky player, but I think his luck is running out when it matters the most. He has the international experience he is versatile but also the master of non.

He will be very lucky to survive this time, Fransman, Mdledle, Yeye, Ngcagca (I like him though), I am not sure about Benny it does not look like he will make it even though Pereira likes him.

Overall bafana a gelling as a unit that will make them a force to be reckoned with come World cup. We might spring some surprises.

Is it a good thing

2010-05-19T08:41:00.000+02:00

So the president took a public HIV test, this was a good PR exercise and so far it worked as everyone even the critics applauded him. This support comes in the backdrop of his predecessor refusing flat to take any HIV test let alone in public. In my opinion the president should not have taken the HIV test in public or announce his results. If he were HIV positive I don’t think he would make the public announcement because of stigma. For him to announce the results won’t help anyone, but what he should have done is to encourage every one to test and keep his or her status secret.

Now that he tested negative wil that not encourage recklessness amongst the rigid traditionalists who don’t believe in this condom thing. We all know he had sex with an HIV infected woman and came out unscathed. This in a twisted way might lead to unintended consequences. Take someone in a rural village in Matatiele or Makhado who does not subscribe to condom use. What the result of the president is saying to him is that, it does not matter whether you sleep with someone infected with HIV you are not going to get it. You might as well go on and sleep around without a condom after that.

What message did he pass to the layman in the street, who regards him as a hero? Was it a good thing that the president took pupblic test and made results public.

Is Bafana Bafana convincing?

2010-05-18T09:36:00.001+02:00

I must say Bafana played well against Thailand they never lost shape even after the introduction of a number of substitutes. 4-0 is flattering, but against Thailand how much can we read out of this? Should Lesley Sedibe be afraid that his vote of no confidence coupled with R1million Rand per goals scored during World cup would back fire?

I have never heard of Thailand soccer team until I heard they were heading to our shores and SAFA was confident that was not the case. Apparently it is because they were still looking for a credible country. Other countries in our group are getting better oppositions whilst we still playing the likes of Thailand. One caller said to Redi Direko why would an MBA student in his preparation use a Matric question paper. I must admit I laughed out loud thanks goodness I was driving alone.

Health and safety at the work place.

2010-05-18T09:13:00.000+02:00

Mining in South Africa is dangerous, this country has got some of the deepest mines in the world and of course the deeper you go the more dangerous mines become. This can be minimised by sticking to the “mining health and safety act,” but no this will affect profit margins. For someone who is working in the metal industry you’ll expect some level of danger as well no work place is completely safe after all. Employers completely disregard this and go as far as locking out the Labour inspectors from their premises. Employers should provide workers with healthy and safe work environment where they can.

I visited one Eskom plant and I was impressed with the level of safety conscious of alomost all their workers. At Eskom safety of workers is priority therefore they even celebrate no injury week, month, I think they can't wait for no disabling injury and death free year (which is not impossible). People still die at work, but at least you can take solace in that they prioritise safety and show that they care. In 2003 I visited Koeberg Nuclear plant and an articulate Carin de Villiers took us through their safety routine I was convinced that they are doing a good job, but that was until I met Leila Mohamed and her team from Earthlife Africa of course. That does not take away the fact that Eskom seem to be caring for its workers.

I wish I can say the same about mining and metal workers, I have just spoke to Puleng Minale a Health and safety organiser from Numsa, he made a good of how employers neglect the safety of workers in pursuit of that extra rand. He says, “ if a worker die the maximum an employer can pay is R100.000, but to keep up Healthy and safety environment to a required level can cost a company anything from R2Million to R4 million.

If an employer have to choose between to make work environment safer or paying for the dead the choice is obvious. They choose to take their chances hoping that no one would be injured or die. If unfortunately someone dies they won’t spend as much as they would spend on health and safety. This sounds sick, but it is reality for workers out there. In South Africa like in the USA Company directors are immune from accountability. Unions have been calling for Directors to answer in Court if people die at work. Until Directors can be charged for negligence and go to jail, health and safety of workers will always be secondary to them.

2010 World Cup vs the Poor

2010-05-12T08:57:00.002+02:00

When South Africa won the bid to host the world cup South Africans at last felt that the Charles Dempsey injustices of 2004 was now history. 2010 is here and a lot of people are still unemployed and poverty still ravaging the country. What were the expectations of the working class and workers in relation to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

When South Africa was granted the right to host the FIFA 2010 World Cup it also came with the hopes of job opportunities and poverty alleviation. This was partly the basis upon which South Africa won the bid and indicated in its bid document.

Hope for new jobs in construction, hospitality and informal trading were renewed. Hospitality and informal sectors are mostly dominated by women and this was therefore seen as an opportunity for women to make a better living. Five years later has that materialised? Mainly temporary jobs were created in construction companies but workers were constantly in conflict with management concerning salaries and working conditions. Green point stadium alone was hit by strikes several times, whilst trade unions like COSATU, FEDUSA and BCAWU mobilised more than 70 000 workers to strike for a 13 % percent increase in 2008. Despite this some construction workers are still grateful that at least they got the job. Simos Maboea a construction worker at the Soccer City Stadium is one of them “2010 have created jobs in South Africa because without 2010 pepople will in the streets with no jobs and skills.”.said Maboea.

Many promises of sustainable jobs and skills transfers to construction workers have been broken in the build-up to the World Cup. Bonuses promised like tickets to World Cup matches have not been honoured. Simon Nyalungu is a 35-year-old construction worker from Limpopo. He was retrenched when Soccer City Stadium in Soweto was finished and lost contact with the employer. “I use to work in the stadium but now they have kicked us out I am now unemployed. These people promised us Tickets but now that we are outside and out of jobs we don’t know how are we gonna get those tickets”. The labour movement looked forward to gaining from the Soccer Wold Cup as more people would get new jobs and join unions to protect their rights. In this way the working class would be benefiting through socio economic development. Instead the government committed more than R60 billion to 2010 World cup , but there is no sign of dividends.

Informal traders (street vendors) didn’t escape the wrath of local government and big business. They were harassed week in and week out and even threatened with eviction at places like a 100 year old Howick Market in Durban and FNB stadium in Soweto. Ever since the start of Stadia constructions street vendors on construction sites lived with fear that any time they could be evicted.

The latest threat was aimed at Soccer city Traders when Jo’burg city sent someone to let them know they are not wanted in February 2010. On the eve of 100 days celebrations Pat Horn of street net lamented the fact that FIFA drives South African soccer culture away from the stadiums “We want to see African street culture, music and indigenous food, the ‘shisa nyama’, informal traders, as an integral part of a visitor’s experience of South Africa,” she said.

Levels of poverty and unemployment are critically high in South Africa, with 25 million South Africans living UNDER the poverty line. Experts estimate that South Africa has spent R20 billion of taxpayer’s money, some expert’s estimate as high as R63 billion! The 2010 Soccer Wold Cup was seen as an easy way of easing the intensification of poverty and unemployment. With billions of Rands spent on this event, should the working class have to celebrate on Mayday when we salute the gains of workers?

Gangster's Paradise

2010-05-10T09:05:00.003+02:00

I think fighting crime in South Africa is a non-starter. I was shocked to hear that a hit man called the police after killing Lolly Jackson. Initially I thought he used 10111, but later it appeared that he called a cell phone not of an ordinary policeman or woman, but that of a Police Commissioner. I am sure law abiding citizens don’t have that privilege. Why criminals have the numbers of the most important people on crime prevention. The commissioner made some lame excuses saying he didn’t even remember the guy. I think crime intelligence is taking the people of this country for a ride. How do they keep hardened criminals in their spy profiles?

After the killing of Brett Keble the same thing happened Glen Agglioti who later confessed about the so called assisted suicide called the then Police commissioner Jackie Selebi. Their story is now everyones knowledge. The police are not forthcoming with the information surrounding loly Jackson’s murder, you asked yourself why.
They even hide the fact that Jackson’s Car was found, why?
Criminals used to live in the under world, but not anymore. Your everyday world is now intertwined with the underworld you don’t know who to trust anymore. Scary is it?

What did you celebrate on Freedom day?

2010-05-10T09:01:00.001+02:00

I don’t subscribe to Motsoko Pheko’s ideas but I think the ANC leadership after reading his comment (Mail and Guardian 23 April 2010) they should pause and reflect on this so called freedom.
Pheko wrote
“27April this year gives this nation the opportunity to reflect on the journey to freedom that has been abandoned for ferry –tale destination. The burning of tyres and blocking of roads all over the country is a signal that something must be corrected before it is too late.”

He says, in South Africa most unemployed people are Africans. The poorest people are African. People who live in squalid inhuman settlements are Africans. These inhuman settlements often burn or flood, destroying lives and property. The least equipped hospitals and clinics are those that serve Africans.
The Worst or not roads are where Africans live. The least educated and skilled people in South Africa are Africans. People who have no money for education and are being educated in the lowest numbers are Africans…. yet billions of rands buy land and servicing the apartheid debt.

Nothing that Pheko said is new but we are so blind to see reality that we even defend fraudsters just because they happened to share the same skin colour as us. Shame on us!

Road accidents in SA

2010-05-06T09:22:00.000+02:00

Death is all around us, but there is no better plays to witness this than in South African roads.28 people died in one accident in the Western Cape, apparently because of greed. The bus had more passengers that it was suppose to carry. South African roads are the most dangerous in the world yet our government is so modest in response.

This latest accident won’t be recorded properly in our minds as it doesn’t fall on the pick times where we are updated daily. According to Arrive Alive website between 2001 and 2008 staggering 203,057 people died on our roads.

What is even more worrying is that the number seems to be rising every year. In 2001, 11,201 people died and in 2008 14, 419 people died. It is important to note that between 2008 and 2010 the number might be frightening despite the well-publicised decrease in fatalities over the Easter weekend.

Justice delayed is justice denied

2010-05-04T13:19:00.001+02:00

I had just spoken to a lady of the night talking about sex work and 2010 less than an hour ago. But what struck me is what we discussed off the record. She said that she can't see her child, she can't go to her kasi(township) Mzimhlophe everyone is calling her names. All this is because Etv put her face on TV without her consent on 3rd degree, their flagship investigative programme. Asking for a recourse she claims Etv just scribbled on a piece of paper an apology. She felt insulted, cheated and humiliated and left their office without accepting their apology.

She felt that ETV had to pay her for using her face on their programme without her consent. Etv she says, “Ruined my life sengisaba nokuya ekasi” (I’m even afraid to go to my township. “I can’t face my family and now they taken my child told her I am bad” is her words as she sits stone faced on the other side of the table. I didn’t have words to console her especially now that even Tshwaranang, which is handling her case, is not calling any more.

Even though she feels that she has a strong case on human dignity and invasion of her privacy she is scared to push Tshwarang too hard in case they drop her without justice being meted out to Etv. Her case was referred to High court around March in 2009, a year later she has never heard anything despite the fact that she has never changed her number. In a nutshell this is what big cooperates do to those they deem useless and can’t fight them. We didn’t meet for this, but I felt that it couldn’t be right that someone who works, as a prostitute should be humiliated like this. If you are a lawyer and you think you can help her leave a comment and your contact details on this blog.

Lust in conferences

2010-04-21T09:37:00.000+02:00

I attended Mass education Conference and film festival for workers and the working class in Birchwood hotel in Boksburg. I remember one of the films was by Michael Moore “Capitalism the Love story”, what a story.
It was for the first time I spend so much time with people in organised labour mixed with Community radio people from all provinces. I must say behaviour of some of the comrade as they would like to be addressed was weird at times down right bizarre.

As people were booked in double rooms I heard two gentleman discussing their sleeping arrangements with one sleeping with a woman and the other finding an alternative and the following day it will be visa versa. There is nothing wrong with that except that both of them at the time they didn’t know whom they were going to conquer for that evening.

My colleague complained that there was some sort of harassment from some guys. I asked one guy why is this the case he laughed and said surely I have never been to a conference “ what happens at conferences stay there”. I was also told there are a lot of young girls who don’t know much about what is going on here, they should find themselves waking up in the guys rooms as to how I have no idea.

Where women are concerned men have the right to make advances, but they should be within the limits. I heard a sense that guys wanted to sleep with some at all cost except rape, but intimidations. There were new workers who were there for the first time and they had to be subjected to this. Why man lack self-respect. During lunch time the others guys had a heated debate because the other felt that his colleague is barrier to some young women, really now does it really have to go to that?

At the end I was not surprised when one of those young ladies told the whole house that even though it was her first time at such gathering she felt harassed. She also felt that there was no one to hear their complains. The response from the house was even more shocking, the guys burst out laughing. I felt like the earth should open and bury me.
How do I allow my daughter to attend such important gatherings when there are vultures ready to pounce on her because of her vulnerability?

Reconcile

2010-04-09T17:21:00.002+02:00

I think as South Africans we like to hurt each other. I see no reason why after 1994 reconciliation we still have to sing the song that talk about killing others. Those are our struggle songs, our history which needs to be preserved not to be used at our convenience. History of whites also included “skiet die kaffir” do they have to preserve that history too? Can we allow them to say that in public forums?

But at the same time we need to be sensitive when we condemn people. Malema has been called names for singing “dubula ibhunu”, whilst the AWB proudly and publicly wear Vierkleur (Apartheid flag) and the government officials see nothing wrong at least their silence suggests that.

Black people hate that Flag as much as the whites hate the struggle songs, so instead of fighting Malema they should at the problem we have as a whole. Whites would like to humiliate Africans at every opportunity they are given (disguising in hatred for Bee, transformation, service delivery, crime etc). Africans would like to do the same for no good reason either.

Mzwakhe Mbuli once said “an eye for an eye make the world blind human kind must put an end to wars or wars would put an end to human kind” instead of blaming white can we look at what we are doing right and focus on doing better. Reconciliation didn’t end with Nelson Mandela era, but it was the beginning. Can black people condemn black people or is that reserve for white to do. Visa versa whites seem to be very quiet when one of them is out of order. I think the more we think of South Africa as a brand that need to be protected from the outside world who have a joll at the moment the better for our country.

We can’t wish away white people and they can’t wish Africans away either, so working together is the only viable option so let us make it work.

Supremacist

2010-04-07T12:10:00.000+02:00

Terreblanche died then everyone else has to stand and listen to Boer crap.
When he shot a man where were they? I think it is better that we agree that the law should take its course as we did with the man himself. Now that two people have been arrested the law should take its course. I was worried that racists amongst us killed him, but no it seems like the motivation was not race or criminal. The other worrying thing is that there is a 16 year old involved. Whose salary was he fighting for? I know for a fact that child labour is illegal, but the problem is still rife especially in the farms. Can Labour Department do a useful thing for once and find out if that child was a worker. And leave politics to politicians

Talking about politics why are white people so afraid of communism anyway? An apparent pay dispute turned ugly and now all of a sudden people are carrying placards with “ down with communism”, did I miss something here. What has Terreblanche’s death have to do with communists? The underpaid workers wanted their peanuts to go spend them with their loved one over the Easter, apparently their boss denied them their right, then they acted stupidly.

In the newspapers this morning some comment are so hilarious. One farmer all the way from Northern province came to support other white supremacists and went as far as blaming FW De Klerk for the murder of their leader. White Boer proved over and over that they are not Africans they should stop calling themselves Afrikaners because they are not.

The subscriber

2010-04-07T11:47:00.000+02:00

Poor service is something we come to live with it, in these competitive times you would expect that good service will be a priority. The Sunday times voluntarily promised me that if I subscribe with them I will get the time daily for free. I have subscribed with them before, but this time there was a carrot being dangled in front of me so I was tempted enough. The very first Sunday that the newspaper was supposed to be delivered it was not.

On Monday I called and got a swift response and a promise that the paper will be delivered the next Sunday and that at the end of my subscription they will deliver one more paper to make up for the one they didn’t deliver. That week it slipped my mind that completely that I was promised a FREE daily newspaper. I called and got as quick response that it will be sorted soon “tomorrow you should have your paper sir” said the voice of a lady on the other side of the line. I spent the whole week doing the same thing and getting the same polite same answers.

I eventually drew up a timetable for calling them every week, this started in February until the end of November, when someone realised that my contract was due for renewal soon. I only got my first ever “The Times” in the first week of December.
What was really surprising was that they were so quick in closing the supply they didn’t even honour their promise of an extra week. I got the time for an extra week, but I don’t think it was an extra though. I never bothered them with any calls but withheld my money thank you very much.

Steve Hofmeyer insulted me

2010-03-30T12:59:00.000+02:00

I read the Steve Hofmeyer’s letter to Malema and I was disappointed that you find it appropriate to use racist undertones. Steve you were vote the best South African at some stage and his gatvol letter didn’t reflect that. I think it is an indictment on those who thought were as good as Mandela. What I have failed to understand with some white people, is why do they brush black people with the same brush when they have a problem with one black idiot?

On dealing with Malema Hofmeyer you went on to insult every black person not only in an African continent, but worldwide. I am not a racist at least I think so and I don’t think I deserve to be boxed in the same category as Julius Malema. I don’t believe all white people are racist but they enjoyed apartheid who wouldn’t? I can’t come and call all of them names because one Stupid Terreblanche or Hofmeyer said some stupid things about me or my race for that matter.

The fact that black people have not invented anything Mr Hofmeyer doesn’t make every black person a stupid. The fact that white people invented so many things that doesn’t make every white person a genius, I am sure you are a proof of that. I am sure your verbal diarrhoea left a bad taste in your Afrikaans music fans. You didn’t have to insult me when you had a gripe with Malema.

For your information I am not his fan and I was looking forward to your letter when I heard about it. I thought Malema at long last had his match, little did I know you are as bad. You did little for the curse of the Afrikaner folk if you did any thing at all. I hope they call you into order, because judging by your attitude you will only listen to your fellow whites. Seis Hofmeyer, who ever made you Afrikaaner spokesperson made a blunder please live it to your Dirk Herman I think they are still doing a good job without insulting me in the process of fighting for retention of their privileges

Is Jozi that bad

2010-03-25T09:45:00.000+02:00

Johannesburg is a beautiful City except that there is still a lot of decay that needs to be taken care of. This morning I come from Pretoria by Train and as I disembarked in Johannesburg Park Station, the city was abuzz with thousands of people from the train going to different directions. My route was to our office in Pritchard Street a two way street six street away from the Train Station. Everyone seems to be very friendly, it is amazing how Jo’burg is known for being rough and unfriendly yet as I left the train station one guy stepped on my foot by a mistake and apologised politely and moved on. I took Noord Street to Wonderers street and turned towards Plain Street as music was blasting from the shops along my route. Taxis are bussy ferrying passengers from Wonderers Street, which is largely used as a taxi rank to different destinations around Jo’burg. Shop owners are bussy opening their shops setting up their displays for business. As I jump Plain street which is also a very bussy street used as a major street by taxis, wonderers becomes Kruise Street and street vendors are set up already with their low quality cheap Bafana bafana merchandise and Vuvuzela at every stand. Those merchandise are all probably made in China judging by the price.

As I reach Bree next to a derelict Post office there is a stench of urine from a secluded corner and filth. I enter Small Street, which used to be the hub of business, but now home to Somalis and Nigerian businesses selling any thing from china and the Middle East.
As I approach Pritchard I am reminded of Zimbabwe problem as I saw a group of filthy thugs like guys loitering, women selling Magwinya (fat cake) and soaps and towels on the side of the street. I am almost in the office, but not before crossing busy Von Wileigh Street. Taxi’s coming up from Marshalltown side up to Noord taxi rank are passing regardless of whether robots are green or not. Pedestrians have to force their way so is the traffic on Pritchard Street I join them and make my way across the street. A stand of women selling fruits next to another taxi rank is already buzzing with business. Municipal workers are hard at work cleaning the city. The city look very y clean compared to the stake we left in yesterday are there people, are the people who clean the city whilst we are sleeping?

I am on time today so I go in to the office. I feel like I was acting in a movie it looks like every one is fake. Fake smiles, fake clothes, fake works, and big car on the road driven by people I suspect they are in debts. I will repeat this in the afternoon except that by then Jozi will be three times busier that now, there will be no parking available in the CBD, and there be more cheap fake stuff going on. A friend of mine promised to buy me a fake USB player for R10.00 I will see how long it will last in my car. It is definitely fun to walk than to drive especially in Gauteng

Dodgy reporting

2010-03-24T10:25:00.000+02:00

Nomvula Mokonyane apparently owes the city of Jozi thousands in traffic fines.
Malema paid his debt and to add more Black management forum smell racism in it.
Do I have to believe The Star? Maybe yes, but maybe no. Few weeks ago That Star had a big story on Minister Sisulu and her husband having trouble paying their bond for a house in Sandton and the house was going to be auctioned. Today this story has been relegated to 5th page and most interestingly the house has moved itself from Sandton to Midrand. There was never an apology to say we made a mistake that house is in Midrand or as a matter of fact the House is in Sandton. You see reporters are not as reliable as they want us to belive.

Who do we believe politicians or reporters? My gut feeing say trust reporters. Can they be racist as Malema and BMF suggest? Yes they can. Is the Star a credible paper to be doing life style Audits on black rich people? For a long time the Star has proved to be the mouthpiece of whites in this country therefore even if they are doing a good job which I think they are, blacks will always be suspicious of their intentions.

Already BMF think that they are doing this to vilify black rich people, as to say if you are rich and black there must be some dodgy things about you even if it just a traffic fine they can hang on to, they will make a headline out of it. Does that mean White politicians are immune? Lifestyle audits are supposed to affect everyone who seem to b living beyond their means. I am not sure if The star had that feeling when they followed Nomvula Mokonyane. Whilst I strongly believe that Malema asked for Audits because of his denial Nomvula don’t deserve this.

The question we must ask ourselves is how often does she drive her self if she does at all? At what speeds are the VIP cars suppose to be travelling because I have never seen them stop at the robots nor driving at our normal speed on our roads. They are even allowed to drive on the yellow lane. Given all this do our reporters do they research on what was suppose to happen. Surely cameras will do their job (record all speeding car) but what happens after that. I don’t have facts myself so it is best if we leave it to Journos to explain the protocols of motorcades before crying fowl. With that we can be on the same page at present this is subject to interpretation.

Gunners are fighting back

2010-03-23T16:04:00.000+02:00

Arsenal have shown signs of maturity this season and already nervous fans from big two teams are already saying even if Arsenal wins the league they have failed to beat them. “The same can be said about Man U last season,” said Arsene Wenger on his newsletter to Arsenal fans. I think I am impressed with the die hard attitude that Arsenal players have shown this season. It is a known fact that obituary was written even before the season starts. With the loss of Adebayor and Toure this season looked bleak even to the die hard fans. They proved everyone wrong after that, but following their loss to both Man U and Chelsea they were written of once again. They reinvented themselves like never before and at some stage they were at the summit albeit temporarily.

Even if they don’t win the league this season they have shown that they are no longer the kinder garden of yesterday. On their game against Stoke city when Ramsay broke his leg most thought that it was Eduardo incident all over again, but no the boys wiped their tears and did the business. Against all odd against Hammers they did well once again. Almunia was outstanding, but Alex Song was even better. If they can keep those wins coming in who knows they might end up winning the league. As for champions league it is a big ask. Beating Barca will be an upset, but I am hoping for that upset and from there everything is possible.

Eish

2010-03-18T10:12:00.000+02:00

It always perturbs me when I feel that I am being taken advantage of. Eskom has just increased its tariffs by 25%, which is equal to about 20cents per kilowatt excluding the municipal fee. We don’t like to pay more as SA citizens; the feeling of entitlement does not help matters either. We are told that SA power is cheap, but compared to who is always my problem. First the recipients of this power are mostly poor. Why do we compare ourselves to the first world? On what bases? Is Eskom paying its employees equivalent of what the First world is paying their employees? No. Does South African have as much disposable income like poor US citizens? No
Let stop comparing apples with bananas, maybe things are not that simple then give us a bigger picture.

Despite all this most South Africans have accepted that they can’t do otherwise if our power is so cheap. Then Eskom through that at our faces by making secret deal with companies that consume 76% of all the power that Eskom generates. What is more disturbing is that despite the fact that Eskom concedes that our power is cheap how eve they give big companies fro free. Are they expecting us to understand that? What must I think when Eskom extort 80c per kilowatt from me and take as little as 9c from a multinationals.

Eskom generates power at the cost of 27c per kilowatt which is not cheap, but go on to sell it at a loss which is a 17c per kilowatt to some selected companies. BHP Billiton is alleged to pay only 9c per kilowatt talk about the sweet deal or Mandela’s Sunset cause legacy. If they are so in debt that they can’t even build one new power station why are they selling at a loss boggles ones mind. Eskom is a parastatal, therefore unlike the power station id the US my tax money keeps it afloat, but after bailing it out with my Tax they still want more.

I think Eskom in the wake of this scandal should revise its secret deals and put the country first. At least these companies can afford to pay the minimum of a production cost at least can’t they?
The rolling 25% should be revisited and be reduced by at least 5-10% per year.
For now we will take 25 % on our chins

Back Home

2010-03-16T14:23:00.000+02:00

Ever since the government of our popular President took over they had to deal with saving face almost every second month. From Zuma’s utterances on Gays and Lesbians, on stop marriage ceremonies to baby making.

I must admit like Malema ( for different reasons though) it is very awkward to imagine a father figure like Zuma having sex. I never wanted to admit that my parents did it either even though it was obvious. This is taboo in African culture and Zuma being the traditionalist that he is should have guarded it, but it is a known fact that he has completely failed. I have been asking myself if he will ever have time to govern without trying to justify his actions. There seems to be PR crises after another.

Whilst we were still shocked that instead of declaring his assets and interest of his family he chose to seek legal advice, the spokesperson of the Organisation Jackson Mthembu was busy driving drunk in Cape Town. What was really disturbing was the alleged reaction of the police in Mowbray Police station. Instead of arresting the culprit they threatened the law enforcers for daring to arrest their leader.

News from the north of Limpopo is so disturbing that you we think the media is making up stories. This story sounded like one of those stories “Made in Zimbabwe”. Not long ago someone was interrogated showing the zap sign to the motorcade. Not only that he was interrogated his place was ransack by the so-called law enforcers. I thought that was made in Ghana in the late 60’s. But no is Made in South Africa in 2010 nogal. I think it is high time that the government start running the country instead of fighting allegation after allegation. As I speak General Siphiwe Nyanda is alleged to have used taxpayers money for accommodation even though he has one from government how is that for waste of money.

Media getting nasty on Zuma

2010-03-05T15:55:00.000+02:00

The British press had a ball ever since we won the bid to host the soccer World cup. They even sent the people to dig up some dirt irrespective of how remote it is from the soccer world cup. But the only thing they could hold on to was crime, yes we have a crime problem in South Africa, but does it really deserve the airtime it is getting in the British media? And what does that have to do with hosting a successful World Cup?

Now our dancing President gave them a new target, they called his visit comic opera. The President couldn’t choose the worse time, after the Sono Khoza saga or private matter depending on whom you are talking to. I am not sure if the presidential aid is doing their job here, it was clear even before Sonono story that the president was going to be under fire. Remember the sickening question about his wives? The presidential aids should have known that after the love child scandal they should let things cool down a bit. I know we must not give in to bad elements but this is humiliation. It is not far from the state of the nation address where he made some blunders as if he didn’t rehearse his speech. First he Mentioned Irvin Khoza’s name in a week that he was suppose to be as diplomatic as possible and brought the two house of parliament down with laughter. Secondly unnecessarily referred to the Development Bank of South Africa as ABSA, which is where Sono Khoza is working, then a louder laughter again.

Now the British media is savaging his remaining integrity if there is any still remaining by calling him a Sex-obsessed Bigot with 35 children and a buffoon. I am sure this is the worse insult to be directed at the head of state by British newspapers. Again Presidential aid failed to see this coming.

Did he bring this to himself? Does he deserve this? I am sure this man is not as intelligent as we would like him to be, but he is still our President. Lets protect him until we chuck him out of the office if the ANC don’t recall him because of his indiscretions. As for the British media you have rubbished our country like some of our white counter parts, but this has to stop because World Cup success will prove you wrong.

Three in a raw

2010-02-26T14:15:00.000+02:00

They did it again and now there are rumours that the master tactician Gavin Hunt is leaving the club. Who can resist him, many club owners believed that it was players not him who is good. That led to exodus of players from Matsatsantsa the likes of Teko Modise, Mphela , Mashego, Pelembe, the list is endless. They were definitely quality players, but Hunt knows exactly what he wants fromplayers. He bought the likes of Pogenpoel, Maluleke, Lafor who proved to be excellent replacements hence they retained the Premiership.

The problem with coaches of small teams is that when the coaches leave they don’t usually make it in big teams. The reasonable option for Hunt is not to go for Chiefs, Sundowns and the likes, but target a national team. We have seen coaches from small teams (Owen Da Gama, Khabo Zondo etc ) fail to impress in big teams. We have seen the success of Clive Barker and Shakes mashaba as a national coaches after coaching the so called small teams. We don’t hear of intereference from management like in the big clubs (Pirates and chiefs) coach have a free reign.

Now that they have shown their dominance in South Africa, I am sure M-net can do with some mileage in the continent so that they can spread their wings further. What a better way to do that than to stay as long as possible in Champions league.

Is game on

2010-02-11T23:03:00.003+02:00

I thought premier league is a foregone conclusion, Sundowns from nowhere are pushing for a dramatic finish. This is DeJavu for Supersport United they have been in the situation before and came out smoking can they do the same this season?

This situation is similar in the English Premier league. There were times when Chelsea looked like they were running away with the title. At some stage Arsenal was trailing by 11 points as we speak they are just one point ahead and Arsenal is back in contention after Chelsea and Man United dropped valuable points. Man U is not as strong, Chelsea is not constant against small teams. Now that Arsenal is done with the big 4 can they afford let this go? Only time will tell.

Opposition or Enemies

2010-02-11T23:00:00.000+02:00

Since the elections I never heard from Bishop Dandala until after the state of the nation address. He was scathing in his criticism of Zuma speech tonight. I wonder if he was just attacking for the sake of attacking. His criticism didn’t have substance though, did he really had to say something.

Over the years we have seen the opposition like this from the likes ofTony Leon and Keneth Meshoe. I don't think we need this kind of politics now. People should add value when they criticise especially ourso called new democracy. I couldn't help to lough when the most number of people in the house lought the president's mentioning Irvin Khoza. that took me back to the Zapiro cartoon I saw on Monday where people were thinking of his sex exploites rather than the speech he was delivering. Zapiro can be spot on sometimes neh?

Jo'burg Metro Police Department

2010-02-08T12:31:00.001+02:00

I owe the city of Jo’burg R100 .00 in traffic fine. This was in 2008 I tried to pay them over the Internet but their details were not matching. I kept my money then they gave us a 50% discount savings and me I jump to the opportunity. This time I went straight to Absa bank. They told me the account number was wrong I should call the JMPD for their details. The chance of paying R50.00 went up in smoke

In 2010 I received an email, I am not sure where did they hack to get it because I never gave them. This time they were giving me a warning that if I don’t pay they will send me a warrant of arrest. They gave all their banking details, scared to death to go to prison I ran to absa towers at Commissioner Street to make payment. To my disappointment the bank account they gave me was still wrong. I was not prepared to take chances this time I called them on the spot. They gave me a correct account number, but the problem was that the reference was not correct. Every time I called they kept me on hold and later give me another reference. I left the bank without paying, so the following day first thing I called JMPD they gave me another reference, which still did not work. I gave them the last call and I told them this should be the last time, the person on the other side told me “no you are not the only one let me take you details we will call you when we have sorted this out” I am still waiting. So much for service delivery.

Is this not the time to let the President live his life?

2010-02-02T11:19:00.001+02:00

Just when we were getting used to the fact that our president has entered the race that used to be a two horse race between Kings Mswati and Zwelithini, he just surprised everyone with the latest addition to his list of 19 kids. It seems like he also caught ANC by surprise, judging by the man they chose to speak on this matter. Mr Jackson Mthembu’s story keeps changing depending on the radio station and the presenter he is talking to.

When we the world heard that Bill Clinton had an extra marital affair the world new went to over drive so was their PR department. I am quiet surprised that the ruling party not ready for this since the story broke out as early as Thursday to them. If JZ wants this to go away he must say something or it will be headline news for along time. Mr Jackson’s response that it is his private life doesn’t cut it with me. It is the same ANC that said the president apologised for having sex with out a condom with an HIV woman. That was after he had sex with another child of his friend. What do we do? we rest our case and let it go (zilime ziye etyeni) or do we make as much noise as possible?

The President is free to practice his culture, but infidelity was never an African culture and it not abut to be now either. It was always a shame in African societies so we can’t make it a fashion because our head of state does.

The Presidency is supposed to be dealing with bigger issues concerning this country, the continent and the world. Where does he get all the time to sleep with all these women? When heads of states are so bussy? I was speaking to my boss yesterday and he just doesn’t understand that if he can’t cope with one partner how come that the president, the CEO of the country get all the time for three wives, a fiancé now a girl friend?

It is a pity that the Presidency has been reduced to tabloid news about sex, sex addiction, infidelity instead of service delivery. Can’t our president just zip up roll up the sleeves dedicate his time on running the country instead of making news for all the wrong reasons.

CAF and African Football

2010-02-02T10:33:00.000+02:00

CAF is at it again, this is after anti climax Africa Cup of Nation that was held in Angola. This year’s tournament was in the news even before the first whistle was blown when the Togo team was ambushed in Cabinda. There was uncertainty as to whether they would play or not. Players were willing to play to honour the dead notwithstanding trauma they were going trough.

Angola’ s interior infuriated his Togolese counterpart by shifting the blame to them. Togolese government decided to call their players and sent then the presidential private Jet. The drama didn’t end there, Togo was disqualified from the tournament even though they were prepared to play. Now CAF has just added salt to the wound by suspending the poor nation from CAF activities. I wonder if Issa Hayatou and his cronies would rich the same conclusion if it was Cameroon or Nigeria who had this misfortune.
Togo didn’t asked to be shot at and they are Soccer players not soldiers who soldier on when their colleagues die.

What all know that FIFA don’t like it when the government interfere in football matters, but this one was a special case. Seeing that Togo had been disqualified already CAF should have shown compassion by not suspending them. As Jeff Moloi and his team said it last night “it is not a football matter” when people get killed for matters not related to Soccer. I am not surprised that Adebayor is calling for Hayatou’s head. I hope sanity will prevail and the suspension be lifted after their appeal.

Happy ending

2010-01-28T13:43:00.001+02:00

The late Teddy Pendergrass once said, “life is a song worth singing”, but when I look at what is happening in the world around me, he couldn’t be more wrong. Life seems to be a song one has to sing because there is no other choice. I have seen people struggle their whole life. A friend of mine Michael was born to a loving family, they went to church every Sunday wearing suits that look alike. He was around thirteen his brothers Hloni and Tumi were 11 and 9 respectively and younger sister Nono.

When he was fourteen their mother was struck by lightning, as they were young and their father working in Gauteng they were sent to live with their Gogo (grand mother). During those years men lived in single sex hostels and went home once a year. Like most men, he discovered a new woman and later he moved in with her. He forgot about his kids and moved on with his life. When Gogo died kids were left to fend for themselves. Michael came to work in the mines. He didn’t do much to uplift his siblings either, and it was not long before bad luck strike again. He was retrenched for joining a union (NUM) and went to sit at home. By now his siblings were living separate lives like strangers even worshiping at different churches.

I went to initiation school with one of his young brothers by then he was trying to reopen their neglected home, which still bore the scars of lighting years later. He wanted them to be a family again as he worked as a seasonal worker in Cape Town. During off season he got another job as a security guard for Security Company that was transporting money. Before cash in transit heist were in fashion in South Africa his boss told him not to come to work on a certain Monday. On that Monday his colleagues were ambushed and undisclosed amount taken. He was the prime suspect because he was not there on that day. He was never convicted, but he lost his job anyway.

He stayed with a relative and he seemed fine except that they were wonderers again. The families were not keen on taking them back. Unfortunately a relative he was living with died. He was forced to leave as the relatives were fighting over the house, but another relative called Thabiso took him in. It was not long before news broke out. Thabiso’s wife was pregnant and Michael was the father. He went to ground for sometime.

Sometimes God can see when you are desperate, a big supermarket chain called Boxer soon employed him. Three years later he lost his job under unclear circumstances that he doesn’t want to discuss with anyone. By then he had build a life for himself and his younger sister. By then he was married with a kid. He was back to square one, but now there were two more mouths to feed. Forced to reopen their home with the hope that they will make it. His wife became a hard working hawker in Town. Luck was still on his side. He got the job in the farms of Cape Town and he was looking after his family well and in the process of stopping to drink. One evening I received a depressing call from him he wanted us to me as he was coming to Tygerburg Hospital for a check up. I agreed and I was living just a stone throw away from the hospital in the nearby Parow Valley. He was diagnosed with Throat cancer. This was so advanced that the hospital applied for grant and order him to stop smoking and stop working. The only good news is that he is still alive living on the meagre grant with wife and 3 kids. The kind of life they live thought them to be independent, but no one went to school beyond standard 7 (grade 9). He is depressed drinking cheap home brew beer to forget about his worries that he wake up to daily. The circle continues as his kids are already struggling to pay school fees.
Will there be a happy ending I don’t think so.

Cup football in England

2010-01-27T10:02:00.001+02:00

I have been asking myself how much money is put into Carling cup and FA cup? Is it not bothering the sponsors the fact that big clubs (Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea in particular) play second stream sometimes even reserves as Arsenal do every year even when they have no chance of winning league?

Thanks to Manchester derby the stakes are high this season the fact that Man U is out of FA and the league is not looking good, Sir Alex will want to take this one at least and wait to see how the season goes.

I wish Man city and Man U were playing a final, it would be the biggest in a very long time. The only thing that seems to matter is top four spot in English premier league, I think is unfair on sponsors.

Dakar

2010-01-27T09:31:00.001+02:00

Rally was a spectacle, I am not a motorbike fan, but Mac Coma was outstanding. He did not win the race but gees what a rider. In cars section I wanted VW especially de villiers and Miller to win for obvious reasons, but AL Athia was devastating He came second to Carlo Sainz
. Overall Cars were good to watch especially because there we no deaths reported in this years rally. Hummer was flying, BMW X3 was quick ,but also quick to capsize. Those cars were pushed to the limit literally I wouldn’t mind watching it over and over. I like rally anyway.

Is khosi for life worth that tag?

2009-11-27T13:17:00.001+02:00

I am a fan, but since the Jabu Pule saga they have never recovered they have never played as posed any threat to any team. They have set their standard so low it is not funny anymore. I think it is okay to have a family business run by family members, but I think Kaiser has just taken it to another level. You can’t have an incompetent son as a team manger of a big club like Kaiser chiefs, a brilliant daughter as a prodigy of some marketing manager, under performing son playing in the field and a daughter with no clue about television producing a clubs monthly TV programme.

Bobby don’t deserve to be a the team manager, Jessica strikes me as this brilliant hard working young woman who deserve better at Chiefs. I am sure if we can remove this stereotype of no women can run a soccer team successfully. We can see what a good manger this woman could be. Nastasia did with aplomb at Sundowns, Rocky Dlala left it to her sister Mato to do it and her record speaks for itself. Her team is the least team to fire coaches they are true to their identity, I can talk until the cows come home. Ria Ledwaba did with some success even though I am not sure if she can be proud of her record.

Maybe Bob steak can do a better job in marketing instead of all these shenanigans he is doing at Chiefs currently. I am disappointed in Kaiser in allowing this to take so long. There is no hope that Steak is learnt anything from Kaiser who ran that team whilst he was a player and coach at the same time. I remember Nastasia Chiklass on Sports centre mentioning this one evening for different reasons of course, but I could not agree with her more. We buy under performing players we pump them with so much money they can’t play anymore. The less we talk about boardroom politics and court cases the better. Can Kaiser see that things are not happening and change in desperately needed around?

Are you ready for 2010

2009-11-23T12:50:00.000+02:00

Now that the Flags of 32 nations that have qualified for World cup have been hoisted, even the doubting Thomas’s must accept defeat. The world cup is not going to Australia. I think David Bullard wanted to the world cup to go to Australia with all his heart. He wrote in more than one occasion about fans who will leave in body bags come 2010 if FIFA dare allowing South Africa to host World cup. Ironically in his brave hospital bed after he was attacked he said he was going nowhere SA is his home. Most white people are paranoid by the scourge of violent crime and they think blacks are not affected. Blacks are not immune but they have lived with crime all their lives.

Why are we so negative about our country, this questions positivism amongst South African about the World cup? When you watch foreign TV channels you see how much they put in ensuring their viewers know about South Africa not only about soccer but about all that will help them enjoy in between soccer matches. I watched CNN one evening and I was impressed with what some of South Africans a doing to attract foreign visitors to their towns. Is it not time now for all South African to show the world that Africa is capable? Keeping our streets clean will be a good start don’t you think.

CNN reported that the coastal town of Walvis Bay has gone a step further. They are doing everything possible to attract South American Spanish speaking teams to use their town as their base during world cup. The city mayor and the community as well as tourism industry are looking beyond 2010. They want to ensure that the fans and sports personnel come back to their town after 2010 as tourists. To ensure a better hospitality more than anywhere in the country, the residents are taking free Spanish lessons so that they can interact with tourists. Traffic officer were the first ones to take these lessons.

Few years back I spoke to then Secretary general of National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU) Mahlomola Sikhosana who suggested that to prepare for the world cup the national government should invest in teaching the unemployed youth the major European languages, as they would come in handy during the World for visitors and beyond. It is not a secret that major European languages are spoken all over the world (we all know the history behind that) He said this would help the youth to help translate for the visitors during and after the world cup. Since we are envisaging that after the world cup fans will come back, the lessons will then be used continuously to help tourists understand our country better. I thought that was practically impossible until I saw it on TV that it is possible. What are you doing in you community to ensure that the World cup legacy touches your community? Are you waiting for the government to set the agenda? You might just be too late we are less than 200 day to the Soccer show piece

Police are victims too

2009-11-12T12:56:00.003+02:00

Over the past few weeks we experienced a serious media assault on police for serial offences of shooting innocent people and bystanders. To my Knowledge they have been doing this all along. Ask Independent Complains Directorate (ICD) in KZN they will tell you about countless number of cases they have been dealing with over the years. We must admit that there are those police who have little regard for the law and lives. What has changed is the media attention to vilify Bheki Cele and Nathi Mthetwha on the use of deadly force against criminals. Just like in the case of Zuma where the media led everyone to believe that the judge said, “there was a generally corrupt relationship” between Zuma and Shaik, the media again has coined the “Shoot to kill” as if it is Cele and Mthethwa who said it like that.

Media set the agenda and what they say over and over again becomes the gospel as the “ generally corrupt relationship” tag line proved. In Jeppestown massacre when police were murdered like animal the media was concerned that the police killed those murderers after they had surrendered. This made more headlines than the death of men and women who died trying to protect you and me.Few weeks ago Captain Scheepers pointed a gun at a criminal and ordered him to drop the gun. Do you think that criminal cared to listen? Captain Scheeper was shot dead. What made headlines the following morning was the fact that Captain Scheepers was not wearing a bulletproof vest, how sick is that? They stopped short of saying he brought this to himself. Between 2007and 2008 staggering 213 police we gunned down by criminals and still counting for 2009, but this did not make headlines because it is not sensational.

I have heard Bheki Cele on numerous occasions saying police should kill when they are in Danger or the public is in danger. He questions Section 49 of police Act. I also do, what if a criminal is running away from the scene carrying an AK 47 do we then say he pose no thread. Let him go until we have a proof that the AK 47 in his hand is not for decorating the streets? Section 49 should be clear on that as to when to shoot, but when you are under threat you know and you should act. There will be isolated incidents of police who go out of hand and I think ICD is there for that.

We can’t allow trigger-happy police to act with impunity. We need a holistic approach where as civilians we can help the police to send criminal to where they belong. Stolen goods are a hot property in our townships; in a country where 23% of the population is unemployed most want to keep up with the Jones’ in a country where materialism is everything. Let’s stop glamorising criminals I am not sure how many time have I read Sowetan telling its reader about the shoes and the cars the Mashobane “King of Bling” girlfriend was driving. It is this kind of reporting that is disappointing; instead of discouraging criminality we boost it by giving it the positive image. Instead of the main focus being on a criminal who is running out of time as a free man we put a spin by looking at his assets (needless to say accumulated trough blood sometimes even of police men & women)

Even the ministers are not helping with their push for more bling. Our ministers choose to buy the most expensive cars which have been assembled elsewhere when we actually assemble good cars in our back yard, Ask Blade Nzimande and Trevor Manuel where their cars were assembled you will be shocked. Will it not be better if they were helping to create jobs by buying local other than fuel inflation further.

We need a solution blaming shoot to kill won’t solve problems we are approaching Christmas and every criminal want to have a good Christmas and that is very terrifying for ordinary people. I think police intelligence post apartheid is poor, it need to be beefed up to minimise the killing of innocent people, further education is a must for police as crime changes all the time, some of the police can not even take a proper statement from a victim and this lead to high failure rate of convictions. But ordinary people should come on board in most case we know criminals in our midst.

How safe are we?

2009-11-03T14:43:00.001+02:00

Is it not interesting that Gauteng government under Qedani Mahlangu dep’t abdicated their responsibility long time ago on Zimbabweans who live in the Methodist Church? Bishop was struggling alone with them until recently when the government decided to pay them an unannounced visit. What was striking from what they were saying was that they were united in calling for the closure the place of safety. Do they have buildings to relocate these refugees now? Since early this year Qedani and crew promised to move these people to other buildings. Now they complain that the place is not safe, but those people feel safer than out in the streets where the government is planning to relocate them to. If they care so much why did it take so long for them to think of those kids, if they care so much why did they fail to relocate them earlier. Do they have time for them now? Do they have a building for them now? When people get fat salaries to service people they should do that and not wait until the problem get out of hand. Ineptitude is the problem of our office bearers, but they never see that because they are too important. We are waiting to see what they are going to do with those destitute.

Labor Brokers and Unions

2009-10-12T08:58:00.003+02:00

As early as May we knew that the honeymoon was over when Zwelinzima Vavi told a press conference that Zuma better hold on to Polokwane gains and election promises (that included abolition of labour brokers) if he still wanted their (Alliance) support. Labor brokering is on every ones lips right now for all the wrong reasons. I have known about labour brokers since 2003, I think the first real job that my wife got was through a labour broker which I never understood how they work. She did not pay anyone to get that job and she was not expected to pay any thing, in fact her relationship with that agent ended when she got the job.

Labor broker are causing a lot of harm to the unemployed as they hire and fire as they wish and they have become employers themselves. The ANC U-turn on the banning of labour broker infuriated a lot of COSATU heavy weights. At the same time the ANC is carefully using Blade Nzimande and Gwede Mantashe as a buffer zone to test and keep in check the hostilities in the Alliance and they are doing a sterling job at pulling wool over workers. They were the loudest in the latest COSATU 10th national Congress held at Gallagher estates. They seem to be oblivious to the fact that for COSATU this is about survival hence they want to hang on to the soldiers as their members.

Over the past 15 years COSATU has lost a lot of members in the private sector. This has weakened COSATU heavily in the private sector and the main culprits are labour broker and casualisation as big business try to hang on to their hefty profits whilst spending less and less on labour. The only sector that has kept COSATU going is the public sector. They can’t afford to lose South African Security Forces Union SASFU instead they want to robe in South African National Defence Union SANDU and the doctors in their books. It does not look like is about workers right to me ,but is about survival.

Most interestingly during COSATU congress in Gallagher estates, NUM members who work for Murray and Robert in one of the mines in Rustenburg wanted to gate crash the Congress to give Vavi they grievances because the NUM had failed them. They told me they were kicked out of their hostel by hired prison inmates and now they live in tents provided by the municipality in that city. As they were plotting to storm the gathering NUM national leaders were busy pleading with them not to do so.

This came in the heals of another attack on NUM officials in the same city, but from a different mine. As we speak one of those leaders who were attacked by their own members is still in hospital. Num is one of the biggest unions in COSATU and these events tell us that unions are becoming easy on employers to keeps number of member high. How do you explain a scenario where workers turn against their leaders?

Is he in or out?

2009-10-02T16:00:00.002+02:00

Can South Africa afford to lose a coach now? Most Soccer lovers think there is no turning back. When Santana come from his latest trip from Europe it will be his last ...that is if the likes of Mninawa Ntloko are to be believed. Every one seems to be vying for his this poor man’s blood. Not for the first time in our 17 year history. The list of coaches can make a team complete with its reserves. What have south Africa achieved after firing coaches closer to big tournaments? Nothing but another learning curve thinks is high time that South Africa stick to the man of their choice and at least not renew his contract when it expires. I am beginning to wonder if we do have players to compete at the highest level. If we can’t beat the likes of Madagascar convincingly.

Carlos Alberto Pereira was beginning to be comfortable after a long haul of be called a “world cup failure with the best in the what is he going to do with South Africa” indeed he nearly left too soon I guess he could smell the coffee and jumped before he was pushed. A friend of mine who is a Nigerian always tell me that the all conquering Super Eagles of 1994 were not the best team of to come out of Nigeria. He claims that most players were average players whom Westerhof thought them to be disciplined. He says a good team come out of a team that doesn’t keep on changing and I think Santana knows that too. Such players a craving for bigger tournaments and we have seen the glimpse of that during Confed cup. Sanity prevailed and the team was given a chance to perform at a big tournament with their coach and that was history. Can we continue then stick to Santana whom I must confess I never liked as soon as I was told he didn’t have national team experience. He is here now lets support him.

Who is racist in Mzansi?

2009-10-02T15:12:00.000+02:00

Are we obsessed with race or South Africa is the worst country when it comes to race relations. I cant remember hoe many times did I read about race. Sowetan interview Akhona Ndungane (originally from Gxulu in Libode) and they asked him about racism in the Blue Bulls camp. Of course they were hoping for an exclusive on race relation in the Afrikaner City of Pretoria. Later I read that COSATU is complaining about some Northwest farmers who continue to persecute poor farm workers like they are stray animal on their land.

I watched Cricket when South Africa was being humiliated by England nogal, and the following day I read a column, which was slamming JP Duminy for playing poorly in Star newspaper. In my view it was not an unfair comment, even though I believed that South Africa was let down by it’s bowlers who conceded more 600 runs in two matches. But wait until I read a letter from a Cricket follower who saw it from the racism point of view. He says that after the match they were batting on who will be found guilty by a white columnist the following morning. They assumed that a white columnist would pick on a Black player. Of course Rodney Harman didn’t disappoint.

Are we living in a screwed up country or are we paranoid? How often did you hear about reverse racism from white people when it comes to job-hunting yet more blacks feel as if things have never change.

Bra Hugh

2009-09-25T10:01:00.004+02:00

Hugh Masekela, South Africa’s world class legendary musician received a special Labour Media Award at the cultural event of Cosatu’s 10^th national congress at Gallagher Estate in Midrand. The award was presented to Masekela for his song “Stimela” which tells about story about migrant workers from neighbouring countries who travel on the coal train to work on South Africa’s mines. The song, a popular favourite and a regular on Masekela’s concert repertoire is heart-wrenching as it tells about the hardships and conditions that these mineworkers faced on the mines, living in flea-ridden compounds – especially during the Apartheid era.

In receiving the award he told the 3000 strong audience that he had not written the song but it was really a reflection of his experience and learning about the mine workers’ plight by fraternising with them in shebeens and hostels in places where he lived around Gauteng. He also made an impassioned plea to Cosatu to play a role in organising around music and cultural activities to revive and preserve our valuable musical heritage which was being eroded by Western commercial music. He expressed concern about the cultural taste and habits of our youth.

The labour media awards was initiated by Workers’ World Media Productions, a non-profit labour media production house based in Cape Town and Johannesburg to recognise those who have made valuable contributions to labour media and art and to promote labour in the media.

Poor customer service

2009-09-17T15:15:00.001+02:00

Why are we so poor when it comes to customer service? Me and my business partner expected some money from a deal and that money came in, our black sister at the bank told us we may not access that money because it need to stay for two day s in our business account. That made sense because it was a substantial amount, and then we opted to withdraw the one, which was already in our account just to secure the release of the work from our printers. My sister told us the money was there and available but she can’t access it. We had to fight so hard as to have her removed to another teller, which was also a long process, and a white sister did it in two minutes. Mind you this was our branch. Few days later we came in to withdraw substantial amount and the other black sister different from the one who failed us few days before told us she is waiting for authorisation which took more than half an hour and we had people service providers from that money. After half an hour we decided we had enough we drove to the Glen.

We were treated like kings there, they have dedicated tellers for business transaction not that they don't have a Carlton Centre but we were told to queue with everyone even if we are going to do business, with no questions asked at the Glen we got our money and left. Later we changed our Branch to the Glen.

Only today I was at one of those long queues at Shoprite, when I was just six people away from the cashier a new cashier opened and we were directed towards her. She was so slow all people who I was behind them in my previous queue they were all gone. The worse news were to follow, this cashier doesn’t take debit cards she wants cash only. As to why they didn’t explain that before we join this queue only they know.

Instead of transferring those with debit cards to the next cashier we had to fend for ourselves and as you can imagine no one will just allow people to come in front of them especially at Shoprite store because they are always full, so me and my fellow debit card holders has to start afresh on another long queue. Thanks goodness things went smooth until another poor person got the same thing on the cashier next to us. But funny enough it was written up there that she doesn’t accept credit cards and debit cards. Sanity prevailed the cashier asked me if she could accommodate him in front of if which I agreed, but the question is why didn’t the other cashiers did the same.

Rea Vaya

2009-09-01T09:37:00.006+02:00

Rea Vaya (BRT) is on, now it is up to the taxi industry to shrug off their Mafia style of management for some more substance. This time they will have to have the plan. The government gave them ample time to improve this industry which is second to non based on it’s important,but the Taxi bosses failed to notice this. When they were told to buy new taxis with seatbelts they snubbed the government. Later the government introduced the taxi recapitalization and again they fought tooth and nail to have it implemented in their own terms. Their terms were to shrug of the demand for bigger taxi the size of a Quantum, they chose to buy iNyathi in Mass even those who bought Quantum’s knowingly bought converted panel vans and made the mobile coffins. Only last week a taxi belonging to an association that allowed it to be on the road killed two people-injuring scores. This taxi was not roadworthy with shock absorbers, brakes and windscreen in a shocking state, yet the Taxi bosses allowed that taxi to ferry passengers.

In all these years the taxi industry snubbed the government, but failed to come up with an alternative a plan to improve this industry. When government finally chose to introduce the bus rapid transport they cry fouls. We are still being treated like in the apartheid days when people did not have a choice at all. One lady was telling me that she was humiliated at a taxi rank for refusing to take a Taxi that was visibly unroadworthy. Instead of convincing her otherwise they chased her away, told her there is no taxi that was going to take her even if she stays there the whole day. Judging by their attitude she new she was not going to win.As for other passenger they were packed like Sardines so frightened by these gun toting marshals that they couldn’t say a word to defend her.

BRT is going to make them think properly. You can run a big business as this like a spaza shop in squatter camp. These are the same guys that when they have a dispute the very same people that they are fighting for they kill them by shooting at full taxis with innocent passengers. How is that for arrogance? We can let this guys run our lives. The Taxi industry is going nowhere they simply have to improve their customer care and treat us as their clients not as beggars. This is a wake up call I hope they will see it that way instead of spilling some more blood they did in Cape Town terrorising Golden Arrows passengers. They never thought this day would come one man once said “lidoda duvha”

Malema at it again

2009-08-28T08:44:00.002+02:00

It was not surprising to hear see headline reading “ANC hijacked Athletes welcome party” the airport was so full Malema thought it was an ANC rally. Judging by their mobilisation one could mistake it for a welcome back party of some political icons. They have done us proud they deserve every moment of glory.

Most interestingly as noted by Julius Malema there were few white South Africans who came to welcome our athletes. In the previously it was almost a norm that there would be more whites than blacks to welcome our heroes. What has changed? Can it be because there was no white medallist this time around? Caster Semenya’s debacle was a cause for all of us to rally behind our athletes. It was disturbing though to learn that our usual suspects, expatriates in Australia are not behind the humiliation of this young girl but one of our own is.

I hope you are ashamed of yourself for what you have done to our country of great athletes. We had pocketed Gold and silver in big events before and we gonna do it again. The likes of Josiah Thugwana, Penny Haynes, Khotso Mokoena, Ryk Neetling and his team and more have done it before, why must we shoot ourselves in the foot when it matters most. All eyes are on South Africa in the sporting events, Springboks are beating our rivals left right and centre, Protease are number one in both one day and test game we are hosting the world in 2010 and now this.South Africa deserves better.

As for political scoring at the airport that could be expected once you put together the ANCYL and YCL in one platform. Even though I must admit that of late YCL speaks the language of youth I guess Gugu Ndima did a sterling job by returning some dignity of the king of outrage Castro Ngobese has left.

Khwalo a year later

2009-08-27T13:09:00.004+02:00

My sister in-law is a student at the University of Port Elizabeth the so called Nelson Mandela something. she asked me to post my sons picture here I resisted not for long , so to Ceaser with love here is khwalo.

Next time you see him he will be talking.

Black and White

2009-08-04T10:23:00.001+02:00

One more African has been shot mistaken for a guinea fowl, now not only does black people look like baboons they also look like birds. Why do white people get away with murders? Maybe Judge Hlophe was right, we need the law that is adapted to South African condition. If that was the case Scott Crosley will still be in prison. How on earth can a South African court believes that a white manager was forced by his black subordinates to kill Nelson Chisale? In South African Context this is impossible. In law it is, it is was not even a white judge who passed that sentence. The mystery is that black Farmers don’t have the same eyesight problem as their white counter parts. Government should buy white farmer owners binoculars even those who haven’t kill any one to save more lives. Guinea fowl… how big was that bird? This is ridiculouse.

African wisdom in the US

2009-08-03T09:35:00.001+02:00

Obama showed the world that he still has some African wisdom in him. African chiefs use to resolve the issues by calling the warring factions in their society to sit under the tree most often next to the kraal and drink their an African beer. Obama went back to his roots by call together Professor Gates and Sergeant Crowley to his place. He chose to sit under the tree instead of a well air-conditioned white house with a beer. Deputy President Biden was also part of history as hi joined the beer sipping trio. After the meeting Professor could even crack a joke about Crowley saying he is quiet a likeable guy when he is not arresting someone?

Service to the people

2009-07-29T11:46:00.003+02:00

Sa politics can be very interesting and sad sometimes. After election the ANC and its allies went all out to discredit the DA led province for its racist attitude. Hellen Zille didn’t cover herself in Glory either by appointing all men team for her province. That was when the kings of outrageousness (ANC Youth league) went all out telling the nation that she appointed boy friends and concubines so that she can sleep around with them (sleeping around not having sex… welcome to ANCYL interpretation of sleeping around)

it was not long before the ANC took a wrong turn every one with the exception of Finance minister were going for a bling whilst the nation is on fire. Angie”the Dogs” Motshega told the nation that she saved us by not using the maximum money available to her how sick is that. I kept on asking myself why all our MEC and minister become stranded as soon as they take office? Take the case of Ralehoko who had to register a car as soon as possible and be delivered even before it can be ensured. The rest is history…

The impression we were given is that there are no cars to transport our MEC. Enter Hellen Zille again she chose to go easy on a swag that the ANC is so hell bent on show boating to their peers that they can uses much as R150 000 only on pimping a car. I hear she chose to use a pool car as government have lots and lots of those parked doing nothing. She also asked his colleagues to do the same. This might be a political point scoring, gee she can score as much as she wants if she can save my money for ore important things. We pay a lot of money to pay some MK cadres who disguised as bodyguards for politicians for 24 hours. Is that necessary or just protocol? Zille will use them only on official duties. Those also make sense. Tiyani Rikhotso says they are “entitled” the same term that Mandela during his term of office told south African they throw it in the dust bin, not the new kids on the block. in time of reccession they don't see a need to tighten their belts and lead by example instead they are bragging, no wonder people are running riot.

2009-07-29T10:32:00.003+02:00

Every Wednesday in front of High Court in Pritchard street & Kruis there is man wearing a Ndebele traditional gear mixed up with Zulu warrior weapons standing on a stool holding a small bible. Interestingly his personalised number plate reads "MJITA", what a contradiction. (Ndebele,Xhosa,Zulu warior , Bible and tsotsi taal right in the middle of Johannesburg.) I have asked myself so many times why is he wearing the African traditional cloths? Why so early when it is so cold in winter? Is he protesting? Against what? He looks poor in his traditional attire but the car he drives suggest otherwise. I hope I will have time to speak to him and find out what is his story. He is an interesting character. He seems to be representing some church or religion ( South Africa Prayer Embassy), but he is not preaching, as you would expect from a religious point of view.

It's a Vuvuzela

2009-07-28T08:51:00.004+02:00

Watching the US ‘World football challenge featuring the likes of Inter and AC Milan, Chelsea and Club America I couldn't help to notice that Vuvuvela has taken the World by storm. In the match between Inter and AC Milan Camera kept zooming on AC Milan fans that were blowing them like South Africans. Every time those guys appear the name of South Africa got a mileage on international scale how is that for a free marketing? In the match between Chelsea and Club America I didn’t see even one, but the blaring sound of south African plastic horn was even more deafening like Ellis Park where Bafana was featured. I must say the feeling was good knowing that not everyone abroad hates Vuvuzela and that the perception that it was for the lunatics is far from the truth

G numbers

2009-07-28T08:47:00.000+02:00

G 8 or what ever number they are calling themselves of late has come and gone and leaders had nothing concrete to talk about because of the financial crises the Capitalist world finds itself in. Oh climate was top of the agenda and I hear they didn’t do a good job either n that front. A friend of mine use to tell me that if people start talking weather they are bored, but at most it is a better way to start a conversation to a stranger.

Weather affects us all isn’t it? I realised why the world Greeted the sacking of Mbeki with applause of democracy… that man was a pain in their back sides big time s he wanted them to account on their promises all the time something they are not used to. When the same thing happened in Honduras the world reacted differently why. They are comfortable with the Zolaya even though he threatens to change the constitution to increase his term of office. The world would like that because this time they will benefit especially the US.

This is exactly what happened in Madagascar Ravalomanana took over the reigns of government unlawfully. African Union (AU) initially didn’t recognise his government and later made a turn around, welcomed him and made him their comrade. Now Rajoelina is guilty of the same crime and now African union is starting to bite, too late though the damage is done . The world we are living in is messed up.

Is it because I am Black?

2009-07-14T13:26:00.005+02:00

Diepsloot residents went on a rampage on Sunday because their local Councillor didnot address their Housing problems. Driving from Rodepoort to Pretoria I had to via Johannesburg just to be safe, as they had blocked the roads, burning tires looting biting up people, burning cars. This is the very same Diepsloot that was the ugly face of xenophobic attacks. What is wrong with black people? Do we have to go on Rampage destroying the little that we have to send a message to our leaders? It is so unfortunate that people who bare the brunt are the people that you claim to be fighting on their behalf. Hawkers, Vendors, Spazashop owners, kids and women had to run for cover as the protesters were on a looting spree taking by force what ever was on their way. News crew were not spared as the SABC car was burnt to ashes. Does this have to do with being poor or being black or both? Are we the only poor nation in the world that our leaders are failing? Africa is now in never ending conflicts, since it’s decolonisation Guns has never stopped… when is this going to stop?

Is it gonna be the Venus show again?

2009-07-02T09:46:00.002+02:00

Today the Williams sisters are invading Russia right in the heart of England in Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva. If they succeed they will meet in the finals that have featured at least one Williams sibling 9 times in the past 10 Wimbledon finals. Why is Safina number one in the world if she has not won even one major? When Andy Murry won his match why did id make breaking news in British TV? Does that mean no one expected him to win on home soil?

A mistake or a ligacy of the past?

2009-07-02T09:13:00.002+02:00

Bryce Moon one of our future stars is in danger of going behind bars if his culpable homicide becomes murder and negligence driving after running over a domestic worker after partying. My curiosity is with what happened just after the accident. Apparently the late woman stayed there forever waiting to be transferred to the nearest hospital that will accept her. As a result of a long wait the woman passed away.

I then spoke to my brother who is a paramedic but not in Johannesburg. “ What happens if a poor person and a rich person are in accident?’ he told me they will quickly take both people to nearest hospitals that they can afford… meaning the one assumed to be rich will be taken to a private hospital the poor one to a public hospital no matter the condition. I then put race issue… if a black person and a white person are in the same accident what happens … an answer was very simple take the white person to a private hospital and take the black one to a public one and later see if the black one has a medical aid will be transferred to a private hospital and visa versa with the white person.

This to me that was very interesting why don’t they just take a person to the nearest hospital, when the person has stabilised then take him to what ever hospital he can afford? I that would be an easy way to save lives instead of thinking of profit in times of death.

Australia out

2009-06-09T09:27:00.004+02:00

I always rejoice when ever Australia lose especially in Rugby or Cricket because our soccer is pathetic even by Australian standard. I couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of my eyes when they were beaten by Holland. Holland nogal? but last night it was quiet clear they were out of it. Anything less than 200 runs against Sri lanka was always going to be a huge task to defend. Ricky Ponting earlier said predicting their early exit that if they are knocked out they will have enough time to prepare for the Ashes. He was not aware of the pressure he was putting on his players. Now that they are out we expect them to win the Ashes, but I will be the happy chap if they can lose it and run out of all the excuses they've been making all along. Australia will take time to recover the beat the era of the Warne brothers.

Service Delivery

2009-02-04T16:56:00.001+02:00

During December holidays I visited Matatiele my hometown if you are not aware. It has been sometime since visiting the area. My first impression was depression I drove about 4.five Km’s of the road. Sometimes you wonder people in the cities buy big maybe is for days like those because I am one of the lucky few other drive 40 to fifty Kim’s on gravel roads. Once I arrived at my village I realized much things have changed. There is clean running water near by and one have an option of by and installing your pipes in once yard that is if you got money of course. There is electricity it looks conventional but it does not work in a conventional way. Unlike the power outages that we have learnt to live with power there can go anytime there is a storm, lightning and thunder or too much wind. Believe me when I was in the house I could easily forget that I am actually in a rural village. Most importantly government built them toilets that look very durable and good. Right next to the door there is a two-litre holder that help to hold it up side down. You put water in there and I looked at it and said “Cholera e nyele”. This is a far cry from what people need, but at least is a start amid too late. Soon there will be no excuse not to visit the countryside.With a little help from powerful opposition we can make South Africa work.Please don’t tell me about the horrors of people “abasaya emadongeni to help themselves I am on a positive trip for now.

Who is HAMAS?

2009-01-28T07:40:00.003+02:00

The world watched with Horror as Israel mercilessly destroy Gaza strip in persuit of peace in the middle East... How ironic. There was little Palestinians on the west bank could do to help as their border was completely closed. Israel was targeting Hamas so they kept on saying, but how do you target Hamas when you collectively punish everyone. “Hamas is the real enemy of Palestinians” one would hear that statement over and over in Israel media including CNN, but was that so? What was the real aim of attacking Gaza? Was it to stop rockets being launched into Israel? They knew from the start that would not be achieved, how could they fight with faceless people with no uniform? Israel went in there with the hope of killing as many people as possible and leave and indeed they did just that. Who is Hamas any way?

America enjoys this animosity in the Middle East because Israel can spy for them anytime hence they never recognise Hamas government. Ban ki Moon want Israel to account for targeting UN facilities. Will they really account? History suggest that they will not, they have big brother US to protect them. It true though that Hamas is the enemy of Palestinians if they let Israel destroy Gaza in order to get sympathy.

The sad thing about War in Gaza was that Israel didn’t want media to report from the front line. CNN was reporting only what the Americans and their government wanted to know, Aljazeera did the same for the Muslim world there was now accurate information accept that so many defenceless people died …for what?

Capitalism

2009-01-28T07:30:00.002+02:00

The Capitalist economy has become a casino economy. When it suits political chiefs they shift to social bail out for big companies. Does that mean only big companies are affected by financial crises. What is the criterion of assisting these companies? The question I never got an answer from is... if the American companies got bail out from the government, what about their clients. Who will bail out ordinary workers who are also affected by these financial woes? In the US alone more than 1,8 million people lost their jobs yet we heard nothing about how they could be bailed out. More people are going to lose their houses, but the government is not interested.

Last year we heard that Blue chip companies with BEE component that are facing serious difficulties should be bailed out. I am not sure as to how this wouldl help ordinary South Africans. What this means is that taxpayers will pay double to keep companies afloat. First our tax money will be spent on these companies, later they will have to pay back that money. Where are they going to get that it? Their clients who happened to be the very same taxpayer who paid for them in the first place will pay more bank charges to pay back the same debt.

This in short shows us that we live in a Casino type of economy where speculators can dictate what they want in the market. May be socialism is not bad after all if the US is contemplating to nationalise the American Bank, that would be the biggest sin during cold war years.

UnAfrican

2008-11-14T08:02:00.001+02:00

Un African, how often do you hear people say that it is not African to do this and that? It is un African not to greet and ask, “how are you” it is not African to eat alone when you have someone for company. Maybe SABC is unAfrican as well, I watched SABC TV with disgust during Beijing Olympics. They subjected people to extra ordinary delays that I even asked myself if the big wigs at the cooperation watch the crap they are dishing to the masses. Most SABC employees have pay TV’s in their homes, do you think the big wigs at SABC also watch it? Judging by what they dish I doubt that we eat the same dish with them. So is it fare that they give people crap and go home to watch their pay TV? Will they see a need to improve the product if they don’t need it themselves? How do you then convince people to pay they TV licences if you subject them to this? May be it is high time that we practice what we preach

Erratic leadership

2008-11-03T08:16:00.003+02:00

The ANC have no one but themselves to blame for the position they are in. ever since the Polokwane triumph they were so erratic that they find themselves having to defending their positions every Monday. They tried to attack newspapers by claiming that they have a hidden agenda, but that didn’t stick as they were the ones were making minor mistakes and the newspapers took them up on them.

If you think back, the response of Gwede Mantashe to a newspaper article about Dikgang Moseneke. His response was so hushed up one could easy hear that he had never familiarised himself with the statement such is the lack of diplomacy in the man I use think of motlante he was asked about Jacob Zuma article in 2006.his response was swift but diplomatic, left newspapers with no chance to misquote him. Mantashe to his credit is more accessible to the media than Motlanthe but his comments have always black clashed.

After the ANC NEC decided to discard Mbeki Mantashe said as NEC they saw took the decision because they wanted to unite the ANC boy did they get that wrong?

This is the decision they will live to regret even if they don’t admit it. It is a decision, which was taken by an angry people headed by Mathew Phosa. Ironically Phosa was one of the best in the ANC for me and I was very upset as an ANC followers when he was sacked.

Can someone explain why the ANC decided to use Mbeki ‘s letter to discredit Lekota and Shilowa. In the first place both Men made it clear that Mbeki had to part in their new movement. Now in a string of errors of judgment they decide to select favourable sentence, which were very few. Once again they knew exactly that within their ranks they have people who were going to jump to Lekota’s movement over the weekend who could leak the letter to Lekota or even to the media. As the ANC was busy refusing to release the letter I already had the full nine-page letter in my email. The ANC leadership never saw that coming.

The ANC is battling to keep the movement together, instead of campaigning for the elections they are busy defending the statements they are making. Maybe now is the time for the ANC to focus on running the country and electioneering and stop these countless press conferences that always back fires. Maybe Motlanthe's strategy was the right one …talk only when it is absolutely necessary. Is Jesse Duarte the Spokesperson of the movement? Or Gwede Manatashe? Where is Tiyani Rikhotso? Only the organisation in crises can let its leadership do the spin doctoring... yet we are told "there is no crises". It is not surprising because we were told that there was to misunderstanding with the ANC until recently when they could not spin that any more. In any case I more likely to vote ANC again but they are not going to get the two-thirds majority which might be good for the country, but might vote is not guaranteed this time

Hotheaded Luke

2008-10-14T10:40:00.002+02:00

Luke Watson want to Puke on the Bok Jersey so what? Bhutana “shoot from the hip” Khompela is running a one man show to remove the Bok emblem from the Jersey so what?It is always interesting how some white people suddenly have love for the poor when their pride is at stake. When it sooth them they speak of reverse racism and don’t give a hoot about what life is like for a black chilled who is born with out a roof over his head. Try and talk name change or Bok emblem you will hear the likes if Cliff Saunders expressing their concern about the black poor and how money could be used to build houses other than to dismantle apartheid dominance. Luke Watson’s private conversation has been deliberately put in the public to vilify him. Read any Afrikaans newspaper on Watson then you will know what I am talking about. Majority of Afrikaners hate his family so is his politics.

Amongst whites there are known racists who are not apologetic about it yet you will never hear an Afrikaner newspaper exposing them. When a woman was assaulted by Racist Afrikaaners at Ellis Park Spectators mostly white look the other way, but if it were the opposite there would be a pandemonium. Some of the things that he said are uncalled for, but please he didn’t call a press conference to say them. Those were his private views on SARugby . These Guys go through tough times remember Jake White Castigating him and pretending to the media that all is well as he was treating him like a deadly virus. He rubbed that negative energy to player and went on to bragged about it in his biography. At least Luke didn’t wait until his carrier is over (it might be over already in national team colours) to speak his mind. Chester Williams didn’t want to upset his masters that He only spoke about the Bok experience when his carrier was over. Honestly I can’t wait for Makhaya Ntini’s Biography I am sure al dirty secrets will be exposed the 1999 Australian Tour, World Cup in West Indies. That will be a cracker.

Lucky

2008-10-01T10:14:00.004+02:00

Earlier this morning I read Lucky Mazibuko's Column "Just call me lucky". It is a piece of inspiration by a man who see thing in a positive way. the name of this column is very interesting I interpreted it as he prefers to be called by his first name Lucky, one might say he feels lucky to be afforded a platform when people living with HIV are discriminated against or just like all of us he feels lucky to be alive.

But lucky comes n different forms to people, on Sundays I watched a program a called Justice Factor on E news channel and I couldn't’t believe that Justice Malala is doing the programme. He looked lie he was doing the show facing the barrel of a gun and someone was busy telling him to relax. If you have seen our president talking to the nation you Will know what I am talking about. At least the president is still new in these things.

The creators of the shows have an excellent concepts but the execution is killing it. There are vibrant hard-hitting reporters at e like Ben Said even the ambitious Tumahole Mohlaodi can do a better job than Justice Malala. If I can see that man stuttering on my TV screen again I will never watch e news channel at that time. This is exactly what they did with Mathatha Tsedu on one of Deborah Patta’s good ideas unfortunately accompanied by Authoritarian (Patta)

E news channel is good concept that I think with time will a force to be reckoned with in Africa and the world. New ideas are coming and they can only grow from strength to strength. Timing couldn't’t be better to launch a 24-hour news channel for Africa at least South Africa for now. May be they should count themselves lucky that this dog eat dog territory for so long.

Deja vu

2008-09-17T16:47:00.000+02:00

I was sincerely hoping that the tripartite alliance would be critical of the judgement as it is the mirror image of Judge Squires which they criticised a lot. They complained that JZ was tried in absentia by a racist white judge who comes from the old Rhodesia. Their problem was that even though it was Sheik who was on the witness stand Zuma was the one who took hammering from the judge. Fast forward to Friday the 12 of September, Judge Nicholson Judged the NPA, but Mbeki took a beating. Instead of calling that judge into order for trying Thabo in absetia they rejoiced that it is their men who won. How ironic.

Supplementary Exams

2008-09-08T14:18:00.002+02:00

There is nothing painful like writing a supplementary examination, ask me I experienced it at the University once. When we grew up my friends use to tease each when they act silly and say they are supplementing silly acts of child or say they may have skipped one stage of life. This is what happened to Bafana Bafana last weekend. Since 1996 when we were the Champions we consistently went down from gold to silver to Bronze, to semi-finalists to quarterfinals and not scoring a goal at all and coming back in the first round. The only step that was left not to qualify at all for the Africa Cup of Nation, but we skipped that stage and qualified. Unfortunately we had to go for supplementary at the crucial time when we need competitive football. This time I did not care how we played or how courageous our boys were revenge would do it for me against Nigeria. As they normally say “The rest is history”

UBUNTU/BOTHO

2008-09-08T09:16:00.003+02:00

We have lost our Africaness, we have lost respect for the elders, and I remember taking a late taxi from Thembisa to Pretoria one Saturday evening. The last two people to board were two teenagers around 18-19 years a boy and a girl. Initially the girl didn’t want to board the taxi but her boy friend convinced her to. Whilst they were in side the girl was crying non-stop until the Taxi driver had to intervene. The young boys response was what you would expect of today’s youth ”Tswa mo ho rona wena timer nako ya hao e fetele” (leave us alone old man you time has passed)

It is this kind of disrespect that I am referring to, even our politics are not immune to this. Former ANC youth leader Fikile Mbalule spoke like he was talking to a boy when he made his public utterances about a sitting President of the country. Immediately after Polokwane triumph he made one of those outrageous statements “Mbeki was put on power by us and it’s us who removed him” not only did this sound undiplomatically and stupid but disrespectful as well. What happened to winning gracefully? I thought winning was the ultimate goal for the Zuma Machine and they would start healing immediately… boy was I wrong. What was really disturbing was that the Origination’s elders kept quiet as if nothing happened.

Kgalema Motlanthe one of the few who still have their dignity intact after all this Mshiniwam era, did do anything as they were busy eyeing positions post Polokwane. Now the ANC ineptitude is haunting them. Motlanthe is the first victim of their quiet diplomacy on ANC youth league. Malema and his idiots came so hard on him that he had to run for cover. I wonder if we will ever hear him speak ill of the youth league again. Apparently Malema even refused to apologies that, they agreed to differ …what ever that means. Zuma is as quiet as a mouse, so much for a future leader of the country. South Africans like to talk non-sense… we talk ubuntu and the next thing we burn people alive, talk of reconciliation the next you hear “ Kill the boer kill the farmer”, Nafcoc in the Western cape has just sent warning letters to Somalia’s who want to do business in the townships letting them know that they are not welcome. Do we even know or understand what these terms that we use so loosely reconciliation, ubuntu, Africa renaissance means or they have become part of our rhetoric? If this is the African renaissance era we have been talking about Almighty helper us all.

living under constant violence

2008-09-02T08:46:00.002+02:00

Whilst police were executing their duties two innocent people find themselves under fire. Knowing how violent criminals are in this country this kind of a mistake is the the last, but lets do everything possible to stop the repeat. I am glad to know that the family has accepted that nothing could be done to avoid this situation under those circumstances. But I think the statement made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that this s the result of shoot to kill command from deputy minister is very unfortunate. This is not time to score political points. I have grown to respect the DA under the leadership of Helen Zille but statement like this when our country is run by violent criminals does not help their course.

I have not facts about the whole incident but I believe the police gave warning and when they didn't stop they started shooting. Even if it was me, I would probably run under those circumstances and we all know we can’t trust some of the police. But can you put your self in the shoes of those police. How were they supposed to know that the car is not being used as a get away car seeing that is came from the scene of crime? Many time when police blink they find themselves under fire and we have lost a lot of them. I wish them speedy recovery and hope that they will be able to live their normal life again…I know life will never be the same.

Hooligans sport

2008-09-01T12:32:00.005+02:00

A friend of mine was at Coca-cola Park (Ellis park) when the bokke trounced the wallabies 53-8. I wished I were there. A Friend of mine was there to witness history in the making. Peter Devilliers despite having his big guns out…listen to this Brian Habana, John Smit, Bakkies Botha, Kawkonski, JP Peterson, Jaque Fourie, he managed to inspire his charges. He got his plan right this time, he got his combinations right and most importantly he got his transformation right.

The players finally understand what he wants. At first I didn’t even understand what they mean by expensive rugby, but after Saturday I do. I couldn’t wait to hear what my friend would say about the performance. Unfortunately he came back disappointed, whites on the left stand of the Ellis Park stadium didn’t want blacks people there. They made sure that you feel unwelcome, those black who forced their way were hurled with plastic tumblers.

My friend was so scared he was wondering when the match would finish. It was his first test match rugby and he assured me it was also the last one. Not only that some white don’t want transformation in the field of play they also don’t want it on the grand stand. Most whites want us to believe that Verwoed forced them with privileges they didn’t want …nonsense whites are racists finish and klaar. Doubt those who say they are not if they really meant that.

Ironically when whites attend soccer matches they are treated with respect and people go out of their way to make them feel at home, the I wish I can say the same about whites. There were poor women who love rugby who had to leave at half way mark as they couldn’t take it anymore and they had no guy to protect them they were vulnerable to those drunk rude racists.

People pay their money to watch rugby so I hope RARFU will do something about this teach the hooligans a lesson or two. Someone asked me if Rugby fans would flock to the stadiums if the team transforms well and win the matches as well. An answer from my white and Coloured colleagues was resounding YES, but after this I am not sure they still feel the same. As for me I will watch it on screen till kingdom come, I am not about to humiliate myself even if that satisfies racist I am OK.

Moral regeneration

2008-08-29T17:00:00.001+02:00

I always here of South Africa needing moral regeneration…do we really understand that. I think I am one of those who just about to throw in the towel in this one. South Africa is riddled with corruption, those who are meant to fight crime a actually leading crime to money laundering, ATM bombing people don’t know who to turn to.

Most interestingly now I remember one man who was trusted with moral regeneration of our youth actually helped himself.

Walking down Noord Street and Plain streets in Johannesburg is like walking on Adults only streets as people unashamedly and proudly selling pornographic movies for R10.00. Listen to this police were browsing through and I thought the guy was just about to be arrested when one of them reached into his pocket took out R20.00, took one movie and his colleague to take one.

When I was stopped by the police on my way to Pretoria west I chose not to stop and I knew they could shoot, but I wanted to stop where there were other motorists. I am sure I am not alone on this one Police do crime on police vehicles you never know when you going to be their next victim.

There is corruption at all levels, go to church you will religious big wigs calling others names because they dare to ordain Gay priests. Anglican Church is divided into two those who follow American way of doing things and those who follow the African way of doing things where is the country going? Moral regeneration... what regeneration

Invest in Africa

2008-08-27T14:42:00.008+02:00

Is investing into other countries imperialistic by nature? Is there any thing wrong with rich nations buy stakes in companies of less fortunate countries? Around 1995/96 when Lauren Kabila was closing down on Zaire Nelson Mandela had tried asking Mabutu Seseseko to come to South Africa and avoid bloodshed. It made economic sense given minerals and hydroelectric power of that country. When Kabile Senior came closer Mandela heard that he already had a deal with Canada, which was supporting him with Arms then South Africa turned against him.

It is the truth that can’t be denied that a new democracy in South Africa opened floodgates for international companies to go to Africa under the disguise of South African companies. I think of companies like Vodafone, which fro a very long time wanted to invest in Africa until Vodacom opened the doors form them forget that they failed dismally though.

Travelling to African countries you feel like an American seeing McDonalds and Coca-Cola everywhere. I was speaking to a Tanzania trade unionist yesterday, he told me that South Africa figuratively and literally runs their economy. Railways, telecoms, Banks and big business what more do you want. Shoprite in Malawi pay they staff quarter of what they pay their South African counterparts even though they don’t pay well even here.

What is really sad is that all the money made from these countries flow to South Africa. South African Companies like your Shoprite and Game shops don’t use local production, they import staff from South Africa. That directly kills the economy of those countries, as they can’t compete with us. When Zim was reeling from ever increase inflation rate Pick n’ pay, Makro, Game etc never used Zim industries instead they kept on importing from South Africa, this has destroyed their industries. This pushed 12000 Zimbabweans across the boarder weekly in 1996. Law of migration says people follow money. Maybe that is why every one wants to go to Europe or US I am not sure though about those who go to Australia and New Zealand. South Africa attracts migrants more than any other country in Africa.

We doing this in the name of investing in Africa, is it not surprising that PetroSA is doing business with Mugabe government, Equatorial Guinea of Theo Nguema? One might think that South Africans then benefit, no we don’t instead we are punished just like them. Can you explain what make SASOL petrol to cost the same as Shell petrol? I heard that they produce a barrel from coal at around $40/50.00 but sell it at the price of the Brent crude oil. To add salt in the wound they also get someone from government.

How can we loot Africa and expect that foreigners won’t come to South Africa. But the Truth is that African elite doesn’t want their countryman to come to South African because “they want South Africa for themselves’ Maria in one of the Seminars held at SABC. They want private hospitals, private school and tertiary institutions. Go to any former whites only University or high School and will be amazed how many children of the foreign elite mainly from Africa are in those schools. At least they help to improve the demographics in schools. The Elite from Mozambique live in Nespruit and drive one hour to their native land. South Africa benefited from the crises in Africa, maybe let me rephrase SA big business benefited big time from crises in Africa even though they won’t admit (based on moral values that is if they do have them).

Tumi

2008-08-25T15:44:00.001+02:00

Around August in 2008 I bought FIFA 08 so I could play with my boys. The music that play in the background when you are still making your selections sounded familiar. There is one song that the Artist calls African countries, Angola, Lesotho, South Africa,etc. initially I thought they use Africa in their lyrics to appease have Africa because there are South African teams after all Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Over the last weekend I took sometime to look at some of the artists and I was surprised to see that it was actually a well known South African Artist who is singing. I guess I am getting old I don’t listen to youth music anymore. The Artist is Tumi and the Volume and I felt so proud that our musicians are recognised so far abroad. Maybe this has something to do with 2010 I will take note when FIFA 09 is published this year.

War or Cold War

2008-08-20T10:36:00.002+02:00

I did Geography and I believe my teacher was amongst the best at primary level. We new all the mountain ranges highest peaks, grass lands and major river I am still not sure what for, but I have never had of Georgia. It seems this insignificant state according to me is the most important for the US to get oil without bombing and causing collateral damage to other nations. Georgia decided to take on mighty Russia with the hope that US might come to the rescue and teach Russia a lesson or two. What a miscalculation… maybe not because America still believe they are innocent. Apparently Georgia expected to be attacked by Russia early when they that didn’t happen they took it upon themselves to be the aggressors.

Almighty Russia could the turn down the invitation, as it always wanted to teach its former satellites state a lesson. I think they over stepped the mark though, how can they kill people like that even if they were retaliating. The US is raging about the autonomy of Georgia and always forgetting that they are the aggressor this time. Instability in Europe and in the Mideast is fuelled by the US and its Hunger for oil. When I heard that Georgia was the US ally I know they must have something to do with oil boy I was right. Georgia is the only major route for oil and Gas that doesn’t via Russia. So “Almighty Bush” as Mugabe would say, wants to keep it that way. US media talk with conviction when they refer to the invasion of Georgia but we know where they stand anyway. Russia was wrong to crush such a small state like that, but the US is the trouble maker.

Corrupt or Corruptee

2008-08-07T13:46:00.001+02:00

How often do you hear people talk about Traffic department in Gauteng? Actually people don’t even listen to you any more because there is nothing new you will ever hear. Whatever you new experience you have someone probably thousands have been trough that. Gauteng has become another Eastern Cape where corruption is part of official work. Traffic ever since I came to contact with them that is since I started driving, there was always bribery there corruption there but not to the magnitude of what we are witnessing today. When my wife took driving lessons her instructor told him that she would have to pay some extra fee for to get a date through his driving school. She ignored him and booked via Call centre.

There are so many stories about that call centre… to cut the story short she was told there was no date available, but she must keep on calling at least every hour. Fortunately she had a job where she had a phone. Little did she know that she will call every half an hour for 5weeks and hear the same line over and over “we are sorry there are no dates available” Seeing that her learners license might expire before She can even test once she joined the throngs to Rustenburg. There was no luck either as they only take a certain number of people per day, but interestingly over whelming majority on those people are Gautengers who spent their money to be there because their province failed them. I am told call centre was introduced to curb corruption, but the unemployed in our town ships cannot they really afford to call every half an hour for more than five weeks.

At long last she got a date but unfortunately there is no guarantee to pass so she failed. Would she start all over again with call a centre? Her friend from the Eastern Cape told her she has already paid someone in the Eastern Cape but he disappeared with her money and she can’t report him to the authorities. Desperate times call for desperate measure my wife was told of a guy in Jozi who can save her from her misery. They met at a secret spot and I was on call if anything untoward could happen to her.

This is where this became very interesting for me.

For R500 One can actually buy a date no questions asked (in the mean time people are calling day in day out and being told there are no dates.
For a refundable R2000 one can by the actual pass.( if you fail you get you money back)
Are you afraid to drive but you want a drivers license? You can have yours without lifting a finger… that is if you can fork out R6000.

I am sure so many people who will read this knew about it, I must admit that “amagent e kasi” (township dudes) have said this many times, but I don’t believe most of their crazy stories and this sounded like one of those. Can we really beat corruption? A friend of mine ask me if there is more corruption now than during apartheid….my answer was I can’t really compare the two. For me that government was a corruption on its own so what ever was happening below them was a picnic of four in a Monday working hours.

Fuel saving Tips

2008-07-14T11:10:00.005+02:00

I am not driving due to petrol price and I am saving big time, but if you are still driving here are some of the important tips when you are on the road.

Avoid prolonged warming up of engine 30-15 second isa plenty of time.
Don't stop and start engine needlessly...did you know that idling your engine for one minute consumes the same amount of fuel as starting it.
Avoid "revving" the engine especially just before switching off your engine.
don't do jackrabbit starts, accelerating slowly after you have stopped saves fuel.
Choose type and brand of fuel that does not burn quickly.
Don't fill the fuel tank to the top...never let petrol atendent fill your tank past the automatic first "click" of fuel nozzle.
never exceed legal speed limit, they are set for your traveling safety and also save fuel.
Traveling fast in low gear can consume up to 45% more fuel than it is needed.
Keep your windows closed when traveling at highway speed. wind can your mileage by up to 10% which too high given the situation we are in as motorists.
Drive steadily up or high, speed start wast fuel.
Avoid tailgating: not only is unsafe, but it affects your fuel economy.
Accelerate before you reach the hill not while you're on it.
Resting your foot on the pedals whilst driving puts a "mechanical drag" on engine parts and also demand more fuel.
Avoid rough roads if possible because it will rob you of up to 30% of fuel mileage.
Compare traveling distances or roads with less traffic congestion.

NB: When you fill up next time remember to ask your attendent for your tips to save fuel as it will help you to use a point of reference all the time.

Living big on meagre salary

2008-07-11T13:58:00.004+02:00

South Africans are a very interesting bunch. Most of us especially Africans we like expensive clothes expensive cars yet we all know we can’t afford them. Tito Mboweni says that we must tighten our belts but if you go eKasi where one would think that people would be more conscious about the economy given the realities around them it is astounding to hear people talking about Hammer and BMW’s. Contrary to that whites are downgrading to smaller cars renting out their houses and living elsewhere. Again given our belief that whites are rich and have it all I was expecting this to be happening to our people.

When Kulula .com was introduce into our Skies I thought that was the opportunity for us to fly. Instead I head my fellow Africans saying they can never take cheap flights on Kulula, Mango and 1time. And indeed when you take BA and SAA you see a lot of Africans and go to Kulula or other cheaper airlines you find them full of pale faces. So Africans don’t know the meaning of savings?

Recently Metro rail introduced business express between Soweto and Jozi and Between Pretoria/Tswhane and Jozi. I am not sure about the SOWETO line, but the Pretoria line is busy. Fair enough Africans are there, but given the demographic of this country they are still way less than one would expect instead they choose to drive their x5 in Ben Schoeman highway. If you think back there was a metro plus express from the Nigel/Spring line sometime ago. The service failed as people chose to use their cars and it was stopped. A friend of mine who lives in Nigel now want that express to come back it Probably the reason why we have price fixing problems in the country is this obsession with big life. This is not the time to live big it is time to live an affordable life amid high prices all around us.

...basis point

2008-07-09T11:35:00.002+02:00

What I asked myself is how is a hiking interest rate helping the economy or the people. People are still waiting for RDP houses Tito is kicking out those who already have house to go and join the queue. When oil goes up automatically inflation will do the same and “raising interest rates won’t bring the price of petrol down “ said one economist and I believe the price of food is not going to relent either. The stats suggest that food make 40% of inflation. Why should the majority be punished because those who can afford are reckless? Target them and punish them not everyone. Maybe targeting inflation is not meant for a developing country like ours. I think targeting poverty would be more appropriate rather than monitoring what the rich are doing and ignoring the poor who become victims of the governor’s venom in the end. The poor are caught in the crossfire, when Tito raises interest rates business colludes to fix prices and make more profit. They go out to buy more and the poor would be punished again. Whose fault is it that Eskom, Gas, paraffin, Crude oil and food prices are going up?

When ANC sneezes even the Judiciary catches the flu

2008-07-07T09:54:00.003+02:00

It looks like changes in the ANC are affecting all our institutions, but in a bizarre turn of events Judge president Hlophe made he feeling known about his politics something unheard of in this country.What I will never understand is why Judge president Hlophe always make news for the wrong reasons. Is there a vendetta against him? By who? Initially I thought he was a victim of circumstances we all know our history, but this time Hlophe has gone from ridiculous to outrageous. I read he letter where he is trying so hard to convince everyone that he is a victim. What I didn’t understand is why every time he chats with his colleagues (Japhta, Nkabonge and Ngcobo) a Zuma case would just come up, that is still boggling me. May be is time for the Judge president to step-down before damage is done to Judiciary and his reputation. By now we all know he thinks that there is no case against Zuma, which on its own is not a sin, but he didn’t have to go around selling his feeling to Judges that are dealing with this case.

As for Judge Pius Langa, he made a mess out of a storm in a teacup. I n my view this case could be solved within Judiciary. The public didn’t necessarily have to know about it. It is not the first time Judge Langa makes a mess. He is the one who saved him when he faced an impeachment. Ironically Hlophe is targeting him as his enemy number one.

In 1998 Judge Langa headed a commission of enquiry into the Lesotho elections on behalf of SADC. He was supposed to give Basotho the results but he chose not to. He kept the results and came back to South Africa with them. Back in the country when he was supposed to give them to President Mandela he kept them to himself. By that time all this already disconcerted Basotho. They were openly saying the results were being doctored in South Africa even though Pakalitha Mosisili said he would be bound by the results. Few weeks later he sent back to Lesotho. Few days later the acting President Mangosuthu Buthelezi sent the troops to raid Lesotho before the results could be made public. So Hlophe issue is not a coincidence.

Moseneke is no angel according to the ANC so is the host of others who presided over apartheid. Is our Judiciary in crises? Can they really come up with some encouraging results? I don’t think so.

Wimbledon finals again

2008-07-04T15:46:00.006+02:00

Once again the Williams sisters Venus and Serena are contesting Wimbledon. I am a fan of these sisters I am not a tennis fan, but I have my favourites whom I can spend the whole day watching them from way back starting from John McEnroe, Stephie Graafe, Martina Navratilova. Later the likes of Amanda Coetze for being a South African I could hardly see her play, Pete Sampras and the Williams sisters were the latest on my list. This Wimbledon was full of Surprises one of the Russian heavy weights was eliminated very early except Dementieva who lost to Venus Williams on the semis. Serena faced the sensational hard working Zheng Jie whom I thought won’t give Serena much problem, but she did. Serena had to dig deep into her experience to beat her.

I have heard people say they don’t like it when finals become a family affair others went as far as suggesting that the final will be decided over the Williams dinner table. Honestly the experts never gave the Williams sisters a chance. When they joined professional ranks sceptics called for their father to leave them to the pros if he wanted them to succeed. He ignored all those calls and succeeded then they moved on and said he won’t sustain the high standard he had set for the girls it is time to go. When they dominated the circuit people began to talk of family affair that is boring, that they don’t give their all or the final is decided at home. I wish for Venus to win this time her sister dominated her in all the finals in England.

Maybe there is something to say about EURO after all

2008-06-30T08:42:00.002+02:00

EUFA EURO 2008 went out with a bang. I guess they answered critics like me in the best way possible especially Turkey and Spain. I thought I would see the finals being contested between those two unfortunately lucky didn’t favour the Turks. Germany never look liked they would go through to the finals, but their sheer guts and determination took them trough. Ironically one of my man of the tournament would come from them. Short tempered Sweinsteiger. He was outstanding except that he saw red along the way. Spanish Sergio Ramos was the engine room, when he didn’t play Spain was not playing. When he stepped up the gear from back to the middle to being a thorn on the flash of the defences Spain always looked dangerous. Well done to Spain they deserve it. Initially I thought the Semis would be between Spain, Holland, Portugal and Croatia with Holland taking it. Well done Spain, I can’t wait to see you in South Africa next year on Confederation Cup. I hope we won’t embarrass ourselves because I know Egypt won’t.

Not much to write home about in Euro 2008

2008-06-25T12:24:00.006+02:00

In Soccer there is a lot of superstition, I remember in my playing days we believed that when you leave a change room you must not look behind until you reach the field of play. It has been around for some time but when my friend told me that Liverpool was going to win the 2005 EUEFA champions league finals against AC Milan I thought he was crazy. On paper AC Milan was the favourites, but he told me “ In 1982 the Pope died… Prince Charles married princess Diana and Liverpool won the champions league,” he said. Needless to say the out comes reflected that.

In Euro 2008 I tried mine, when realising that Spain was going to play Italy I started looking at their history . What I found out was astounding, Spain had failed to live up to expectations in big tournament … and I thought that was a general knowledge. They had played three of their last major tournaments until penalties. Incredibly they had lost all those matches. They lost to Belgium in Mexico1986. Lost again in Wembley against England in 1996 and recently against South Korea in 2002 in Japan. . In superstition terms odds were against them.

Italy had its fair share of misfortunes in penalty shoot out in the world cup finals in 1990, 1994 and 1998 but that seemed to have past as they had won on their last penalty shoot out in 2006. I watched the whole match between Spain and Italy thanks to paternity leave I didn’t have to wake up and go to work. I was not surprised though when Spain won because like Italy they had to break that bad luck at some stage.

I think Afcon was more enterprising than Euro 08. Players are tired from long season and not much is different from European leagues and the Champions league.

I wish Spain good luck.

What is more important than life?

2008-05-15T08:47:00.002+02:00

When driving on the free way why do motorbikes drive between cars? Why can’t they use the far right small lane which is normally unused and it is not an emergency lane either? Is it illegal to do so? I have seen so many motorbikes involved in accidents as a result of driving between the cars. I am always aware of them on the road especially when they have their head lights on bright it makes it easier other motorist to monitor them on their rear view mirrors.

Earlier this morning just before 06h00, a black Volvo was joining the onramp at high speed right in front me. I was driving on the middle lane at about 70km per. That car came straight from the on ramp to the lane on my left going past in front of me on the middle lane and straight across to the right lane. On joining the right lane not to mention that it did not even indicate the intentions to change lanes a motorcycle had just passed me, and two seconds later what I saw was horrific.

The Black Volvo bumped the motor bike. The impact didn’t seem to be that much until what followed, the bike flew to the air like a piece of wood sending the biker soaring to a big lamp post and back to the far right small lane . On the ground he did not make any movement and I assumed he was dead. I immediately I stopped the car and ran to what looked like a lifeless body. By the time I reached him more people have stopped their cars and ran to help. To my relief he was still alive, he could still move his body including his feet.

There was a young lady whom when we all panicked and didn't know what to do was very calm. She took charge of the situation like and accident professional if there is any thing like that. I was very impressed she called metro police who took ages to come. Seeing that so many people were helping and they were coping I decided to leave as early as I could.

I have seen the Think bike guys pleading with the motorists on freeway bridges, on TV and on the radio, but by the look of things no one is listening. Lets respect them as we respect other motorists. I don’t want to imagine how many people were inconvenienced by just what happened this morning. One accident can cost one up to an hour on the road. Lets think bike.

Mayday

2008-05-05T11:56:00.013+02:00

The 1st of May in South Africa is treated mostly as just another holiday, for me I was even working on that day which is even worse. But under normal circumstances South Africans celebrate this day like this But in Turkey things are done differently, what the hell was going on there on Mayday? This reminds me of "Black power" which was later referred to as June 16

Woza 2010

2008-04-24T09:42:00.002+02:00

Finally we are getting somewhere even if is slowly.My car was due for a service so I decide to take a taxi to work instead of working from home. There is something new on the road if you travel from Pretoria to Jozi or visa versa you don’t you cash but you buy a meter card. At the door there will be someone who will swipe your card and let you in, first you must ensure that when you buy you card they activate it because other give problems. Now any one can sit in front seat. I took the front seat, which I vowed I would never take after I made a mass in a taxi. In Gauteng there are no “Sgcabha boy” conductors if you live out of this province so a passenger who can count normally help the drivers to collect, count and give back change where it is due.

Today it was my turn as I came late and the guy next to the Driver wasn’t even a South African so the onus fell on me. I collected the money for all the passengers and gave them change but there was one person who didn’t pay. I gave back money to people and that didn’t help, as one person didn’t get her money. The driver stopped the bus and said we must make a plan even if that means we all pay extra 70cents. That was going to be a nightmare so I volunteered to pay the full R19.00, as I was the one who dealt with money. When I arrived in the office I realized that the passenger who didn’t pay was I. I said to myself never again would I take a front seat if I use a taxi.

Now things have changed woza 2010. I tried to engage the driver about this gadget but he didn’t seem to know much even though he acted big. He said it anew thing that monitors them in order to make extra money (which sounded dodgy to me) and that it monitors their speed. But I am convinced he was bluffing. How much do you know about these cards?

South African Music

2008-04-24T08:55:00.004+02:00

South African Music is growing but it is not maturing fast enough… I am referring to the music of the youth the likes of kwaito and Hip-hop. I can safely say kwaito is a dying breed. I don’t remember the last time I had a slamming kwaito hit I mean rigte Kwaito not the likes of Lvovo, Jujub and others their music is good but lacks that kwaito feel. But all it is okay of they make money and make us dance is it? But y concern is that we don’t produce people who become entrepreneurs later in life they just disappear the next thing you hear is hehe Mawillies is dying hehe Zombo that. Is that what South African artist are all about?

I admire the likes of Arthur Mafokate, Lesley Sedibe ,Vusi Leeu and few who are making strides in this multimillion rand industry. I remember when I first met Vusi Leeu in 1998 he already had so many ideas about South African music and where he thinks it should go. He had worked with TkZEE, Mageu and many more at that time. The second time we met and this time he was delivering on his promise, he was carrying two CD’s and he wanted me to pump them on air.

These were the no name artist to me, I didn’t even know how am I going to convince drive time dj’s to play them. Speaking to Vusi about them I realised his good intentions about these new musos and I wanted to help. In those cd’s one group was called Gun Chess, the artists were two Yizo-yizo actors Gunman and Chester. If I still remember the title album was also GunChess. The other cd was of HipHop Pantsula who later became HHP. He was promoting them under the new label called CCP2.

I thought that was a pipe dream, but few years later whilst I was in Cape Town I heard a hit song called Ghetto Tragedy and I was told it was a collaboration between HHP and Mzambiya (where is that kid by the way?). That was the only time I took HHP and his SA Hiphop serious and look where he is today.Now Vusi have moved to his third face, together with Dj Bongz they have established a new label to promote up and coming Dj’s. keep it up guys we can only grow from such initiatives.

Tsvangirai

2008-04-18T07:39:00.004+02:00

I went to check out Morgan Tsvangirai in Sandton yesterday. 702 talk radio had this huge media conference in their offices. The last time I saw so many reporters was when Zuma had one such conference where he was grilled by Journalists about the shower after sex. Tsvangirai wants Mbeki to back off; who can blame him the man has heard it with Mbeki. He continued to say Zim needs an extra ordinary convoy to deal with their crises… yes he said crises if Mbeki was here he would cringe.

But I think more that an extra ordinary convoy Zim needs an extra ordinary leader and so far Tsvangirai has not impressed me. He contradicted himself I don’t know how many times. At one stage he wanted Mbeki to be relived and be replaced by Mwanawasa, when Journo’s press him reasons he made a big U turn. Now he wants Mbeki to have more people working with him and to stay in Zim until the crises is over. “President Mbeki has not failed” why do you want him out if you think he is succeeding.

Zimbabwe needs a change, but I hope Tsvangirai will be surrounded by intellectuals… did I say intellectuals? No I think they need progressive leaders. That is where Tsvangirai started isn't it? One thing I fully agree with the man is that Zim Need a change and that there is a crises in that country whichever way you look at it. The ANC president asked a question that really had me in stitches last week “ where have you heard of an electoral commission which runs elections and do the counting and sit on the results…just sit? No leader in SADC dares talk like that about Zimbabwe.

A win at last

2008-03-27T07:40:00.000+02:00

At long last we beat the South American opposition after 8/9 attempts what a display of South African blend of football by Bafana bafana. It has never felt so strange to be a winner… that is how I felt last night as everyone else was rejoicing. Pereira was quick to tell us that we are not there yet but we are slowly getting there. Come 2010 it looks like we will have a team after all, but not according to Butana “shoot from hip” Khompela. There are few players who impressed me Kagisho, Bryce Moon, Moriri, Tshabalala and of course Teko Modise. To me that says PSL in not that bad after all or am I way ahead of myself I hope not.

The fat one

2008-03-26T07:45:00.004+02:00

Phat Joe is back on air our Phat Joe forget about the Fat one from the US, but I am not sure why our celebrities name themselves after US stars I am thinking Phat Joe and Glen Lewis as prime examples. Enough about that, Phat Joe is doing a morning show on Kaya FM. That show reminded me of him whilst he was still slamming the hits at YFM breakfast he was pumping local music like no ones business he even made a Kwaito hit mix compilation. The cynicism in him later made me hate his style though, I remember watching Phat Joe Show, which was one of its kind before moving to SABC. Walter Mokoena of SABC Sport always reminds me of Phat Joe when he is cynical on Air but I always feel that it is a harmless childish disparagement on his part.

It was on Phat Joe Show on SABC where I began to really see that Phat Joe was in the bad space. That evening he had Mfundi Vundla of Generations Fame the interview was not what I expected from Mfundi and Phat Joe was making sure that his programme turns to be anti Etv rather than entertain. You will remember both Phat Joe and Mfundi were kicked out of Etv (Phat Joe show and Backstage) Thanks goodness SABC took it off air as well, but on air on Metro fm he was even worse. Kenny lost his job because Phat Joe was late with his crew, I hope no one will lose his or her jobs at Khaya FM. Ironically was impressed with the new Phat Joe on Kaya fm I hope he will keep strait and stay away from damaging controversy like he did on Yfm. Good luck Joe

Phunya selesele

2008-03-12T07:43:00.002+02:00

So Khabonina “Khabo”Zondo is back at Celtics as head coach. What a professional, this man never uttered one negative word about the management of the team despite being given platform left right and centre. What is really strange is that it is the people of Bloemfontein the fans who wanted him back. In his interview with Robert Marawa Zondo said he left the club because the Celtics management said Fans were not happy. So the fans hit back. Celtics fan are one bunch of good fans I can’t imagine Kaiser chiefs or Orlando Pirates fans doing that in good faith. Celtics and its Fans have a very special relationship that I think the whole nation can learn from them. Their act is not historical non-the less it is commendable.

Liverpool management also wanted Rafael Benitez out as soon as yesterday but fans had their way Rafa is still the manager at Liver pool. Celtics fans have shown maturity and understanding of the game over the last two years even when their team was in first division they showed their loyalty, when it loses games they continue to sing and dance until the last whistle just like New castle and inter Milan fans. Big up to Sewelele sama sele I hope management took this act in good spirit.

Oh what a night.

2008-03-05T09:43:00.002+02:00

South African soccer is getting there slowly but surely. I remember in 2005 I would not bother to go watch Ajax Cape Town and Super sport playing. Super sort was playing a better football then under Pitso, but pitting it against club like Santo Ajax Swallows it was a disaster. Their games were boring to say the least. Last night I saw a game of football … attacking, skill drama and goals 5 to be precise. South African soccer lovers are not disappointing they go to football matches, which is good for our football. That was a good match especially as it was UEFA champion’s league night as well.

Two of my favourite teams in Europe were in action unfortunately they were facing each other. I am happy for Wengers Chickens they deserve to win they were unlucky in the 1st leg. I hope they can take that form to premier league and consolidate their position which look more and under threat from their biggest rival Man U. They are the first English team to win in San siro stadium. Which is the second history after their 5-1 drubbing of Inter Milan do you still remember that win?

Do we deserve this treament?

2008-02-27T13:20:00.001+02:00

The University of Free state students humiliate adults to register their opposition to residential integration. I watched with repulsion last night news, and I asked myself, why do whites hate us so much? Do whites see us (Africans) as human beings let alone being equal? I remember so vividly speaking to Derek Herman (Solidarity) last year on BEE and affirmative action and he made it clear that kids that were born around 89’90’s don’t have to be sacrificed for the sins of their forefathers. These are the kids of that age that show racist tendencies of the worst kind. Watching that story I asked my self if he believes this is still the case. Deafening silence by white leadership (Afriforum, Solidarity and DA) does not help matters I was raised with respect and I respect the elders irrespective of their race. Are these student’s human beings or animals? How do you treat your elders like that? So much for Mandela’s Kids and Born frees