By any means necessary!

Mugabe has got to go. But it seems neither SADC, South Africa or any of his governing peers (read African leaders) are prepared to get rid of him.

The situation in Zimbabwe has reached cataclysmic proportions, and still the region's leaders seem hamstrung by some force of which the rest of us are clueless, to take any decisive action. Mugabe has flouted every rule in the book, but remains defiant, at times daring SADC to challenge him.

Even the Zimbabwean people themselves seem to be stagnating amid the collapse of their once prosperous country - as if waiting for sanity to prevail or for the man who has failed them so spectacularly to miraculously see the error of his own ways.

Surely the writing is on the wall, with our own peace Archbishop Desmond Tutu suggesting that, with no other options left, Mugabe should be forced out.

So, let it be then...

Bafana Bafana rise to Nelson Mandela Challenge against Cameroon

South Africa looked like a team on the rise as they took the game to Cameroon's "indomitable lions" in the Nelson Mandela Challenge.

I can see something taking shape in the team.

There was accurate passing on display.

There was a game plan on display.

There was heart on display.

And I simply loved it...

Have to admit when pushed to a bet on the final score before the game, I hesitantly put Bafana a goal ahead of Cameroon in a final tally prediction. And unlike I've become accustomed to, my nerves were settled in the first 25 minutes, as I saw South Africa take control early in the game.

All I can say is: Who's next?

Barack Obama captures US Presidency and inspires the world

Yes, the election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the USA will be recorded as a historic occasion. There are far too many dimensions on which to evaluate this victory, to try to do justice to it in this space. I will just say that the earth moved - or maybe it was just the piece I was standing on.

The world agreed in a symbolic vote with Americans, and for this reason I am hopeful that today will mark the beginning of a global paradigm shift in political leadership that pushes beyond the borders of America...

Barack Obama is an icon of opportunity and inspirational leadership for our generation, and I wish him all the success and fulfilment in his Presidency.

Goodbye Uncle Zeke (1919 - 2008)

I wasn't really shocked to hear of the passing of Prof Es'kia Mphahlele - he had been struggling with his health the past couple of years. But I was sad that he had passed away without me having seen him in a long while. I was also saddened that South Africa has now lost one of its most erudite sons. Although he grew up under the cloud of a staunchly seperatist state, in an uneducated family, he was disciplined in his pursuit of knowledge and went on to live a highly accomplised life as a literary activist and scholar. After 20 years in exile, he chose to return to South Africa after the 1976 Soweto uprising, long before it was considered safe or politically correct to do so, but with the conviction that he could make a more meaningful contribution working within South Africa.

I first met him when I worked at the Es'kia Institute, an NGO inspired by his life work. At the time I knew little about him, other than what I was told by the Institute's CEO, Mike Stainbank. But the little I heard was enough to light the spark that would later ignite a new desire within me.

By the time I met him, Uncle Zeke was already about 82 years old, but unlike any other 82 year old I'd ever met. He was distinguished in his appearance, with eyes that reflected intensity and profound engagement, even when he was a million miles away. Although a bit unsteady on his feet by then, he still managed to go swimming and take daily hikes in the valley near his Lebowakgomo home.

I couldn't get enough of the literature that recorded his thoughts, his work and his life. And in the process, I discovered many great African philosophers, like Ngugi wa'Thiongo, Chinau Achebe and others, who until then I had not been exposed to. As a Black woman around 30 at the time, I was mortified by my sparse knowledge of such giants of thought.

It was somewhere in those first 2 years, between reading the first and second volumes of your autobiograpy (Down Second Avenue and Afrika My Music), learning about your cultural and literary activism and discovering your commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, that I made a personal decision about the direction I wanted for my life - a decision which led in part to SA Patriot - a decision that makes me proud everyday - a decision that I credit entirely to knowing you Uncle Zeke. Thank you.

Go well great African spirit. May your life and work continue to be a light to others in search of knowledge.

Find out more about the Es'kia Institute

Time to focus despite all the distractions

The global economic recession, ANC vs ANC politicking and US elections continue, as I try to pull myself away to focus on exams for the next 3 weeks. Good luck to my fellow UNISA students and to all the young ones writing their Senior Certificate exams this year...

Just one VERY IMPORTANT note - remember Voter Registration on 08 and 09 November.

You can visit http://elections.org.za/ to see if you're registered.

Wanna tell somebody?

Personally, I feel that SA companies for the most part pay lip service to the importance of customer care in retaining business. I think the guys at the top get it, but the employees we as consumers have contact with, are clueless or arrogant enough to place it at the bottom of their longlist of obligations.

When I am impressed I let the staff know, and where appropriate give a cash gratuity. If I'm not, I let them know that too; either by making a direct comment, slashing or eliminating the "exepected" gratuity or throwing a trantrum (yes, I have in very few extreme cases of blatant disrespect or indifference, been known to raise my voice in discontent).

I have also on occasion torturously bit my tongue as my husband advocates restraint, particularly in restaurants - for fear that his next serving may be contaminated by an angry waiter/chef/manager. [FYI, I have it on good authority that his fear may not be without merit at certain establishments. Problem is my sources do not want to be quoted for fear of reprisals]

But bad customer service is amongst my top three irritations guaranteed to raise my blood pressure without fail. So I am very happy that we have hellopeter.com. If you're looking for consolation after an eye-opening customer service experience or just wanna tell somebody, check it out - I have added the link here (see left hand column below the POLL). Once registered (very simple and with due regard to anonymity) you can log your compliment for outstanding service or vent about your latest bad service experience. The guilty company can access it, but more importantly you can share your experience with other consumers so that they are informed and learn from your experience.

Pres Mbeki's term interrupted

It's farewell to Pres Mbeki, SA President of the past 9 years, a veteran born into the ANC and son of one of Mandela's peers, the late Govan Mbeki.

His departure may have been dignified, but it certainly was unceromonious. With the divisions and struggle for power in the ANC ranks common knowledge even before the raucus images were broadcast live from Polokwane for all SA citizens to see, Jacob Zuma still insists that Mbeki remains his "comrade, friend and brother". Hello, are you talking about the same guy that is supposed to have conspired against you with the NPA? Come on now...

The events of the past 10 days or so have had the nation engrossed in all manner of discussion and debate. The Nicholson judgement, the vociferous reaction of the ANC Alliance partners, the threats of the ANCYL in support of Mbeki's removal, Mbeki's innocence or guilt amid the judge's suggestion of political interference in Zuma's prosecution, the decision to axe the Pres before the 2009 elections, the possiblity of early elections, the possible fallout, the appointment of an Acting Pres. etc. etc.

For the most part South African's are asking:

Is the President's early removal from office in our best interests - the citizens or this country?

As the dust looks to be settling, Pres Mbeki has bid farewell to the nation, an ANC candidate for Acting President has been identified and we look forward to national elections, where the voters will finally be heard above all the noisy, self-serving politicians!

To Pres Mbeki, I say:
Your Presidency has had its good times and bad; you made us proud at times and at other times we were dismayed; your Presidential speeches were inspiring but your willingness to share your thoughts with us was rare. You took on a difficult job that, judging from public reaction to your resignation, earned you as many critics as it did admirers. While your report card may be sprinkled with F's for "Flawed", you were competent and dedicated in your duties. Your service to South Africa has been significant, and we wish you well in the years ahead.

SA Paralympic Team Shows Class

THREE CHEERS AND LOADS OF ADMIRATION TO THE PARALYMPIC TEAM FOR THEIR INDOMITABLE SPIRIT AND WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES IN BEIJING.

Zapiro hits a nerve with Zuma cartoon

It's got the loyal Zuma supporters fuming and of course every newspaper analysing whether Zapiro's cartoon that appeared in the Sunday Times over the weekend, is appropriate or not. (If you haven't seen it yet, where have you been? - click on this link

http://www.thetimes.co.za/OnCamera/Article.aspx?id=304444)

There is no doubt in my mind that the portrayal of Zuma seemingly preparing to rape the justice system, while "she" is held down by his comrades (ANCYL,SACP,ANC and COSATU leaders) is offensive. But, I wonder who really has the right to feel offended - Mr Zuma? The Justice System? His Supporters depicted in the cartoon? Women?

The fact that there is a coordinated effort to ensure that Mr Zuma not be brought to trial and that a "political solution" be sought to his pending court case, has fuelled speculation that the ANC is looking for special treatment for Mr Zuma, as the country's President-in-waiting.

Claiming political conspiracy in their efforts to shield Mr Zuma, his powerful party and its allies have recently been at pains to explain that in so doing they are not undermining the judicial system but merely protecting South Africa from the backlash of an unpopular outcome to the ANC President's looming trial.

I can't say that I am strongly persuaded either way regarding Mr Zuma's guilt or innocence, but I have been witness to the working of the Justice System and some of the people mandated to uphold its integrity and fairness. By my assessment, Mr Zuma is not the first, nor the only citizen who feels unfairly treated by the Justice System. Yet he seems destined to be the first citizen for whom a "political solution" is sought.

I am on the side of every citizen who should have the right to prove injustice, whether wielded by the powerful human beings who sit in judgement in our courts, the politically powerful who stand for themselves above the people or the powerful corporate shareholders who rape our legacy and steal bread from our tables in pursuit of their profit agendas.

No Excuses!

The Paralympics got underway in Beijing on Saturday and already Natalie du Toit is in business, winning Gold in the 100m butterfly.

What a star!

The paralympic athletes have performed well in previous games - in Athens 2004 Team South Africa brought home a total of 35 medals - 15 gold, 13 silver and 7 bronze.

Natalie looks in winning form to help SA equal or better that tally in 2008.

Go team SA!

Khotso Mokoena Ends SA's Olympic Medal Drought

Long Jumper Khotso Mokoena has ended SA's Olympic drought by winning silver in Beijing.

He put in a worthy performance that very nearly earned him the gold. Well done Khotso!

In the last week of the Olympics, perhaps our strongest remaining medal hopefuls are Siphiso Nhlapo - BMX cyclist (final scheduled for Thursday, 21st) and Mbulaeni Mulaudzi in the 800m (the final is scheduled for Saturday, 23rd).

Beijing Olympics is the Pride of China

I can't say that I've watched every Olympic Opening Ceremony in recent times, but I have to say the 2008 bash put together by host nation China and aired around the world last Friday was epic and unlike any I've ever seen staged.

The Chinese didn't merely use the opportunity to showcase their rich culture and heritage, they put on an entertaining extravaganza that pulled out all the artistic stops. Using thousands of performers (a commentator speculated that more than 10,000 volunteers had performed in the opening ceremony), the show was a convincing demonstration of Chinese ingenuity that is probably testament to the nation's much talked about economic muscle.

And if that wasn't enough there were symbolic themes throughout that communicated China's diversity, national spirit and contribution to the world. Yes, we know it's only half the story - the half that is meant to evoke pride and praise - but you cannot expect the controversial leadership to host a ceremony that shows anything but the best of China.

One of those symbolic moments was the announcement that the little boy accompanying the flagbearer of the Chinese Olympic team, was a hero of the recent earthquake tragedy - he saved two people in the disaster. Brilliant touch!

So, the Games have begun. Good luck to all - of course a special bolt of inspiration for team South Africa. Personally, I have my hopes pinned on Natalie du Toit (what an awesome athlete) and 800m specialist Mbulaeni Malaudzi (currently ranked no.3 in the world).

Celebrating the Father of our Nation

Liberian President is a Woman of Conscience and Action

Pic: NMF

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf delivered the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture this past Saturday.

And given that of late, I have been uninspired and even pained by our own leaders, Pres Johnson-Sirleaf's address was medicine for my soul.

She gave a perspective on Africa's economies and spoke eloquently of Mandela's leadership legacy. She also used the opportunity to emphasise the need for African co-operation and courageous leadership in uplifting the lives of African citizens and ending corruption.

Reporting on the achievements of her own country since her election, Pres Johnson-Sirleaf boasted of the significance of women's leadership in her government - a point that was loudly applauded by the audience.

I found her address, which follows on those of previous occasions by Bill Clinton, Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Wangari Maathai, Pres Thabo Mbeki and Kofi Annan, gracious yet frank. She reiterated the message of the African Renaissance, highlighting the importance of citizen empowerment. Still, Johnson-Sirleaf acknowledged the reality that "the African Renaissance could come for some and not for others", reminding the audience of the plight of many on the continent, including the people of Dafur, Somalia and Zimbabwe.

On Zimbabwe, she was commendably clear:

"As I stand before you today, I would be remiss if I did not express my solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, as they search for solutions to the crisis in their country."

"I recognize my limitations to express views on Zimbabwe. After all Liberia is in West Africa. Liberia is a country of only 3.4-million people. We are thousands of miles away from the realities of Southern African politics. Liberia did not suffer under British colonial rule; nor do we have the same challenges with land distribution that has created so much internal turmoil.
But I am, I hope, part of the New Africa; an Africa rooted in many of the values demonstrated by you, President Mandela. In that Africa, all Africans have responsibility for our collective future. It is therefore my and our responsibility to speak out against injustice anywhere."

It was a memorable address and is worth reading - go to:

http://www.nelsonmandela.org/index.php/news/article/the_sixth_annual_lecture_address/

Sweet and Glorious Victory

The last time Spain were champions of Europe was in 1964. Their Euro2008 victory was no doubt glorious, particularly since it was hard fought, well played and comes as a good omen with 2010 just around the corner.

As I watched Spain's victory, I wondered when will we be champions of Africa again?

Let's hope we won't have to wait 40 years.

Once a hero, always a hero?

Robert Mugabe, once a liberation hero of the people of Zimbabwe and the African continent, has fallen. It seems at last Africa's leaders are prepared to admit publicly that Mugabe has lost the plot and has got to go - for the sake of the people of Zimbabwe and to preserve stability in the region.

It's been a long time coming, but Mugabe's arrogance and tyranny have finally burnt a hole in the hero-mantle that seemed to protect him from the criticism of his African brothers.

In South Africa we have already begun to see some of our heroes turn into arrogant, self-enriching, empowerment junkies, whilst others have settled for political prostitution, and still others have sought to fulfil their ambitions of wealth by lining their pockets with corrupt gains.

Those who continue to be heroes of South Africa and its people are few and far between.

Dishonest, irresponsible leadership and vacuous political rhetoric seem to be the order of the day. I don't believe South Africans will tolerate such opportunism, but are we prepared to say to our heroes of yesterday: You no longer embody the principles we expect of our heroes, so you've got to go!

The conviction of youth

June 16th commemorates the courage of the youth of 1976 who took a stand against the violent apartheid regime. It is often hailed as a defining moment of the Anti-Apartheid struggle. It is also the day that many disillusioned youngsters rejected Apartheid education to join the freedom struggle.

Many families still bare the scars of losing their sisters and brothers, sons and daughters. It was a time of tragedy and heroism, that South Africa can hold up as an example of the conviction of the youth facing the oppressive forces of the day.

With freedom won, our youth like the rest of society have largely grown weary of 'the struggle' and are more inclined to be caught up in consumeristic trends than socio-economic debates.

Yet, the patriotism of today's youth is palpable in their creative expression and pursuit of identity, as never before.

If we are reminded of anything today, let it be that: education and poverty are still struggles that require the conviction of all, particularly the youth, if freedom is to become a lived reality.

Poverty is a violent condition

Pic: news24.com

I may have been away from the blog (due to technical problems), but I too have witnessed with distress, the events dubbed "Xenophobic Attacks" in the media, that have shaken our nation.

The latest wave of violence against foreigners is arguably the darkest period in our post-democratic history. It brought deep-rooted frustrations of our country’s poor to the fore, which erupted in brutality, torching and looting of lowly homes and modest businesses.

The outpouring of public support and assistance that followed is evidence not only of our compassion, but our opposition to the actions of our fellow South Africans and the collective shame we feel.
Yet we must acknowledge that ripples of antagonism have been forming in hotspots around the country for years. These extreme and unprovoked violent actions cannot be condoned, and the opportunistic criminal element cannot be overlooked.

In our hearts we know, as a nation, that the desperate conditions of poverty among many South Africans leaves little for them to share with their equally desperate, migrant neighbours.

While government scurries to implement a long overdue and critical "Refugee Plan" and ordinary citizens come to the aide of the affected foreigners in true South African spirit, one thing must remain top of mind: unless we demand urgent action to satisfactorily address the smouldering issues such as housing and unemployment, these incensed mobs will ignite again.

Go Mothers!

I am grateful for this experience of being a mother. As with other experiences in my life, it has provided a perspective for some enlightenment.

My 3 childrens births gave me a newfound insight and appreciation of the reality which my own mothers (yes, plural) faced. And as I participate in my children's upbringing, I find myself exposed to every possibility - that which is within my control and that which is not.

Parenting is definitely a challenging and demanding task. I think I am most grateful that I have not had to face a day when I could not meet my childrens basic needs. I am conscious that there are mothers who, today and every other day of the year, are forced to witness their children go hungry for lack of adequate food, be exploited for lack of opportunities and die for lack of medication. This day of gratitude must honour them too.

"A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child."

Sophia Loren

Shame on corporate thugs

"INTELLECTUAL THEFT OR PLAGIARISM is the use of others' published and unpublished ideas, words or other intellectual property without attribution or permission, and presenting them as new and original rather than derived from an existing source. The intent and effect of plagiarism is to mislead the reader as to the contributions of the plagiarizer. "

(http://www.wame.org/)

It is shameful to see the likes of lauded organisations like the International Marketing Council (a.k.a. Brand South Africa) passing off templates of ideas they have previously rejected, as their own. Paraphrasing cannot disguise the obvious copy and paste, but money and profile certainly can...

Think cable thieves are a threat to society? Yes, theirs is an offence - an offence most likely perpetrated in response to economic need.

The intellectual theft perpetrated by corporate thugs is a premeditated act of corporate greed.

You decide which is the greater denigrating force on the virtues of our society?

In Recovery

It's been said that there are as many opinions on a given topic as people. I believe it! Just remember the last time you were sitting with a group of people discussing a hot topic. My favourite this week - do we really know what's going on in Zim?

We've also come to an "in principle" agreement as people, that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So I have mine, you yours, etc. etc.

I'm glad for that because opinions give shape to broader thought that can be shared and developed to bring about new choices for improving the world.

But there are those occasions when opinions, so many, can just give you a headache... I've had one for the past 2 weeks. I knew by Day 4 that what had become a continous dull ache was in fact a side effect of intense feeding on the overpowering information buffet.

There's just so much going on and I have this compulsive need to know. But I will "save myself" - working on a recovery plan that involves not devouring every published opinion on the latest headlines - wish me luck. And the same to you.

Bring me my Vuvuzela!

Bafana Bafana's resounding 3-0 victory over Paraguay on Wednesday has renewed my faith...

That's the kind of performance a fan longs to get used to.

Continued success!

No warm winter

Not long ago, Eskom promised us a warm winter.

A cold front over Gauteng and last night (the coldest night of 2008) we were blacked out for 8 hours. Of course, we're committed to saving electricity afterall we are the ones that suffer the power outages (which despite all promises, still happen without notice).

Even as we implement energy saving measures, Winter is coming...

The fact is that South African homes need additional heating during winter because our houses are not built to retain energy well. And we can expect extremely cold weather this winter if global weather patterns (and last winter's experience) are anything to go by.

Now ESKOM is warning that we'll be penalised even more, over and above the 14,2% increase and the 2c per kWh levy introduced by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel. If your supply area's total consumption isn't reduced by 10% (not sure if that's calculated per day/week/month) you will be penalised daily.

And the latest news... Eskom is appealing to the National Energy Regulator for a further double digit increase over and above the 14.2% already approved by the regulator.

Looks like it's going to be a chilly winter in our homes and for our disposable income (this on the back of rising interest rates, increases in prices of fuel, food, etc).

Still the insensitive heads of Eskom have the gall to defend their hefty "performance" bonuses and possible share options of R10 million. What rot!

How do we confront this?

I'm just wondering, by what authority (legally speaking), do Eskom (and government), have the right to impose the plethora of penalties on consumers, when electricity supply is monopolised by a state entity which has dictated demand?

Team 2010 rising

Seems soccer fans are not the only ones who've been grinding their teeth over Bafana Bafana's ability to make a good showing in 2010.

My own soccer-loving family is among many South Africans who have been praying that SAFA will hear our cries and take the drastic measures necessary to give us the best possible team for 2010. In fact a little while ago we were analysing the team's performance at the 2008 AFCON tournament (Ghana) when my hubby threw in his 2 cents, suggesting SAFA should sign up a dedicated core team of the top contenders to train and play together in preparation for 2010. His thinking was that it would help players focus on the 2010 objective, without the distraction of club football pressures. It could also help build a stronger playing unit, he suggested. Someone was listening hun...

Here, here to Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile who, according to news reports, is proposing the 'nationalisation' of our national soccer squad ahead of 2010. Apparently government wants to avoid the embarassment of a bad performance by the national (host) team in the 2010 soccer spectacular. The proposal still needs to be accepted by SAFA (the min-istrators). Don't expect too much enthusiasm from SAFA - they've never been known for their insight into the development needs of our team.

I say government (and my hubby) are onto something? We need to do something different than what we've been doing. At this point, we have nothing to lose.

Give us a team we can be proud of!

Beyond the rainbow nation effect

Is the 'rainbow nation' era coming to an end? Time will tell.

I can't say I ever fully embraced the cliched term accredited to our peace-loving Archbishop Tutu. Although it aptly describes SA's diversity, its often extended meaning carries the deceptive connotation of a nation reconciled and unified in spite of its diversity. But that prize has up to now mostly been a figment of our collective imagination. That's not to say that we can't one day claim it in truth.

Perhaps the SA Patriot agenda of responsible citizenship marks a new era in national consciousness that expresses more aptly our identity and aspirations as one nation. The steady stream of new registrations from the SA PATRIOT website are encouraging this point of view.

Rush, rush on to the next headline

In keeping with my intention to gain a public platform by capitalising on the media coverage of "The Pledge", I sent out a press release last week. In it I chose to express the need to use this opportunity to facilitate a broader objective around responsible citizenship (as proposed by the SAPI on its founding more than a year ago.)

The most appeasing response was an invitation to interview on SAFM's Morning Talk on Monday (18 Feb). In the allotted 20 minutes, I felt satisfied by the animated interaction of callers, and that we had gained a commitment from some listeners (let's say passive SA Patriots). And we did, as I later discovered when logged on to the 'new registrations' email).

But as always, the media is on to their next headline and I return to my desk to continue the effort to expand the voice of our movement.

To those of you who got my email and managed to tune in on Monday - great!

For those of you would didn't, I'm hoping to post the recording of this and other SA Patriot interviews online. Will keep you posted...

Pledge-arism?

Well the school's pledge unveiled yesterday is getting alot of coverage. Can't say the responses I've heard and read, register overwhelming support for the pledge. Now that it's been released, the Minister of Education is inviting public comment within the next 30 days.
As I said in my previous post, it just so happens that we made a submission to The Presidency (almost eight months ago actually) to lobby them for support of the SA Patriot initiative's efforts to growing responsible citizenship and proudly presented the SA Patriot Commitment Statement we had developed.
We see now, from this announcement that the government recognises the value of our initiative, but for some reason didn't feel motivated to support a civil society movement in this regard. That's the only conclusion I will allow myself (to help me sleep at night) because I cannot entertain the thought that... (no, they couldn't have, could they?)
At any rate I think confining a pledge to school pupils is a bit self-righteous of us as the broader community of citizens. Afterall the decline in values manifested in violence and criminality at school is a mirror on the society we live in. We must not assume to teach that which we do not practice or expect children to do as we say and not as we do.
Now that the discussion has been brought into the public domain, I have decided to see it as an opportunity for us to get a word in, where we haven't been able to before.

I call on all SA Patriots to do the same.

It's Business Unusual for SA

It's been a full couple of days, but I finally read Pres. Mbeki's State of the Nation Address (SONA). As I went through, I tried to remind myself that it is an Executive Summary of the state of affairs, previewing the year ahead and that more flesh would be added during the coming week by the various Ministers.

As someone who has, unlike many people around me, enjoyed the poetic slant of many of Thabo Mbeki's speeches, I was disappointed that this one was all but void of the idealistic voice.

As expected, the ESKOM Power Crisis featured prominently, with an apology to South Africans for the situation, but no executive action to end Eskom's electricity supply monopoly or hold the responsible Ministers accountable for the oversight, following public calls for their dismissal. He did say that he expected us to work together to get through the crises and assured the world that we would deliver the best FIFA World Cup in 2010.

The matter of the incorporation of the Scorpions into SAPS received attention with reference to plans to overhaul the criminal justice system, as did the uncertainty amid Jackie Selebi's prosecution.

Mbeki acknowledged that Healthcare, Poverty Eradication and Service Delivery programmes were all in need of enormous (almost last ditch) effort to improve the lives of all South Africans. HIV/Aids and Zimbabwe, issues Mbeki is often accused of slighting, made it into the speech.

It was a speech themed as 'Business Unusual' and called for Public Servants, Business and Citizens to roll up our sleeves and devote all our energies to improving the current unstable conditions we find ourselves in. Yet, despite the President's intro which created the expectation that his speech would answer our need for the truth, it didn't really provide any indepth insights regarding the state of our political leadership.

As I continued through the speech, noting the points raised, there was one point that hit me like a ton of bricks. It referred to the introduction of a schools' pledge (of allegiance?), which would be unveiled by the Education Minister shortly. Where did that come from?

You see, in June last year, I wrote to the Presidency, like I wrote to various businesses and relevant organisations incl. the International Marketing Council (IMC) seeking their support for the SA Patriot Initiative. I received a reply that same month from the Presidency (Rev Frank Chikane) asking me to expand on my introductory letter, which I did (providing details of our Vision, Mission, Plans, etc.), including prominently, the SA Patriot Commitment Statement. After numerous inconclusive follow-up queries, I assumed that our efforts were just not that important to the powers that be. And now, more than 6 months later, this announcement about a pledge for school pupils. I don't know what it will be called officially, certainly not a Commitment Statement. I wonder what it will say, don't you?

State of the Nation

The State of the Nation Address is online.
Click link below or copy into browser, to access text of the President's speech.
http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/show.asp?type=son&include=president/son/2008/son0208114.htm

I'll be posting my thoughts later...

Come on Bafana: Yes We Can!

I wasn't going to go there, but it's a matter of patriotism you understand.

There is so much hype and PR whenever SAFA signs a foreign coach... and we've had quite a few. Still, I believe our best performances in international football were under South Africans like Clive Barker and Jomo Sono.

It pains me when I hear Mr Perreira tell South Africans that we shouldn't have expected anything more from the team after their departure from AFCON 2008 in the group stage. His excuse is that he is focussing on preparing the team for 2010, so we shouldn't read anything into Bafana Bafana's early exit.

According to Perreira and SAFA, his mandate is to develop a team that will reach the second round of the 2010 World Cup. Given that as the host country we have automotic entry to the 2010 World Cup Finals, shouldn't we be more ambitious? Call me demanding if you like, but that's not the mindset a country cultivates when we aspire to create champions. With players having come and gone on to focus on their club football, coaches having come and gone on to boost the rankings of other teams around the world, one would have expected SAFA's administrators to take a fresh look at its approach of investing in coaches instead of players. Yet the administrators remain. They continue to fail our many talented players, with their lack of inspiration and failure to invest in building a cohesive, quality national side. Perhaps it's time for the administrators to go on to peddle their poor management strategies in the corporate world...

As an SA Patriot, my hope is that our team, coach and SAFA will strive for distinction that achieves far more than a mere pass into the second round in 2010.

Stand up

While writing my last blog, I lost my internet connection (not as a result of power cut) and was left with a blank space where my draft post had been. Of course, when you're writing directly to PC, as I often do, it is difficult to recapture the spirit and repeat as eloquently, the words of the original thought process. I had no-one to blame and much as I had an inclination to smack the screen, I dare not mess with the sensitive hardware that is my irreplaceable tool of work and play.
One of the things that I couldn't adequately articulate in my second sitting, relates to how we can convey our collective views as citizens in order to influence government’s response to urgent issues, such as the electricity shortage that is threatening to paralyse the country. Another, is the incorporation of the Scorpions (South Africa’s FBI) into the SAPS.
My thinking is that there must be a formal census to confirm the mandate for certain actions contemplated by government. Some things demand more than gripes in the media, they demand that we put ourselves out as a collective in demonstration of our will.
Surely that's what DEMOCRACY requires of us.

Holding on to power

I celebrated my birthday earlier this month. It was a quiet day, with intermittent calls from well wishers. Apart from the start of a new year, my birthday prompts me to reflect. Personal growth, relationships, professional amibitions, etc. all come under review. And the conclusion? My journey continues...

Of course, I have not had the luxury of being oblivious to the electricity crisis. I am pissed off that we are where we are, because of poor planning by the only provider of electricity in this country. And I believe we are all entitled to voice our frustration with the dismal state of affairs. But in wearing my responsible citizen's cap, I also realise that we need to adjust our actions and attitudes to cope with this situation. The question is: will that be enough?

In the meantime, I'm trying to get a clue about how to minimise my household's dependency on electricity (and hopefully cut Eskom out of my straining budget).

The one action that we've taken over the past few years, which has been easiest, is to switch to Compact Flourescent Light (CFL) bulbs. They cost more initially, but according to the experts they last longer and use less power.

I'm still training myself to remember to switch the geyser off during peak times.

Some inspiration please

It's been hard to ignore, hasn't it?

The accusations and counter-accusations, cowboys and crooks, public misinformation and spin-doctoring, etc. that has become synonymous with what constitutes our daily news.

Some commentators call this an exciting time in our history as a new democracy. Others' opinions range from cautious apprehension to sensationalism. Where does that leave the truth?

I'm not convinced in any particular direction, however if one believes the US to be the greatest democracy in the world, then these antics are a sure sign that we're on the express train to greatness.

I have work to do, places to go, a home to manage, so I don't have time to read every story. Yet I feel obliged to keep up to date with the state of political affairs. Afterall I will be exercising my hardfought right to vote next year... But for some inspired choices_Eish!

Watching the signs in 2008

The new year is well and truly upon us. The confirmation? Schools open tomorrow.

And while I am, as other parents are, caught up in the fuss that goes into preparing kids ready for the new school year, I am also busying myself with plotting my year_professionally and personally. As I look at my draft SA Patriot calendar, I am reminded of the work we still have ahead of us.

Firstly, we have to plan how to capitalise on, and expand on the elements that created momentum for the initiative in 2007. Secondly, we have to revisit the elements that misfired or didn't produce the results we anticipated. But undoubtedly, and tied in with these aspects of our planning, the major objective for 2008 is building the SA Patriot community.

Critical to initiatives like the SAPI is funding. As with any nonprofit, one often has to rely on the inclination and understanding of those in a position to invest in social efforts such as this. How does the saying go: "There is none so blind as s/he who will not see." We must sell the SA Patriot vision to the blind and/or otherwise distracted in the halls of power.

As I have observed the news reports of ethnic violence in Kenya, and as history has repeatedly shown us, we live in a society that is sensitive to the conditions of its people. If nothing, my hope is that the powers that be in our society will moblise their efforts parallel to international economic and political interests, to recognise the national importance of a social integration, first and foremost. We may not (want to) see the undercurrents of ethnic or class division, but they are there, and have the potential to turn the tide abruptly. We can least afford that.

Ready, Set, Go for 2008!

2007 started with much excitement and optimism...
The SA Patriot Initiative's organisational framework was in place, the board members were finalised and the Section 21 Company was registered in January. The next step was to implement the organisation's funding strategy and communication plan.
In terms of communicating the SA Patriot message, the website which was launched in October, was for me the first major, measureable milestone for the initiative. I am proud of the website, and am committed to enhancing it as a resource - making it more relevant to the SA Patriot Community.
Next to the website one of the highlights of 2007 was South Africa's Rugby World Cup victory - we are proud to have worked with the SABC in its "Our Blood is Green" project to rally support around the RWC Final. We will continue to work towards securing funding for the SA Patriot Initiative's Campaigns in 2008.

Although I don't subscibe to the 'New Year's resolution tradition, in the spirit of growth, I do find it useful to set goals around my intentions for the year ahead.

In 2008, growing SA Patriot is of course one of my main goals.
Another is to wander off the main roads and travel to at least one South African town I've never been to before...
See you there!