20 January 2009 is OBAMA DAY

It seems like a long while, for this Obama watcher, since Barack Hussein Obama was elected President. Finally, today he will assume the office as the 44th US President.

There has been alot of "hype" ascribed to this occasion. But those who want to treat this as less than the momentous, historic event in world history that it is, are thankfully a minority.

Whether it is the charisma, inspiring oratory, humility, servitude, popular character or colour that Barack Obama brings to the Presidency of the most powerful government in the world, there is nothing more uplifting for our humanity than the hope of a new era in politics.

I doubt Barack Obama will remain as popular a leader as he is today, but my hope is that he will remain as resolute to changing the "game" that politics has become.

For the little direct impact Obama's leadership is likely to have for South Africans, it does have the potential of bringing about the realisation that we too can demand such leadership among the many capable men and women among us.

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