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/