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).