An extract from a letter by Peter Karaszi as published in the Sunday Times dated Aug 19, 2007.
"Soiling the struggle"
The editor of the leading Swedish daily Expressen writes, regarding the sacking of Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, that “the ANC has certainly soiled the struggle that crushed apartheid”.
When previously staunch allies like Sweden turn their back on the ANC, then something is seriously wrong. And it is not only the HIV/Aids mess that raises eyebrows around the world. The ANC government’s refusal to criticise African dictators like Robert Mugabe and the recent perceived witchhunt of apartheid leaders — “Hey, weren’t you guys supposed to be reconciled?” — all contribute to the erosion of the enormous international goodwill that South Africa had built up during the Nelson Mandela era...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Plain Truth
An extract from an article by Dr Lucas Ntyintyane of Cresta as published in the Sunday Times dated Aug 17, 2007.
"Criticism bolsters democracy"
...Advocate Christine Qunta has declared it heresy for any black person to criticise the government of the day. To do so is worse than being a racist and you would belong to the “right-wing” agenda.
Difficult as all this may be to fathom, these are the beliefs of Qunta, who is, by the way, an inspiration to many of us, and a struggle hero.
Nevertheless, coerced silence is contrary to the principle and spirit of democracy. Blind loyalty to party leaders is the reason for the flourishing of dictatorships — and Africa’s economic stagnation...
"Criticism bolsters democracy"
...Advocate Christine Qunta has declared it heresy for any black person to criticise the government of the day. To do so is worse than being a racist and you would belong to the “right-wing” agenda.
Difficult as all this may be to fathom, these are the beliefs of Qunta, who is, by the way, an inspiration to many of us, and a struggle hero.
Nevertheless, coerced silence is contrary to the principle and spirit of democracy. Blind loyalty to party leaders is the reason for the flourishing of dictatorships — and Africa’s economic stagnation...
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I am a Racist
Sigh!..why am I not surprised to have this accusation levelled at me?
In the past I have been accused of fuelling anti-white sentiments so it probably figures. Rather practice "silent diplomacy" like thabo mbeki (lower cases intended - read my previous post in this regard) and have no opinion on anything. I actually believe that this was a term thought out by his political advisors who warned him "do not have an opinion on anything at all as it might incriminate you."
The source however, is somewhat surprising as it comes from a politically correct liberal and saw the light because I dared to address political incompetence bordering on criminal insanity. Nowhere in any of my posts did I ridicule any other race or ethnic group. This person made race an issue, not me. Maybe my observations are starting to cut too close to the bone. I shudder to think that this person is a teacher and responsible for influencing fertile young minds.
I am also trying to address the plight of all the law-abiding people in South Africa across the total spectrum of the "rainbow nation." I try to illuminate the current situation and the bleak future and do not dwell on the wrongs of the past as we can do nothing about it. The people I'm concerned about were not even born when South African politicians of old crucified the term "democracy." You address that because it is all you know.
I will show you some of the so-called "legacies of apartheid," seeing that you asked. It was called a functioning infrastructure, health care that worked, a justice system that protected the law-abiding citizens and a foreign policy that frowned on dictatorships like Zimbabwe to mention but a few.
In days of old people had a novel way of dealing with women accused of being witches. The unlucky ones were thrown into the water and if they could flounder to the side that was deemed as ample proof of the accusation and they were then promptly burnt at the stake.
Witches were thus given a choice of execution. Either they drown or they burn.
Why am I not afforded the same priviledge?
I get executed by one swift word. "Racist."
Go and read my book (and here in SA) before you ever accuse me of being a racist and be advised never, ever to call me that to my face as I will dent your cranium. Take that as an observation, promise or threat whatever your religious persuasion, race, gender, age or the company we are in. I do not care.
Some might detect that I'm slightly pissed-off.
In the past I have been accused of fuelling anti-white sentiments so it probably figures. Rather practice "silent diplomacy" like thabo mbeki (lower cases intended - read my previous post in this regard) and have no opinion on anything. I actually believe that this was a term thought out by his political advisors who warned him "do not have an opinion on anything at all as it might incriminate you."
The source however, is somewhat surprising as it comes from a politically correct liberal and saw the light because I dared to address political incompetence bordering on criminal insanity. Nowhere in any of my posts did I ridicule any other race or ethnic group. This person made race an issue, not me. Maybe my observations are starting to cut too close to the bone. I shudder to think that this person is a teacher and responsible for influencing fertile young minds.
I am also trying to address the plight of all the law-abiding people in South Africa across the total spectrum of the "rainbow nation." I try to illuminate the current situation and the bleak future and do not dwell on the wrongs of the past as we can do nothing about it. The people I'm concerned about were not even born when South African politicians of old crucified the term "democracy." You address that because it is all you know.
I will show you some of the so-called "legacies of apartheid," seeing that you asked. It was called a functioning infrastructure, health care that worked, a justice system that protected the law-abiding citizens and a foreign policy that frowned on dictatorships like Zimbabwe to mention but a few.
In days of old people had a novel way of dealing with women accused of being witches. The unlucky ones were thrown into the water and if they could flounder to the side that was deemed as ample proof of the accusation and they were then promptly burnt at the stake.
Witches were thus given a choice of execution. Either they drown or they burn.
Why am I not afforded the same priviledge?
I get executed by one swift word. "Racist."
Go and read my book (and here in SA) before you ever accuse me of being a racist and be advised never, ever to call me that to my face as I will dent your cranium. Take that as an observation, promise or threat whatever your religious persuasion, race, gender, age or the company we are in. I do not care.
Some might detect that I'm slightly pissed-off.
Current Affairs South Africa: Sexually Abused Children
This article nearly did not see the light. It was written in ice cold anger. Researching this topic had me seething and kicking inanimate objects all over the house. This is intolerable. Belonging to different cultures are not an excuse for inhumane attitudes and practises. We all live in the 21st century and should be judged and treated accordingly. To expect me to have an accommodating politically correct approach when addressing where the blame lies does not wash. I will however, now, refrain from doing so as I fear that my feelings of disgust will diminish the significance of the facts I need to bring to your attention. I will address the blame at a later stage.
I quote liberally from a well researched document of The infant trust. I am not going to list their sources as I want this post to be read and not be considered as “yet another boring research” document. (The sources as well as the full document are available on request) I also take the liberty to edit their document in an effort to generate impact. My intent is well meant and I do list their exact figures.
I believe that I can safely state that it is just about every civilised person’s view that every child has an unalienable right to be safe and free from violence, harm and abuse. This is listed as the first and primary belief and value of The infant trust.
Let us examine the realities on the ground in South Africa.
Some of the relevant facts around the emotive issue of small child abuse in South Africa are:
Most (not all) abuse is sexual.
In May 2002 the SA government said that 5,859 cases of rape of pre-school children were reported to the South African Police Services. Many estimates put the number at 7 times this figure: 41,013 with 1,5 million children estimated to be abused every year.
In 2004 Childline SA noted a massive increase in the numbers of child sexual abuse, up by 400% was recorded on the previous 10 years; for example, in Kwazulu-Natal, over 75% of all rapes were against children younger than 18 years old (In my opinion the “virgin cure myth” of traditional healers played a major role)
In 2001 two thousand and forty [2,040] children in one province, Gauteng, under 12 years of age were physically and traumatically raped.
It was reported in 2004 that 50% of all children attending KwaZulu therapy services [the only figures available] following abuse were under 7 years old.
HIV and AIDS are decimating families and extended families; child-headed families are becoming the norm, and they are in the greatest danger from abusers simply because they are the least protected. The numbers of orphans of all ages, particularly babies, is rising due to HIV/AIDS deaths; for example in Limpopo province over 50% of the children have lost both their biological parents and are either living with caretakers or on their own as sibling groups
The numbers of street children left alone during the day is rising rapidly – they are extremely vulnerable.
Children from all racial groups are raped with the numbers proportionate to the population figures
Only around 0,5 % of perpetrators are convicted
Unemployment in at least 5 of the 8 provinces in South Africa is running at around 60%; possibly higher in the poorer townships.
There are many different models of providing frontline care for children who have been abused. The South African National Prosecuting Authority provides some funds for Thutuzelas [crisis centres]; there they aim to bring together all the elements of treatment and follow-up care. The Thutuzelas are staffed by willing but largely untrained volunteers and a few paid care workers. Volunteers in these, and numerous other children’s services, are paid a small stipend for between 40 and 80 hours a week. Because many see volunteering as a job (note unemployment) some services will not use volunteers, or only use them for a maximum of one year; this decision has a major impact on what services can be provided. It is, however, informally and formally recognised that volunteers are a major source of information and knowledge for their community.
In a nutshell that is the situation on the ground. A massive problem addressed primarily by volunteers and charities. They need our help. Please donate to the link headed “a worthwhile cause.”
Rest assured that I will, at a later stage, address where I believe the blame is to be found. I am not known for my diplomacy.
I quote liberally from a well researched document of The infant trust. I am not going to list their sources as I want this post to be read and not be considered as “yet another boring research” document. (The sources as well as the full document are available on request) I also take the liberty to edit their document in an effort to generate impact. My intent is well meant and I do list their exact figures.
I believe that I can safely state that it is just about every civilised person’s view that every child has an unalienable right to be safe and free from violence, harm and abuse. This is listed as the first and primary belief and value of The infant trust.
Let us examine the realities on the ground in South Africa.
Some of the relevant facts around the emotive issue of small child abuse in South Africa are:
Most (not all) abuse is sexual.
In May 2002 the SA government said that 5,859 cases of rape of pre-school children were reported to the South African Police Services. Many estimates put the number at 7 times this figure: 41,013 with 1,5 million children estimated to be abused every year.
In 2004 Childline SA noted a massive increase in the numbers of child sexual abuse, up by 400% was recorded on the previous 10 years; for example, in Kwazulu-Natal, over 75% of all rapes were against children younger than 18 years old (In my opinion the “virgin cure myth” of traditional healers played a major role)
In 2001 two thousand and forty [2,040] children in one province, Gauteng, under 12 years of age were physically and traumatically raped.
It was reported in 2004 that 50% of all children attending KwaZulu therapy services [the only figures available] following abuse were under 7 years old.
HIV and AIDS are decimating families and extended families; child-headed families are becoming the norm, and they are in the greatest danger from abusers simply because they are the least protected. The numbers of orphans of all ages, particularly babies, is rising due to HIV/AIDS deaths; for example in Limpopo province over 50% of the children have lost both their biological parents and are either living with caretakers or on their own as sibling groups
The numbers of street children left alone during the day is rising rapidly – they are extremely vulnerable.
Children from all racial groups are raped with the numbers proportionate to the population figures
Only around 0,5 % of perpetrators are convicted
Unemployment in at least 5 of the 8 provinces in South Africa is running at around 60%; possibly higher in the poorer townships.
There are many different models of providing frontline care for children who have been abused. The South African National Prosecuting Authority provides some funds for Thutuzelas [crisis centres]; there they aim to bring together all the elements of treatment and follow-up care. The Thutuzelas are staffed by willing but largely untrained volunteers and a few paid care workers. Volunteers in these, and numerous other children’s services, are paid a small stipend for between 40 and 80 hours a week. Because many see volunteering as a job (note unemployment) some services will not use volunteers, or only use them for a maximum of one year; this decision has a major impact on what services can be provided. It is, however, informally and formally recognised that volunteers are a major source of information and knowledge for their community.
In a nutshell that is the situation on the ground. A massive problem addressed primarily by volunteers and charities. They need our help. Please donate to the link headed “a worthwhile cause.”
Rest assured that I will, at a later stage, address where I believe the blame is to be found. I am not known for my diplomacy.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
How to Recognise a Swede Part 4
1. They take their shoes off when entering a house and don't understand why non-Swedes find that funny.
2. They have a tendency to make Swedish verbs out of English nouns and do not consider it slang or grammatically incorrect. This leads to a language called Swenglish.
3. They don't even realise that they use Swenglish whenever they address Swedish people.
4. They consider Denmark and the Danes as "rather continental."
5. They think they understand Danish.
6. The Danes think they understand Danish.
7. Ultimately, when spoken, they don't really understand Danish.
8. They can survive on just fish and prawns and still manage to have a different dish for every meal for a month. They even put it in cake.
9. They are obsessed with health issues. Everything is bad unless it comes from Sweden, in which case its ok.
10. Making fun of Norway is considered a national institution and vice versa.
2. They have a tendency to make Swedish verbs out of English nouns and do not consider it slang or grammatically incorrect. This leads to a language called Swenglish.
3. They don't even realise that they use Swenglish whenever they address Swedish people.
4. They consider Denmark and the Danes as "rather continental."
5. They think they understand Danish.
6. The Danes think they understand Danish.
7. Ultimately, when spoken, they don't really understand Danish.
8. They can survive on just fish and prawns and still manage to have a different dish for every meal for a month. They even put it in cake.
9. They are obsessed with health issues. Everything is bad unless it comes from Sweden, in which case its ok.
10. Making fun of Norway is considered a national institution and vice versa.
I am Begging
I have a few causes that I promote with a passion.
I am begging the good people in cyberspace not to turn a blind eye to the plight of Sexually Abused Children in South Africa.
This is a charity well worth supporting.
No exact figures are available, mainly because of political indifference, but an estimated 1 million infants and small children are raped or abused annually in South Africa.
Please help!
I am begging the good people in cyberspace not to turn a blind eye to the plight of Sexually Abused Children in South Africa.
This is a charity well worth supporting.
No exact figures are available, mainly because of political indifference, but an estimated 1 million infants and small children are raped or abused annually in South Africa.
Please help!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Good Old Days
Where have they gone?
The days when Presidents of the USA screwed around instead of being screwed by a cave-dweller.
When it was understood by a president that soldiers actually fight and die when sent to war. What on earth did Bush, his supporters and advisors expect? That the people of Iraq will roll over and play dead? Even the most docile dog will snap at the hand that tries to shove a cactus up its arse. Invasion and occupation of a country is not a corporate take-over. I just need to point that out as George W Bush seem to have a problem with grasping the concept.
When a lynch-mob forcibly removed a thief from jail and solved the problem, permanently, there and then. Horse thieves were hung because their actions threatened the existence of the victims. Exactly what is the difference between the anc politicians who steal from the tax-payers and threaten the lives of law-abiding citizens with lack of health care, policing and implementing laws that marginalise the minority and a horse thief of old?
When self-defence was seen as a legal course of action and did not get tainted with accusations of racism, no matter what the cause.
When countries had national pride, at least one credible politician and hope for the future.
When it was still honourable to work for a living and earn your keep. (Alas, Africa politics put an end to that)
When Amnesty International meant business with fighting oppression and ensuring human rights. They are now too embarrassed to admit that their chosen ones, the anc, are worst oppressors than the National Party in South Africa ever was. (Go and see for yourself on their website if any mention is made of the current political chaos in South Africa – it gets ignored. They will rather try to bring attention to counties like China, which they know they can do bugger-all about)
This is one terminally ill society we live in and I will not be surprised if and when the cosmos decide “enough with this crap from humans, it is time to end it all.”
The days when Presidents of the USA screwed around instead of being screwed by a cave-dweller.
When it was understood by a president that soldiers actually fight and die when sent to war. What on earth did Bush, his supporters and advisors expect? That the people of Iraq will roll over and play dead? Even the most docile dog will snap at the hand that tries to shove a cactus up its arse. Invasion and occupation of a country is not a corporate take-over. I just need to point that out as George W Bush seem to have a problem with grasping the concept.
When a lynch-mob forcibly removed a thief from jail and solved the problem, permanently, there and then. Horse thieves were hung because their actions threatened the existence of the victims. Exactly what is the difference between the anc politicians who steal from the tax-payers and threaten the lives of law-abiding citizens with lack of health care, policing and implementing laws that marginalise the minority and a horse thief of old?
When self-defence was seen as a legal course of action and did not get tainted with accusations of racism, no matter what the cause.
When countries had national pride, at least one credible politician and hope for the future.
When it was still honourable to work for a living and earn your keep. (Alas, Africa politics put an end to that)
When Amnesty International meant business with fighting oppression and ensuring human rights. They are now too embarrassed to admit that their chosen ones, the anc, are worst oppressors than the National Party in South Africa ever was. (Go and see for yourself on their website if any mention is made of the current political chaos in South Africa – it gets ignored. They will rather try to bring attention to counties like China, which they know they can do bugger-all about)
This is one terminally ill society we live in and I will not be surprised if and when the cosmos decide “enough with this crap from humans, it is time to end it all.”
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