Comments on: Phansi Xenophobia Phansi!!!

By: avishkar

avishkar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:04:09 +0000

@Alan, zimbabweans accept rands as currency from other zimbabweans in botswana

By: DeltaM

DeltaM — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:07:27 +0000

In my opinion, the issue of Xenophobia remains closely linked to both the culture of blame and entitlement. People do not want to take responsibility and hence, should something go wrong, someone is to blame – full stop.
It really never occurs to the people on the ground that ‘their’ jobs are really not theirs, but the entreprenaurial efforts of some people, who by the way, may not happen to be indegenous South Africans themselves, and who also happen to be motivated, to a larger extent, by profits.
In the long term, these business people will drift away from locations where its difficult to do business, towards places where it is percieved relatively cheaper to do business.
We have already seen this with most technology companies prefering to outsource their operations to countries like Taiwan, India, China etc, where labour productivity is percived to be higher relative to cost.
What is sad about our South African situation is that most of our politicians are awre of this fact, but instead of educating the general populace about the dangers of their behaviour, politicians actually ride on this hysteria and exploit it.

By: MLH

MLH — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:35:11 +0000

In an ideal world there would be good reason for people of different countries to move either way. If enough South Africans are not keen to work in Zimbabwe and the other SADEC countries, that should tell you something. Because we struggle to export ar profit off the continent (thinking particularly about foreign subsidised agriculture), I believe our best marketplace is on this continent, but it is true that South Africa cannot afford to see her own economy threatened because it is propping up all of those around us. This is something that the poor seem to have worked out, despite their basic understanding that it is only jobs that are at risk. In fact, it could become far more…and we have a lot to lose. Particularly to the Chinese. It used to be to the Russians, hmmmmmmm…

By: Chilli Thomas

Chilli Thomas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:46:25 +0000

I wonder who implanted this barbaric item to the minds of some South Africans. Can’t they think that there are other South Africans living to other countries.

By: Phillipa Lipinski

Phillipa Lipinski — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:44:12 +0000

Avishkar you are such a treasure! One of the last true intellectuals and thoughtleaders.
You are right that the DA is primarily concerned about white interests and now they are worried because the majority of the African population in the Cape are foreigners (local Africans having long flown the nest).
On the other hand I do think that the DA does have good intentions- Zille, for instance, seems to be genuinely concerned about the poor (of late). The DA does try hard to help with the unemployement problem (here and there). I think what the DA minister was probably trying to do was pander to 9what he consideres to be) popular sentiments among blacks- that the majority of local blacks do not want African foreign national to come down here in droves-and in this way he might have been trying to garner some black votes. this is not the most inspired strategy but it works, sadly. The DA has been neglecting their African electorate 9and potential electorate) perhaps to punish them for not having voted for them in substantial numbers but now they are trying to do all they can to, well, garner more black support so they can do better in the next election.

By: Alan in Botswana

Alan in Botswana — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:37:06 +0000

@Aviskar
“Of course the xenophobic twit from the DA knows nothing, because he evidently doesn’t understand that Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are all places were the South African rand is accepted as currency,”

You have obviously not been to Botswana where you would have a very hard time using Rands to purchase goods. Our currency, the Pula is not of equal value to the Rand. It is usually stronger than the Rand by anywhere up to 40%. Batswana would never allow you to use a considerably weaker Rand to shop here. We do not accept any other currencies, be it Euro’s, dollars or Rands. Ours is a strong economy with a strong currency underpinned by a stable, trusted and respected government. It helps to get your facts straight before making embarrasing and sweeping statements which are untrue. Need I say more?

By: Alto

Alto — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:18:32 +0000

I did not see the interview to which you refer but assume you refer to David Maynier.

Now, there is a great politician in the making and on the rise, and I use the word “politician” in the nicest possible sense. He is a truly good man voicing his views and trying to make SA a better society, which is more than you appear to be doing.

You are just a naysayer

By: Exiled

Exiled — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:13:59 +0000

I have to ask if you have any understanding what implications the opening of borders has on a countries economy and infrastructure. To have so many millions of illegal immigrants and let me be very clear non tax paying residents. The very fabric of our society can not sustain these people. The additional needs of water, electricity, sewage, social welfare and healthcare absolutely can not be sustained. At least in Europe there are well managed governments and strict policies between governments. Residents no matter what their nationality have to be registered so that cross border contribution and payments can be made for your own citizens. This will never happen in Africa.

By: avishkar

avishkar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:23:34 +0000

…”now… where is the move to formalise the creation of the shadow-cabinet under the leader of the official opposition, and to create specific job functions/designations of shadow-minister and deputy shadow-minister? given that they shud have the same status and wage rate as the chairpersons of portfolio committees… “…

By: avishkar

avishkar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:37:27 +0000

????

fact… the DA IS BOUND to support an open integrated SADC, SACU and SACMA/MMA – saying that the ZIM borders are porous is hardly a legitimate DA position – and the DA is bound to support wage rate flexibility and to oppose minimum wage rates

???

but i note the trend on TL – slate the DA and people call u names, slate the ANC and the teacups rattle in support… shame.

and for the record it is deputy shadow-minister not shadow deputy minister.