Today is the first day of our democracy.
Polokwane has been seminal. The African National Congress is no longer an idealised liberation movement, but is now just a political party and as such it has to pull finger and perform. Effective work must begin to balance the interests of the rich and the poor.
It is clear from this ANC conference that the anger caused by ongoing inequity and deepening poverty is profound, and if we don’t address it, this nation will be turned upside down.
What a shame that the Democratic Alliance responded like a bunch of peeved, blue-rinse liberals bemoaning the singing and chanting of delegates. Sometimes, Ms Zille, if polite requests to be heard are ignored by a leadership grown arrogant, then they should not be surprised if a populace exerts its democratic right to shout.
There can be no doubt we are in for a rough ride. Delivery becomes paramount. To do that, we need an early election; there cannot be a lame-duck government, rejected by those within its own ranks and at odds with those who now command Luthuli House. South Africa cannot afford another 18 months of division and retarded delivery; we run the real risk of conflict on the streets.
Zuma as president of the country will have to amend labour laws. It has to be easy to fire non-performing bureaucrats. The government has allocated significant sums to transform this economy, but too much is rolled over because bureaucrats at all levels of government and in parastatals lack the technical expertise to implement. The reasons are numerous; part of it is that the economy has grown faster than we have been able to train effective new managers.
In 1994, it was predicted that South Africa would need 235 000 managers by 2000 at a growth rate of 1% to 2%, but with existing economic growth of above 4% the economy has been unable to develop good managers fast enough.
Nor is our long-term prognosis good. Education Minister Naledi Pandor, who will hopefully get the boot, told Parliament this year that fewer than half of those who begin high school complete it. In 2003, just fewer than half of those who began high school in 1999 (675 132) made it to matric (322 492). Recent international surveys showed that South Africa ranks last in terms of our primary-school children being able to read or comprehend in their home language; maths and science skills for our children are similarly perilous. Little wonder when there are not enough textbooks in schools for children, and teachers underperform.
The World Bank’s Investment Climate Survey, issued last December, shows that South Africa trains only 44,6% of skilled workers, compared with 77,3% of skilled workers receiving ongoing training in Brazil, 69,1% in China, 55% in India and 78,9% in Poland.
We’re not sufficiently serious about equity if we do not give our workforce the tools to be excellent. And quotas won’t do it.
The worst decision to come out of Polokwane so far is a decision to have a 50-50 gender balance in Parliament. A third of parliamentary seats are at present reserved for women, and while such a gesture was important to establish a principle at the start of democracy, an examination of the performance of those women is cause for despair. They, for the most part, have done little or nothing about gender violence or greater rights for women or the protection of children, but for misguided approaches to Film and Publications Board legislation and a new Sexual Offences Act that makes kissing between teenagers under the age of 16 an offence. (Imagine, the first nation in the world where you cannot legally be kissed until older than 16, although you can have an abortion or seek contraception at age 12 without telling your parents. What do these lawmakers smoke?)
Quotas entrench mediocrity. By the time we have our next national election, we should be voting for excellence in candidates, not for gender or race or any other categories. Heaven forbid the ANC conference accepts a call for a women’s ministry; there is nothing like a women’s ministry to ensure that women’s issues are completely marginalised and placed on the back burner.
What the events at Polokwane should have told us is that the time for symbols is over. What is needed now is real governance; concerted attempts at unity; a demand for performance in the workplace; and an economy that provides the fuel to ensure equity can be delivered.
Job creation will accelerate if companies can fire more non-performing workers instead of the almost jobs-for-life situation that slack workers have now, protected as they are by an array of laws that hinder excellence and economic growth. Zuma can balance stronger action against non-performing workers — a move the unions will resist; unless the first to get the chop are lazy Cabinet members and highly paid executives. The unions may be stilled if services improve; if people have the privilege of a tap in their home or yard that, if opened, sees clean water spill out.
Promises must become actions.
Zuma and his deputies will move fast to try to unite the ruling party. He will be backed by the two most important figures in his new team — Mathews Phosa and Kgalema Motlanthe.
Phosa, the new ANC treasurer general, is a lawyer and a businessman. He was Zuma’s deputy in ANC intelligence and is the man he most trusts. Together they investigated the assassination of Chris Hani for the ANC and tried to pose a counter to Mbeki in the 1999 election for president. Phosa was an excellent premier of Mpumalanga and after Mbeki removed him post-1999, the province began collapsing into mismanagement and corruption.
Phosa is a good family man; he is profoundly ethical, writes poetry in Afrikaans and chaired the Afrikaanse Sakekamer. He lives his belief of the ANC’s old commitment to non-racialism and non-sexism.
Motlanthe proved impressive at conference. A former highly respected secretary general of the National Union of Mineworkers and SG of the ANC in recent years, he has a quiet, humble style. He is ethical and critical of the way ANC standards have slumped.
Thandi Modise is tough and pragmatic and highlight women’s issues at the NEC.
This week did not see the romantic vote of 1994, nor the acceptance of a “crown prince” (Mbeki) that voters sheep-like endorsed in 1999. This week we saw democracy born in fire — anger toward a liberation movement becoming classically African autocratic.
This week, South African civil society woke up.
If this is where you belong, if Africa is where you heart is, as Karen Blixen wrote in her oft-repeated lines, then after you’ve put your holidays behind you, you need to help build the South Africa you believe you deserve. This democracy will work if you make the effort.
Look at the rest of the world and an array of deadbeat “leaders”, give thanks for the good we have and work on achievement. This does not mean criticism must be stilled; it is essential — but not whining. We need more informed, unifying comment.
In Sweden I once told a taxi driver I was an African. He turned in his seat and saw my pale blonde hair and blue eyes. But “you’re white”, he said.
“Yes,” I acknowledged, “bleached by the sun.”
I am an African, bleached by the sun. This is my home; we have another chance to make this democracy work. We dare not blow it.
Charlene – that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for being such a great African.
Maybe it’s because I have heard it so often that I find it impossible to get all teary and cheery about “new beginnings”, Charlene.
Based on what I have seen coming out of Polokwane, blogs and news alike, I can’t help remembering the Proteas’ debut into cricketing World Cup when, after a majestic series of performances, we were faced with the impossible task of scoring 23 runs off 1 ball. We lost – not because we were bad or not good enough. Because the system was fundamentally flawed. Since the rules governing rain-delayed matches have been changed – as a result – things have been stable and fair for everytone.
I see the ANC, despite its intellectual capital, its “structures” (whatever they are) and its alleged principled stance and policies, as a marriage which has become too flawed and dysfunctional to last and, by 2009, will no longer be able to “keep it together for the kids’ sakes”.
It happened before when the Nats broke apart and the silly but dangerous ultra-right HNP was formed. As reality continued chipping away at its edifice, the Nats began transmogrifying and reforming themselves to such an extent the party more closely resembled a lava lamp than a seriously political formation. And where is it now?
That, I believe, is the fate of all nationalist movements in the face of the Third Wave. Like the Rolling Stones, nationalists are the political version of geriatrock – they can still put on a damned good show, but it’s the old stuff the crowds come for. Until finally the band dies because its members just got too old.
The Mbeki regime has done too much damage. The liberation fire has become ashen and stilted. The alliance is arthritic. The lure of filthy lucre has sucked its leadership of fibre and calibre and the new crop cannot look to inspirational heroes. And they still cannot grasp the fact that strict hierarchy and true democracy are oxymoronic. Like a cobra and a mongoose – in that order.
I doubt Madiba will last another year and when he goes, along with several other iconic quasi-celebs, the Jenga tower will crumble.
I hope the Circle of Life (a la Lion King) will produce something new and wortwhile. Regrettably I don’t see myself being able to wait that long.
Whoa!
Of another famous victory Churchill said, ‘This isn’t the end; it isn’t even the beginning of the end. But it is the end of the beginning.’
It will take time to see if we have reached that stage.
Let us see how things proceed from here.
SA is not a ‘democracy’; it remains a monocracy.
Anybody know the best place to immigrate to?
I think the country is in for a rough ride.
A conspiracy theory for you:
COSATU wanted a strong unionist as SA president. They back Zuma (with dubious leftwing credentials) as ANC President knowing full well that he’s likely to be prosecuted and convicted of corruption next year. After Zuma’s successful election as ANC President they now stridently claim that Mbeki must remain SA President until 2009. This allows Mbeki to drive the conviction of Zuma and thus allows the swearing in of COSATU’s desired national president, the former NUM Secretary General: Kgalema Motlanthe… (Motlanthe may not have got more votes than Mbeki if he’d stood directly against him at Polokwane)
Key thing to look out for now:
COSATU/ANCYL/Motlanthe’s statements about what will happen if Zuma is charged/convicted. We might see them being progressively less supportive of Zuma as time goes on.
P.S. Charlene, let us not forget that Zuma was an completely inept Deputy President – and while we all love the Phosa’s of this world, you’ve failed to mention all the others surfing the Zuma tsunami: Shaiks x 3, Yengeni, Skwatsha, and a host of other people disgraced in corruption scandals… Zuma comes with some very worrying baggage and it helps no-one to ignore this.
Another bullseye! charlene, i love you more.
Charlene,
I’m like you in that I’m disappointed in Helen Zille and her premptive attack on Jacob Zuma before the man has a chance to prove himself. Her Ian Smith style approach is like the ostrich sticking it’s head in the sand and refusing to accept the reality that the black majority governs this country and the election of Jacob Zuma as ANC leader is good news for democracy in SA. Helen’s self-righteous and hypocritical stance (she is facing a scandal too in Cape Town) contrasts with the positive and constructive comments made by other opposition figures including Patricia de Lille of the ID, Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the IFP and even Pieter Mulder of the FF+ and last apartheid president FW de Klerk. Helen Zille should be careful or else she might be left out in the cold. Her comments certainly do not bode well for the citizens of Cape Town who are becoming increasing isolated from the rest of the country. The DA might like the NP find itself relegated to the scrapbin of history in the 2009 elections.
Viva Jacob Zuma! You have my vote!
Hi Charlene, I have been reading your thought provoking articles here. For me as an “new” Afrikaner its great to see democracy work. I bet most of the “volk” is in fear because the Zulu is not on the stoep anymore but sitting in Dad’s chair in the lounge. How predictable the sort of reactions one see from papers like the Burger, Beeld and those media papers wanting to create Fear for the Blacks in the rest of us. Fortunately I have been set free from that. Am not blind for the challenges, but like you state here we need to realize we are here in Africa to make a difference. Pity so many will just moan and sit on the sidelines while new SA is happening.
Amen…
Charlene you’ve said a moouthful. I have always maintained that Africans are those who identify with what we all South Africans try to build for our beloved country as their home. Both in good and bad times.
What we have witnessed was trully a People’s parliament in motion since 1912 (which was by the way denied by the likes of Helen Zille’s of this world). The real danger to our society are not the Afrikaners that we so conviniently use as scapegoats for all evil of the past.
The real enemy is Helen Zille’s people who are anti-advancement of the Peoples of South Africa but hide behind their so-called “liberal” ideals. Contrast Helen Zille’s response to Pieter Mulder’s and Afrikanderdo’s response. I rest…
Well done, but I a have an overbearing concern that clouds your optimism. The test is – will Mr Zuma share, in words and deeds, your enthusiasm for “whiteys” to make a contribution. I am affraid not. And that is where the dream ends.
The longer we wait for the next election the more chance of a split in the ANC.
We can kiss the paltry 4% growth goodbye thanks to the lack of electricity so any government will have a tough time in the next 5 years.
Well done, but I have an overbearing concern that clouds your optimism. The test is – will Mr Zuma share, in words and deeds, your enthusiasm for “whiteys” to make a contribution. I am affraid not. And that is where the dream ends.
Charlene,
You’re a star; I think it’s just great to have such a positive attitude. With Zuma’s record, it’s so easy to be gloomy, but we all can, like you, choose to be positive.
A complete load of rose-tinted claptrap. Let’s face it, South Africa’s next President showers to prevent himself catching HIV and (more than likely) accepts bribes to supplement his already bloated paycheck.
If there has been any single event in the past 13 years that has done more to doom SA for the future, this is it.
Charlene, your naive optimismm is wonderful to behold; I’m sure you will be singing the same cheery tune as the economy hits the wall and your future goes with it…
Hey Charlene – you do know, of course, that the word seminal (as you use it here) refers to semen, i.e. the seed of man, right?
Mooi so, Charlene! It is good to read this positive view.
This is indeed the required mindset in building our democratic south africa…
PS: for a second, i thought Hellen Zille might have been on ‘Sugars’ or whatever else these potent substance are called…she’d know better though, as she’s prone to correcting those like me who’re not quiet clued with the street lingo for these goodies!
Response to Hmmm & use of the word ‘seminal’ – Not in this context. As in many words it has more than one meaning. In my Oxford dictionary it has 4 meanings and I have used “4. providing the basis for future development.” Extending that meaning Oxford notes: “original, basic, creative, plastic, primary, prime, formative, innovative, new, unprecedented, landmark, important, influential.”
But your comment did make me smile in terms of what it could also mean. Was this a conference dominated by men? Yes. Are the seeds planted those designed by men? Yes. Women had marginal influence despite the endorsement of Zuma by the marginal ANCWL.
From these seeds great okes may grow.
Hopefully, though those women who don’t need quotas to advance will use it as an opportunity to branch out and extend their influence too.
If you’re interested in words try http://www.wordrice.com – I’m addicted and it goes to a good cause.
Have a lovely day and thank you for not only reading but for taking the time to comment.
Charlene
Charlene, while your positive approach is inspiring and I completely agree that what you propose is what is needed, I have to ask, “Do you really think Zuma, with his track record, is the man to deliver all of that?”
I hope so, I really really do, but I think it naive to have that much confidence in him.
Excellent article, Charlene. It’s refreshing to read the writing of somebody who has actually applied their mind before writing, rather than just repeating the same “haha showercap” meme that is the basis of most of the media comment so far.
While I am not a Zuma fan – I am concerned about past sexist, homophobic and xenophobic comments – it was time for a change. As long as Zuma is strong enough to stand up to pressure from business, the Left and all the other interest groups, his election will be good for the country.
I really hope that President Mbeki calls an early election so that he can spare himself from the predictors of history such as Charlene and all these so called analysts who have not run a spaza shop in their life and never mind a country like ours.
The president of the country has been vilified and ridiculed many times by the media. Instead of acting like a dictator, he advocates for the need for fourth state. Instead of suing and speaking about the need to ‘curb’ media freedom, he defends himself in his online column and sets up structure for the likes of SANEF to engage with him.
Because he understands that sometimes the police themselves need to be policed, he creates and defends the independence of the NPA. This to his own detriment. Has anybody stopped to think if the police would be brave/free enough investigate their own commissioner? But hey, we want his blood so we call the NPA his own private army.
I think he deserves better, much better. But for the wanna be native masters like Charlene, its a great week. It caps the systematic demonization of a great son of our country and the one person who represents and advocates progress to the African.
Well Charlene and your ilk, congratulations. Job well done. I hope that people do not allow you to do the same with our next leaders.
Llewellyn Kriel,
Did you just predict Mandela’s death in the next year? How insensitive. You cannot be serious.
Welcome to Burundi.
esvl asks: “Anybody know the best place to immigrate to?”
My suggestion: Try Iraq, at least it is not in Africa and USA has done a great job in restoring human rights there. Enjoy yourself, but keep in touch.
Khosi, thank you.Cde Mbeki,a great son of the soil is now the laughing stock of all and sundry. We are all the poorer for it I tell you.( We use to sing: Mbeki uyingwenya, uphethe i-Africa ngesandla!)
Just a thought, interestingly last Friday was the last day for the NPA to file papers in the Constitutional Court with regards to the ‘raids’ in cde Zumas house and that of his lawyer. What do those papers say: Well the original amount of 1,2 million is now 4 million. Based on documents found in the raids. The same applies with regards to intermitent payments from Shaik.Anyway….
I await cde Mbekis state of the nation address, it might be the last one.We are all the losers for it.The rabble rousers and chattering class that voted for cde Zuma will soon realise the’ve been sold a dummy, by those who need the ANC’s protection and power more then the ANC needs them.
Rhetoric and endless idealism will not give us bread, but it will buy time for those who want personal gain, for the while at least.Trust me.
Hi Charlene, I’m new to Thought Leader and this is the first of your articles I’ve read. The best analysis of Polokwane and the road ahead I’ve read by far. But probably because I agree with your outlook of the opportunities and problems. I was feeling a bit alone but now I’m Ok, thanks.
I was also extemely disappointed by the reaction of the leader of the opposition; I would have liked her to congratulate the ruling party with the greatest respect for the election.
The idea of the end of racist quotas and anything other than progress through merit is sweet indeed. I’d only like to point out I think the constitution will have to be ammended to fully implement this. Presumably if this is to happen as soon as it needs to be this will have to be done by the ANC.
Once again we can see a potential future that defies any precedent we should be following – as a post-independence African country in particular. Perhaps we are becoming more and more unique with something else to offer with every significant political crossroads we succeed in getting through. Why shouldn’t South Africa be a ridiculously prosperous and world class black-led African country on a par with any developed country. Why shouldn’t we even go further and be world leaders where we deserve to be.
Great article Charlene. In 2000,I remember there was a mood of despair and gloom in the country. I had been to too many dinner parties where the conversations and evenings revolved around negativities, with the rush of getting a Canadian, Aussie,or Brit passport. I decided if I wanted to remain in South Africa and move forward, I had to be positive. As a result, I surrounded myself by like minded people. It was the most empowering and beneficial thing I have ever done. There is a lot to be concerned about,and that,as a Nation, we must correct, but there is an immeasurable amount to be positive and proud about.More so,now. Happy Christmas. Bheka Mkhize,had a giggle at your comment. Craig
As an economist, I had utter respect for Mbeki. He withstood the pressure from grassroots for rapid state led economic development (socialism) to get the country’s financial fundamentals in order. Unfortunately, these same actions caused him to loose touch with the grassroots and reality in SA.
I respect him for standing up to the West in trying to establish an African identity and a respect both in- and outside Africa for its citizens. Africa has been written off as uncivilised by Europe for over 500 years and this has hardly changed over the past few decades. We have been bullied to accept that westerners know best. Unfortunately, one of these were his refusal to be bullied about accepting HIV/AIDS medicine when SA faced such a huge ang growing crisis. There are many other decisions he have made, some he accepted the responsibility that it was wrong decisions (such as Eskom) but others he is still not convinced of the other sides argument (such as Zimbabwe).
I respect him for the things he did as mentioned by Khosi earlier.
However, as far as I could ascertain, he has become so accustomed to the power and, like many leaders throughout the world and throughout history, tried to retain that power. Power can cause someone to become dillusional about their own importance. Indeed, it is only truely great, respected leaders that have ever given up power or avoided the trappings of power. For that aspect of him, I dont consider him a great leader.
I am optimistic about SA’s future – in general, SAns have never let a bad govt stay in power for long or let society collapse around them. If JZ’s govt is bad, he will be given his marching orders. Either by the ANC, or SA electorate by replacing the ANC as the dominant party.
But I respect JZ for standing his ground despite the many criticism from Mbeki, SA opposition parties and many media circles – rightly or wrongly. He certainly has many weaknesses, like we all do. However, I firmly believe his leadership qualities is what SA will need in the next 5 to 10 years. Only time will tell if he is a good leader.
IMHO, this ANC conference has provided many opportunities for opposition parties in SA – are they savvy enough to actually grab it with both hands? Is Zille’s criticism of JZ simply liberal arrogance or strategic political thinking in trying to lure Mbeki supporters from the ANC to the DA in portraying herself as “anti-Zuma” / a better option for Mbeki supporters than the Zuma ANC? Will it remain rhetoric or will they follow this up with widely respected policy solutions to address SA’s many challenges – a party with policy substance, not just mindless barking that the DA is often portrayed to be?
Certainly, interesting times are afoot.
Certainly, Polokwane may become a watershed moment in SA politics/history, much as Rubicon-speech was in 1985 and the 1948 elections in SA, Watergate is to US politics, the 2000 referendum to Zim politics, etc.
Good stuff, Charlene. The best thing about Zuma is that he is not politically correct and he doesn’t have an inferiority complex tucked onto his shoulder
Bheka Mkhize you beauty – a snotklap of a response.
esvl – shut the door when you leave. I will stay here with the savages and other sun bleached Africans.
Good piece Charlene.
I couldnt disagree more with Charlene on the assesments that she makes over the so called “close confidants” of Jacob Zuma. Mathew Phosa presided over a generally corrupt mpumalanga government, He was unable to create a firm foundation for future prosperity.Infact at the time of him leaving government, he faced various accusations of corruption. Therefore i fail to understand where this assesment coms from.
Kgalema was the previous general secreatary of the ANC, under Mbeki. Its shocking to hear Charlene suggesting that he was impressive during the previous conference. In erneast the problems of the ANC were his to solve. As the highest ranking full -time official in the party, he was meant to have ensured that there is a solid relationship between the Executive and the Rank & File, again he chose to pass this as an observation rather than a failure on his part. Had he been in any other organization, tougher questions would have been asked of him with the current divisions in existance…One wonders whether he played both sides to further his own political ambitions.
Its really surprising to see the positive spin that was absent so many months ago, infact lets say weeks ago, now that Zuma has won. There seems to be an about turn. It makes me believe that the notion that this was more about gettingthe incumbent out than voting for Zuma is true, to the xtenet that even some analyst are glad to see this good leader go. Now all in support of Comrade JZ need are busy trying to come up with reasons why we should believe we are better served…All the best to all south africans, you need to make a difference in 2009 .
esvl asks: “Anybody know the best place to immigrate to?” Who taught you English? You immigrate into a country, and emigrate out of a country. In this case South Africa, so you emigrate from South Africa. With English like yours, best you go then.
That said, Khosi implies that Charlene’s opinion is typical of a white person. When will South Africans emancipate themselves from the notion that the skin colour speaks? Yes, sometimes it does, but ideas can be discussed as ideas, and the course of the ideas need not matter. There are many black journalists and one doesn’t agree or disagree with them because they’re black.You look at the conceptual frame work, the logic and the way they structure the argument and base it on those essential elements of debate. I don’t agree with white people because they’re white! For Pete’s sake South Africans use your brains! Race obsession has stulted your intellectual growth.
Charlene, you are a patriot! Let us now remind some of our friends on this board how vindictive Mbeki was towards the most famous and loved of South Africa’s sons, tata Madiba.
When he had the opportunity to deploy Tata as a retired elder and state ambassador to the world, Mbeki snubbed the old man. Tata was denied a chance to travel the world at state expense to spread goodwill around, he was compelled to use his own name and resources to achieve this important goal.
After this, do we need Mbeki as an elder in our country, now that he was been shoved to early retirement?
Qoute: “The worst decision to come out of Polokwane so far is a decision to have a 50-50 gender balance in Parliament. A third of parliamentary seats are at present reserved for women, and while such a gesture was important to establish a principle at the start of democracy, an examination of the performance of those women is cause for despair. They, for the most part, have done little or nothing about gender.”Charlene Smith
My comment:I really hope that Zwelinzima Vavi has read your article!
Qoute: “Charlene you’ve said a moouthful. I have always maintained that Africans are those who identify with what we all South Africans try to build for our beloved country as their home. Both in good and bad times.” Siyabulela
My comment: Well said Siyabulela. I have always been disappointed by South Africans who are ‘Proud South African’ in good times, but when there are challenges (in bad times) they threaten to leave the country.
Again, well balanced article Charlene
Anybody please tell me. Has Mandela commented on the JZ victory? I for one have not heard anything of sorts.
Oh for the sound of silence.
“Has Mandela commented on the JZ victory?” No yet Khosi. Maybe Mandela is busy baby siting kids like you Khosi. Now go out and play with other kids we will call when your grandpa has commented!!
Have you ever heard a tuning fork resonating with something at the same frequency ? I hear you resonating to the tune of Liberation.Your analysis should be seriously heeded by the idealogues within the ranks of the Liberation Movement so that principles of the Freedom Charter can begin to become a reality in the unfolding of our National Democratic Revolution. Power has so far been in the hands of narrow Nationalist (racists, sexist and other predators.
With the coming to power of the A.N.C, you must accept, that the Freedom Charter has been claimed by the whole of South Africa as it’s own.
Mbeki’s reign has been characterised by a euphoria of a tragedy of errors with narrow half-baked trajectories, with narrow selfish interests being promoted. We have passed that threshhold. We thank Thabo for taking us through.
You unpacked in passing four pivitol issues for debate:
1.Incorrect emphasis on GEAR rather than R.D.P
2.The promotion of sexism by the 50/50 gender quota which patronises and corrupts females and vilifies the liberation of women
3.An efficiant,effective economy.
4.Deploying Thabo as Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Lekota to D.R.C.
Your article ends with a pain I know so well.
In as much as in Sweden your blonde hair and blue eyes told a taximan that you are not an African, my black long hair and “not black enough complexion” prevents me from “promotion” even in the ranks of the A.N.C
Collective punishment for collective crime ?
ALUTA CONTINUA !!!!
Bheka
No need to get nasty with Khosi…..
Bheka,
Sorry for responding late, I was busy playing with other kids outside.
By the way, what are you playing with inside? Umshini wakho, i would guess.
bheka,
I have just read an article in one on the other websites. Madiba has given his message of support.
I FEEL BETTER NOW.
thank you