Comments on: A South African in America: what the Obama victory means for us all

By: Siphokazi

Siphokazi — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:42:52 +0000

Judes!

Thank you for this very important article. All of us South Africans, and the rest of international travellers who were in American soil when history marched into the land, we should all count ourselves lucky. A whole nation vibrated with the ‘audacity’ to confront destiny and the whole world stood beside it cheering them on!

Drawing on lessons for home. Firstly, I am buggered by the fact that South Africans outside cannot vote, an yet there are soo many of us outside the country! I think we seeing Change in South Africa for sure, whether or not It’s change WE can believe in, your guess is as good as mine!

By: TM

TM — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:25:33 +0000

Jud

The lifelike description of the unfolding of events is a nice touch. Intertwined with positive thinking, it makes a readable piece -and that’s thought leadership at peak.

Keep well in the US of A

By: Matt Molteno

Matt Molteno — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:41:55 +0000

That was really interesting…I’m a wee bit jealous about not being there…my mother has just come back from there and says its mayhem and parties!

Are you still over there in new york babe?

By: Theo Mokgatlhe

Theo Mokgatlhe — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:05:07 +0000

Thanks 4 yet another gr8 post.
It’s good that u stressed that it’s not only about what our leaders can do 4 us, but what we can do on the ground 2 build our country. If south africans sit on their bums, they’ll get the leaders they deserve. If they stand up and are counted, then they’ll get the leaders they deserve. Either way, what we sow is what we’ll reap. And the
Obamas of this world need our partnership.

Viva Obama! A visionary, inspiration and rebuilder in our age.

By: CB

CB — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:19:56 +0000

Also being a South African living in the States, I echo Judy’s sentiments. What a great feeling to be proud of the Americans for once! South Africa needs an “Obama” of its very own.

By: Dominik

Dominik — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:10:54 +0000

Dear Judy,

I was very moved by your description of the events during that memorable night! The article fully reflects the breathtaking atmosphere and I was living it again in my mind while reading… too bad I lost you in the crowd!

By: Lyndall Beddy

Lyndall Beddy — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:03:18 +0000

Judy

Good Post. Now you feel what my generation felt at Woodstock.

He is the first Global President of the USA. And the first paid for by the people (contributions ) not lobbyists.

He does as much for the white and brown minorities in SA as he does for black minorities in the USA.

For you he is 50% black. For them he is 50% white.

By: Anna

Anna — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:13:19 +0000

As an American, it fills me with joy and pride to think of a South African sister joining in the same chant of “Obama, Obama!” as we answer a global call for change. It has been wonderful to finally have some respect back from my international friends

By: Khanya Mashalaba

Khanya Mashalaba — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:16:03 +0000

truly inspirational, especially coming from someone who is a peer of mine. your words, and your committment to change and hunger for knowledge is exactly what this country needs. I am inspired, motivated and committed to go forth and influence change, because you are right when you say WE CAN!

By: suntosh

suntosh — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:23:31 +0000

Awesome post Judy – the vibrance of the moment oozes through your writing!

Obama’s election raises many questions for own democracy in SA. The key question, this weekend especially, is how on earth do we get young people to get off their backsides and register themselves to vote in 2009?

Only 2 million people aged 20-29 are registered. Overall, half the eligible voters in this country did not vote in 2003. Why?

People respond to personalities. In 1994 – the charisma of Madiba made voting easy – 80% of SA voted (the other 20% were probably packing for Perth). In 2003 – the number dropped less than 50%.

In 2009?

Who is our Obama? Who is the woman or man that will sweep us off our feet and make tears roll down our eyes? Who is that person that we simply cannot wait to vote for? Who will we be eagerly holding our breaths for in anticipation when election results are coming out? Who would be powerful enough to get an apathetic youth and middle class to actually cast their vote?

Theoretically, a brand spanking new party could win the election in 2009 IF they can tap into an entirely dormant market of non-voting eligible citizens, who are, significantly, half the country!