Quite clearly, no matter what Hogan does to speak truth to power she will be increasingly marginalised in a movement where recent requests (by the big man) to debate “morals” (in the African context?)clearly highlights a lack of any intention to rid the ruling party of the decay which is presently consuming it. Perhaps it would be an interesting initiative for you to define “morals” (in an article) and to indicate to the buffoon-filled regime that morals are not culturally-specific/autonomous but that they are universal – perhaps the term “democracy” can also be deliberated in terms of cultural relativism…thhe most principled thing that Hogan can do is to resign – this would put country before (misguided) ideology…there’s an old saying: “farting against thunder does’nt work!

Thanks for the complementg nevertheless. I hope it will not turn Hogan into a skunk in the ANC….

You have no argeument against the shameful Daila Lama refusal to entry. Tutu and Deklerk I am sure were not crazy to boycott the conference based on this. There was outcry everywhere so much that the new minister of iNternational relations rcently said the Daila Lama will now be welcome so whatever argument was advanced has now conveniently expeired …after the ourcry of the whole country.

Hogan was write to show BMF and ANCYL the MIDDLE finger on Maroga they had no business asking her to undermine the baord of Eskom period.

I only picked up your blog late in the day so,here I am, once again at the bottom of a loooong queue.

BOETIE, OPPAS!: YOU HAVE FALLEN INTO THE TRAP !! YOU WRITE:
…there is a conflict of interest if the ruling party is to benefit in any way from the decisions of Eskom, of which it is essentially the sole shareholder
SURELY, IT IS THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT (READ SOUTH AFRICA) THAT IS ESSENTIALLY THE SOLE SHAREHOLDER, AND EMPHATICALLY NOT THE ANC,THAT PROFITEERS FROM IT ?!!

That said, you must be commended for drawing Barbara Hogan’s achievements together most admirably. You are right: if only there were more ministers like her

Excellence should not be measured on what one speaks but on deliverables. Speaking against the ANC does not mean that she is brave or competent because history has taught us that people like her do things like this to push their own agendas. Dismissing (and not engaging) a professionals’ body like the BMF is uncalled for since it has a right to lobby for anyone, it is a largest single body that has black talent. We should therefore, not dismiss their view as “lobbying for a pseudo-candidate”.

Do you quit frankly believe that she is independent, has no agenda and will not appoint her team to lead the parastatals? What has Hogan achieved since taking over the Public Enterprises? Where is a blue print on solving the challenges faced by SAA, Eskom, Transnet and Denel among others? What actions has she taken against corrupt individuals? Words are not an achievement…

Mangosuthu Buthelezi puts your argument to shame he said during the KZN Health Budget Debate “Motsoaledi’s frankness is refreshing, his diagnosis and prescription are spot on. I say this because for the first time in 15 years a Minister of Health has admitted that the deterioration of public health services could be blamed on government’s neglect, chronic under funding, as well as a host of bad decisions, poor management and wastefulness”
Mark Heywood, director of the Aids Law Project and deputy chairperson of the SANAC, further dismisses your squabble, “We are beginning to see change around HIV in South Africa,” “I can put my hand on my heart and say I believe this Minister of Health, and I trust this Minister of Health.” he said.
The issue of the Dalai Lama is a complicated one, read the argument put forward by Dr. Porlo Jordan to understand the position taken by the ANC. There are also other issues like economic relations that the ANC like the Obama led Democrats in the USA needed to consider.

Continued …

It is totally iniquitous to contrast Hogan and Motsoaledi tenure. The issues that he is facing were there when she was Health Minister. What did she do to address or mitigate them? Your ignorance on what Motsoaledi has done is mind boggling. He has brought in new approach and zeal towards the mitigation of concerns within the health sector. He has never backed down when leadership is needed within the sector. He has shown willingness to listen to doctors, nurses and scientists who are hugely significant, given the history of conflict between those at the frontline and those in power. He has initiated health drives including supporting the Zulu King’s call for male circumcision and the new plan aimed at reducing the rate of infection by 50% by 2011 and provide antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to 80% of those who need the treatment among others.

Continued …

You are wrong, they all can, they just don’t!

Barabara Hogan is the only ANC politician I am able to respect. Sadly, she is unlikely to switch parties once she is dumped and the only voice of sanity will be lost.