By Sydwell Mabasa
We read, with disbelief, the tirade by William Saunderson-Meyer supposedly on the performance of government, entitled “The Zuma government is floundering about” (August 18 2012).
Saunderson-Meyer tells us that the President “has been preoccupied with ensuring a second term at the African National Congress’s elective conference in December”. The writer provides no scientific evidence to back up this assertion. He has taken gossip that he has read elsewhere, and presents it to readers as analysis.
Also worrying, is the tone of the article, which is very condescending. It demonstrates that the writer has no respect for the South African head of state.
We have no problem with people criticizing the President on the work of government, as we always stress, but they should base their arguments on facts. And they should try and keep debates within the bounds of human decency which Saunderson-Meyer’s apparent hatred of the President makes it difficult for him to do.
Government is performing well. In 1994, the ANC government inherited a mess, and had to create a democratic government out of splinters of apartheid establishments that had been designed to maintain the racial dream of separation and underdevelopment of the majority. It has not been easy, but the work done thus far is truly impressive.
Some key achievements of the country since 1994 at a political level include basic democratic principles. We have a Constitution which guarantees human rights for all, the right to a minimum standard of life, including the right to access health, education, social security, food and water. The Constitution enshrines the right of all people to elect a government of their choice in regular, free and fair elections in a multi-party democracy, an independent judiciary and freedom of expression, equality and freedom from discrimination on racial, gender or any other ground and the rights of workers.
Indeed life is getting better each day for millions of South Africans since 1994. The target of ensuring universal access to primary education has been reached before the 2015 deadline. This demonstrates that we are on track to achieve or even exceed this MDG target. We have a high number of girls attending primary, secondary and tertiary education. This is significant for addressing gender disparities. Building schools infrastructure is ongoing including the eradication of mud schools nationally. Matric results improve each year, indicating that a lot of work is being done.
On health, for many years South Africa was viewed as a pariah when it comes to dealing with HIV and AIDS. The strides we are making in dealing with this scourge should be acknowledged and recognized. The drop in the transmission of HIV from mother to child is impressive and dramatic. The increasing numbers of South Africans who are taking the HIV test to 17 million indicates that we are making tremendous progress as it proves that people are now acting on the information they have received on HIV and AIDS. Such positive news about the country needs to be celebrated by all.
We have reduced the numbers of people experiencing the worst levels of income poverty significantly, and have in fact achieved the MDG target of reducing the number of people living on less than one US dollar a day. Most of the achievements in reducing extreme levels of income poverty can be ascribed to government’s comprehensive social protection programme such as the social grants programme and free health care for the poorest. We have been succeeding in the fight against crime, although a lot of work is still being done as this has been historically a violent society. Between 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 overall serious crime decreased by 5%. In the same period murder came down by 6.5% and attempted murder by 12%. Carjackings declined by 24% while house robbery dropped by 11%.
We can mention many other achievements.
Granted there are some delivery challenges here and there and we do not hide these at all, but are working to address them. The national government has intervened in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo to address education delivery problems there.
We are not only focusing on the present. The National Planning Commission has produced a National Development Plan, which is a blueprint for the South Africa we wish to build. That is what preoccupies the President Jacob Zuma government.
We should build this country together. Rubbishing government will not create a prosperous South Africa. So, Saunderson-Meyer would do well to make concrete suggestions on how to build a better life for all South Africans, instead of being cynical and spreading negativity.
Sydwell Mabasa
Communications: The Presidency
Pretoria
The problem however is that these voices are given unprecendented dominance. I always believed that in mainstream media in particular, are committed people, geniuses in fact who always manage to break the ”truth” in the news. They do this with an objective gathering of facts, a yearning to be honest and with integrity show us their talent and skill with an informed analysis. This writer WSM, I thought was “credible and committed”. But how disappointing it is to find another priviledged beneficiary becoming another conveyor belt for lies. I say this because these are some who should be media watchdogs, people who have elevated themselves to “holding society accountable”. But what a fallacy, we see presentation after presentation and it is not difficult to spot the obvious fault lines. What would have given some credibility to the rumour mill, would have been the writer’s conflict with the truth. But the biggest joke is that there is absolutely no conflict with the truth. This focussing attention on non-issues and this unnecessary patronising belligerence is not difficult to understand. I believe that it helps churn the corporate turnover because thís ”shutdown” on the truth is aimed at a certain audience only. One only has to observe comments and the dumbing down on ideas which shows that some amongst have no idea of what is really going on around them. Consumption of lies is meant for those who are prepared to tell lies. Hence they will never add any value…
Had we not been arrogant we would not be parading school attendance for the majority to substandard schooling which can only be described as child neglect as universal access to primary education. Nor would you claim an improvement in matric results in a system where pass requirements have been reduced to the lowest common denominator of mediocrity.
That you expand an apartheid inherited road, resurface with tar (that is incidentally beginning to show signs of poor quality at the on ramps) and toll it electronically might indicate progress to you but to some of us this illustrates collousness.
The majority will never experience the joy and self worth of earning a decent living due to the fruit of their labour as long as you incentivise dependence.
You guys just don’t get it, do you?
Dear Mr Mabasa
What concerns me is that in you reply you mention nothing about the alleged rampant corruption we keep reading about. A reassuring voice from The Presidency would have placated me. Or are these stories just fabricated by the ‘third force’ masquerading as the ‘four estate’?
Yours
Cookie Jar
While I would tend to agree that criticism of our government is often not intended to help, I find the absence of discussion on a number of issues takes much from your article.
Corruption – were our media to be exaggerating this problem tenfold it would still be a catastrophic problem. You cannot simply write off missing millions (at least) as a ‘delivery challenge.’
Rape and child abuse – you mention a decrease in a number of crime categories. The jury is still out on this, but one hopes you are right. However, we are still the sexual crime capital of the world. Once again, not a ‘delivery challenge.’
Medical treatment – no mention of what has been described as a ‘public health system teetering on the edge of collapse.’ The fact that South Africa trains damn good doctors (and perhaps some credit is due here) is keeping things afloat – for now. The NHI is not going to solve this, it is simple arithmetic.
Education – you talk a lot about education, but fail to mention the one stat that gives a real indication of how we are doing. Something like 50% of kids that should have finished matric last year have disappeared from the system. In other words, of the class of 1999, at least half dropped out.
All parties vested in this argument need to start working together on these problems.
The New National Plan is the same as the Old National Plan which has caused increasing inequality and unemployment. Trying to combine Communism and Capitalism has not worked anywhere in Africa.
But I do agree that Zuma inherited this problem and did not cause it.
I am very disappointed at what Sydwell is telling. Frankly, I hate to read how few beneficiaries of the Polokwane Project are trying defend a person who did not only failed the people of RSA and the rest of Africa but the organization many cherish. Sydwell the sooner you come down to earth and see the material conditions within which blacks, youth in particular, are living under, the better.
You cry to sadly about William’s tone and claim to be owning fact against him. Your article doesn’t go along with what William articulate. I want to believe that you’ve only read the first two paragraphs.
I want to believe that not only learned South Africans will see serious and grave ignorance in your letter, but the whole world, smart or dum. What I like about Jacob Zuma is that he has shown everybody that he’s not quiet fit to hold that position, whether in the ANC or its government. I time for you to get along with this reality cde.
As you demand everybody to respect Jacob Zuma, I suggest you give him a small tip of behaving like a respected person. He must work hard to earn that from humanity. We are not just going to give that credit simply because he’s surrounded himself with arrogant, bully,disrespectful and corrupt people who are blindly, and because of material they desire, loyal to Zuma.
Wow. Saunderson-Meyer. Your article has reached the highest office in the land. Imagine that – little ol’ Thought Leader read by Pretoria. And a scathing response to boot. That must put you in the same league as that fella what painted that picture…
I’m unclear on a few things, but one that stands out: where did WSM say in his article that he hated Zuma? Did I miss that? Hate is a strong word. But in ANCworld, if you dare to disagree or have an opposing view, watch out…..!!!
@Tofolux: You’re too right… that our people have been dumbed down! But mainly to believe the lies of the ANC tripartite government which is only bounds together by the glue of greed. Mangaug elective conference will bring out the worst of internecine infighting…. which speaks volumes in what is effectively a toxic triumverate single party state.
@Mr Mabasa: You too are right! Pres Zuma is very much a “hands on president” – anything he can get his hands on…………… Trying to quote 5% decrease in crime stats is has to be seen against one of the highest violent crime rates in the world.
Only you think we are anywhere close to achieving our MDG’s. Even our ANC ministers admit we are way behind in Health, Education and poverty eradication. Despite spending R110billion on grants in 2011, (the only reason we can claim not to be below $1/day), our GINI index and unemployement rate is one of the highest in the world…… and has actually deteriorated since 1994
@Mabasa, the first step in making SA a better place for all is to reform the elector system to hold the officials accountable to the electors. The president of SA and the officials serving in the government are only accountable to the kingmakers that put him in office. The president,members of parliament and the mayors should all be directly elected and accountable to the people. The justice system in SA is too weak to take actions against the corrupted officials in the government because, these are the people controlled the justice system. You are writing this article but, do you know who represent you in parliament? Did you vote for the mayor of your town or city? Until the people are allowed to elected the officials to office, the constitution in SA is nothing but a piece of paper.
@Sydwell Mabasa
If you want a brief and excellent analysis of how this country is teetering on chaos and anarchy read “The Deeper Implications of Widespread Lawlessness in South Africa”
http://allafrica.com/stories/201208071090.html
Not sure that anyone has denied that Zuma is a hands-on leader. Perhaps that’s the problem.
Sydwell, i think you are referring to empirical evidence and based on your lack of understanding i can see that you do not have a scientific background. This knowledge relates to understanding derived from direct and indirect observations.
So, for all the good the ANC do (and there are those points), everyday we have blatant evidence that the ANC is corrupt at every level of government. I also do not want to refer to governance, because that involves the incorporation of the people into decision-making.
Everytime you raise a point, I will respond with “read the auditor generals report” because the ANC and its figurehead (The spear) are failing us. So I think you live in a world with good education, equal opportunities for all and I’m sure you ride to work on a unicorn with a side-car for your luggage.
So please tell me more about the interventions in schooling in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo. The minister in charge is still in government. How is this possible? Anyway, I await details …
What does it matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches mice?
Deng Xiaoping
Yes, we have a constitution that guarantees no discrimination.
Yet, we have in effect BEE laws that are indistinguishable from apartheid laws.
They use the state’s power to treat people differently purely based on skin.
They use the taxpayer’s money to benefit only those of black skin.
This kind of law has been classified as a crime against humanity.
How do your good intentions align with your government’s actions, Mr President?
@James Skipmaster
“They use the taxpayer’s money to benefit only those of black skin.
This kind of law has been classified as a crime against humanity.”
Really, now theres something I’m sure none of us knew. Can you tell us more.
Does this Mr Mabasa actually believe what he is writing? I propose that what was achieved in this country over the last 20 years was despite Zuma, not because of him.
@Sydwell……..and all you have done is give us your propoganda and posture it as informed analysis.
At least Saundersan Meyer is independant. He has no vested interests like you to to cosy up to Zuma.
LOL Sydwell
You had me going until I read “Communications: The Presidency”.
Biased much?
Also, you manage to say a lot, without actually saying much at all:
“Government is performing well”
“inherited a mess”
“but the work done thus far is truly impressive”
“although a lot of work is still being done”
“Granted there are some delivery challenges ”
“We are not only focusing on the present”
Give us facts and figures (as you requested from WSM) so that we can make up our own minds.
Sounds like Mabasa is the butler Stevens to Zuma’s Lord Darlington. Puts too much trust and faith into his employer. Apologies for Remains of the Day reference!
@Sydwell, the problem with the WSM’s and all the chorus singers is the fact that they speak from an extremely priviledged position. These people did not gain their priviledges through hard work or toil of the land, they gained these priviledges through the colour of their skin. So this pampered class always seeks to adopt this servant-employer attitude where it is only them who has the ability to measure progress. For blacks in general and africans in particular, we who were mistreated by these very people, we must now sit up and believe their gospel. Not only do their gospel betray them and show their prejudices it reinforces the fact that they havent changed. Hence we will continue to be reminded of the lessons of Kotane, Moroka, Luthuli, Tambo etc. Fact is, there is nothing to be learnt from the WSM’s of this world other than their beliefs and attitude that are so ingrained psychologically and that they do not not have the capacity to rise above their own indoctrination and free themselves, psychologically.
@ Sydwell
“‘President Zuma is a Hands-On President.’ – do you mean on women?
The people in this country only have the option of voting for a political party.
Zuma was not elected as ‘president’ by citizens of this country. He was made president by ANC dictates.
And they were voted in to power by people who fell for the myth that the ANC were actually concerned about anything besides lining their own pockets.
Saunderson-Meyer’s very valid views are endorsed by the millions of S Africans.
Your trying to save Zuma’s face (part of your well-paid job), is as ridiculous as trying to disprove what everyone knows: Zuma is self-serving. He does not serve the people. Zuma’s embarrassing image, like Malema’s, is cringe-worthy.
As a party the ANC are to blame for electing him in to such a position..
The only way Zuma could run any country is into the ground.
Zumaville? Shouldn‘t that be ‘Zuma-babwe’ ?
But whether he has another term or not, he needn’t worry – and probably doesn’t.
He will leave like all ANC leaders. Filthy rich.
The main thing his hand’s on is the taxpayers money.
@Charlotte, when a debate has been put, you are well within your right to have an opposite view. Your view however must be constructive and informed. These are the very very basic principles that are taught to debating teams in schools ie at the level of grade 5. It is clear that not only do you not abide by these very basic principles but that you think insulting persons you do not know is appropriate. Debating teams exploit weaknesses in their opposition when they know they are dealing with howlers or rabid commentators. Can I ask, is there anything that you can share on this forum other than your frustration/hatred with blacks in general and africans in particular?
Could WSM have more articles published in the papers? His wit and intellect are a pleasant change from the usual murder, corruption, incompetence, delivery failure that we read on a daily basis.
Tofolux – what does “blacks in general and africans in particular” mean?
Thanks for the lesson on debating. Pointless, but thanks anyway…
@Tofolux
I am one of those that you might include as one of WSM’s praise singers, and you state as a fact that I speak from an extremely priveleged position.
Here is a brief personal biography:
- Orphaned at age 8 and sent to boarding school by legal guardian
-Worked hard and did well at school (through nothing other than hard work) – got a matric exemption, but could not afford to go to varsity
-Took up a technical apprenticeship and worked in the evenings as a barman to earn enough money to survive
- Saved up enough money to attend varsity part-time in the evenings after a full days work
-Completed undergrad, Honours and Masters part-time over 12 years – graduated 3rd in my class (Masters.)
Yep – I can see how people like me come from a priveleged position.
One of my black friends (yes – I actually have some) who is a lawyer and has known me for a number of years tells me “ah, Peter, but you must remember – it is not about the individual, it is about the collective!”
The former Apartheid government did nothing for me and the current one has done even less,, but I have done OK all the same.
To quote Clem Sunter, “those looking for a helping hand will normally find it at the end of their own arm.”
@mr sydwell mabasa-you must be pretty wet now from passing water into the wind, People around here dont want to hear crime is down villages have running water and electricity, kids are going to school and generally that the average inclusive of all south africans lot is much better than before 1994. nobody cares mabasa. this ivory tower , chattering class wants to hear failure upon failure. they want to hear about Zumas 4 wives yet my neibhour has 3 wives and i dont want to hear about him or hear him. Its normal to have 3 4 5 6 wivesNORMAL.
What people here want to do is distract the president so he is anwerable to them not his electorate then say to the electorate-see he does not listen to you.
They cant foll the president or electorate
Many valid points about the success of the SA government, and I (not we – I notice politicians invariably use the royal ‘we’ which is a little jarring to people who can easily see the verbal markers of hubris) respect the logical arguments and respectful tone which I agree is needed in a debate of this nature. And yes, there have been many improvements in the lives of ordinary people in SA – thanks not only to the government, but thanks to the ordinary people of SA, the workers and taxpayers of all races and classes whose efforts have made this possible. However one might argue that these improvements are despite Mr Zuma, rather than because of him. His own values certainly do not appear to indicate an interest in the upliftment of the ordinary person or of economic improvement, or in social justice and social issues generally. They tend to reflect a focus purely on the party and the jockeying for position within it, allied to the use of patronage as a tool. In this context, it is a credit to the SA government – and even more of a credit to its ordinary citizens – that so much has indeed been achieved – as all the achievements mentioned are certainly noteworthy and admirable.
Well said, David and Peter L.
Wonder whether Tofolux is a ‘black or african in general or in particular’? Maybe the latter, particularly, as she gives added meaning to words like’ meaningless, garrulous and long-winded.’
She wildly, blindly and falsely brands people as ‘hating blacks’ in her ludicrous attempt to defend Zuma and the ANC government against criticism – of which there is plenty – and not only on these blogs An article written by Marianne Merten in today’s Cape Argus, reads: SA’s COLLOSSAL FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP’
Tofolux, herself, on the other hand, keeps regurgitating her anti-white racist vitriol at every opportunity Like Malema, she never misses an opportunity to resort to objectionable and fallacious name-calling and accusations of racism – which she herself personifies.
… Sort of pothead calling the kettle black – or blackhead calling the pot white – or who knows what on earth she’s on about?
@ Haiwa Tigere. Since when are the people and the electorate different?? Racism, again?
Anyway, rejoice for everyone like you who has running water, electricity, etc. (even if you don’t pay for it). However, also tell all those who DON’T have running water, electricity, hospitals, employment, text books etc. how well off they are under this government. Tell them that even though they’re without it, to celebrate on your behalf.
Mind you, if they remain unconvinced, they might burn down schools and libraries, hurl rocks at motorists, kill and loot etc. to show their dissastisfaction.
At Olifantshoek children haven’t gone to school for months because their parents’ demands haven’t been met (and considering they pay for nothing, its hard for the government to keep up with all the services they promised – especially after the billions they have to grab for themselves).
But again, as the ANC have totally no control over the kind of ‘protest’ violence which has become a daily occurrence, it is best for the desperately poor to understand how rosy things are (for you anyway).
It is reprehensible that you pull the wool over your own eyes. You don’t even regard mediocrity as the acceptable norm. You accept a corrupt, lying, thieving, inept, irresponsible government – and a president who leads by the worst kind of example -as your yardstick. Shame on you.
Black Racism (Pan African Mythology) started in the USA, spread through the Diaspora, and invaded all the “liberation movements” of Africa.
It was caused by White American Slavery and White American Racism, and is a backlash re-action.
@ Tofolux
I repeat again – slowly and simply:
1. Blacks are a Race. So are Whites. So are Chinese. etc. There are also mixed races.
2. The ANC, Cope. DA, UDF, ACDP etc. are Political Parties.
3. One can join a political party. One cannot join a race. That is predetermined.
4. There is no correlation between racism and criticising a political party.
5. The ANC has deteriorated into a corrupt, racist, incompetent, self-serving, self-enriching, non-accountable debacle of a party.
6. The ANC is not representative of all black S.Africans. Many have rejected the ANC in favour of other political parties.
When one criticises the ANC, one criticises a political.party – NOT all black S.Africans.
7. The ANCYL is universally regarded as a bunch of rowdy uncouth uncontrolled thugs. Only some black youths belong to it – certainly not all.
8. I Abhor Racism. Included in the countless S.African women I admire are: Mampela Ramphela, Helen Zille, Lindiwe Masibuko, Redi Thlabi, Patricia de Lille – to name but a few …
9. I support the DA. It is democratic and non-racial, offering equal opportunity for all citizens – no matter what creed or colour.
Unlike the ANC, it does not subscribe to Arrogance, Corruption & Nepotism.
B.t.w. I have adjudicated Inter-Schools debating competitions for years – so don’t require instruction from you..
Apart from that, you know nothing about me: not my age, race, education, whether I was an activist myself, to what extent tragedy has touched me or the struggle to survive. You assume and generalise (always with racial undertones) – a fatal mistake in life – and one often bearing disastrous results.
Generalising and making assumptions is also fatal as far as debating goes: Statements must be supported by facts, and facts are not fabrications or opinions – especially when they are ‘pie-in-the-sky’ and with no bearing on the topic. , Furthermore, the words and meaning of the topic must be clearly defined – certainly omitting jangled verbiage and/or racist,rude comments, as yours invariably are.
In any normal debate, your so-called comments would be disqualified.
To repeat what Blogroid writes (@tolux re blorod) in Charlene Smith’s outstanding blog
http://www.thoughtleader.co.za/charlenesmith/2012/08/20/makana-mandela-marikana-endings-and-beginnings/
“It seems you are confusing ranting and emotive polemic with factual analysis, careful rebuttal and specific remedy. The former is not called debating”.
I read, with disbelief your words:
‘Government is performing well …’
“Granted there are some delivery challenges here and there’
Are yhou joking?!
Health? – people are dying in government hospitals …
Transport? Education? Electricity? Water? Housing? Employment? …
The army on the point of collapse
Amazing how you can go on lying with a straight face even though you’re slurping up as much gravy as you can from the gravy train.
The ANC is synonomous with corruption. As far as the ANC and Zuma, in particular, is concerned: ‘Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely’.
Maybe the next vote will show how much confidence there is left in Zuma and the ANC. Gravy doesn’t last forever.
Poor Sydwell really does not understand the scientific method. Picking the “achievements” that support your case is not scientific. In any case, the so-called achievements you cite are rather debatable, old chap.
Yes, the people have a piece of paper that promises a lot of things, and the right to be beguiled into making a “democratic” choice at regular elections. Big deal!
William Saunderson-Meyer is exactly what a racist isn’t. He gives balanced, well-researched and factually correct political commentary.
If there were a semblance of truth in Sydwells misrepresentation of the ANC –
and especially about racism – they could well be applied to the troll characters i.e.’Dave Harris’, who is given an enormous amount of space by Thought Leader for him to repeat his outlandish and blatantly racist ‘cut & paste’ phrases, and his insulting and hatefully unsupported and distorted views and comments.
‘Dave Harris’ fosters racial hatred and disharmony. Very possibly he is also adding ANC gravy to his poisenous vitriol.
Nobody is swallowing the cover-ups, finger-pointing and lame excuses constantly given by the ANC – and ignoring the riots (p.c. called ‘protests’) – to hide and divert attention from ANC corruption
…just as the Lonmin mines tragedy has happened fortuitously for the non-functioning Dept of Education regarding the non-delivery of text-books scandal … or that the department has done nothing about children being prevented from attending school for 3 months as a ‘protest’ for getting tarred roads! …
Sydwell should have a good look at the party he works for – if he can bear to do so.
.
I address my message directly to Mr Sydwell Mabasa of the “presidency”.
Sir, no Citizen of South Africa is required to respect you, nor your “office”, and not least the fellow who currently happens to bear the title of “state president”. We are, happily, a free country, and free we shall remain regardless of attempts by you and other mouths in the presidency to alter that state. (Kindly pass that on to Mr Maharaj, will you, old sock?)
Now. William Saunderson-Meyer is one of the country’s most respected political analysts. He is always judicious in his reports, and has never been known to write for effect. WSM is a conveyor of strict truth.
Prior to his recent appraisal of the failings of Mr Zuma, and his appraisal of the failure of the ANC government, a succession of the mightiest critical and judicious minds in SA and the world have presented their findings on the failure of the ANC in government, and the abect failure of J. Zuma esq. to lead the nation as “president”.
Top of the list were Dr Mamphele Rampele and Dr Hillary Clinton…
Anyway, excuse the name-dropping if you please. My very own mesage to you is this: Will you please go and tell your “boss” that he is not wanted any more by anyone but The Magistrate, and we all look forward to the day. Okay?
@Charlotte, it must be a sad reality to realise how limiting you are. Firstly Charlotte, despite the indoctrination, blacks and whites and whatever your other racist categories are human beings. Human beings is a species and not a race. Now sure that must be so difficult for you to conceptualise but let me help you. Human beings are not racial classifications and racist categorisation is a racist concept. Categorisation is borne out of extreme racial perceptions and there is no scientific formulae for your categories.(This is so funnee) I understand that you have been indoctrinated that every human being in South Africa must belong to a race. Fact is, the racial categories of apartheid resulted in many so-called non white being classified as white. So this purity of race that you so dearly subscribe is has been flawed by your masters in order to swell your ranks. But there has been no racial classifications since 1994 and I wonder how you will deal with this in 20yrs time. I understand why you would admire rightwing women in particular, simply because they as you, have a rightwing ideology. I see there is no particular renowned female activist, not even a Helen Joseph that you are able to reflect on, hence my point. The rest of the input is nothing but ‘gutter-politics” much like WSM and the chorus singers. So I will leave you and your ilk to it. But the lesson of your lifetime Charlotte, should be the realisation that all human beings belong to only ONE species.
@Et, al, despite all your negativity, lets reflect on reality and the following facts.
SA has the most transparent budget in the WORLD. SA is the only African country that is a member of the G20. Sa is the 34th most efficient country out of 139 countries. SA ranks as the 47th least corrupt country out of 150 nations. SA is the 61st strongest state out of 177 countries.Sa ranks 39 on availability of latest technologies. In 2011, SA interest rates were at a 30yr low. SA debt to GDP ratio is 32% with USA at 100%, Japan 200% and UK 90%.SA sold 1.8bill usd worth of cars to US, this ahead of Sweden and Italy. SA ranks no 1 out of 142 countries in respect of regulation of security exhanges. Now these are only a few achievements and how dare you ignore and triviliase our country and its achievements. Reckon Zim is where et al belongs.
Tofolux. As good as you are at dispensing advice, you’re not so good at heeding it. Especially your own. And, according to your latest diatribe, Dr Rampele is right wing! Really?
@Steve Martin, I can see your obsession with the blacks in general and africans in particular statement. I am however, pleased that it proves my point. Allow me however to pick up on something you mentioned. This thing about reading things in newspapers. Now noting that you do not understand the conceptual thinking around the first statement, I wonder how far your limitations would go in understanding the ”fourth estate”. For those of us who have progressive minds, we understand the nature and conditions they operate in and we also understand their agenda in terms of manipulating certain information this is commonly called, filtering ”hard” info. It has been noted by human rights activists that the fourth estate are ”political activists” against the ruling party only and that they serve certain interests only. It is obvious that you believe everything you read (who cares if it does when it keeps you this stupid, right?) but surely at some point you must believe in the quality of information you allow yourself to be indoctrinated by(?). But I guess its obvious that you have not explored the use of some simple ”tools of analysis” or cognition (hope thats not too much for u) because if you did, you would not resort to immature name-calling.
@Tofolux, I thought you were against trading with an evil country like the US and now, you are quoting the trade figures with this country. SA is running a massive deficit with China and a surplus with the US. So, stop knocking the hand that feed you with your anti-American comments.
@South Africans,Having read all your concerns,I would like to state that Im flattered by the way this debate was handled.As the concerned citizen,Im proud to say lives of the most SA people have been changed to the better since 1994.though it comes slowly,yes,but its a long proccess!..Remember guys,Rome was never built in 1 day!.
Please dont get me wrong,we are all belong to this South Africa,we are one!,and I would like to remind you that we are the government!.Those that sitting on high throwns,we have put them there,and its up to us to tell them how to serve us!.They must listen to us!..Yes,we can lay our critics on them,but it has to be in a presentable manner!.We are adults,lets teach our kids just how to run debates like these because they linger on their future!..Remember,its not about us now,its about them!.Lets tell the man upstairs just what we want for our kids and generations to come.And as we dwell on corruption,I know,the next President elect will be corrupt,they were even before 1994..Please my angels,lets focus on the future of our kids!…I thank you!…