The ANC’s confirmation that spokesperson Carl Niehaus will not be abandoned despite the revelations made in this weeks Mail & Guardian is, in my humble opinion, highly commendable. Instead of taking the path expedient and getting rid of him they have opted to recognise a lifelong contribution and face the invariable slings and arrows that will be coming their way. The only major problem that I have with the way in which he has been employed is that, despite purportedly being aware of his fraudulent conduct and unsustainable lifestyle, they elected to use him as party spokesperson.
Niehaus is, and clearly was, under enormous strain from his personal problems and throwing him head-first into the build-up to the election battlefield was at best risky and at worst — as it is proving — calamitous. The danger of him collapsing under the weight of his past transgressions was clear and present when he was given his high profile position, yet seemingly insufficient regard was paid or given to risk assessment.
Niehaus, if the truth ever came to light, would be one of the most recognisable names and identifiable faces in the ANC camp. As such, and in view of them purportedly having prior knowledge of his problems, they ran the risk of having a media frenzy and substantial collateral damage if this was ever exposed. As things now stand, and this is just the start, calls for audits, criminal charges and investigations into who knew what and the actions that they took in light of their knowledge are gathering pace.
Accordingly, while I applaud the kindness and compassion shown — and I mean that with all sincerity — party considerations should have come first.
In light of this further example the ANC must come to realise that their position on the arms deal investigation and sticking to their guns on Jacob Zuma’s candidacy for president have to be reassessed. In terms of all three instances individual considerations are far outweighing the overall well being of the party and in the long run it will do neither the individuals concerned nor the party any favours.
Moving north, the latest episode of “Daze of our lives” or the Zimbabwean political minefield, is the arrest of Roy Bennett, (MDC) who is due to become Deputy Agriculture Minister, on charges of treason (what else?) at a small Harare airport. The ink on the 19th Amendment has hardly even begun to dry and the Government of National Immunity (from prosecution) is off on its usual tangents.
There are seven million people at risk of starving. Could the UN, AU, SADC or even the SPCA get in touch with these morons and explain to them that they are in the world spotlight right now and, as always, are embarrassing themselves and the rest of the region. While they’re at it, tell them that the human rights activists and Bennett better be released pronto or Cosatu will come and march to their houses.
Last, but definitely not least, I want to look at South Africans favourite hobby Malemaisms. Love him or hate him, the ANCYL president Julius Malema is big news. The fact that the media are watching every word he says is because you lot, through your clicks, have shown that you cannot get enough of him. In most cases it’s to find out what his latest untimely bombshell is. Usually something that is either insulting or an embarrassment to the entire ANC.
Here’s the bad news guys: While the world media is mourning the recent loss of their regular Bushisms, South Africans will be outraged and damned if they’ll allow Malema to be sacked or gagged. I mean what is the point of logging on if we are to be deprived of our regular installment of Lost — and let’s face it, Malema might not be on an island following a plane crash (appealing as this might be to Minister Pandor right now) but he has clearly lost the odd marble or two.
It is not what he says that is so funny but the way he says it. Just to use the blow-up with IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi as our example. In this instance Malema was clearly in the right because the IFP had threatened the ANC by warning them of dire consequences if they canvassed in certain areas. Had Malema said that one of the most basic principles of a free democracy is the right to campaign wherever and whenever they want he would have been absolutely right. But he didn’t, he said (I’ve got tears while I’m typing this) :
“We will go back to Nongoma,” said Malema.
“No amount of intimidation will stop us, not even [Mangosuthu] Buthelezi.
“We will campaign even in his back yard or his house and recruit his children to join the ANC.”
Dear oh dear oh dear
If any of you read Asterix comics, the story about the ferocious Gauls who resist the Roman Empire in 50BC — you’ll recall the only thing that they fear (besides the sky falling on their heads) is their bard (lyric poet) Cacophonix. This geezer sings so badly that every time their village has a banquet they tie him up and gag him. I wonder how long it will be before the ANC adopt similar measures.
Malema as Cacophonix.Legend!
Traps
You have rolled 3 topics into one blog – you will burn out if you don’t pace yourself!
Carl Niehaus has a spending problem – like other people have a problem with alcohol, or drugs, or gambling. However much we may sympathise with the sickness, and hope his friends help him get treatment, it is typically symptomatic of the ANC to treat party and government and civil servant jobs as for pals for a very small group of the exile clique. And the exiles, if you really study our history, have the least right to share out the spoils, because they actually did the least to free South Africa.
If we don’t sort out Zimbabwe, we are going to go down the tubes ourselves. I don’t know how many people actually realise how bad our financial position is, how much we need investment, and how we are seen as protecting Mugabe and therefore tarred with the same brush.
As for Julius and Nongoma – there are two versions of that story. The one is that the ANC started the violence, and certainly provocatively organised, at the last minute, a rally in the same area where the IFP had arranged one months before. Even how the ANC got the permisions at such short notice raises questions of influence being used.
But most of all – 80% of the dead from the Shell House massacre ( which Mandela himself appologised to the IFP for on behalf of the ANC ) came from Nongoma.
A little sensitivity and tact from the ANC would not have gone amiss!
A relative of mine who has a father in jail found a nice way to get early parole – his father joined the ANC!!!
Another Nice Criminal
What is overlooked with respect to Niehaus is the public interest.
At the personal level it is charitable and decent for the ANC, his ‘family’, to stand by Niehaus at this terrible time for him (if, indeed, the family continues to, as the story runs its course).
But, after valuing that, what other values does it set aside? What does this kindness say about our representatives and their standards and imply for the country’s public life? What of the ANC’s recent promises to eliminate corruption – to find and bring people of probity into their ranks? – of the chances of building towards clean government and justice for all in their next administration?
Not least the question of competence is skipped. By what carelessness was it possible for Niehaus to be appointed – of all roles – ANC spokesman? Either no checks were run or the results were ignored, presumably on the grounds that ANC membership confers an untouchable status.
I see the charges against Bennet have been changed from Treason to attempt to commit terrorism, banditry and sabotage.
It would seem that come hell or high water, he’s going to be charged with SOMETHING.
Mike
1. “they elected to use him as party spokesperson.”
WRONG!!! Carl was not a spokesperson, Jessie is, Or Brian…Carl was appointed as a “media liason officer”, not a spokesperson. Get it!
2. “Love him or hate him, the ANCYL president Julius Malema is big news. The fact that the media are watching every word he says…have shown that you cannot get enough of him. In most cases it’s to find out what his latest untimely bombshell is. Usually something that is either insulting or an embarrassment to the entire ANC.”
That’s 100% correct. To prove that,
Cosas president Wesley Kgang, said the other day on SAFM–conveying his message to Minister Pandor–that he doesn’t care what people say on radios or TVs, they can come with their Rosy English (as oppose to Malema’s utterances-”fake English”) attempt to fool us, but we wont be fooled “if the DoE does not get all results to pupils by Friday, there will be fire in South Africa, we’ll make this country Ungovernable”…
Did you see that making headlines on papers, TV or radio bulletins? of course, not. Wesley is not Malema.
If it did, it may have appeared on small sections of one or two newspapers.
Not even, a curious Michael made an attempt to include that to his, day after day, attack on ANC.
I’m with you on this one, Malema is indeed big news. Actually, he’s the scoop; he generates revenues for newspapers.
Lastly, on the issue of Prince Buthelezi, he needs someone to tell him–Malema may not be the right person to do so– that his days in politics are long over. He’s tired. He has no appeal whatsoever to South African voters, only his villagers & few KZN people still believe that he may one day lead this country, but for us, he’s worn out.
The party needs a fresh leader, with vision and inspiration. Unfortunately, IFP members seemed to be afraid to come up with such person, or the person is there, but they’re afraid to put pressure on Prince to step down. And to make things worse, the youth wing has no influence whatsoever; anyway, how should they have, when they themselves are led by another Buthelezi offspring-Thulasizwe. The young boy also doesn’t want to see his dad getting embarrassed by his fellow IFP members, which is why he has maintained a thunderous silence regarding the issue of change in the leadership. IFP Youth Brigade, in an ideal world, is the right vehicle in starting a succession debate, not to be used to incite inflammatory rhetoric by Thulasizwe.
A party that wants to attract youth supporters and still sustain its core constituency cannot continue to have one leader for over 30 years, surely, that is just a disaster in laboratory.
2 months & 7 days to go…
A few years ago, the ANC was battling to pay salaries and utility bills at Luthuli House (and using our money fed to them from Imvume).
Now, the ANC seems quite happy to employ people at salaries equivalent to those of “senior” elected representatives.
I believe that it was Mr Motlanthe a couple of years back who told us that Chancellor House was an investment vehicle that would focus entirely on holdings outside of South Africa (to avoid potential conflicts of interest).
No disrespect intended, but how is it that the ANC can keep its’ people so comfortably? Is there a story bigger than the atms deal lurking around (or is this money from the arms deal)?
I simply cannot believe that as a legal man you are sympathetic towards Niehaus if he did in fact commit the fraud to which he has apparently confessed. Assuming that the press reports are correct, it is called breaking the law!
A question…. if you were the presiding magistrate / judge and this case came before you how would you react in carrying out your DUTY to ensure justice. Please remember the widely reported public confession. Furthermore how would you act as regards to anyone who aided, abetted or ignored the (alleged) crime.
By the way as a DA supporter I am thrilled that the ANC are redeploying him and providing more wonderful grist to the oppositions anti corruption mill
Pleased to read that the Independent Democrats have today laid formal charges against Niehaus at Johannesburg Central Police Station.
Well done ID, but pity that the DA missed the boat on this one
My opinion on Malema is that he is very good for democracy! How else would Cope have been born if it were not for ‘Moron Malema’.
Carl Niehaus has really put both feet in ‘it’. This pathetic excuse for a ‘spokesperson’ always had people asking, “ Why the fervent protection and ‘denialist’ support of Zuma”? According to ‘Comical’ Carl (no relation to ‘Comical’ Ali), the ANC hierachy are all ‘angels’and we must never doubt them! This same ‘nous’ has all the talent of a ‘bullshiter extraordinaire’ and with some to spare. Methinks that Malema and Niehaus both fit into the “Cacophonix” mould.
The ‘Bennett’ issue again leaves us shaking our heads in disbelief. The more things “change”, the more they stay the same! Do we need any more proof that Mugabe has an incurable schizophrenic condition.
Will we miss Niehaus – NO?
Will we miss Malema if he were gagged – YES?
Malema and “Senseless” both provide lighthearted entertainment and induce uncontrollable fits of laughter.
Thieving isn’t a big enough crime to cost you your ANC job these days. Gosh, they’ll even carry you shoulder-high to your cell, if you’re unfortunate enough to be sent there by an “untransformed” judge. This excessive tolerance sends out all the wrong signals.
The wit and Wisdom of Julius Malema: now there is a book waiting to be written. I am sure it would fly off the shelves of Exclusive Books.
A lot of comments on Mr Niehaus are centered around the terrible strain he is under, and what a bad time he is having.
Whereas, actually, the people having a terrible time are the people who lent him the money.
Oooh, regarding Niehaus et al, I need to concur with Mike Atkins above: What don’t we know? what evil lurks inside the hears of the ANC? theres a LOT more to this than meets the eye.
In art school we were taight of the dangers of stylistic endeavours: all style and no substance. Pretty looks only gets you so far, then you better have somethign to back it up.
This is the ANC of today: just flash and glamour, working on its “stuggle heritage” facade, which is holding, despite the substance long being eroded away. the downfall onf the ANC wil be damn quick, faster than most people will think. Once the facade has been opened, and the underlying void exposed, they, like so many others before them, will be a mere footnote in history.
“Accordingly, while I applaud the kindness and compassion shown — and I mean that with all sincerity — party considerations should have come first.”
Oh, Traps,
There you go again, giving the benefit of the doubt to the perpetrators of the latest ANC debacle.
Whilst one can sympathise with human weakness, Mr. Niehaus’s long-term financial nightmare might have been more constructively dealt with by the ANC requiring him to enter a counselling programme for compulsive spenders and having his finances managed for him by a competent debt specialist.
Had that been done even 5 years ago this fiasco might well have been avoided. But the emphasis would have been in the right place–getting the man the help he needed (whether he wanted it or not). The ANC had the power to require that of Niehaus if it was concern for his well-being that motivated the party’s decisions with regard to its ‘deployees’.
But given the penchant for kleptomania amongst highly placed ‘deployees’ whose departments–such as…hmmm…Home Affairs, Health, Safety and Security, Education–showed chronic financial mis-management problems–not to mention outright fraud and corruption!–we should not be surprised at the arrogance demonstrated by the NEC in placing Niehaus front and centre as the official spokesperson/spin doctor.
Then again, there is the more cynical view…Apart from stupidity and arrogance, what other motive might there have been in choosing Niehaus for that position?
Thus far, the overwhelming number of ANC kleptocrats have been…well, not white. It is no secret that the current militant wing of the ANC would prefer to ‘lose’ all white, Indian and ‘coloured’ members. For many of these younger ANC ‘warriors’ and for many of the older struggle ‘heroes’, whites do not belong in the ANC–no matter how many years they spent in prison (like Barbara Hogan who spent ten years, most of it in solitary and being tortured, for her anti-apartheid activism. Ms. Hogan’s reputation is currently being tarnished by accusations that she has done nothing as Minister of Health –apart from implementing her (black) deputy’s recommendations. What is that if not a set-up to remove her after the elections?)
I hate to introduce the ugly possibility of racism as a motivation for the ANC’s choice of a vulnerable spokesperson, Traps, but given the recent history of the party’s vendetta against white doctors who provided ARVs to AIDS patients, the habit of insulting black ANC colleagues as ‘coconuts’ for acting with reason and logic as opposed to hysterical ranting, attacking ANC members who speak ‘educated’ as opposed to ‘unintelligible’ as having ‘phony accents’, the snubbing of high ranking representatives of foreign governments of a ‘Western’ persuasion, and continued anti-Jewish remarks, I think there is sufficient evidence to sustain a ‘charge’ of racism within the ANC.
All of which is to say that Mr. Niehaus may well have been a ‘straw dog’ and now that his tail is on fire the ANC can afford to seem forgiving and magnanimous. After all, a complete a ‘pardon’ is what they are seeking for their esteemed president…
Cacophonix is a great analogy, Traps! Right up there with the Zapiro cartoon of Zhrek and Zhrek junior! Now I’ve got tears!
Mike
The arms deal was just the seed money. They get a cut on every state tender – and we are spending about R800 billion on infrastructure development ( probably exactly for that reason).
I just wonder how long it will take for the..the arms deal scandal,zuma scandal,selebi scandal, travelgate scandal,jobs for pals scandal,eskom power failure scandal,zim-mugabe scandal,mbeki hiv/aids scandal, government incompetence scandal,general government corruption scandal,manto-beatroot scandal,blue light brigade scandal,comic-book-Cacophonix-malema scandal,and now niehaus scandal and many other failed to mention scandals or scandals still to come….it will take to filter down to the average voter on the street, that the ANC is a government with a terminal disease, way past its sell by date and a government in free fall ???
Who knows..but unless you you want to die..one very true thing about free falling..is that at some stage, you are going to have to bale out..and pull that rip cord ..!!
It is disgusting that you feel pity for a criminal, to level the fields we must be sympathic to Shabir Schaik too, as his family and him , by extension were involved in the struggle…. Let Niehaus rot in jail, or maybe in hospital like Shabir.
Anton – Having compassion is a quality that magistrates should have.
For the purpose of your question if Niehaus committed fraud (alleged but accepted for the purpose hereof)- not attempted fraud as some are saying, “potential prejudice” is fraud not attempted – then I would factor in the following for sentencing :
Crime, criminal and the interests of society like all magistrates are required to do.
Niehaus’ position would count against him in so far as he is a very high profile figure who is sending out the wrong signal to our country while the obvious torment he has suffered would be in his favour.
Then I hope I would pass a sentence which reflects balance of all of the interests involved.
As a person damn sure I’m entitled to feel compassion.
My favourite Bushism (which still kills me even to this day) :
“Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.”
@ Michael….dare I suggest that his torment is nothing more than a function of his exposure by the Mail and Guardian. Or to put it differently, no exposure = no torment.
For my part I feel absolutely no sympathy whatsoever. As a retired banker I have seen many people spend money in this irresponsible fashion with absolutely no regard for consequence, only to demand sympathy from their creditors when the wheels finally come off.
Love the Bushism particularly as it fits the ANC to a tee
Perhaps we should consider creating a position in the house which serves as a modern version of the Court Jester to the kings of olde.
The Jester was afforded considerable license in the subtle art of the irreverent invective which was not extended to others at court.
The Jester’s shrewd observations brought derision to the court and outrage to the erring lord or lady, but were nevertheless a trenchant yet effective admonition upon the wayward.
Failing any meaningful efficacy, methinks Pandora was bestowed the stewardship of her box established upon a vainglorious elocution alone.
Surly anyone who sounds like that just has to know a lot about education!
I would otherwise advocate Julius for the job, as there is no lack of irreverence, but he may just fall short on wit.
Hopefully our precious jester will grace us with an astute epithet directed toward the once opulent and now contrite communications spokesperson come ‘media liaison officer’ who has been ‘redeployed’ pending ‘reconstruction’, according to the Secretary General.
Perhaps we will not require a joker in the house after all…the ruling party is funny enough already!
We shall just have to wait upon Cacophonix having his gag removed.
Siphiwo
Buthelezi is educated to the job of Advisor to the Zulus – it is for life.
If you don’t like inherited positions – try that argumant on the Queen of England and the Pope (about the same age)
Sorry – should have said inherited OR “jobs for life”
Michael. I applaud your humanity, and the first post I sent when Niehaus sobbed included pity. BUT: One must always be a good and decent cynic and ask WHY?
For the ANC to fire a high-profile character in these days of COPE-phobia would not be prudent. So I doubt we are dealing with pure ANC-ubuntu here.
Malema will never be tied up like Cacophonix. He’s too valuable as a vote-getter. And the more whiteys wail about him, the more he’ll make way-out statements, and the more young hotheads will vote for him.
Decent or mild-mannered politicians don’t get the votes. Being hated by quivering whitey liberals is necessary in robust African politics (remember how people WISHED for certain “decent” leaders to win in Namibia and Zim – and the biggest “terrorists” always won?). And what would all these anti-Malemas have said of Mandela when he was speaking out in favour of starting an armed struggle?
Pete – Whine about Malema? If they gag him that’s my entire humour section down the tubes!
Viva Julius Viva!
God bless that man and all who sail in it.
Lyndall
“…on the issue of Prince Buthelezi, he needs someone to tell him–Malema may not be the right person to do so– that his days in “politics” are long over. He’s tired. He has no appeal whatsoever to South African “voters”, only his villagers & few KZN people still believe that he may one day lead this country, but for us, he’s worn out.”
Now respond along those lines, please Madam from Plet..
Niehaus’s mea culpa reminds me of American televangelists who get caught putting their schlongs where they shouldn’t and then beat their breasts and weep and plead for the Lord’s forgiveness. Must be a religious thing.
Ugh. Weirdly, the thing that bugs me the most about this entire saga is the way that he subtly tries to play Adam-victim against his wife’s Eve. The shift of blame onto its traditional home, woman: did he ask her if he should buy three flash cars before he did it? Did he ask her if two was enough and they should rather not go deeper into debt? Did she actively demand expensive holidays or did he just assume that that’s what she wanted because that’s what all women want – money in return for favours? He paints his wife in this Jezebel pose and it’s completely revolting. I don’t know whether it’s warranted or not but if he’s as old-school as this comment suggests, she’s probably never seen his bank statements.
SABC – Malema and Pandor bury the hatchet :
http://www.sabcnews.com/portal/site/SABCNews/menuitem.5c4f8fe7ee929f602ea12ea1674daeb9/?vgnextoid=80064f9ced48f110VgnVCM10000077d4ea9bRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
Surely that should read ” ANC buries the hatchet before Malema can use it on…..”
Never mind….
Far from the ANC being “humanitarian” towards Carl Niehaus, it – and its extension the South African government – simply goes into its usual routine whenever a buddy has been caught out seriously. Re-deploy or put onto long leave at full pay with the taxpayer (officially or through oil sales) footing the bill. Trevor will see after the revenue.
As such individuals are likely to know a lot about their party buddies’ financial and other shenanigans there is also the good old American principle: better have them inside pissing out that outside pissing in.
I am at a loss to work out why the fuss over Niehuas being spokesperson or not. Surely Niehaus is the right person to be ANC spokesperson. Is he not the epitome of the ANC ethos?
Thanks for nothing Traps,
When i first read this post, i laughed so hard i spilled coffee on my laptop. Its been drying for the last two hours…
Well worth it though.
Hugh – Spokesperson is high profile, frontline and carries the message of the party.
Had this been the case and he was some unheard of cadre in the back office we may have heard about it and even then in terms of a small paragraph in any media sites carrying coverage.
For example where Niehaus carried the party’s message on corruption on behalf of the ANC, it would now seem to be tainted even though he was simply the messenger.
They do shoot the messengers you know.
Thanks Frank – I nearly had the same experience when I was typing the bit about the Doberman on the SAA piece.