South Africa abuzz as World Cup draws near

There is a buzz in the streets of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. There is a buzz in the country. With less than eight days to kick-off South Africa is ready.

Everywhere you go there are flags. Flags fly from car windows, from offices, shopping-centres and homes. Almost everyone has a ticket for at least one of the games. 

The atmosphere is festive and alive. The local team show signs of practice and commitment that could lead anywhere. The world is watching! 

Almost every car sports a flag. Most are for the local team, but others are for Portugal, Italy, England ... you name it!

The flags of the competing nations adorn South Africa's corporate environment. Almost every office has become part of the celebration - even before it has begun!

The Muti Market, Johannesburg, South Africa

A huge market full of stalls selling traditional medicines. Most of the medicines, or 'muti' are herbs and roots. But there are also snake-skins and birds on display 

A visitor's guide to South Africa

South Africa is a mixture of cultures and traditions with much to offer the visitor. The mixture includes spectacular safaris and sightseeing, beach holidays and visits to great cities. South Africa is a mix of Western, African and Asian cultures.

The local currency is the rand. The strength of the currency varies from time to time but even when the rand is strong, it tends to favour the visitor. At the time of writing you will get about R8 for US $1 or R13 for 1.

Accommodation is available in a number of hotel chains including the outstanding Southern Sun, the Hilton, many independent establishments. There are also a wide variety of guest houses, guest farms and other accommodation. Rates vary from one establishment to another depending the ratings and demand. The most expensive rates are available during the December peak season (December 15 to January 5) which is the South African summer school holidays. SA-Venues.com provides a useful guide to rates and accommodation. Hotel accommodation is available from under R300 per person per night (about US $30) to over R2000 (US $200). Many establishments offer self catering options.

Getting around the country is best achieved using a combination of air and road. Car hire is widely available in all the major centres. Public transport is limited. The Blue Train offers a luxurious 'old-style' fully catered train that takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes between Pretoria and Cape Town. Good food is accompanied with the finest wines. A holiday in itself.

South Africa is home to people originating in all four corners of the globe. The variety of restaurants reflects this diversity catering for almost all tastes. Almost every type of cuisine is available in the many restaurants that include classic French, Italian, Thai, English, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, African and South African dining experiences. Many on-line restaurant guides are available includingWhat2Night. By international standards, South African restaurants are very inexpensive.

The South African braai or barbecue is always popular. Beef steaks, lamb, chicken or fish is cooked over a charcoal grill accompanied with boerewors which is a South African sausage made according to the butcher's own recipe.

Special dietary requirements are available in many centres. Halaal food is very widely available while kosher food is available in more localised areas.

South Africa has eleven official languages. English is most widely used and most people have at least a smattering of English.

Located on the Southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the East and the Atlantic on the west. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, the summer months include December to February and winter months include June to August.

Cape Town is cosmopolitan and sophisticated boasting a wide range of world-class hotels. The climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and wet winters. The latest of these is the One&Only seven star resort which opened in April 2009.

Cape Town is a picturesque city blessed with beautiful beaches on the warm Indian Ocean and the icy Atlantic. Table Mountain dominates the city wherever you happen to be. Table Mountain resembles a table especially when covered by a white cloud 'table cloth'.

Robben Island lies just off the Cape coast. It played host to Nelson Mandela as a former maximum security prison. Today, Robben Island has become a major tourist destination and is worth a visit. The island is reached by ferry and tours are inexpensive.

Restaurants and theatre of all types abound. Cape Town is in the heart of the South African wine lands and a popular wine tour is an inexpensive way to experience the rich variety of South African wines.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a not to be missed venue. Sit at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour and watch the ships come and go.

One of the highlights of the Cape Town year is the annual Coon Carnival' on the first and second of January.

Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and the business centre of the country. Situated on the high veld at 6000 feet above sea level, it features hot wet summers and dry mild winters. Johannesburg hosts a number of good restaurants and theatres. The Market theatre is known as one of the leading fringe theatres in the country and has staged a number of award winning shows over the years.

Johannesburg is host to a number of world class casinos. The best of these is Monte Casino which includes a theatre, cinemas, curiosity shops, fashion retailers, night clubs and restaurants. It is also the home of a bird sanctuary and an upmarket hotel.

A visit to the Constitutional Court is a must. This was built on the old Fort prison that played host to Nelson Mandela amongst others. During the apartheid years, the prison was known as Sun City. Nelson Mandela was amongst the many well known guests of this establishment. A guided tour is strongly recommended. The court has been built using some stunning and innovative architecture and houses an impressive art collection.

While Johannesburg does experience a high level of crime most people are able to go about their business on a day to day basis with little trouble.

The African Craft Market takes place every Sunday at the Rosebank Mall and is a must for any visitor looking for African crafts and mementos. The Apartheid Museum provides a perspective on the history of South Africa. It is located near the Gold Reef City Theme Park and casino.

Soweto has been home to many of the South African leaders and is worth a visit. Guided tours are available to take you to the most interesting parts.

Some of the earliest known humanoids have been found in South Africa. The Cradle of Humankind was developed to celebrate this. The Cradle has been developed into a major resort offering accommodation, guided tours conference facilities, and much more.

200 kilometres away from Johannesburg is the spectacular Sun City casino resort. The resort features a number of hotels ranging from the Cabanas to the Palace of the Lost City and self-catering chalets in the Vacation Club. The Palace is a not to be missed African dream with its own legends and a man made sea with real waves. Top class restaurants are the order of the day. Bordering on Sun City is the Pilansberg Game reserve which is well worth a tour.

Durban is South Africa's third largest city on the Indian Ocean. It boasts a spectacular aquarium at Shaka's Rock in the form of a ship wreck. The harbour area is also being developed as a popular night spot. To the north are the quiet resorts of Umhlanga and St Lucia boasting beautiful white sand beaches. Durban has a sub-tropical climate and is generally warm throughout the year. It is a popular winter destination as it remains warm throughout the year.

Durban and the nearby Umhlanga Rocks are popular destinations for surfers. To the north and south of Durban are many miles of beautiful beaches and quiet resorts.

South Africa has developed many game reserves. The larges of these is the Kruger Park. This is in malaria territory so precautions are required. The park is home to lions, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, hippos, springboks, wildebeest and a whole range of other animal and bird species. Luxury accommodation is available at various parts of the park which is about the size of Wales. The best time to view the wildlife is in the early morning, before the heat of the day drives the animals to seek shelter.

South Africa is aboPublish Postut to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Apart from the many new stadiums that have been built for this event, the road networks around the country are being upgraded to cope with higher traffic volumes.

Many visitors to South Africa return to experience the country again. South Africa is a worthwhile and affordable place to visit.

South Africa - why to visit

South Africa has attracted some negative publicity in the international media in recent months. A recent TV documentary by Louis Theroux (Law and disorder in Johannesburg) focussed on crime in two of the worst areas in and around Johannesburg. While the picture is a true one of these areas, it does not represent South Africa or Johannesburg as a whole. Other reports have focussed on corruption and other problem areas of the country.

While these reports are accurate in many ways, they portray only one aspect of a beautiful country and one of the world’s youngest and most vibrant democracies. The crime rate is certainly high, and there have been cases of alleged corruption amongst politicians.

For most people life is much more normal than the images emerging from the TV screens. In fact, there is much that is good and positive about life in South Africa.

The climate and lifestyle of the country were just two of the big attractions to the country.

Located on the South of the African continent, South Africa is a curious mixture of the first and third worlds offering a huge variety of things to do and see.

It is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the East and the Atlantic on the west.

Cape Town is cosmopolitan and sophisticated boasting a huge range of world-class hotels. The latest of these is the One&Only seven star resort which opened in April 2009.

Cape Town is a picturesque city blessed with stunningly beautiful beaches on the warm Indian Ocean and the icy Atlantic. Table Mountain dominates the city wherever you happen to be. Table Mountain resembles a table especially when covered by white clouds that resemble a table cloth.

Restaurants and theatre of all types abound. Cape town is in the heart of the South African wine country, and a popular wine tour is an inexpensive way to experience the richness and variety of South African quality wines.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a not to be missed venue. Sit at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour and watch the ships come and go.

One of the highlights of the Cape Town year is the annual Coon Carnival' on the first and second of January. The Cape has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and wet winters.

South Africa's largest city is Johannesburg. The city is the business centre of the country and experiences hot wet summers and dry mild winters. Johannesburg has an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level. Johannesburg has little in the way of natural features, but does host a number of good restaurants and theatres. The Market theatre is known as one of the leading fringe theatres in the country and has staged a number of award winning shows over the years.

Johannesburg is host to a number of world class casinos. The best of these is Monte Casino which also hosts a theatre, cinemas, curiosity shops, fashion retailers, night clubs and restaurants. It also plays host to a bird sanctuary and hotel.

While in Johannesburg a visit to the Constitutional Court is a must. This was built on the old Fort prison that played host to Nelson Mandela amongst others. A guided tour is strongly recommended. The architecture is unusual and quite stunning. The court is host to an impressive art collection.

While Johannesburg does experience a high level of crime most people are able to go about their business on a day to day basis with little trouble.

The Cradle of Humankind is the site where the earliest known humanoids were found. The Cradle has been developed into a major resort offering conferences, accommodation, guided tours and much more.

200 kilometres away from Johannesburg is Sun City a spectacular casino resort built in the middle of nowhere.

Sun City has a number of hotels ranging from the Cabanas to the Palace of the Lost City. The Palace is an African dream and not to be missed. Sun City also houses a Vacation Club with self-catering chalets nestling in the hills. Top class restaurants are the order of the day. Bordering on Sun City is the Pilansberg Game reserve which is well worth a tour.

Durban is South Africa's third largest city on the Indian Ocean. It boasts a spectacular aquarium at Shaka's Rock in the form of a ship wreck. The harbour area is also being developed as a popular night spot. To the north are the quiet resorts of Umhlanga and St Lucia boasting beautiful white sand beaches.

The Kruger Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. This is in malaria territory so precautions are required. To many lions, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, hippos, springboks, wildebeest and a whole range of other animal and bird species this is home. The Kruger Park is about the size of Wales. The best time to view the wildlife is in the early morning, before the heat of the day drives the animals to seek shelter.

South Africa is about to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Preceding this huge event was the highly successful Confederations cup in 2009. South Africa has already hosted cricket and rugby world cups and played host to the Indian Professional League 20-20 cricket tournament where capacity crowds filled the stadiums.

While the rest of the world is experiencing the worst recession in recent years, South Africa has thus far escaped the worst. South Africa is an inexpensive holiday venue. A three course meal for two at a good restaurant would cost between R300-R500 or US $30 to $50. Accommodation at a good hotel will range from about $60 per night depending on where and when.

Many visitors to South Africa return to experience the country again. South Africa is a worthwhile and affordable place to visit.

Reasons to visit South-Africa

"This is paradise" exclaimed Veronica on her visit to South Africa after living in Manchester, England for the last ten years. The climate and lifestyle of the country were just two of the big attractions to the country.

Located on the South of the African continent, South Africa is a curious mixture of the first and third worlds offering a huge variety of things to do and see. It is flanked by the Indian Ocean on the East and the Atlantic on the west.

Cape Town is cosmopolitan and sophisticated boasting a huge range of world-class hotels. The latest of these is the One&Only seven star resort which opened in April 2009.

Cape Town is a picturesque city blessed with stunningly beautiful beaches on the warm Indian Ocean and the icy Atlantic. Table Mountain dominates the city wherever you happen to be. Table Mountain resembles a table especially when covered by white clouds that resemble a table cloth.

Restaurants and theatre of all types abound. Cape town is in the heart of the South African wine country, and a popular wine tour is an inexpensive way to experience the richness and variety of South African quality wines.

The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a not to be missed venue. Sit at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbour and watch the ships come and go.

One of the highlights of the Cape Town year is the annual Coon Carnival' on the first and second of January. The Cape has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and wet winters.

South Africa's largest city is Johannesburg. The city is the business centre of the country and experiences hot wet summers and dry mild winters. Johannesburg has an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level. Johannesburg has little in the way of natural features, but does host a number of good restaurants and theatres. The Market theatre is known as one of the leading fringe theatres in the country and has staged a number of award winning shows over the years.

Johannesburg is host to a number of world class casinos. The best of these is Monte Casino which also hosts a theatre, cinemas, curiosity shops, fashion retailers, night clubs and restaurants. It also plays host to a bird sanctuary and hotel.

While in Johannesburg a visit to the Constitutional Court is a must. This was built on the old Fort prison that played host to Nelson Mandela amongst others. A guided tour is strongly recommended. The architecture is unusual and quite stunning. The court is host to an impressive art collection.

While Johannesburg does experience a high level of crime most people are able to go about their business on a day to day basis with little trouble.

The Cradle of Humankind is the site where the earliest known humanoids were found. The Cradle has been developed into a major resort offering conferences, accommodation, guided tours and much more.

200 kilometres away from Johannesburg is Sun City a spectacular casino resort built in the middle of nowhere. Sun City has a number of hotels ranging from the Cabanas to the Palace of the Lost City. The Palace is an African dream and not to be missed. Sun City also houses a Vacation Club with self-catering chalets nestling in the hills. Top class restaurants are the order of the day. Bordering on Sun City is the Pilansberg Game reserve which is well worth a tour.

Durban is South Africa's third largest city on the Indian Ocean. It boasts a spectacular aquarium at Shaka's Rock in the form of a ship wreck. The harbour area is also being developed as a popular night spot. To the north are the quiet resorts of Umhlanga and St Lucia boasting beautiful white sand beaches.

The Kruger Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. This is in malaria territory so precautions are required. To many lions, elephants, rhino, crocodiles, hippos, springboks, wildebeest and a whole range of other animal and bird species this is home. The Kruger Park is about the size of Wales. The best time to view the wildlife is in the early morning, before the heat of the day drives the animals to seek shelter.

South Africa is about to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Preceding this huge event is the Confederations cup that will take place in 2009. South Africa has already hosted cricket and rugby world cups and is now playing host to the Indian Professional League 20-20 cricket tournament.

While the rest of the world is experiencing the worst recession in recent years, South Africa has thus far escaped the worst. South Africa is an inexpensive holiday venue, especially as the local currency (the rand) has fallen to about 10 to the US dollar. A three course meal for two at a good restaurant would cost between R300-R500 or US $30 to $50. Accommodation at a good hotel will range from about $60 per night depending on where and when.

Many visitors to South Africa return to experience the country again. South Africa is a worthwhile and affordable place to visit.

Highveld scene in Pretoria

A scene appealed because of the light and the cloud formations. In the background is the Ghost House featured in the previous post.

Rainbow

Midrand, South Africa

South Africa: Democracy wins

There has been a huge amount of controversy surrounding the change of leadership at the ANC conference last December. The party was effectively split into two camps. The Jacob Zuma camp won all the key posts in the organisation. The new president of the ANC Youth League is one Julius Malema. Lacking education and refinement, be has become the personification of the new leadership. He has promised to "kill for Zuma" and "eliminate the counter-revolutionary forces". The counter revolutionaries include the judiciary, the constitutional court judges and anyone that does not support Jacob Zuma.

One of the main objectives of this new leadership is to keep Jacob Zuma and the corruption allegations away from the courts. They want to find a "political solution".

The ousted ANC establishment remained silent for a few months. Then Lekota spoke out. He wrote an open letter to the ANC pointing out issues regarding long established ANC principles and policies. He was shouted down and showered with insults. As a result Mosiuoa Lekota called a press conference. Divorce papers have been served. The formation of a new party loyal to traditional ANC principles appears imminent.

The ANC seems to have been taken by surprise. Overtures have been made to try to keep the dissidents within the fold. But perhaps this is too little, too late. There seems to be a ground-swell of support for the new formation.

The ANC currently hold a 2/3 majority in parliament. The new leadership have been confident of maintaining and even increasing this majority. The new leadership's belief that the ANC could not lose promoted an excess of confidence and arrogance.

If the breakaway party goes ahead, then the next election should usher in a new era in democratic South Africa. This future will be one where the ruling party has at most a reduced majority. There is even a possibility that no party will hold an absolute majority.

To date, the opposition parties have had little impact. The Democratic Alliance is seen as a white party. The breakaway could change all of that.

This is good for democracy and provides renewed hope for the future of South Africa.

The Village Walk, Sandton

A view of the Village Walk in Sandton, South Africa.

How to save money on eating out

Eating out is for indulgance, pleasure and the enjoyment of great food. If you really want to save money on eating out, then eat in. Explore your cullinary talents, become adventurous, try out a range of recipes and foods from around the world. Entertain and be entertained.

Many years ago I mixed in a social circle where dinner parties were the thing. We took turns to host dinner parties which happened every one to teo weeks. When it was our turn we splashed out and made some really wonderful meals. The guests usually arrived with a bottle of wine. And the cost? A lavish meal for eight cost about the same as a reasonable meal for two at a half-decent restaurant.

Entertaining in itself is not always the answer. There are many people that will quite happily accept your invitation for dinner but you will wait in vain for a return invitation. What is needed is a group of people that are passionate about food and are willing to put in the time and effort to provide a decent or even a great meal when their turn comes around.

The entertaining group has to become a club. Each member or couple has a turn to provide an out of the world experience. A formal arrangement like this doesn't take the fun out of the wining and dining experience. It ensures continuity and great longterm friendships.

Somehow this all fell away as the children began arriving, but as they grow there is no reason why the dinner club shouldn't be viable.

Trying to save money on eating out is something that does really destroy the fun. The options are to choose the cheapest items on the menu and limit the expensive drinks. A jug of water will do. A bottle of the cheapest wine please - do you have any house wine? Forget about a starter. No desert - just the bill, please. Just a main course and a salad. After all of this you still spend the meal worrying about the bill. Is there a point in eating out? If you cannot eat out and enjoy the meal then why go out at all?

Of course if you customarily choose the most expensive otions on the menu and (of course) only the best wine then there is plenty of scope to save. Experiment with the other items on the menu. The most expensive is not always the best.

Other options are to go Italian rather than French. Italian food often offers very good value. Find a good Italian restaurant and use it.

If you normally eat out once or twice a week, then cut back. Instead of a weekly battle with the budget go out once a month, but make it really special. Choose a better restaurant than you are used to and select a good wine. A really classy meal once a month beats a weekly mediocre experience by miles, and you should still be able to save some money.

Of course if you take a trip to South Africa there are a wide range of restaurants that offer excellent value by international standards. The top restaurant in Cape Town will set you back less than $100 for a meal for two with a good wine, and there many that will cost less than half of that. We recently enjoyed an excellent rump steak with 5 salads and fries with the best wine of the house for a mere $40. The restaurant is a quality Israeli restaurant that serves middle eastern foods. The atmosphere is vibrant and alive. Book your trip now. South Africa is hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Get here some time before that and enjoy a range of restaurants at a third of the price of those in the US and a quarter of the prices of those in Europe.

Looking forward to seeing you. And of course, our dinner party club is open.

South Africa: Is this the end of the dream?

South Africa began its miraculous transformation to democracy in 1994. Nelson Mandela - a sole example of leadership in our generation - was at the helm. People rallied to the call for unity and transformation. The process had begun. A declining economy was transformed into one of grow into one of growth. The nation united behind the new leadership.

Mandela was not a power seeker, and chose to withdraw from the race at the next election.

Thabo Mbeki became the new leader. His term in office has proven to be worse than dissapointing. Initially, he chose the side of the Aids denialists. He denied the link between HIV and AIDS. He asserted that poverty was the cause. He rejected the call for anti-retrovirals, citing the potentially harmful side-effects. The crime problem was swept under the carpet and office beared held office because if their struggle credentials. This approach was a disaster for those suffering from Aids. How many could have lived?

Zimbabwe is perhaps the bigger tragedy. In spice of ever increasing evidence that Robert Mugabe’s government was distroying the country and with it democracy, Thabo has remained a loyal friend. True, Mugabe and Zanu did provide shelter and assistance during the ’struggle’ years. But loyalty to Mugabe who had become nothing less than a dictator is not our style. Even now,with Mugabe the clear loser in the Zimbabwe election, Mr Mbeki continues to provide support. Even asMugabe’s forces inflict great terror against its own population, the support continues.

Huge emphasis has been placed on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). A policy that has seen a small minority of the ‘previously disadvantaged’ achieving great wealth while the majority endure great poverty with no sign of relief.

While there may be forces at work that exploit the fears and dissatisfaction of under-privileged South Africans, it is perhaps the poverty itself that can take a large portion of the blame for the recent xenophobic attacks against the huge immigrant community. Like Chamberlain, Mbeki will not take a stand against a dictator and human rights violations in the neighbouring country.

The world had great hopes for South Africa. South Africans were full of hope for a better future. But as the rigours of daily life for many continue to be tough questions of survival that hope has faded. The attacks on immigrant communities in Alex and other communities throughout the country have put a sever strain on the migrant community. They have shown South Africa to the world in a negative light.

Is the dream over?

Zimbabwe run-off amidst growing suppression

As the presidential run-off election in Zimbabwe draws closer, the use of brute force to suppress the opposition has been increasing daily. The opposition leader has been detained twice in as many days. Foreign diplomats have been detained and held by Mugabe's forces. The opposition has been banned from campaigning or holding rallies. Only Zanu-PF is allowed such privileges. Mugabe and Zanu-PF are leaving no stone unturned in its effort to ensure that Mugabe wins the run-off election.

South Africa has been well positioned to influence the course of events in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately the continued 'mediation' or 'quiet diplomacy' of the South African president has proven itself to be thinly disguised support for Mugabe's despotic regime.

The roots of this support is based upon a sense of loyalty between old comrades in arms. Mugabe provided real support to the ANC during its years of struggle. When a liberation leader becomes a dictator it is time for that loyalty to fall away. Mugabe has become a despotic ruler that has laid his own country to waste. Millions of Zimbabweans are unable to live in their own country. How long can misplaced loyalty be allowed to influence the future of Zimbabwe?

South Africa provides the gateway to the country and perhaps, the key. South Africa could play a much more decisive and influential role in this sad country.

Once again we can expect Mugabe to attempt to steal the elections. If he fails in that quest can we expect military rule?

Has the future just grown bleaker? A view from South Africa

So far 2008 hasn't proven itself to be a very friendly and happy year. Political turmoil in South Africa with a government that seems to have lost direction. Soaring inflation fuelled by ever increasing oil and food prices seems to have taken root. Higher interest rates biting deep into the pockets of anyone with a home-loan, car loan, an overdraft or credit-card debt. And then there is the electricity crisis.

And now, to cap it all, we have a wave of xenophobia sweeping the land. The army has been called in to help the police retain control.

Could we ask for anything more?

There is little hope of a lower oil price. Even though we use Sasol to a large extent, the price is tied to the international oil price. Every increase in the price of a barrel of the real thing puts a smile on every Sasol shareholder and of course a happier bank balance. What is to blame for the sharply rising prices? Perhaps in part it is the realisation that oil supplies will not last all that much longer - so make as much as you can right now. The massive growth of the Chinese economy and especially can take part of the blame. Demand for oil has never been higher. As the Chinese economy grows so to does its demand for oil driven cars and electricity.

The world has been very slow in seeking out alternatives to fossil fuels. Solar energy is ideal for South Africa but with an abundance of coal why bother with solar power? The motor industry has made some progress towards oil alternatives, but not much. With buzz-words like 'think out of the box' people generally stick with what they know. Why reinvent the wheel?

The fuel crisis has also led to the current world-wide food crisis. Agriculture has turned away from producing food to producing fuel. Bio-energy has reduced the food producing capacity of the planet. At least part of the blame must lie with the US government that has provided huge subsidies to produce fuel instead of food.

But there is a glimmer of hope for South Africa. A return to democracy in Zimbabwe will give us a boost and boost the entire region. The 2010 Fifa World Cup provides massive opportunities for growth and economic development.

The main obstacles are to restore order in the country. The government must find ways to deal effectively with the refugee crisis and those that have taken on racist and xenophobic activities. The reserve bank must think twice before adding to the interest burden of the country. And we must refocus our energy on renewable sources.

Freedom in South Africa – Blogging for human rights

Born in South Africa, I lived in Israel and the UK for sixteen years before I was somehow drawn back. Having departed as a child I returned as a young adult during the height of Apartheid. PW Botha ‘the Great Crocodile’ was at the helm - as Prime Minister not yet State President.

I noticed that the people that I mixed with didn't really discuss very much. Material things, shopping centres, cars ... SABC TV was still new and a total embarrassment. The news resembled something out of a Monty Python sketch. The one about sheep news (or was it penguins ....?). There was only one version of the News. The National Party version. At times PW Botha called the station to demand that a report be removed. The SABC complied.

Any series that was remotely watchable attracted huge audiences and restaurants, clubs and bars had to virtually close down for the night. Any visit by an aging pop star of the past in defiance of the boycott transformed the star to super-stardom. They dominated the front page of every newspaper for a whole week. They got the top item on the TV News.

Sun City emerged. South Africans flocked to this island of "liberalism" where gambling was allowed and bluish films shown.

X rated films - age rated 21 in the UK – were screened in South Africa as suitable for all ages. The story-line had somehow become hard to follow, but cinemas (which at that time attracted sparse audiences in London) showed regularly to full houses in South Africa.

Corruption was out. The media reported on corruption at risk to their freedom. Few corruption cases got anywhere near a court.

Most white South Africans went with the flow. I remember the arguments that sanctions could never hurt South Africa. There were no alternative sources for this or for that. Sanctions would hurt the rest of the world more than us, and would hurt the blacks.

There were some islands of light. The Market Theatre somehow managed to stage a string of quality shows. Channel 702 began as a Rainbow Station and later with talk shows that helped the country to transform. Film festivals allowed some uncensored material.

The privileged minority had access to quality education – albeit with an apartheid slant – the best health-care and of course they could vote. Voting was limited to a small selection of parties that were allowed. Friendships, marriages across the colour line were out. These had to be conducted in deadly secrecy.

By contrast, the black population were restricted to where they lived or worked. Educational opportunities were few and heath facilities limited. Most were condemned to live in poverty and face frequent harassment by the police. There were few channels for protest.

South Africa has been transformed. There is free debate, freedom of speech, freedom of the press. The government has sought to redress the inequalities in education, health-care and the employment markets. The constitution reads like a bill of rights.

Many problems remain. Soaring crime, poor delivery on healthcare and education, poverty and aids are still widespread. But all of this in an atmosphere of freedom. The government has even instituted a bill of morals or responsibilities based on an initiative of South Africa’s Chief Rabbi. Those were South Africa’s dark ages. Yet I still hear people clambering after them.

A different perspective on life in the New South Africa

Many people in South Africa have become very negative about life and the prospects for the young democracy - crime, corruption, Jacob Zuma, etc.

Positive things are all but forgotten. But click here for a local article that provides a rather different view! There has been real change - change that has altered the lives of the majority of South Africans in a very positive way. Many don't see it. Well worth a read!

In his latest initiative, Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein has been hosting a series of public forums in Sandton. These are aimed at improving our society through a series of dialogues.

The first was with his Moslem counterpart. Much common ground was found.

The most recent was with the new ANC president Jacob Zuma. Both Jacob Zuma and the chief rabbi spoke, followed by questions. Unfortunately I wasn't there. The positive side is that Zuma made himself available. He was prepared to face questions. He is at least accessible. He acknowledged the crime problem. Rabbi Goldstein described him as 'Real'. Perhaps that is the reason for his great popularity.

This is really democracy in action ....

A friend asked me how I felt about what is now happening in South Africa. I expressed my reservations about the new leadership of the ANC. Not only the president but the entire NEC. He reminded of one thing. The ANC rank and file were unhappy with the government’s delivery record - the failure to deal with crime, HIV Aids, the Zimbabwe policy and the failure to make major inroads into the alleviation of poverty.

While the black middle class are living the high life, for many there is not end in sight to poverty and the daily struggle for survival.

The ANC membership had taken the democratic option. Unhappy with government delivery, they removed the leadership and replaced it with an alternative. He pointed out that that is democracy in action.

Unfortunately democracy does not always deliver an ideal solution. The new president of the ANC - Jacob Zuma - faces a long string of charges of corruption, racketeering and fraud. He is actively trying to suppress the evidence that is available to the National Prosecuting Authority. Perhaps that is is only hope for a defence.

Last week, the Black Journalists Forum hosted a lunch at which Jacob Zuma was the guest of honour. Invitations were extended to everyone with press credentials – unless they were white. Speaking on 702 Talk Radio, Mo Shaik - Jacob’s strategy advisor and brother of the more famous Shabir – claimed that Zuma had no prior knowledge of the exclusionary nature of the event. Zuma himself later said that since he had had nothing to do with the organisation of the event, it didn’t really concern him.

No white reporters were allowed to enter, and a number of distinguished black journalists walked out of the forum in protest. They left to the derisive call of “Coconuts”. The preceding evening a vigorous radio call-in debate took place on this issue. Calls included many black people very upset at the turn of events.

In an attempt to regenerate the moral fibre of the country, a 12 point Bill of Responsibilities - endorsed by Thabo Mbeki, is to be taught in all schools as part of the Life Orientation programme. The bill is the brainchild of Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein. The aim is to instil a sense of morality and responsibility in the youth of the country to accompany the bill of rights.

Education Minister Naledi Pando also unveiled a proposed pledge to be recited daily at all schools.

A Bill of Reponsibilities for the youth of South Africa

Preamble

I accept the call to responsibility that comes with the many rights and freedoms that I have been privileged to inherit from the sacrifice and suffering of those who came before me. I appreciate that the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa are inseparable from my duties and responsibilities to others. Therefore I accept that with every right comes a set of responsibilities.

This Bill outlines the responsibilities that flow from each of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to equality
The right to equality places on me the responsibility to:
* treat every person equally and fairly, and
* not discriminate unfairly against anyone on the basis of race, gender, religion, national-, ethnic- or social origin, disability, culture, language, status or appearance.
South Africa is a diverse nation, and equality does not mean uniformity, or that we are all the same. Our country’s motto: !KE E: /XARRA //KE, meaning “Diverse people unite”, calls on all of us to build a common sense of belonging and national pride, celebrating the very diversity which makes us who we are. It also calls on us to extend our friendship and warmth to all nations and all the peoples of the world in our endeavour to build a better world.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to human dignity

The right to human dignity places on me the responsibility to:
* treat people with reverence, respect and dignity
* be kind, compassionate and sensitive to every human being, including greeting them warmly and speaking to them courteously.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to life

The right to life places on me the responsibility to:
* protect and defend the lives of others
* not endanger the lives of others by carrying dangerous weapons or by acting recklessly or disobeying our rules and laws.
* live a healthy life, by exercising, eating correctly by not smoking, abusing alcohol, or taking drugs, or indulging in irresponsible behaviour that may result in my being infected or infecting others with communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to family or parental care

This right expects me to:
* honour and respect my parents, and to help them,
* be kind and loyal to my family, to my brothers and sisters, my grandparents and all my relatives.
* recognise that love means long-term commitment, and the responsibility to establish strong and loving families.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to education

The right to education places on me the responsibility to:
* attend school regularly, to learn, and to work hard,
* cooperate respectfully with teachers and fellow learners and
* adhere to the rules and the Code of Conduct of the school. and concurrently places on my parents and caregivers the responsibility to:
* ensure that I attend school and receive their support and places on my teachers the responsibility to:
* promote and reflect the culture of learning and teaching in giving effect to this right.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to work

This right carries with it the responsibility for all learners, parents, caregivers and teachers to:
* work hard and do our best in everything we do.
* recognise that living a good and successful life involves hard work, and that anything worthwhile only comes with effort.
* This right must never be used to expose children to child labour. (proposed alternative: prevent children being exposed to child labour).

My responsibility in ensuring the right to freedom and security of the person

The right is upheld by my taking responsibility for:
* not hurting, bullying, or intimidating others, or allowing others to do so, and
* solving any conflict in a peaceful manner.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to own property

The right to own property places on me the responsibility to:
* respect the property of others,
* take pride in and protect both private and public property, and not to take what belongs to others.
* be honest and fair, and for those who have, to give generously to charity and good causes.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion

The right to freedom of conscience requires me to:
* allow others to choose and practice the religion of their choice, and to hold their own beliefs and opinions, without fear or prejudice.
* respect the beliefs and opinions of others, and their right to express these, even when we may strongly disagree with these beliefs and opinions. That is what it means to be a free democracy.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to live in a safe environment

This right assumes the responsibility to:
* promote sustainable development, and the conservation and preservation of the natural environment.
* protect animal and plant-life, as well as the responsibility to prevent pollution, to not litter, and to ensure that our homes, schools, streets and other public places are kept neat and tidy.
* In the context of climate change, we are also obliged to ensure we do not waste scarce resources like water and electricity.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to citizenship

The right to citizenship expects that each of us will be good and loyal South African citizens. This means that we are responsible for:
* obeying the laws of our country,
* ensuring that others do so as well, and
* contributing in every possible way to making South Africa a great country.

My responsibility in ensuring the right to freedom of expression

The right to free expression is not unlimited, and does not allow us to:
* express views which advocate hatred, or are based on prejudices with regard to race, ethnicity, gender or religion.
* We must therefore take responsibility to ensure this right is not abused by ourselves or others, to not tell or spread lies, and to ensure others are not insulted or have their feelings hurt.

Conclusion

I accept the call of this Bill of Responsibilities, and commit to taking my rightful place as an active, responsible citizen of South Africa.
By assuming these responsibilities I will contribute to building the kind of society, which will make me proud to be a South African.

The national school pledge

We the youth of South Africa,
recognising the injustices of our past,
honour those who suffered and sacrificed for justice and freedom.
We will respect and protect the dignity of each person,
and stand up for justice.
We sincerely declare that we shall uphold the rights and values of
our constitution
and promise to act in accordance with the duties and
responsibilities
that flow from these rights.
! KE E: / XARRA / / KE
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.