South African news:
Eskom: To load shed or not?
Eskom was supposed to cut power today but they didn't. And now everyone is wondering why.
Apparently something will be announced after a meeting today.
Not that I'm complaining ... but you also wonder if worse news is going to pop up after this discussion.
Tourism boost?
I always wondered about this
This article talks about tourism to South Africa and how people gush about the big tourism boost to this country.
What it points out is quite startling; apparently people coming in from neighboring countries as refugees were also included in this group.
And so,
The report said that in the past year, of the 6.6 million visitors to South Africa 1.6 million came from Lesotho, 820 921 from Mozambique, 774 026 from Swaziland, 599 421 from Botswana and 700 439 from Zimbabwe.
Robberies in Durban
Three robberies in one day?
One in Kloof, another in Umbilo and the third one in Berea Centre.
Scary!
Taxi driver beats up woman
How's this for creepy?
Taxi driver beats up a woman who asked for her change. And apparently, he told her to “shut up and not act like the so-called ‘free women'".
Do you really think a pledge will help in this scenario? And of course, pretty soon women can't carry around self-defense equipment, according to all the new regulations that keep popping up. Crazy!
Foreigners warned about South African crime
Look what I found in China Post - apparently Taiwanese nationals are warned against traveling to South Africa, because social order in South Africa has been deteriorating, and that armed robberies have been reported in areas with large concentrations of people of Chinese origin.
They also mention tourists being robbed on the way from the OR airport. How's this for really bad publicity?
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
BHP breaks ties with Standard Bank?
South African news:
Picture of Paris Hilton in South Africa. According to news reports, she has quite a fan following here.
Mango Airlines having trouble?
Looks like Mango has been having some trouble. Apparently around 100 angry passengers had to wait for several hours for their flight. And seems like they were not told any details. One even complained that they wouldn't let them get on another flight.
It might have been technical difficulties yesterday but apparently a flight was canceled because the pilot had exceeded his permitted flying hours.
Bit of shoddy service there, mate.
BHP Billiton breaks links with Standard Bank?
Talk about bad news. Turns out BHP Billiton Ltd. might stop doing business with Standard Bank. Group Ltd. because of comments made from the bank's side.
Spokesperson for BHP says BHP Billiton has taken a corporate decision to phase out our business links with Standard Bank
What was the comment in question?
An unidentified senior executive of the bank told a business and government meeting that BHP's Hillside aluminum smelter in Richards Bay should be shut down to save electricity,
Bad choice of words!
On that note, the same website has an article about unusual price changes for the shares of South African companies. Might be of interest.
Ivan Toms passes away
This article mentions the death of Cape Town's director of health, claiming that meningococcal meningitis was to blame. Seems like all those who came in close contact with him might have to think about taking preventative medication.
Toxins in some wines
Delightful. Pesticide Action Network Europe or PAN-Europe states that a certain wine produced in Stellenbosch has dangerous toxins.
Sure, some wine is good for your heart but now you gotta ask, what else is it doing to your insides?
Source for pic:
Ok Magazine via Bitten & Bound
Picture of Paris Hilton in South Africa. According to news reports, she has quite a fan following here.
Mango Airlines having trouble?
Looks like Mango has been having some trouble. Apparently around 100 angry passengers had to wait for several hours for their flight. And seems like they were not told any details. One even complained that they wouldn't let them get on another flight.
It might have been technical difficulties yesterday but apparently a flight was canceled because the pilot had exceeded his permitted flying hours.
Bit of shoddy service there, mate.
BHP Billiton breaks links with Standard Bank?
Talk about bad news. Turns out BHP Billiton Ltd. might stop doing business with Standard Bank. Group Ltd. because of comments made from the bank's side.
Spokesperson for BHP says BHP Billiton has taken a corporate decision to phase out our business links with Standard Bank
What was the comment in question?
An unidentified senior executive of the bank told a business and government meeting that BHP's Hillside aluminum smelter in Richards Bay should be shut down to save electricity,
Bad choice of words!
On that note, the same website has an article about unusual price changes for the shares of South African companies. Might be of interest.
Ivan Toms passes away
This article mentions the death of Cape Town's director of health, claiming that meningococcal meningitis was to blame. Seems like all those who came in close contact with him might have to think about taking preventative medication.
Toxins in some wines
Delightful. Pesticide Action Network Europe or PAN-Europe states that a certain wine produced in Stellenbosch has dangerous toxins.
Sure, some wine is good for your heart but now you gotta ask, what else is it doing to your insides?
Source for pic:
Ok Magazine via Bitten & Bound
Thursday, March 27, 2008
No Name Change for Cape Town
South African news:
I found this pic on etoday. Thought it might of interest. 10 million Zimbabwe note? That's crazy. IF you follow this link to the site, it also shows a small vegetable stall, apparently selling various goods for millions. Yikes!
Woman mugged
An elderly lady was mugged while she was out cycling. There seems to be a lot of muggings and attacks on the mountain in Cape Town. But then where are you really safe in this country?
Perhaps what we need are floating webcams all over country which instantly zaps a criminal.
That's not an ideal lifestyle either.
Anthrax in Northern Cape
Oh bugger! There seems to an anthrax outbreak in Northern Cape. Apparently it was affecting wildlife and livestock.
I just hope no one eats any animal that died of anthrax. Keeping in mind the TB outbreak, what else are you going to think?
Quotas for Houses
When will they learn. There's going to be quota system for new houses? What's with that?
Apparently eThekwini's new housing project will be based on racial quotas.
The Newlands project will be allocated on the basis of 45 percent black, 25 percent Indian, 35 percent coloured, 5 percent other; in KwaMashu it will be 25 percent black, 35 percent Indian, 35 percent coloured, 5 percent other; in Chatsworth and Westville Triangle 50 percent black, 35 percent Indian and 15 percent other (coloured included).
What next? Are we going to wear arm bands? March in a line? Young people join military style groups? Be told who to/not to marry?
No Name Change for Cape Town
This is interesting. Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille has announced that the city might not go ahead with the renaming process. In her words -
"The process has still a way to go if we are to achieve our stated objectives and we would undermine these goals if we brought (renaming) proposals to this council prematurely,"
She does have a point though. There should be integration and harmony but all sides must be considered for the most optimal way to do this.
I found this pic on etoday. Thought it might of interest. 10 million Zimbabwe note? That's crazy. IF you follow this link to the site, it also shows a small vegetable stall, apparently selling various goods for millions. Yikes!
Woman mugged
An elderly lady was mugged while she was out cycling. There seems to be a lot of muggings and attacks on the mountain in Cape Town. But then where are you really safe in this country?
Perhaps what we need are floating webcams all over country which instantly zaps a criminal.
That's not an ideal lifestyle either.
Anthrax in Northern Cape
Oh bugger! There seems to an anthrax outbreak in Northern Cape. Apparently it was affecting wildlife and livestock.
I just hope no one eats any animal that died of anthrax. Keeping in mind the TB outbreak, what else are you going to think?
Quotas for Houses
When will they learn. There's going to be quota system for new houses? What's with that?
Apparently eThekwini's new housing project will be based on racial quotas.
The Newlands project will be allocated on the basis of 45 percent black, 25 percent Indian, 35 percent coloured, 5 percent other; in KwaMashu it will be 25 percent black, 35 percent Indian, 35 percent coloured, 5 percent other; in Chatsworth and Westville Triangle 50 percent black, 35 percent Indian and 15 percent other (coloured included).
What next? Are we going to wear arm bands? March in a line? Young people join military style groups? Be told who to/not to marry?
No Name Change for Cape Town
This is interesting. Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille has announced that the city might not go ahead with the renaming process. In her words -
"The process has still a way to go if we are to achieve our stated objectives and we would undermine these goals if we brought (renaming) proposals to this council prematurely,"
She does have a point though. There should be integration and harmony but all sides must be considered for the most optimal way to do this.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Life in South Africa
South African news:
Turned me into a newt, he did
Sometimes I wonder if half these folks are from a Monty Python video.
"The train is not working?" .... "Burn it! "
"The bus is not working?" ..... "Burn it!"
"Somali shops in the neighborhood?" .... "Burn it!!"
And now, communities want Somalis to come back.
Seems like they realized that, rather than the shop being a in-your-face fascist symbol, it was really there as an exchange of money for goods system. And the only one in that area apparently.
They should be on the Dr. Phil show. Wonder if they will yell "Burn him" if he asks "What is your payout!"
67% Price Hike?
Oh great! Seems like the price increase proposed by Eskom (53%) is in addition to the 14% suggested last year. So what do you know, the price increase will become 67% !
Again, why are we paying for Eskom's lack of foresight? If consumers are going to pay in form of taxes, at least introduce this amount gradually. Last we checked, the economy wasn't doing so well, was it?
You don't go to university to toyi-toyi
Check out Education Minister Naledi Pandor's comments.
University students who spend seven years on campus without passing their first year and only improve their toyi-toying skills cannot make South Africa better.
Well said.
You have to pass your degree within the set time AND can't protest when you don't pass. You have to make the effort. Protest later, learn now.
Loadshedding FAQ
Here is an interesting article I found: Energy-crisis myths, misrepresentations and fallacies by Bryan Hadfield.
In addition to pointing out various myths doing the rounds, he also has some handy tips about saving power.
So, yes, turn your hot-water cylinder off in the late afternoon and turn it back on after 10pm to heat the water you used showering after your evening run, washing the dishes and so on. This may not save much energy, but it will defer its consumption into the low load period in the late evening and at night. There should be plenty of hot water for a morning shower if that is your preference.
Turned me into a newt, he did
Sometimes I wonder if half these folks are from a Monty Python video.
"The train is not working?" .... "Burn it! "
"The bus is not working?" ..... "Burn it!"
"Somali shops in the neighborhood?" .... "Burn it!!"
And now, communities want Somalis to come back.
Seems like they realized that, rather than the shop being a in-your-face fascist symbol, it was really there as an exchange of money for goods system. And the only one in that area apparently.
They should be on the Dr. Phil show. Wonder if they will yell "Burn him" if he asks "What is your payout!"
67% Price Hike?
Oh great! Seems like the price increase proposed by Eskom (53%) is in addition to the 14% suggested last year. So what do you know, the price increase will become 67% !
Again, why are we paying for Eskom's lack of foresight? If consumers are going to pay in form of taxes, at least introduce this amount gradually. Last we checked, the economy wasn't doing so well, was it?
You don't go to university to toyi-toyi
Check out Education Minister Naledi Pandor's comments.
University students who spend seven years on campus without passing their first year and only improve their toyi-toying skills cannot make South Africa better.
Well said.
You have to pass your degree within the set time AND can't protest when you don't pass. You have to make the effort. Protest later, learn now.
Loadshedding FAQ
Here is an interesting article I found: Energy-crisis myths, misrepresentations and fallacies by Bryan Hadfield.
In addition to pointing out various myths doing the rounds, he also has some handy tips about saving power.
So, yes, turn your hot-water cylinder off in the late afternoon and turn it back on after 10pm to heat the water you used showering after your evening run, washing the dishes and so on. This may not save much energy, but it will defer its consumption into the low load period in the late evening and at night. There should be plenty of hot water for a morning shower if that is your preference.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
TB breakout in South Africa
South African news:
Making a run for it
Headline - Most runaway TB patients back at hospital. And now facility has to test everyone, no sorry, relatives of those who came in contact with them. Plus teaching a hard lesson in passing on contagious diseases.
When you read about a breakout at medical facility which has multi-drug resistant TB patients, don't you imagine a movie style scenario where the germ makes it through the ventilation ducts and infects millions in a square mile radius?
Not the actual story - this was a breakout by the aforementioned patients, making a run for it. Going home for holidays is what they called it. Sharing germs with relatives during holidays so to speak. Coughing in general direction of passer-bys on way home.
You know that scene in movies where a martyr-like person yells "It's too late, go on without me"?
So over-rated.
They lie to us
Sound like someone's shooting the messenger. Seems like Mike Sutcliffe wants Blue Flag beach group to fire their South African co-ordinator. They say she implements double standards. Still, it looks bad if you want to fire anyone criticizing lack of maintenance on your side.
Butcher attacked with meat cleaver
Wonder if the authorities will ban cleavers now. A butcher was robbed and stabbed in the head, twice with his own meat cleaver. Owwwh!
When you think about it, anything can be used as a weapon by robbers. So what's the point of this banning weapons outcry?
TB news makes int'l headlines
Check out this article. George Carlin had a phrase for this ... everyone supports it but then yells "not in my backyard". So be liberal all you want from afar, but you'd be singing a different tune if this was happening in your country.
BBC talks Anglo American
Hallooo! BBC has an interesting article about Anglo American's operations here in South Africa. Full of questionable dealings, death and pollution. The forcible removal of people with the use of police makes you pause - you'll get rid of people from ancestral land for money but still go ahead with land reclamation project? Anyway, check out full story.
Making a run for it
Headline - Most runaway TB patients back at hospital. And now facility has to test everyone, no sorry, relatives of those who came in contact with them. Plus teaching a hard lesson in passing on contagious diseases.
When you read about a breakout at medical facility which has multi-drug resistant TB patients, don't you imagine a movie style scenario where the germ makes it through the ventilation ducts and infects millions in a square mile radius?
Not the actual story - this was a breakout by the aforementioned patients, making a run for it. Going home for holidays is what they called it. Sharing germs with relatives during holidays so to speak. Coughing in general direction of passer-bys on way home.
You know that scene in movies where a martyr-like person yells "It's too late, go on without me"?
So over-rated.
They lie to us
Sound like someone's shooting the messenger. Seems like Mike Sutcliffe wants Blue Flag beach group to fire their South African co-ordinator. They say she implements double standards. Still, it looks bad if you want to fire anyone criticizing lack of maintenance on your side.
Butcher attacked with meat cleaver
Wonder if the authorities will ban cleavers now. A butcher was robbed and stabbed in the head, twice with his own meat cleaver. Owwwh!
When you think about it, anything can be used as a weapon by robbers. So what's the point of this banning weapons outcry?
TB news makes int'l headlines
Check out this article. George Carlin had a phrase for this ... everyone supports it but then yells "not in my backyard". So be liberal all you want from afar, but you'd be singing a different tune if this was happening in your country.
BBC talks Anglo American
Hallooo! BBC has an interesting article about Anglo American's operations here in South Africa. Full of questionable dealings, death and pollution. The forcible removal of people with the use of police makes you pause - you'll get rid of people from ancestral land for money but still go ahead with land reclamation project? Anyway, check out full story.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Slow news day in South Africa
South African news:
Hitting out
There has been an increase in attacks on Africans in townships in 2008. Apparently non-South African Africans are being targeted. Meanwhile, everyone is enjoying Human Rights Day holiday.
You wonder if the attackers took the wrong turn and was headed towards Eskom instead?
Price hike approved
Sounds like the gov't might have given the thumbs up to Eskom's price hike. Or at least thumped them on the back saying, "That's awfully clever of you."
Well, according to Bloomberg anyway. Why 60%? Why not gradually? Surely those who can afford to pay more will just leave once it gets unbearable for them?
BBC talks about dodgy dealings
Here is a BBC article about the arms deal investigation. Not the best publicity for South Africa, is it? Especially the bit about not co-operating with the foreign investigators.
Hitting out
There has been an increase in attacks on Africans in townships in 2008. Apparently non-South African Africans are being targeted. Meanwhile, everyone is enjoying Human Rights Day holiday.
You wonder if the attackers took the wrong turn and was headed towards Eskom instead?
Price hike approved
Sounds like the gov't might have given the thumbs up to Eskom's price hike. Or at least thumped them on the back saying, "That's awfully clever of you."
Well, according to Bloomberg anyway. Why 60%? Why not gradually? Surely those who can afford to pay more will just leave once it gets unbearable for them?
BBC talks about dodgy dealings
Here is a BBC article about the arms deal investigation. Not the best publicity for South Africa, is it? Especially the bit about not co-operating with the foreign investigators.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Economic problems in South Africa
South African news:
Poor treatment of workers
IOL has Godknows Nare's expose about migrant farm workers. Well, seems South Africa is building an agricultural system on famous foreign examples. Perhaps someone should point out to the enterprising farmers that the pre-Lincoln model is just not the way to go?
Sorry for power cuts
Those in power have a welcome surprise for South Africans. Since they were just so bad at planning ahead and too busy to build more power stations which thus, bungled economic growth for the next few years, they are now thinking of adding an extra public holiday to the calendar. What better way to say we're sorry you're suffering for our mistakes, here let's have a holiday, close the industrial regions for one day and tada! citizens can have some relief from load shedding.
While waiting for announcement of exact date, some claim that this is a good sign of how sorry those in power are, you know, about this whole load shed mess.
That's the bunny
Didn't someone recently point out that unhealthy eating habits are becoming the norm in developing nations? More cases of heart disease and obesity?
Well, Eskom has come to the rescue. It'll help exercise regimes and to ensure a supple back as well as proving that extra nudge, you know, to help you touch your toes. It goes by the glamorous name of Power-Hike, a 60% increase in your electricity bill proposed by Eskom. They're just gonna strap it to your back and wait for immediate results.
You'll be amazed; you'll either run for your life (hence the running) or plop down and finally be able to cut your toe nails. Who needs yoga? And think about it; No one will have that evil surplus money leftover to roam around KFC anymore.
Poor treatment of workers
IOL has Godknows Nare's expose about migrant farm workers. Well, seems South Africa is building an agricultural system on famous foreign examples. Perhaps someone should point out to the enterprising farmers that the pre-Lincoln model is just not the way to go?
Sorry for power cuts
Those in power have a welcome surprise for South Africans. Since they were just so bad at planning ahead and too busy to build more power stations which thus, bungled economic growth for the next few years, they are now thinking of adding an extra public holiday to the calendar. What better way to say we're sorry you're suffering for our mistakes, here let's have a holiday, close the industrial regions for one day and tada! citizens can have some relief from load shedding.
While waiting for announcement of exact date, some claim that this is a good sign of how sorry those in power are, you know, about this whole load shed mess.
That's the bunny
Didn't someone recently point out that unhealthy eating habits are becoming the norm in developing nations? More cases of heart disease and obesity?
Well, Eskom has come to the rescue. It'll help exercise regimes and to ensure a supple back as well as proving that extra nudge, you know, to help you touch your toes. It goes by the glamorous name of Power-Hike, a 60% increase in your electricity bill proposed by Eskom. They're just gonna strap it to your back and wait for immediate results.
You'll be amazed; you'll either run for your life (hence the running) or plop down and finally be able to cut your toe nails. Who needs yoga? And think about it; No one will have that evil surplus money leftover to roam around KFC anymore.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Criminals can read your minds in South Africa
South African news:
Criminal Mind Readers
Crime has finally crossed into a whole new frontier. Foreign nationals now fear that South African criminals have developed futuristic technology to speed up their nefarious activities, technology that enable them to harness psionic powers.
Tourists were the first to note this new phenomenon. So far it has been confined to OR Tambo region. Apparently, as you declare your possessions to the nice customs man at the airport, a clear picture with annotated labels flashes across the criminal's mind along with destination address of the visitor. And thus, just hours after you leave the airport some dodgy folks either ambush you on the road or skulk around outside your holiday stop-over.
It's freaky, some might say, it's like they are reading our mind. I mean they know exactly where we are and what we have. They could have David Blaine make a run for this money, they could.
It would be too forward to suggest that such elements are operating around the airport. The preferred theory for some is the use of a van fitted with a 20 inch radar to enhance the psychic waves.
However, die-hard believers scoff at the less famous theory of thought beaming technology via a home-made flying saucer. As one skeptic pointed out, with the current fuel prize? Are you mad?
What's in a word?
Meanwhile taxi drivers are expected to experience epiphanies, paradigm shifts and what not with the introduction of the brand new taxi pledge. This life changing event can only be likened to becoming a Stepford wife ... or at least the male version of it.
Some might boldly claim that if Mr Clinton had wholeheartedly said a pledge, there's be no zipper statue in his honor today would it? Eh? Pledge of Allegiance? Yes yes, but he didn't say the "taxi pledge" did he? Big difference, you see!
Now say bye-bye to your worries, female commuters. Cross examine the driver, make sure he recites the pledge and hence, you can safely brush aside those obscene stickers on the van, teaser call cards and even suggestive songs like Pimp Juice. Man said the word, he can't be bad as history has proven.
Criminal Mind Readers
Crime has finally crossed into a whole new frontier. Foreign nationals now fear that South African criminals have developed futuristic technology to speed up their nefarious activities, technology that enable them to harness psionic powers.
Tourists were the first to note this new phenomenon. So far it has been confined to OR Tambo region. Apparently, as you declare your possessions to the nice customs man at the airport, a clear picture with annotated labels flashes across the criminal's mind along with destination address of the visitor. And thus, just hours after you leave the airport some dodgy folks either ambush you on the road or skulk around outside your holiday stop-over.
It's freaky, some might say, it's like they are reading our mind. I mean they know exactly where we are and what we have. They could have David Blaine make a run for this money, they could.
It would be too forward to suggest that such elements are operating around the airport. The preferred theory for some is the use of a van fitted with a 20 inch radar to enhance the psychic waves.
However, die-hard believers scoff at the less famous theory of thought beaming technology via a home-made flying saucer. As one skeptic pointed out, with the current fuel prize? Are you mad?
What's in a word?
Meanwhile taxi drivers are expected to experience epiphanies, paradigm shifts and what not with the introduction of the brand new taxi pledge. This life changing event can only be likened to becoming a Stepford wife ... or at least the male version of it.
Some might boldly claim that if Mr Clinton had wholeheartedly said a pledge, there's be no zipper statue in his honor today would it? Eh? Pledge of Allegiance? Yes yes, but he didn't say the "taxi pledge" did he? Big difference, you see!
Now say bye-bye to your worries, female commuters. Cross examine the driver, make sure he recites the pledge and hence, you can safely brush aside those obscene stickers on the van, teaser call cards and even suggestive songs like Pimp Juice. Man said the word, he can't be bad as history has proven.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Crime & power cuts increase in South Africa
South African news:
Let them eat cake
In a dramatic move, which some Euro-centric pessimists would say is downright strange for a capitalist nation that is alive with possibility (i.e. for foreign investors *nudge nudge*), Eskom has grabbed the spirit of ubuntu and proposed the brand new egalitarian electricity penalties.
Starting May 1, these highly selective fines will be targeted at the bourgeois amongst the down-to-earth plebeians, those who are cursed in this untimely age of power shortages, those nasty people with pools, underfloor heating, geysers and *gasp* good lighting!
Death, taxes and penalties, Eskom seems to say knowingly as they also unveiled the cryptic "time of use". Oh yes, when they are not googling for CVs of engineers to help build much needed power stations, Eskom will be lighting up paraffin lamps and standing guard over specially designed meters in order to uncover just who is using up so much power. Don't be ridiculous, these meters are not installed all over - no! They have an inkling of just who these wasteful souls are and thus, these stakeouts will only take place in selective areas.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, seems to be the cryptic response to cynical philistines, those pot holes in the highway of true egalitarian progress, the ones who are dastardly enough to suggest that Eskom (*Who? us?*) should not punish others for their own mistakes. Such anti-progressive comments, in this day and age, I tell you.
Do you have a flag?
Durban has lost almost all of it's Blue Flag status. Some people are blaming mythical yahoos.
The rapid increase of such disorganized beings running amok on the sandy beaches of the once famous KZN beaches might be related to the rupture of the time-space continuum between people giving statements about what is being done and the people who are actually supposed to be doing it.
Researchers are still trying to find the link between stormy weather, alcohol abuse, faulty loo's and yahoos. Some theorists believe in the Gulliver Theory where drinking too much on a rainy night means you imagine a cretin right outside the beach loo.
All is not lost though. Some have claimed that if you stand on a stretch of Durban beach that is not shaded by those annoying high rise urban structures, you don't actually miss the Blue Flag standard. After all, who keeps track of all these acronyms anyway. I mean WHO?
How safe is Kloof?
Recent events just might change the view of South African denialists, a staunch group of citizen who earnestly believe that crime only happens in 'dodgy areas'.
Friday's daring armed robbery in the FNB located in the rather upmarket Kloof Village Mall might prove otherwise.
However, a small segment of people were heard stating "It's on that side of Kloof, it doesn't count".
Let them eat cake
In a dramatic move, which some Euro-centric pessimists would say is downright strange for a capitalist nation that is alive with possibility (i.e. for foreign investors *nudge nudge*), Eskom has grabbed the spirit of ubuntu and proposed the brand new egalitarian electricity penalties.
Starting May 1, these highly selective fines will be targeted at the bourgeois amongst the down-to-earth plebeians, those who are cursed in this untimely age of power shortages, those nasty people with pools, underfloor heating, geysers and *gasp* good lighting!
Death, taxes and penalties, Eskom seems to say knowingly as they also unveiled the cryptic "time of use". Oh yes, when they are not googling for CVs of engineers to help build much needed power stations, Eskom will be lighting up paraffin lamps and standing guard over specially designed meters in order to uncover just who is using up so much power. Don't be ridiculous, these meters are not installed all over - no! They have an inkling of just who these wasteful souls are and thus, these stakeouts will only take place in selective areas.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, seems to be the cryptic response to cynical philistines, those pot holes in the highway of true egalitarian progress, the ones who are dastardly enough to suggest that Eskom (*Who? us?*) should not punish others for their own mistakes. Such anti-progressive comments, in this day and age, I tell you.
Do you have a flag?
Durban has lost almost all of it's Blue Flag status. Some people are blaming mythical yahoos.
The rapid increase of such disorganized beings running amok on the sandy beaches of the once famous KZN beaches might be related to the rupture of the time-space continuum between people giving statements about what is being done and the people who are actually supposed to be doing it.
Researchers are still trying to find the link between stormy weather, alcohol abuse, faulty loo's and yahoos. Some theorists believe in the Gulliver Theory where drinking too much on a rainy night means you imagine a cretin right outside the beach loo.
All is not lost though. Some have claimed that if you stand on a stretch of Durban beach that is not shaded by those annoying high rise urban structures, you don't actually miss the Blue Flag standard. After all, who keeps track of all these acronyms anyway. I mean WHO?
How safe is Kloof?
Recent events just might change the view of South African denialists, a staunch group of citizen who earnestly believe that crime only happens in 'dodgy areas'.
Friday's daring armed robbery in the FNB located in the rather upmarket Kloof Village Mall might prove otherwise.
However, a small segment of people were heard stating "It's on that side of Kloof, it doesn't count".
Friday, March 14, 2008
Bad for Tourism in South Africa?
South African news:
False Rumors at UFS
Tension's building up at the University of the Free State. Apparently there is a questionable email doing the rounds - it talks about unrest at the university and even adds a creepy story of a white student being attacked.
However, spokesperson for the institution has pooh-poohed it, almost making it sound like an urban legend.
I'm not sure what to make of it; could be another slipping on a banana propaganda.
Can you imagine people doing group work for assignments in that environment?
Argentinian rugby players attack South African woman
A horrid story; a woman was assaulted by 20 men in a nightclub. Her boyfriend intervened and he was badly beaten up.
Turns out the culprits were a bunch of Argentinian rugby players and police are trying to locate them.
Hope the CCTV cameras got a glimpse of their faces.
Death comes calling
Ooooh creepy. An elderly couple was brutally attacked by armed robbers in their cottage near Rustenberg.
Luckily the man had a can of gas which he used to ward off the attackers.
Here's the really scary bit; after the attack, neighbors and children of the victims got phone calls saying [t]he 'oumiesies' is going to die.
Family tortured in Pretoria
This is sad. A family was attacked and tortured in Pretoria.
What a sad legacy of violence South Africans live in.
Apparently at one point, the frightened eight year old told the robbers, If you don't shoot my parents, they're going to draw money for you at an ATM.
The robbers tried to hang the father but one of the gang wanted to leave without such incident. On that note, one of the robbers kept saying sorry to the family.
Power Cuts to Resume
Load shedding is going to start from 31st of March. Oh bother!
And how is this for a helpful time frame? Power cuts would last no more than two hours and would take place between 06:00 and 22:00.
Apparently scheduled power cuts would affect those consumers who had not used electricity sparingly.
Was it the DA who brought this points up? That there should be transparency on who uses how much power ... including the higher-up bunch.
False Rumors at UFS
Tension's building up at the University of the Free State. Apparently there is a questionable email doing the rounds - it talks about unrest at the university and even adds a creepy story of a white student being attacked.
However, spokesperson for the institution has pooh-poohed it, almost making it sound like an urban legend.
I'm not sure what to make of it; could be another slipping on a banana propaganda.
Can you imagine people doing group work for assignments in that environment?
Argentinian rugby players attack South African woman
A horrid story; a woman was assaulted by 20 men in a nightclub. Her boyfriend intervened and he was badly beaten up.
Turns out the culprits were a bunch of Argentinian rugby players and police are trying to locate them.
Hope the CCTV cameras got a glimpse of their faces.
Death comes calling
Ooooh creepy. An elderly couple was brutally attacked by armed robbers in their cottage near Rustenberg.
Luckily the man had a can of gas which he used to ward off the attackers.
Here's the really scary bit; after the attack, neighbors and children of the victims got phone calls saying [t]he 'oumiesies' is going to die.
Family tortured in Pretoria
This is sad. A family was attacked and tortured in Pretoria.
What a sad legacy of violence South Africans live in.
Apparently at one point, the frightened eight year old told the robbers, If you don't shoot my parents, they're going to draw money for you at an ATM.
The robbers tried to hang the father but one of the gang wanted to leave without such incident. On that note, one of the robbers kept saying sorry to the family.
Power Cuts to Resume
Load shedding is going to start from 31st of March. Oh bother!
And how is this for a helpful time frame? Power cuts would last no more than two hours and would take place between 06:00 and 22:00.
Apparently scheduled power cuts would affect those consumers who had not used electricity sparingly.
Was it the DA who brought this points up? That there should be transparency on who uses how much power ... including the higher-up bunch.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Violence in South Africa = Norm?
South African news:
Job opps. for convicted fella?
You can see how this can snowball into something really ugly.
There's bit of scandal going around due to the selection of one of the Waterkloof 4 for Mpumalanga's provincial rugby team. Incidentally, the fella in the midst of the controversy is one of four who was found guilty of the murder of an unidentified black man and of assaulting another.
So basically, they were handed out 12 years in imprisonment but are out on bail until their appeal of something along those lines.
Shouldn't they wait til after hearing to hand the boys jobs and stuff? Because if they are guilty, it's a bit dodgy to ignore a criminal record.
Would be interesting to see if the employers had the same open mind for people of different races.
Violence in South African schools
Sadly, this is not surprising, given the extreme violence in this country!
A recent report stated that school games now included [g]ames such as "hit me, hit me" and "rape me, rape me", in which schoolchildren chased one another and pretended to hit or rape one another.
No wonder South African schools were bottom of the barrel as the least Safe School in the World.
Another bit of news going around. Sports, cricket, transformation ... put them all together and you get the gist of it.
So, story goes that Andre Nel won man-of-the-match in the one day international against Bangladesh. And before he could properly celebrate and pick up his award, he was discreetly informed that "Jolly good job for now, but you didn't make the cut for that upcoming tour of India".
Team manager's cryptic remark i.e. ( We have to try to select a team that can be the best in the world but we must, at the same time, look at transformation targets ) hints at a bit of quota system doesn't it?
Funny how people are placed in the name of transformation which adds up to equality but the forces that fight for it don't actually play fair. I mean, isn't the new rugby coach still fighting for a contract where he has a say in the selection process?
Public chips in to help with crime
In a joint 'venture', Talk Radio 702 host John Robbie and listeners got 734 Garmin GPS systems for the SA Police Service.
This was in a bid to help cops crime fight, as you know lack of resources etc. can hinder the law enforcement process.
Tortured during robbery
Speaking of crime, a family was robbed where the parents were also tortured in the Erasmia area.
Apparently, the men demanded money saying that they had been told there was money in the house.
Creepy!
Job opps. for convicted fella?
You can see how this can snowball into something really ugly.
There's bit of scandal going around due to the selection of one of the Waterkloof 4 for Mpumalanga's provincial rugby team. Incidentally, the fella in the midst of the controversy is one of four who was found guilty of the murder of an unidentified black man and of assaulting another.
So basically, they were handed out 12 years in imprisonment but are out on bail until their appeal of something along those lines.
Shouldn't they wait til after hearing to hand the boys jobs and stuff? Because if they are guilty, it's a bit dodgy to ignore a criminal record.
Would be interesting to see if the employers had the same open mind for people of different races.
Violence in South African schools
Sadly, this is not surprising, given the extreme violence in this country!
A recent report stated that school games now included [g]ames such as "hit me, hit me" and "rape me, rape me", in which schoolchildren chased one another and pretended to hit or rape one another.
No wonder South African schools were bottom of the barrel as the least Safe School in the World.
Another bit of news going around. Sports, cricket, transformation ... put them all together and you get the gist of it.
So, story goes that Andre Nel won man-of-the-match in the one day international against Bangladesh. And before he could properly celebrate and pick up his award, he was discreetly informed that "Jolly good job for now, but you didn't make the cut for that upcoming tour of India".
Team manager's cryptic remark i.e. ( We have to try to select a team that can be the best in the world but we must, at the same time, look at transformation targets ) hints at a bit of quota system doesn't it?
Funny how people are placed in the name of transformation which adds up to equality but the forces that fight for it don't actually play fair. I mean, isn't the new rugby coach still fighting for a contract where he has a say in the selection process?
Public chips in to help with crime
In a joint 'venture', Talk Radio 702 host John Robbie and listeners got 734 Garmin GPS systems for the SA Police Service.
This was in a bid to help cops crime fight, as you know lack of resources etc. can hinder the law enforcement process.
Tortured during robbery
Speaking of crime, a family was robbed where the parents were also tortured in the Erasmia area.
Apparently, the men demanded money saying that they had been told there was money in the house.
Creepy!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
South Africa is not Wheelchair friendly?
South African news:
SAA is not wheel-chair friendly??
This is embarrassing!
A group of disabled people who were visiting South Africa had to be carried off or crawl off the plane - because SAA didn't have the proper boarding equipment! How bad is that? This country is boasting about hosting international events and their facilities are not accessible to everyone?
Perhaps what is worse is the attitude of the people themselves. Check out what the group has to say:
"At one point, a driver drove up to us, looked at us and just drove off. It was degrading and inhumane."
Petra Burger said she had to crawl out of the plane on her behind. "A guy rudely said I had to get off the way I got on. He said it wasn't his problem. So I went down on the floor and went down the stairs on my buttocks. I was very humiliated."
Looks like people working at airport skipped a bit of relevant classes - Introduction to Human Dignity and Equality for All.
Attack on cash-in-transit vans
Sigh! Another attack on cash-in-transit vehicles. It's scary how they planned it - surround the two vans, open fire and run off with loot and guns. Sounds like something from the Wild Wild West.
Except that people are living through this, in this day and age.
Makes you wonder if they watch movies like Fast and the Furious.
ANC to launch newspaper?
ANC is planning to start it's own newspaper. Apparently it's an idea they played around with in 1992 but, in the end, Mbeki opted for an online version.
A newspaper is a good idea but let's hope the online version stays. I hate it when print versions run out of copies ... it's like bread or roti - show up just after work and a gaping emptiness greets you.
This is isn't good news! BHP Billiton is talking about cutting down on aluminium productions. Seems like they are being negatively affected by 10% power cuts.
Apparently, they have begun talking to its employees about closing part of its Bayside smelter on the country's east coast.
Ouch for the economy!
Shootout between cops and suspects
There seems to be so much violence around. This article talks about a shoot-out between cops and suspects, somewhere on the R612.
The police seem to be clamping down on criminal elements but at the same time, taking violent means is going to have dire repercussions later on.
Eventually, everyone is going to be need some serious therapy in this country.
Too black to be South African?
Oh boy! This is something that happened in 2004 but it's still quite relevant for today.
A 14 year old teenager was pulled out of taxi, arrested for being "too black to be South African" and was going to be deported to Mozambique. Apparently, they wouldn't call his mother who would prove he was indeed a citizen of this country.
Finally a journalist intervened and he was released.
Isn't there something fundamentally wrong about picking on various shades of blackness? Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of fighting against apartheid?
Well, his mother was compensated for her damages after she sued Safety and Security Minister.
SAA is not wheel-chair friendly??
This is embarrassing!
A group of disabled people who were visiting South Africa had to be carried off or crawl off the plane - because SAA didn't have the proper boarding equipment! How bad is that? This country is boasting about hosting international events and their facilities are not accessible to everyone?
Perhaps what is worse is the attitude of the people themselves. Check out what the group has to say:
"At one point, a driver drove up to us, looked at us and just drove off. It was degrading and inhumane."
Petra Burger said she had to crawl out of the plane on her behind. "A guy rudely said I had to get off the way I got on. He said it wasn't his problem. So I went down on the floor and went down the stairs on my buttocks. I was very humiliated."
Looks like people working at airport skipped a bit of relevant classes - Introduction to Human Dignity and Equality for All.
Attack on cash-in-transit vans
Sigh! Another attack on cash-in-transit vehicles. It's scary how they planned it - surround the two vans, open fire and run off with loot and guns. Sounds like something from the Wild Wild West.
Except that people are living through this, in this day and age.
Makes you wonder if they watch movies like Fast and the Furious.
ANC to launch newspaper?
ANC is planning to start it's own newspaper. Apparently it's an idea they played around with in 1992 but, in the end, Mbeki opted for an online version.
A newspaper is a good idea but let's hope the online version stays. I hate it when print versions run out of copies ... it's like bread or roti - show up just after work and a gaping emptiness greets you.
This is isn't good news! BHP Billiton is talking about cutting down on aluminium productions. Seems like they are being negatively affected by 10% power cuts.
Apparently, they have begun talking to its employees about closing part of its Bayside smelter on the country's east coast.
Ouch for the economy!
Shootout between cops and suspects
There seems to be so much violence around. This article talks about a shoot-out between cops and suspects, somewhere on the R612.
The police seem to be clamping down on criminal elements but at the same time, taking violent means is going to have dire repercussions later on.
Eventually, everyone is going to be need some serious therapy in this country.
Too black to be South African?
Oh boy! This is something that happened in 2004 but it's still quite relevant for today.
A 14 year old teenager was pulled out of taxi, arrested for being "too black to be South African" and was going to be deported to Mozambique. Apparently, they wouldn't call his mother who would prove he was indeed a citizen of this country.
Finally a journalist intervened and he was released.
Isn't there something fundamentally wrong about picking on various shades of blackness? Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of fighting against apartheid?
Well, his mother was compensated for her damages after she sued Safety and Security Minister.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Brutal police action on Students
South African news:
If you're looking for a bit of news to put that spring in your step, better stop reading this. It's all doom and gloom ... but then it always is, isn't it? How is it possible for South African news to turn worse, like week-old calamari in the fridge?
Watch video of brutal police action on students
There's been a big outcry about the police raids on some popular clubs. Well, popular for students.
Funnily enough, the criticisms aimed at police is not because they held a raid and we were innocent etc. etc. Apparently it was the use of excessive force and some even hint at police brutality.
According to the article, some of the women had been sexually violated by a male policeman and that some patrons said they had been pepper-sprayed while lying face down on the floor.
All of this was caught on CCTV. Check out the video at this link.
People are no longer safe, from criminals or from police?
Apparently, lots of students have been talking about it on Facebook. Would be interesting to see how far this story travels.
Youth found dead in police cell
In other police related news, a teenager was found dead in his cell. This was somewhere in PMB.
He was nabbed for stealing a motor vehicle and was supposed to appear in court today.
Turns out, he was found “hanging from the bar on the cell door” suspended from his trousers.
Reports say Death had not visited him when they last checked on him in the wee hours of morning.
Does this give anyone else chills? Sounds like something that would happen in former USSR.
SA might ban alcohol ads
Remember the incident a few weeks back when ANCYL said no alcohol after certain hours? Well, they've gone one step further. Now they say alcohol adverts are a big no-no.
Doesn't sounds very capitalist, does it? And don't beer-making people bring in oodles of money for the SA economy? On that note, isn't the economy on thin ice right now?
More importantly, whatever happened to people making the choices for themselves as opposed to social responsibility by authorities?
Safety Measures in Airports
This is reassuring.
You know how certain crimes were related to possible inside information? Like when you have to fill in address at OR airport if you are foreigner and then some criminals trace you to your home, straight from the airport?
Yeah, well this is to ensure this doesn't happen anymore. No, you don't get a troop of bodyguards running alongside your car nor do they install a crime radar inside your car. It's just that you no longer have to give in your addresses at the airport. If they somehow, on a hunch, tail you from the airport, well that's just an Act of God isn't it?
Isabel Jones passed away
Sad news. Isabel Jones passed away on Tuesday. She recently underwent heart surgery in December.
Sigh!
Singer attacked in his home
Well known singer Lochner de Kock was attacked in his home in Melville. Apparently he woke up to find a man standing over him. There are a struggle, attempt to strangle and a scuffle involving a knife. Thankfully the robber ran away and no one was badly hurt.
Why is it so easy for people to kill others in this country? Have they no sense of humanity?
If you're looking for a bit of news to put that spring in your step, better stop reading this. It's all doom and gloom ... but then it always is, isn't it? How is it possible for South African news to turn worse, like week-old calamari in the fridge?
Watch video of brutal police action on students
There's been a big outcry about the police raids on some popular clubs. Well, popular for students.
Funnily enough, the criticisms aimed at police is not because they held a raid and we were innocent etc. etc. Apparently it was the use of excessive force and some even hint at police brutality.
According to the article, some of the women had been sexually violated by a male policeman and that some patrons said they had been pepper-sprayed while lying face down on the floor.
All of this was caught on CCTV. Check out the video at this link.
People are no longer safe, from criminals or from police?
Apparently, lots of students have been talking about it on Facebook. Would be interesting to see how far this story travels.
Youth found dead in police cell
In other police related news, a teenager was found dead in his cell. This was somewhere in PMB.
He was nabbed for stealing a motor vehicle and was supposed to appear in court today.
Turns out, he was found “hanging from the bar on the cell door” suspended from his trousers.
Reports say Death had not visited him when they last checked on him in the wee hours of morning.
Does this give anyone else chills? Sounds like something that would happen in former USSR.
SA might ban alcohol ads
Remember the incident a few weeks back when ANCYL said no alcohol after certain hours? Well, they've gone one step further. Now they say alcohol adverts are a big no-no.
Doesn't sounds very capitalist, does it? And don't beer-making people bring in oodles of money for the SA economy? On that note, isn't the economy on thin ice right now?
More importantly, whatever happened to people making the choices for themselves as opposed to social responsibility by authorities?
Safety Measures in Airports
This is reassuring.
You know how certain crimes were related to possible inside information? Like when you have to fill in address at OR airport if you are foreigner and then some criminals trace you to your home, straight from the airport?
Yeah, well this is to ensure this doesn't happen anymore. No, you don't get a troop of bodyguards running alongside your car nor do they install a crime radar inside your car. It's just that you no longer have to give in your addresses at the airport. If they somehow, on a hunch, tail you from the airport, well that's just an Act of God isn't it?
Isabel Jones passed away
Sad news. Isabel Jones passed away on Tuesday. She recently underwent heart surgery in December.
Sigh!
Singer attacked in his home
Well known singer Lochner de Kock was attacked in his home in Melville. Apparently he woke up to find a man standing over him. There are a struggle, attempt to strangle and a scuffle involving a knife. Thankfully the robber ran away and no one was badly hurt.
Why is it so easy for people to kill others in this country? Have they no sense of humanity?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Problems in South Africa
South Africa news:
Dietitian Annchen Weidemann reports on hospital negligence?
Ooooh creepy news number one!
TAC was protesting outside the Western Cape health department (since they were referring to W. Cape clinics) and the reason for the uproar? A chilling report by a dietitian who did a bit of scooping around in the ward for drug-resistant TB patients.
Here's some of her findings:
Staff prepared meals without consulting recipes and often did not add cheese, milk or eggs to dishes. Staff also ate fresh fruit that was intended for patients ...
Some staff were accused of scolding and insulting patients and withholding meals as punishment ...
Are there no Florence Nightingales in this hospital?
Shoprite robbery?
It's not safe to even buy groceries in this country.
Apparently gun-toting robbers have nabbed a few hostages in a shopping center outside Pretoria.
Shortage of skilled workers and this is what people opt to do with their lives?
A recent article notes that the stand-off between robbers and police has been resolved; four strapping lads between the ages of 22 - 25 were whisked off to the police station.
We can only hope that they get a harsh sentence. Sigh!
Wonder if the shop can sue them for tarnishing their name as a safe shopping spot? Emotional damages?
Which SA flight was used for deporting immigrants?
Hmmmm, you wonder about Home Affairs sometimes.
This is an old article, dating back to January. It was a short report about illegal immigrants who had been deported to Mali.
When the plane landed, they tried to wreck the plane. Apparently they were agitated because they claimed to have suffered abuse both in Mozambique and in South Africa.
Understandably, the crew was quite shaken by this experience.
Fox talks about White Fears in South Africa
Fox News has a story about the nasty Reitz video that was going around.
You won't hear this angle from a South African source.
Check this out:
The boss of the hostel says
As a white man, you can't get a job because those positions are given to people with a different skin colour
And others who
feel marginalised by the ANC's policy of affirmative action and threatened by the high rates of violent crime
This was regarding the integration policy by the way.
I'm glad they also pointed out the black students' take - that everyone is a victim of crime and not just whites.
Passport hassles in South Africa
Oookay. Let this be a warning to you - if you are non-South African and coming here on holiday, just make sure that your passport is in order. Oh, it's nothing hectic, just make sure your passport has proper blank pages to be stamped.
Bet they don't tell you that on the colorful 2010 ads? Or that charming teeming with possibility ad on CNN.
Well, if you are ghastly enough to leave only the amendments pages for stamping, you might go through deportation as this one American gentleman did.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Robber found?
It's crime time again.
Imagine this - a random day of filling up with petrol and bham! You see your stolen cellphone in the petrol attendant's hand.
Well, police are now investigating the incident; suspect is behind bars and will appear in court soon.
I believe it's been marked as a case of being an actual accessory in the crime OR being unfortunate enough to own stolen goods. Who knows, he might have known it was stolen.
If he didn't, it must be frightening for him. Because that robbery also involved cold-blooded murder of the domestic worker.
The police do stress on the need to check for receipts etc. when buying second hand goods.
Rape in police station
This is just sad.
A man was arrested for reckless driving, wouldn't allow him to call his family and was locked up in a jail cell where he was raped repeatedly.
And according to him, the police did nothing to prevent it.
Is it me, or does the news in South Africa get worse by the day?
Wonder what's gonna happen to tourists who come here for 2010?
Student leaders kill fellow student
How is this for warped?
Three students threw a fellow student off a moving taxi on February 23. Apparently, alcohol and perhaps a rather heated discussion was the starting point for this incident. Not that it is a justifiable excuse.
As if the act itself wasn't bad enough, check out who the culprits are:
Selomola - chairperson of the South African Students Congress
Tswai and Mavelevele - members of the Student Union Christian Association (SUCA) where Tswai is chairperson and Mavelevele is a committee member.
Is this what we can expect from young leaders? Can anyone say power trip?
Violent attack in Hillcrest home
A lot of people claim that crime in this country will only happen in dodgy areas.
This story, as are other numerous stories making rounds, will tell you that crime happens everywhere in this country, irrespective of where you live and crime is violent, criminal are often without remorse for human life.
How safe are you in this country, really?
South Africa wants to host 2015 Rugby World Cup
A bit ahead of ourselves aren't we?
Apparently South Africa might bid for 2015 Rugby World Cup. Shouldn't they wait till 2010 goes off without a hitch?
Seems like the last time they hosted it was in 1995. Wasn't the Cricket World Cup held here?
Wonder if any returning visitor notes how life in SA has changed?
Dietitian Annchen Weidemann reports on hospital negligence?
Ooooh creepy news number one!
TAC was protesting outside the Western Cape health department (since they were referring to W. Cape clinics) and the reason for the uproar? A chilling report by a dietitian who did a bit of scooping around in the ward for drug-resistant TB patients.
Here's some of her findings:
Staff prepared meals without consulting recipes and often did not add cheese, milk or eggs to dishes. Staff also ate fresh fruit that was intended for patients ...
Some staff were accused of scolding and insulting patients and withholding meals as punishment ...
Are there no Florence Nightingales in this hospital?
Shoprite robbery?
It's not safe to even buy groceries in this country.
Apparently gun-toting robbers have nabbed a few hostages in a shopping center outside Pretoria.
Shortage of skilled workers and this is what people opt to do with their lives?
A recent article notes that the stand-off between robbers and police has been resolved; four strapping lads between the ages of 22 - 25 were whisked off to the police station.
We can only hope that they get a harsh sentence. Sigh!
Wonder if the shop can sue them for tarnishing their name as a safe shopping spot? Emotional damages?
Which SA flight was used for deporting immigrants?
Hmmmm, you wonder about Home Affairs sometimes.
This is an old article, dating back to January. It was a short report about illegal immigrants who had been deported to Mali.
When the plane landed, they tried to wreck the plane. Apparently they were agitated because they claimed to have suffered abuse both in Mozambique and in South Africa.
Understandably, the crew was quite shaken by this experience.
Fox talks about White Fears in South Africa
Fox News has a story about the nasty Reitz video that was going around.
You won't hear this angle from a South African source.
Check this out:
The boss of the hostel says
As a white man, you can't get a job because those positions are given to people with a different skin colour
And others who
feel marginalised by the ANC's policy of affirmative action and threatened by the high rates of violent crime
This was regarding the integration policy by the way.
I'm glad they also pointed out the black students' take - that everyone is a victim of crime and not just whites.
Passport hassles in South Africa
Oookay. Let this be a warning to you - if you are non-South African and coming here on holiday, just make sure that your passport is in order. Oh, it's nothing hectic, just make sure your passport has proper blank pages to be stamped.
Bet they don't tell you that on the colorful 2010 ads? Or that charming teeming with possibility ad on CNN.
Well, if you are ghastly enough to leave only the amendments pages for stamping, you might go through deportation as this one American gentleman did.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Robber found?
It's crime time again.
Imagine this - a random day of filling up with petrol and bham! You see your stolen cellphone in the petrol attendant's hand.
Well, police are now investigating the incident; suspect is behind bars and will appear in court soon.
I believe it's been marked as a case of being an actual accessory in the crime OR being unfortunate enough to own stolen goods. Who knows, he might have known it was stolen.
If he didn't, it must be frightening for him. Because that robbery also involved cold-blooded murder of the domestic worker.
The police do stress on the need to check for receipts etc. when buying second hand goods.
Rape in police station
This is just sad.
A man was arrested for reckless driving, wouldn't allow him to call his family and was locked up in a jail cell where he was raped repeatedly.
And according to him, the police did nothing to prevent it.
Is it me, or does the news in South Africa get worse by the day?
Wonder what's gonna happen to tourists who come here for 2010?
Student leaders kill fellow student
How is this for warped?
Three students threw a fellow student off a moving taxi on February 23. Apparently, alcohol and perhaps a rather heated discussion was the starting point for this incident. Not that it is a justifiable excuse.
As if the act itself wasn't bad enough, check out who the culprits are:
Selomola - chairperson of the South African Students Congress
Tswai and Mavelevele - members of the Student Union Christian Association (SUCA) where Tswai is chairperson and Mavelevele is a committee member.
Is this what we can expect from young leaders? Can anyone say power trip?
Violent attack in Hillcrest home
A lot of people claim that crime in this country will only happen in dodgy areas.
This story, as are other numerous stories making rounds, will tell you that crime happens everywhere in this country, irrespective of where you live and crime is violent, criminal are often without remorse for human life.
How safe are you in this country, really?
South Africa wants to host 2015 Rugby World Cup
A bit ahead of ourselves aren't we?
Apparently South Africa might bid for 2015 Rugby World Cup. Shouldn't they wait till 2010 goes off without a hitch?
Seems like the last time they hosted it was in 1995. Wasn't the Cricket World Cup held here?
Wonder if any returning visitor notes how life in SA has changed?
Friday, March 7, 2008
Crazy Fridays
South African news:
In the Wild Wild West
Sounds like something straight out of the movies.
Taxi drivers and police chase after hijackers! Apparently, some trigger-happy criminals tried to hijack a taxi. And when they tried to run off after their failed attempt, two taxi drivers sped after them with the police joining in.
Two of the nasty thieves were caught! Hooray!
How's that for a nice Friday story?
Mines get more power?
Hmm.... I've not heard this on the news yet. But then, what you hear depends on what channel you watch.
According to Bloomberg, Mining Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has stated that South Africa's mines will be given 95% of normal power use.
In reference to the increase in power to mines, a spokesperson pointed out that Eskom might ... run its gas turbines ``harder'' and expects some power cuts to city areas.
The Mining-Weekly notes that this extra % is given in a phased approach. What's phased? 1/2 % today, more next week?
Mineweb states that the Minister did declare 5% power increase for mines in an interview with Bloomberg but the industry was still waiting for official announcement. There was, however, a comment by spokesperson for Chamber of Mines which basically said: it's mostly the 138 large industrial customers carrying the burden of the 10% power cut at the moment, we feel the burden should be spread more equitably ... The second point is that the labour and export intensity of the sector should be taken into account.
Sadly, that probably means more cuts for small businesses and residential areas.
Land Expropriation Bill
Cabinet gave the thumbs up for a bill that will speed up land expropriation. Now it just needs go-ahead from parliament.
Apparently the current land redistribution has been tardy and they want the process to leave the current snail pace and welcome a new era, so to speak.
This is quick; didn't they just mention it in Polokwane last year?
Woman held in cell for 15 hours
This is a creepy story. Woman was arrested for .... what was it? assault and reckless driving? Read the full story to see how absurd it is.
A woman in Cape Town claims that she was forced off the road by a high-ranking traffic official, manhandled in front of her children and held in a dirty cell for 15 hours on Sunday.
You know what the freaky bit was? The traffic official also apparently took photos of the hysterical Roux on his cell phone.
And seems like she had to wait in the cell for 15 hours because the police station computer was down!
It's a sad day when those assigned to protect you makes your life miserable. Where is the Vimes pride in your duty?
Street closed?
This took a turn for the worse.
The Gauteng Transport Porfolio Committee says it will close the infamous-for-mini-skirt Noord Street if the culprits involved in the assault are not found.
On the other hand. taxi bosses say that the government doesn't take such a harsh stand when lives of drivers and passengers are killed; am assuming this last reference was to crime.
In the Wild Wild West
Sounds like something straight out of the movies.
Taxi drivers and police chase after hijackers! Apparently, some trigger-happy criminals tried to hijack a taxi. And when they tried to run off after their failed attempt, two taxi drivers sped after them with the police joining in.
Two of the nasty thieves were caught! Hooray!
How's that for a nice Friday story?
Mines get more power?
Hmm.... I've not heard this on the news yet. But then, what you hear depends on what channel you watch.
According to Bloomberg, Mining Minister Buyelwa Sonjica has stated that South Africa's mines will be given 95% of normal power use.
In reference to the increase in power to mines, a spokesperson pointed out that Eskom might ... run its gas turbines ``harder'' and expects some power cuts to city areas.
The Mining-Weekly notes that this extra % is given in a phased approach. What's phased? 1/2 % today, more next week?
Mineweb states that the Minister did declare 5% power increase for mines in an interview with Bloomberg but the industry was still waiting for official announcement. There was, however, a comment by spokesperson for Chamber of Mines which basically said: it's mostly the 138 large industrial customers carrying the burden of the 10% power cut at the moment, we feel the burden should be spread more equitably ... The second point is that the labour and export intensity of the sector should be taken into account.
Sadly, that probably means more cuts for small businesses and residential areas.
Land Expropriation Bill
Cabinet gave the thumbs up for a bill that will speed up land expropriation. Now it just needs go-ahead from parliament.
Apparently the current land redistribution has been tardy and they want the process to leave the current snail pace and welcome a new era, so to speak.
This is quick; didn't they just mention it in Polokwane last year?
Woman held in cell for 15 hours
This is a creepy story. Woman was arrested for .... what was it? assault and reckless driving? Read the full story to see how absurd it is.
A woman in Cape Town claims that she was forced off the road by a high-ranking traffic official, manhandled in front of her children and held in a dirty cell for 15 hours on Sunday.
You know what the freaky bit was? The traffic official also apparently took photos of the hysterical Roux on his cell phone.
And seems like she had to wait in the cell for 15 hours because the police station computer was down!
It's a sad day when those assigned to protect you makes your life miserable. Where is the Vimes pride in your duty?
Street closed?
This took a turn for the worse.
The Gauteng Transport Porfolio Committee says it will close the infamous-for-mini-skirt Noord Street if the culprits involved in the assault are not found.
On the other hand. taxi bosses say that the government doesn't take such a harsh stand when lives of drivers and passengers are killed; am assuming this last reference was to crime.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Bad Year for South Africa?
South African news:
Migration from Jo'burg to Capetown? Yep, it's happening alright!
If this article is anything to go by, there seems to be a mass movement of people from Gauteng to that well-known trendy region.
Given the emphatic description by author, I almost imagined a long line of people walking beside packed wagons.
But it has to be said, Capetown does seem to be efficient and cares for its residents.
Sadly, the recent power cut announcements for Jo'burg probably didn't help.
Just a thought ... won't a mass semigration, as someone so quaintly called it, actually increase demand for power in Capetown?
Qwelane will not apologize for saying coconut
Well, heated discussion ensued in the public forum arranged by SAHRC.
You know, the complaint about whites being excluded from the luncheon.
Qwelane refuses to apologize after labeling someone a coconut. In fact, his view of any complaints about exclusion from the luncheon is:
It (the complaint) smacks of paternalistic arrogance and undermines the right to independence of thought and action.
Oh come now! In the same note, if the roles were reversed because some arrogant white man decided non-white people should not be allowed into meeting because people of one color have the right to thought and action, what would we call it?
No wait! The German National Socialists have done that already and gassed some 6 million non-whites in the process. You probably heard of their enigmatic leader who brought them out of poverty; a twitchy man? Had a funky mustache?
It seems like revenge to me; you did this us, and we'll do same to you.
Quite sad. What does it mean? You are not welcome here?
This will convince more people to leave country and South Africa needs all the skilled workers, more than ever.
South Africa pro-sanctions in Iran?
South Africa, one of the non-permanent members of UN security council, voted in favor of further sanctions against Iran.
Well, nonetheless it is to their credit that SA were particular about the reasons for imposing sanctions; hence, it sounds like they were pushing for a more balanced take on Iran i.e. once the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme could be established, it should be treated as any other member of the non-proliferation treaty.
Zim diaspora wants right to vote
This is interesting. Apparently, Zimbabwe Revolutionary Youth Movement handed a petition over to the Zim embassy; seems like Zimbabweans outside their country want to be able to vote.
According to the ZRYM president, if the Zim gov't don't comply with the demands by March 8th, then, in his own words, We will carry out our action and shut down the embassy because it has no use and no Zimbabweans are helped there.
That's this Saturday, isn't it?
America jails people faster than South Africa?
Hmm, here's something interesting. Fox News refers to a new report about inmate population, stating that the United States imprisons more people than any country in the world.
According to the article, this is what the figures were like at the start of this year:
Number of Jailbirds
America - 2.3 million
China - 1.5 million
Russia - 890 000
Here's what caught my eye. The report went on to claim that the U.S. — with 750 inmates per 100,000 people — "is the global leader in the rate at which it incarcerates its citizenry, outpacing nations like South Africa and Iran.".
What an embarrassing reference for South Africa. I can't say that I am surprised, given the high crime rate in this country. What's America's excuse?
Spingbok passports were almost withheld?
I know this is old news (2007) but I am ashamed to admit that I only heard about it a few days ago. You know, the bit about the threat to withhold Springbok's passports.
It was all about picking a balanced team and this was right before the World Cup.
Hmm, imagine if there had been interfernce and a different team had gone.
Migration from Jo'burg to Capetown? Yep, it's happening alright!
If this article is anything to go by, there seems to be a mass movement of people from Gauteng to that well-known trendy region.
Given the emphatic description by author, I almost imagined a long line of people walking beside packed wagons.
But it has to be said, Capetown does seem to be efficient and cares for its residents.
Sadly, the recent power cut announcements for Jo'burg probably didn't help.
Just a thought ... won't a mass semigration, as someone so quaintly called it, actually increase demand for power in Capetown?
Qwelane will not apologize for saying coconut
Well, heated discussion ensued in the public forum arranged by SAHRC.
You know, the complaint about whites being excluded from the luncheon.
Qwelane refuses to apologize after labeling someone a coconut. In fact, his view of any complaints about exclusion from the luncheon is:
It (the complaint) smacks of paternalistic arrogance and undermines the right to independence of thought and action.
Oh come now! In the same note, if the roles were reversed because some arrogant white man decided non-white people should not be allowed into meeting because people of one color have the right to thought and action, what would we call it?
No wait! The German National Socialists have done that already and gassed some 6 million non-whites in the process. You probably heard of their enigmatic leader who brought them out of poverty; a twitchy man? Had a funky mustache?
It seems like revenge to me; you did this us, and we'll do same to you.
Quite sad. What does it mean? You are not welcome here?
This will convince more people to leave country and South Africa needs all the skilled workers, more than ever.
South Africa pro-sanctions in Iran?
South Africa, one of the non-permanent members of UN security council, voted in favor of further sanctions against Iran.
Well, nonetheless it is to their credit that SA were particular about the reasons for imposing sanctions; hence, it sounds like they were pushing for a more balanced take on Iran i.e. once the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme could be established, it should be treated as any other member of the non-proliferation treaty.
Zim diaspora wants right to vote
This is interesting. Apparently, Zimbabwe Revolutionary Youth Movement handed a petition over to the Zim embassy; seems like Zimbabweans outside their country want to be able to vote.
According to the ZRYM president, if the Zim gov't don't comply with the demands by March 8th, then, in his own words, We will carry out our action and shut down the embassy because it has no use and no Zimbabweans are helped there.
That's this Saturday, isn't it?
America jails people faster than South Africa?
Hmm, here's something interesting. Fox News refers to a new report about inmate population, stating that the United States imprisons more people than any country in the world.
According to the article, this is what the figures were like at the start of this year:
Number of Jailbirds
America - 2.3 million
China - 1.5 million
Russia - 890 000
Here's what caught my eye. The report went on to claim that the U.S. — with 750 inmates per 100,000 people — "is the global leader in the rate at which it incarcerates its citizenry, outpacing nations like South Africa and Iran.".
What an embarrassing reference for South Africa. I can't say that I am surprised, given the high crime rate in this country. What's America's excuse?
Spingbok passports were almost withheld?
I know this is old news (2007) but I am ashamed to admit that I only heard about it a few days ago. You know, the bit about the threat to withhold Springbok's passports.
It was all about picking a balanced team and this was right before the World Cup.
Hmm, imagine if there had been interfernce and a different team had gone.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Optimism leaves South Africa?
South African news:
TV star killed by hijackers
There just seems to be so much crime! Well there is, but it's still sad to read about each and every case.
In this instance, television star and popular Soweto pub owner, Shimmy Mofokeng, was killed in a botched hijacking.
Apparently Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Firoz Cachalia had recently stated that statistics were showing a decline in crime in the province.
Something that is scary in this country is not just the high level of crime but the violent nature of it. What's scary is the readiness with which they would take a life.
Whites threatened in Free State University
Here's even more depressing news. As if the discovery of racism in Reitz Hostel was not bad enough, now it seems that racist threats have been aimed at white students.
Afriforum claims that white students in Free State University were not being welcomed in the institution; apparently "all white people" [were] to leave the campus, the black students allegedly threatened that all white "bitches" would be raped and all white farmers killed.
Perhaps Pandor should have a pledge about respecting human rights in general and explaining that violation of dignity, irrespective of race, is not acceptable.
Anthrax in Lesotho
Okay! Seems like there was an anthrax outbreak in Lesotho and thus, SA farmers living close to the border were warned to be vigilant.
Apparently [t]he Free State department was in the process of establishing surveillance measures to monitor the movement of animals within a 20-kilometre radius from these areas.
It's not a good year for the Free State, is it?
Eskom stops new construction
This is bad news. Apparently Eskom is going to postpone new constructions that that are bigger than a residential home.
New townhouse complexes, petrol stations, factories and all other construction projects where electricity provision needs to be obtained from Eskom in advance will be delayed by up to six months.
As the article points out, it will affect jobs, economic growth in general.
And people don't watch the news so they are blissfully unaware of what's going to hit them.
What does this mean for the World Cup stadiums? I suppose since construction commenced prior to February, they will still get go ahead.
Heinous Attack
Oh man. This is probably the same robbery mentioned a few days ago - how a man robbed an elderly woman on a farm and had made a snack for himself as well.
Details about the crime are coming out and it's pretty gruesome.
Apparently Anna Viljoen was ... in a critical condition, has various severe bruises and looks as though she had been throttled and beaten on her throat. Her knee is also broken and she has knife wounds on her body.
For shame! It's even mentioned that the carpets, the mattress and the curtains were splattered with blood and thus would have to be thrown away!
It's one thing to rob people (not at all justified or right) but how can you bring yourself to hurt someone else like this?
Gun shots shock lady?
Shame! I heard about this on the news last night (well, it was one of the scrolling captions).
Apparently, a pensioner collapsed after hearing the security guard's gun go off outside the post office.
Exact cause of death is not known.
TV star killed by hijackers
There just seems to be so much crime! Well there is, but it's still sad to read about each and every case.
In this instance, television star and popular Soweto pub owner, Shimmy Mofokeng, was killed in a botched hijacking.
Apparently Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Firoz Cachalia had recently stated that statistics were showing a decline in crime in the province.
Something that is scary in this country is not just the high level of crime but the violent nature of it. What's scary is the readiness with which they would take a life.
Whites threatened in Free State University
Here's even more depressing news. As if the discovery of racism in Reitz Hostel was not bad enough, now it seems that racist threats have been aimed at white students.
Afriforum claims that white students in Free State University were not being welcomed in the institution; apparently "all white people" [were] to leave the campus, the black students allegedly threatened that all white "bitches" would be raped and all white farmers killed.
Perhaps Pandor should have a pledge about respecting human rights in general and explaining that violation of dignity, irrespective of race, is not acceptable.
Anthrax in Lesotho
Okay! Seems like there was an anthrax outbreak in Lesotho and thus, SA farmers living close to the border were warned to be vigilant.
Apparently [t]he Free State department was in the process of establishing surveillance measures to monitor the movement of animals within a 20-kilometre radius from these areas.
It's not a good year for the Free State, is it?
Eskom stops new construction
This is bad news. Apparently Eskom is going to postpone new constructions that that are bigger than a residential home.
New townhouse complexes, petrol stations, factories and all other construction projects where electricity provision needs to be obtained from Eskom in advance will be delayed by up to six months.
As the article points out, it will affect jobs, economic growth in general.
And people don't watch the news so they are blissfully unaware of what's going to hit them.
What does this mean for the World Cup stadiums? I suppose since construction commenced prior to February, they will still get go ahead.
Heinous Attack
Oh man. This is probably the same robbery mentioned a few days ago - how a man robbed an elderly woman on a farm and had made a snack for himself as well.
Details about the crime are coming out and it's pretty gruesome.
Apparently Anna Viljoen was ... in a critical condition, has various severe bruises and looks as though she had been throttled and beaten on her throat. Her knee is also broken and she has knife wounds on her body.
For shame! It's even mentioned that the carpets, the mattress and the curtains were splattered with blood and thus would have to be thrown away!
It's one thing to rob people (not at all justified or right) but how can you bring yourself to hurt someone else like this?
Gun shots shock lady?
Shame! I heard about this on the news last night (well, it was one of the scrolling captions).
Apparently, a pensioner collapsed after hearing the security guard's gun go off outside the post office.
Exact cause of death is not known.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Tragic day in South Africa
South African news:
Accidents in KZN
This is bad! Apparently there were several accidents on the road yesterday which resulted in 32 deaths.
One accident was between a truck and a taxi and the other involved a bakkie and two cars.
While human error were cited for the first instance, the article hints at recklessness behind the second incident where [t]he truck driver broke all the rules of the road and went into oncoming traffic and crashed into a taxi.
What was immensely sad was the accident with the bakkie; apparently it had been carrying a few workers in the back (eight died on the scene). I always hate it when I see such transport; vehicle safety always, always emphasizing the use of seat belts etc. and that right is apparently not even applicable to these workers.
As for the truck, I can't say that I am surprised. How many times have you comes across a seemingly crazed truck driver who pulls all sorts of cowboy stunts on the road.
You'd think of calling in and complaining about such vehicles but a) who do you call and b) would it make a difference in this country?
Death in robbery
Oh shame. This is a day of sad stories. Here is an article about house robbery that resulted in critical injuries and one death.
Seems like the neighbor rushed in after hearing calls for help to find the father shot dead and mother and son badly injured.
More robberies
Ahh bad news all over again. This article refers to an increasing number of robberies in Cape guesthouses.
It also seems like these establishments don't want to talk about crime in area or put up measures to counter crime, possibly due to the negative impact on tourists. And taking a tourist's son hostage for money isn't bad publicity (check story for details)?
I recently read an American article about people picking the right area / neighborhood when moving house. Some of the warning signs that hint at a questionable area or dodgy crime were graffiti, broken walls, burglar bars, beware of dog signs and high walls.
Irony? Don't majority of houses in South Africa have most of this? How do you think tourists react to our lifestyles?
Another robbery
Shame another bad crime story. A family was held up at their family home by armed men.
They took off with their cellphone, wallets, clothes and even alcohol.
I'm not sure of the bit about the robbers calling the victim's friends, using his cellphone in the middle of the night to make noises. What exactly are the robbers thinking?
At this rate, what is it going to be like in 2010?
I know what you did after breakfast
Ooookay, creepy factor coming.
A woman had been harassed by a cellphone 'stalker' of sorts since November. Now she has been granted a court order for Vodacom to reveal details of the 'stalker's' number.
How's that for unbelievable? Whoever is calling her needs a life, so to speak.
Wasn't there supposed to be some law coming in soon where pay-as-you-go people were supposed to register their names etc? Or am I just behind the times?
Accidents in KZN
This is bad! Apparently there were several accidents on the road yesterday which resulted in 32 deaths.
One accident was between a truck and a taxi and the other involved a bakkie and two cars.
While human error were cited for the first instance, the article hints at recklessness behind the second incident where [t]he truck driver broke all the rules of the road and went into oncoming traffic and crashed into a taxi.
What was immensely sad was the accident with the bakkie; apparently it had been carrying a few workers in the back (eight died on the scene). I always hate it when I see such transport; vehicle safety always, always emphasizing the use of seat belts etc. and that right is apparently not even applicable to these workers.
As for the truck, I can't say that I am surprised. How many times have you comes across a seemingly crazed truck driver who pulls all sorts of cowboy stunts on the road.
You'd think of calling in and complaining about such vehicles but a) who do you call and b) would it make a difference in this country?
Death in robbery
Oh shame. This is a day of sad stories. Here is an article about house robbery that resulted in critical injuries and one death.
Seems like the neighbor rushed in after hearing calls for help to find the father shot dead and mother and son badly injured.
More robberies
Ahh bad news all over again. This article refers to an increasing number of robberies in Cape guesthouses.
It also seems like these establishments don't want to talk about crime in area or put up measures to counter crime, possibly due to the negative impact on tourists. And taking a tourist's son hostage for money isn't bad publicity (check story for details)?
I recently read an American article about people picking the right area / neighborhood when moving house. Some of the warning signs that hint at a questionable area or dodgy crime were graffiti, broken walls, burglar bars, beware of dog signs and high walls.
Irony? Don't majority of houses in South Africa have most of this? How do you think tourists react to our lifestyles?
Another robbery
Shame another bad crime story. A family was held up at their family home by armed men.
They took off with their cellphone, wallets, clothes and even alcohol.
I'm not sure of the bit about the robbers calling the victim's friends, using his cellphone in the middle of the night to make noises. What exactly are the robbers thinking?
At this rate, what is it going to be like in 2010?
I know what you did after breakfast
Ooookay, creepy factor coming.
A woman had been harassed by a cellphone 'stalker' of sorts since November. Now she has been granted a court order for Vodacom to reveal details of the 'stalker's' number.
How's that for unbelievable? Whoever is calling her needs a life, so to speak.
Wasn't there supposed to be some law coming in soon where pay-as-you-go people were supposed to register their names etc? Or am I just behind the times?
Monday, March 3, 2008
Coutillard Questions 9/11
This is a bit like shooting yourself in the foot, isn't it?
Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard apparently questioned the famous 9/11 events. Not only is she is doubt of that but seems like she also took a pot shot at the other bastion of American pride - Lunar Landing of 1969. Turns out she might be a member of the skeptic crowd.
Not so slecht if you are not planning for an extended Hollywood career I suppose.
Life goes on in South Africa
South African news:
Steppin' Out
Seems like a lot happened this weekend. Seems Mandoza was involved in an accident on Saturday night resulting in minor injuries. As for the people in the other car, apparently their car overturned after being hit and they died on the spot. The article also mentioned that blood was not taken from Mandoza on the scene to test for alcohol level.
Wild Boys
I may sound like an old biddy when I say this, but really! Wild parties, sex with strangers, no thought for the future.
I was going to mention an ABBA song that was very appropriate for this situation. But I might as well stamp the word old geezer on my forehead.
Anyway, when you read about the reckless partying in this article, you wonder if anyone is thinking safe sex or STDs.
And then there is the stereotype of allocating promiscuity to just one race.
(Racism?) In a Big Country
For shame! After reporting on the "Reitz Hostel" video, a journalist covering the story was beaten up in a Bloemfontein cafe.
Apparently the Drum journalist and his colleagues was approached by a big white fella who later followed him to the bathroom and apparently headbutted, kicked and punched him in the face after asking the men in the bathroom if they "hou van k*****s.
As of yet, it is not clear if the culprit was a student.
This just confirms prevailing racist attitudes in Free State doesn't it?
That was then, this is now
Oooh boy! Gun Owners South Africa (Gosa) advises citizens to arm themselves. You've heard the argument before; rampant crime, justice system "on the verge of collapse" and the police and security forces "in a state of total disarray".
I've heard a lot of people echo this same sentiment. Somehow, that paints a very scary, bloody future for South Africa.
But then, even if you own a gun how does that help? Not only are you more likely to be mugged for your gun but firing at a criminal, no matter how ghastly his actions, would land you, the victim in jail.
Everybody wants to rule the world
How's this for creepy? An elderly woman was beaten repeatedly by an intruder, after he made himself a snack in her house.
I think this happened in a farm since a farm laborer became suspicious and went to investigate ... and I would assume resulted in her being taken to hospital.
Maybe the location as well as name is being withheld to protect her?
Steppin' Out
Seems like a lot happened this weekend. Seems Mandoza was involved in an accident on Saturday night resulting in minor injuries. As for the people in the other car, apparently their car overturned after being hit and they died on the spot. The article also mentioned that blood was not taken from Mandoza on the scene to test for alcohol level.
Wild Boys
I may sound like an old biddy when I say this, but really! Wild parties, sex with strangers, no thought for the future.
I was going to mention an ABBA song that was very appropriate for this situation. But I might as well stamp the word old geezer on my forehead.
Anyway, when you read about the reckless partying in this article, you wonder if anyone is thinking safe sex or STDs.
And then there is the stereotype of allocating promiscuity to just one race.
(Racism?) In a Big Country
For shame! After reporting on the "Reitz Hostel" video, a journalist covering the story was beaten up in a Bloemfontein cafe.
Apparently the Drum journalist and his colleagues was approached by a big white fella who later followed him to the bathroom and apparently headbutted, kicked and punched him in the face after asking the men in the bathroom if they "hou van k*****s.
As of yet, it is not clear if the culprit was a student.
This just confirms prevailing racist attitudes in Free State doesn't it?
That was then, this is now
Oooh boy! Gun Owners South Africa (Gosa) advises citizens to arm themselves. You've heard the argument before; rampant crime, justice system "on the verge of collapse" and the police and security forces "in a state of total disarray".
I've heard a lot of people echo this same sentiment. Somehow, that paints a very scary, bloody future for South Africa.
But then, even if you own a gun how does that help? Not only are you more likely to be mugged for your gun but firing at a criminal, no matter how ghastly his actions, would land you, the victim in jail.
Everybody wants to rule the world
How's this for creepy? An elderly woman was beaten repeatedly by an intruder, after he made himself a snack in her house.
I think this happened in a farm since a farm laborer became suspicious and went to investigate ... and I would assume resulted in her being taken to hospital.
Maybe the location as well as name is being withheld to protect her?
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