There are still some areas without power in Kempton Park.
According to IOL, although power had been restored to most areas, Van Riebeeck Park, Rhodesfield and Cresslawn are still lacking power.
Ekurhuleni municipality spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said:
"We are busy with Cresslawn now. The problem is that the damaged cable goes underneath buildings and it's very difficult to get to.
It probably doesn't help that it's winter and lots of folks need power for their heaters and such.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Crime problems in South Africa
Crime in South Africa:
First story:
A little boy called emergency services right after his home had been robbed and got a nasty response.
Apparently the woman on the other end thought it was a crank call.
Sad fact is, his bed-ridden granny was injured and they needed help immediately.
You can't really dismiss anything in a country with such bad crime can you?
The boy finally called his parents who got hold of police.
Second Story:
Armed robbery takes place in a shopping centre in Roodepoort.
Apparently the robbers targeted a Dischem store. Security guards are alerted by alarm and a shoot-out ensues.
I'm guessing this was at night. It's still scary.
First story:
A little boy called emergency services right after his home had been robbed and got a nasty response.
Apparently the woman on the other end thought it was a crank call.
Sad fact is, his bed-ridden granny was injured and they needed help immediately.
You can't really dismiss anything in a country with such bad crime can you?
The boy finally called his parents who got hold of police.
Second Story:
Armed robbery takes place in a shopping centre in Roodepoort.
Apparently the robbers targeted a Dischem store. Security guards are alerted by alarm and a shoot-out ensues.
I'm guessing this was at night. It's still scary.
Carte Blanche expose on Durban Beach Pollution
Apparently Carte Blanche had a disturbing piece on Durban beach pollution.
As they noted, Durban lost the Blue Flag status because of "garbage, overflowing toilets and high faecal pollution readings in the water".
This is disconcerting.
The programme took viewers to toilets behind North Beach where sewage was flowing out from under doors and on to the surrounding earth.
It also took viewers to a stormwater outlet at Addington Beach, where "vagrants" were washing themselves and their clothes, watched by occupants of an eThekwini "law enforcement" vehicle.
Carte Blanche interviewer Bonita Nuttal noted that faecal bacteria in the water was 52 times the accepted international amount.
Turns out eThekwini municipality wants to use their own standards.
Talk about apathy!
Wonder how many people get sick now after going to the beach!
As they noted, Durban lost the Blue Flag status because of "garbage, overflowing toilets and high faecal pollution readings in the water".
This is disconcerting.
The programme took viewers to toilets behind North Beach where sewage was flowing out from under doors and on to the surrounding earth.
It also took viewers to a stormwater outlet at Addington Beach, where "vagrants" were washing themselves and their clothes, watched by occupants of an eThekwini "law enforcement" vehicle.
Carte Blanche interviewer Bonita Nuttal noted that faecal bacteria in the water was 52 times the accepted international amount.
Turns out eThekwini municipality wants to use their own standards.
Talk about apathy!
Wonder how many people get sick now after going to the beach!
Why should middle class pay?
Solidarity feels strongly about Eskom's price hike.
Their point?
Why should consumers pay 60% when industries pay 275% less and Eskom is selling 1/3 of power to neighbors?
According to a spokesperson,
Hear, Hear.
Their point?
Why should consumers pay 60% when industries pay 275% less and Eskom is selling 1/3 of power to neighbors?
According to a spokesperson,
If Eskom is given the go-ahead for its requested 60% plus increase, the South African middle class will be paying more for power than any other developing country.
Hear, Hear.
New petrol price increase
Oh great! Petrol prices are all set to increase, again!
According to IOL, next Wednesday there is expected to be a petrol price hike, a jolly 20 - 25 cents / litre increase.
Wait there's more great news!
According to IOL, next Wednesday there is expected to be a petrol price hike, a jolly 20 - 25 cents / litre increase.
Wait there's more great news!
"The increase should be around about 20 to 25 cents a litre. It won't hit R10 yet, but you'll probably see R10 at some time (soon)," said Dawie Roodt, chief economist at the Efficient Group.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Crime spurts in South Africa
This pic is from 1999; another tragic death from crime.
Crime in South Africa.
It's really really frightening now. I know it's always been bad but the frequency of spurts makes you wonder if it's now out of control. I mean Nigeria issued travel warning to its citizens. That should tell us something.
First story:
A man was murdered in his home by robbers. Apparently the thieves got in through an upstairs window in his Bulwer home.
And they opened fire on him for no apparent reason.
At this rate, either there will be a spike in the number of people leaving OR there will be a massive protest against the gun-free South Africa campaign.
Second story:
There was a shooting incident at a Rivonia Boulevard News Cafe in Johannesburg. Apparently 3 people were injured. This included the shooter.
This might not be run-of-the mill crime story. The reasons behind the shooting are vague.
According to police:
"The two men were allegedly sitting inside having fun. An argument broke out ending with both men shooting at each other. They are both in hospital at this stage,"
Nonetheless shooting incidents in a public place is a frightening idea.
Kempton Park: Seven days without power
Wonder if this is a premonition for rest of South Africa?
Kempton Park is entering 7th day without power.
Apparently power will be restored on Monday (assuming it is today).
People are scared to go out at night, alarms are not working, food in shops are going to rot ....
Check out this ominous statement by IOL:
Almost like a ghost town.
Kempton Park is entering 7th day without power.
Apparently power will be restored on Monday (assuming it is today).
People are scared to go out at night, alarms are not working, food in shops are going to rot ....
Check out this ominous statement by IOL:
When The Star visited Kempton Park on Sunday traffic lights were out and most of the restaurants were deserted. The only visible activity came from generator-powered shops.
Almost like a ghost town.
Increasing attacks in UCT
You know crime is outta control when students want to bring in guns to school.
University of Cape Town students are considering the scary option of carrying firearms to protect themselves. And you can't blame them either.
Check out the various incidents that prompted this worry:
Last weekend a student was robbed, on campus, of her handbag, laptop and car keys.
Previous week, another student was robbed at gunpoint. He was on his way from UCT to his flat. And do note, after stealing his cellphone, the robbers smsed his girlfriend, pretending to be him and asking for his PIN. Creepy.
Just days after the on campus attack, a UCT professor was shot dead in front of his home. This was 2 km from UCT.
It does seem like UCT needs to beef up security. I don't think this is because they weren't doing much for security in first place; it's probably that crime has escalated in just a few weeks to just high proportions that more drastic measures are called for.
As for arming themselves as a means for self defense:
... UCT management says the campus will remain a gun-free zone.
University of Cape Town students are considering the scary option of carrying firearms to protect themselves. And you can't blame them either.
Check out the various incidents that prompted this worry:
Last weekend a student was robbed, on campus, of her handbag, laptop and car keys.
Previous week, another student was robbed at gunpoint. He was on his way from UCT to his flat. And do note, after stealing his cellphone, the robbers smsed his girlfriend, pretending to be him and asking for his PIN. Creepy.
Just days after the on campus attack, a UCT professor was shot dead in front of his home. This was 2 km from UCT.
It does seem like UCT needs to beef up security. I don't think this is because they weren't doing much for security in first place; it's probably that crime has escalated in just a few weeks to just high proportions that more drastic measures are called for.
As for arming themselves as a means for self defense:
... UCT management says the campus will remain a gun-free zone.
Friday, April 25, 2008
No loadshedding in big weekend
Good news everyone!
Eskom might skip load shedding next week. Unless some unforeseen problem pops up.
Also,
Since it is winter, wonder if power consumption will go up - heaters, more use of geysers etc.?
Eskom might skip load shedding next week. Unless some unforeseen problem pops up.
Also,
Eskom said it was working with municipalities on initiatives to reduce the demand for electricity by the required ten percent and municipalities that achieved reduction would be exempted from load shedding as long as the reduction was maintained.When I first heard this, I couldn't really believe it. But seems to be true. Of course, pretty soon we're going to be coughing up a lotta moolah to pay our bills, what with the price hike and all.
Since it is winter, wonder if power consumption will go up - heaters, more use of geysers etc.?
Suspect shot by police
Remember those horrible farm killings recently? One of them committed by a guy who had escaped from police cells?
Well, police had cornered the main suspect in the Malopo area and when, during the kerfuffle, the fellow pointed a firearm at the police, the cop fired and injured the suspect.
According to community safety MEC, Phenye Vilakazi,
The chain reaction from this shoot to kill order is going to have serious repercussions in years to come.
Well, police had cornered the main suspect in the Malopo area and when, during the kerfuffle, the fellow pointed a firearm at the police, the cop fired and injured the suspect.
According to community safety MEC, Phenye Vilakazi,
"Police did exactly as instructed. If they are under attack, they must defend themselves. Anyone who thinks police should not fire at criminals must think again,
The chain reaction from this shoot to kill order is going to have serious repercussions in years to come.
Foreigners want to leave South Africa: no longer safe
I feel bad for these folks.
Around twenty foreigners congregated in front of the UN building in Pretoria; they wanted to hand over a memorandum asking for them to be sent back home.
Apparently, due to the xenophobic attacks in the area, they were scared of being killed.
Some of them were arrested because it was an illegal march/gathering.
It's interesting that they don't state the country of origin of these guys.
This is a blow to South Africa, especially after the travel warning issued by Nigeria.
Hang on a minute ... there's this concept of an "illegal march" or gathering ... so how come police didn't arrest all those torch friendly protesters who keep burning stuff down? And when do they get tried as arsonists?
Around twenty foreigners congregated in front of the UN building in Pretoria; they wanted to hand over a memorandum asking for them to be sent back home.
Apparently, due to the xenophobic attacks in the area, they were scared of being killed.
Some of them were arrested because it was an illegal march/gathering.
It's interesting that they don't state the country of origin of these guys.
This is a blow to South Africa, especially after the travel warning issued by Nigeria.
Hang on a minute ... there's this concept of an "illegal march" or gathering ... so how come police didn't arrest all those torch friendly protesters who keep burning stuff down? And when do they get tried as arsonists?
Western Cape is Murder Capital
This is not something you want to include in the tourism brochure.
According to the "State of the provinces report", Western Cape is the murder capital of the country. Oh, and it has the richest, healthiest and most educated bunch in it. Looks like the criminals do their homework before striking, doesn't it?
KZN has the highest HIV infection rates.
Eastern Cape had an embarrassing record of service delivery ... or lack thereof.
Limpopo maybe the poorest but looks like it's the safest spot right now.
According to the "State of the provinces report", Western Cape is the murder capital of the country. Oh, and it has the richest, healthiest and most educated bunch in it. Looks like the criminals do their homework before striking, doesn't it?
KZN has the highest HIV infection rates.
Eastern Cape had an embarrassing record of service delivery ... or lack thereof.
Limpopo maybe the poorest but looks like it's the safest spot right now.
Burn Burn Burn
Chanting followed by a wheel rolling downhill, flames flickering off it's rubbery self.
No, it's not the making of the latest Universal Soldier movie; it's the typical scene of protest in South Africa.
People get very very angry; someone inevitably bring out the matches and Puff! Up goes the nearest structure in a ball of flame.
Remember how a security truck was torched in angry protest in Lenasia? Well, looks like these people get the same "How to Burn stuff" cliff notes.
This time people are gathered around a railway station in Jo'burg. Yea, Bunch of miffed commuters gathered around the Daveyton station in East Rand and things got a bit heated up.
According to IOL, a police officer stated,
"The commuters are complaining that there are constant delays from Northmead to Daveyton station; they are also demanding that we release the arrested people,"
No they didn't throw a Molotov cocktail at the trains. Pfft! they decided to torch the Metrorail ticket station.
Am guessing there's going to be an unruly protest in the future; it's taking too long to sell tickets, people missing their trains.
No, it's not the making of the latest Universal Soldier movie; it's the typical scene of protest in South Africa.
People get very very angry; someone inevitably bring out the matches and Puff! Up goes the nearest structure in a ball of flame.
Remember how a security truck was torched in angry protest in Lenasia? Well, looks like these people get the same "How to Burn stuff" cliff notes.
This time people are gathered around a railway station in Jo'burg. Yea, Bunch of miffed commuters gathered around the Daveyton station in East Rand and things got a bit heated up.
According to IOL, a police officer stated,
"The commuters are complaining that there are constant delays from Northmead to Daveyton station; they are also demanding that we release the arrested people,"
No they didn't throw a Molotov cocktail at the trains. Pfft! they decided to torch the Metrorail ticket station.
Am guessing there's going to be an unruly protest in the future; it's taking too long to sell tickets, people missing their trains.
Community catches criminals
First instance of crime:
This is uplifting news regarding crime in South Africa.
Residents and security guards capture would-be robbers in Hillcrest. You have to read it to believe it. It's straight out a movie - woman screams, neighbour runs in to help, robbers run off, security chases the, motorist stops to help .... It's one of those feel-good stories.
Let's hope the criminals are kept off the streets.
Second story:
This is the sad story of a woman who was rapped by an intruder. The thief entered her home in Durban, assaulted her and took off with her cell phone and some money.
Third Story:
Another instance of a would-be robber being caught. Apparently a woman saw a stranger walking out of her house who fled when confronted by the woman. She alerted community members who ran after him.
Seems like the thief was happy to be apprehended by the cops; he was worried that residents were going to kill him if they had nabbed him.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Girl with MDR-TB attends school
Oh great!
There was a MDR-TB scare in Cape Town recently; apparently a gal who had not been responding well to the drug-resistant TB had been attending classes!
That's pretty frightening to the other students.
The chairperson of the city's health portfolio committee said, when they heard about the pupil from Edgemead High School, city health immediately visited the family and asked that the pupil be removed from school until the disease had been brought under control.
How can you endanger others? Surely that's against the law?
There was a MDR-TB scare in Cape Town recently; apparently a gal who had not been responding well to the drug-resistant TB had been attending classes!
That's pretty frightening to the other students.
The chairperson of the city's health portfolio committee said, when they heard about the pupil from Edgemead High School, city health immediately visited the family and asked that the pupil be removed from school until the disease had been brought under control.
How can you endanger others? Surely that's against the law?
Crime in South Africa: It's so bad that Nigeria issues travel warning
How's this for embarrassing?
Nigerian Senate has warned its citizens against traveling in South Africa.
The Senate yesterday warned Nigerians travelling to and living in South Africa to be wary of incessant attacks, even as it called on the Federal Government to issue a travel advice to all Nigerians travelling to the country.
Here's what Senator Bent said about the resolution:
" ... the attacks had become so embarrassing that most Nigerians who traveled to South Africa were usually dispossessed of their valuables.
"Worse still, Nigerians are being painted as fraudsters and criminals forgetting that a sizeable percentage of Nigerians go about their businesses legitimately.
"We were alarmed that the situation has deteriorated to the extent that a week ago, the South African Minister for Interior and Security announced on air ordering the South African Police to shoot the 'bastards' referring to the armed robbers.
"This is evident to an extent that even the South African Government is getting helpless about the situation."
Charming! Can't say that I blame them; combine xenophobia and high crime rate and Nigerians get the worst end of the deal.
Power cable explodes
More problems with electricity.
An underground power cable exploded near a railway line in KZN. This happened in the Chatsworth suburb.
According to the Divisional Commander, Owen Singh,
"An underground cable exploded alongside a railway line but there were no injuries,"
"The incident happened during load shedding,"
There's going to be more fallout due to load-shedding, isn't there?
The substation explosion, the death of a woman by carbon monoxide poisoning and now this!
An underground power cable exploded near a railway line in KZN. This happened in the Chatsworth suburb.
According to the Divisional Commander, Owen Singh,
"An underground cable exploded alongside a railway line but there were no injuries,"
"The incident happened during load shedding,"
There's going to be more fallout due to load-shedding, isn't there?
The substation explosion, the death of a woman by carbon monoxide poisoning and now this!
Hijackers targeting parents
At this rate it would be accurate to say crime is spiraling out of control. As I scan the day's headlines, the somewhat denialist attitude of the morning show seems even more absurd. You probably saw that today as well; organizations coming together to make a difference, one umbrella of something or the other.
When it is crisis-level you need a miracle or perhaps more realistically, an Arnold to save the day!
First story is the brutal murder of a man in Honeydew, Jo'burg. He was found tied to his bed and looks like he might have been beaten.
Cellphone, DVD player and radio were missing from his home.
Second story is the discovery of a murdered man in Lucannon Street, Jo'burg.
According to the police,
Third story is about a robbery in a shopping centre in Fourways. There was a shooting and a security guard was injured during the exchange of fire.
It's scary to think this happened at 11am.
Fourth story is a warning against increased hijackings. Apparently parents waiting outside schools are becoming the prefered targets for criminals.
What's the word for this instance? Unscrupulous!
When it is crisis-level you need a miracle or perhaps more realistically, an Arnold to save the day!
First story is the brutal murder of a man in Honeydew, Jo'burg. He was found tied to his bed and looks like he might have been beaten.
Cellphone, DVD player and radio were missing from his home.
Second story is the discovery of a murdered man in Lucannon Street, Jo'burg.
According to the police,
"...the man's hands had been tied behind his back and he had an open wound, possibly inflicted by a sharp object, to his head."
Third story is about a robbery in a shopping centre in Fourways. There was a shooting and a security guard was injured during the exchange of fire.
It's scary to think this happened at 11am.
Fourth story is a warning against increased hijackings. Apparently parents waiting outside schools are becoming the prefered targets for criminals.
What's the word for this instance? Unscrupulous!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Linda Biehl honored for forgiving murderer of her daughter
Hmm, I was casually browsing through SA news today and I didn't come across this anywhere. Interesting how this was a move by South Africa and yet no one in South Africa thought to pick up this story?
Yahoo News has an article about US citizen Linda Biehel receiving a state honor for forgiving the man who had killed her daughter.
Her 26 year old daughter, Amy Biehl, was stoned and stabbed to death by a group of people when she dropped off her friends in a Cape Town township.
I suppose this type of romantic gesture is the kind of acts that grab the imagination of Americans and perhaps the rest of the world. Sadly, too many are disillusioned by current crime rates to see it that way.
Yahoo News has an article about US citizen Linda Biehel receiving a state honor for forgiving the man who had killed her daughter.
Her 26 year old daughter, Amy Biehl, was stoned and stabbed to death by a group of people when she dropped off her friends in a Cape Town township.
I suppose this type of romantic gesture is the kind of acts that grab the imagination of Americans and perhaps the rest of the world. Sadly, too many are disillusioned by current crime rates to see it that way.
Business Sector unhappy about worker's getting holidays??
It's a tad late to moan about this, ain't it?
The business sector is mighty miffed about the two day working week.
Where were this bunch when May 2 was officially announced as a holiday? That was eons ago; why wait til the last minute to stamp your feet?
At least give the working population something to look forward to! What with the power cuts, inflation, fuel prices and Beijing Olympics hullaboo, it's nice to finally have a holiday to chill out.
As for unproductive staff ... if they don't get their work done efficiently on a normal week, what are the chances they are going to get anything done in that 2 day week?
For instance, do note the apathetic staff at cash registers on this two day week. Is that really the kind of grumpy look you want to show your customers?
The business sector is mighty miffed about the two day working week.
...[The] business sector, grappling with power cuts, inflation and high oil prices, said this could further hurt the economy and revenues. Adding to their concerns is that some workers could take a nine-day holiday with just two days of formal leave - April 29 and 30.
Where were this bunch when May 2 was officially announced as a holiday? That was eons ago; why wait til the last minute to stamp your feet?
Western Cape department of education spokesperson Gert Witbooi said no school would be allowed any extra days off. "Schools that have applied to close for that week have been turned down." Department officials' applications for leave have also been declined.
At least give the working population something to look forward to! What with the power cuts, inflation, fuel prices and Beijing Olympics hullaboo, it's nice to finally have a holiday to chill out.
As for unproductive staff ... if they don't get their work done efficiently on a normal week, what are the chances they are going to get anything done in that 2 day week?
For instance, do note the apathetic staff at cash registers on this two day week. Is that really the kind of grumpy look you want to show your customers?
Generator kills woman?
Talk about the hazards of using a generator!
A woman has died from carbon monoxide poisoning; the fumes from her generator are to be blamed.
Apparently the generator had malfunctioned.
Perhaps it was left on for too long? This was in one of the areas affected by substation explosion in Jo'burg.
Well, her son is seriously injured and their pets also died from the incident. Terrible!
A woman has died from carbon monoxide poisoning; the fumes from her generator are to be blamed.
Apparently the generator had malfunctioned.
Perhaps it was left on for too long? This was in one of the areas affected by substation explosion in Jo'burg.
Well, her son is seriously injured and their pets also died from the incident. Terrible!
Crime in Cape Town getting worse?
Crime in South Africa: seems to get worse everyday. Or perhaps more people are reporting? Nonetheless, it should not be this bad in any country.
First article is about the sad death of a UCT associate professor. He was shot by two men; police suspect it might have been a hijacking. Apparently the thieves ran off with his car keys.
Second article: Another farm killing. The number of farm attacks you see are horrifying. In this case a couple was murdered in their farm in Ottoshoop. Apparently they might have been killed by a murder suspect who escaped from police cells.
Firearms belonging to victims were missing, as was a cellphone. Their pet dogs and parrot was also killed.
What kind of mindset does this killer have??!
Third news report: A pregnant woman and her husband were attacked by robbers outside Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital.
They were in the car, outside the casualty dept. when robbers flanked the car and pointed the gun at them. When the wary husband refused to open the window, the robber shot at him. The other thief snatched the pregnant woman's bag and the two nefarious characters then made a break for it.
First article is about the sad death of a UCT associate professor. He was shot by two men; police suspect it might have been a hijacking. Apparently the thieves ran off with his car keys.
Second article: Another farm killing. The number of farm attacks you see are horrifying. In this case a couple was murdered in their farm in Ottoshoop. Apparently they might have been killed by a murder suspect who escaped from police cells.
Firearms belonging to victims were missing, as was a cellphone. Their pet dogs and parrot was also killed.
What kind of mindset does this killer have??!
Third news report: A pregnant woman and her husband were attacked by robbers outside Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital.
They were in the car, outside the casualty dept. when robbers flanked the car and pointed the gun at them. When the wary husband refused to open the window, the robber shot at him. The other thief snatched the pregnant woman's bag and the two nefarious characters then made a break for it.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cargo ship might transfer goods to another ship
Update on the Zim arms ship:
According to The Star, the Zim cargo vessel, An Yue Jiang, might opt for a covert transfer of deadly goods to another ship whilst sailing the high seas. In other words, a sneaky exchange of goods so as to escape media scrutiny.
Apparently ship has left South African seas for Angola.
If you check out the article, it seems like the cargo ship has had a lot of opposition:
SA Tranport and Satawu refused to allow offloading of goodies.
Ship was not allowed to dock at Mozambique.
But now, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), one of the main protestors, is worried about Angola; seems like the ITF don't have reps over there.
By the way, in case you were wondering what the fuss is all about:
According to The Star, the Zim cargo vessel, An Yue Jiang, might opt for a covert transfer of deadly goods to another ship whilst sailing the high seas. In other words, a sneaky exchange of goods so as to escape media scrutiny.
Apparently ship has left South African seas for Angola.
If you check out the article, it seems like the cargo ship has had a lot of opposition:
SA Tranport and Satawu refused to allow offloading of goodies.
Ship was not allowed to dock at Mozambique.
But now, International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), one of the main protestors, is worried about Angola; seems like the ITF don't have reps over there.
By the way, in case you were wondering what the fuss is all about:
The An Yue Jiang is reportedly carrying AK-47 ammunition as well as rocket-propelled grenades and mortars worth nearly R10-million for the Zimbabwe government, which was sent by the Chinese arms manufacturer Poly Technologies.
Racist attacks in University of Johannesburg
Another racist attack at an educational institution!
University of Johannesburg are dealing with 3 cases of potentially racially motivated attacks.
In 2 cases, black students were beaten up by white students and in the third instance, a white student was assaulted for conversing with a black female student.
According to IOL,
It's surprising when racist attacks occur in universities. It makes you wonder what these students are learning in class; surely, all the lessons you learn are technically supposed to open your mind to be more tolerant towards other human beings?
On the hand, I knew a few people with questionable common sense in my university.
University of Johannesburg are dealing with 3 cases of potentially racially motivated attacks.
In 2 cases, black students were beaten up by white students and in the third instance, a white student was assaulted for conversing with a black female student.
According to IOL,
University media spokesperson Sonia Cronje said the university had no prior knowledge of the attacks before the media statement was sent out by the SRC, but they would be conducting an investigation.
It's surprising when racist attacks occur in universities. It makes you wonder what these students are learning in class; surely, all the lessons you learn are technically supposed to open your mind to be more tolerant towards other human beings?
On the hand, I knew a few people with questionable common sense in my university.
Butchery raiders go home with meat
Remember that butchery raid protest yesterday?
Well, apparently the disgruntled crowd has scattered in various directions. Maybe they ran of matchboxes.
According to IOL,
Apparently they even threw stones at police officers and their vehicles.
That's as an obscure redirection of anger as the looting of the butchery. I hope the owner goes to court for loss of property.
Well, apparently the disgruntled crowd has scattered in various directions. Maybe they ran of matchboxes.
According to IOL,
The protests began on Sunday against the service delivery of the local ward councillor, Paul Molutsi.
"Molutsi was having a meeting with the residents of the informal settlement when the crowd became angry.
Apparently they even threw stones at police officers and their vehicles.
That's as an obscure redirection of anger as the looting of the butchery. I hope the owner goes to court for loss of property.
Crime in South Africa
I'm going to try something new and put all news links as separate posts today. I'm thinking that that might actually make it easier to look for various news. Would certainly help with the tags.
I'm guessing that I will be adding to this post as the day goes by.
This first article is about a horrid murder in a day care centre in Kempton Park.
Four people were discovered by a parent who had come by to drop off their little one. What a nasty shock.
Two of the victims had died from the injuries: Olivier Henning, one of the owners and a domestic worker Salome Sithole.
The other two are in serious condition in the hospital: Suzette Henning and Sithole's 25-year-old son.
Second article:
An 80 year old woman in Dutywa was raped in her home. The suspect is believed to be in his 20s.
This was in East London.
Third article:
A man and woman were found dead in a home in Phoenix; apparently they had been strangled to death.
Photo:
Beck
Monday, April 21, 2008
Trouble in South Africa - continues
South African news:
Winter is finally here. Does that mean power cuts are gonna get worse? Let's wait and see.
Halt weapon delivery to Zim
Firstly the arms ship headed for Zimbabwe ... International Transport Workers' Federation is working to halt the ship from unloading its deadly goods.
According to IOL, [t]hree million rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 1 500 rocket-propelled grenades and more than 3 000 mortar rounds and mortar tubes are among the cargo on the Chinese ship.
The arms controversy comes at such a nasty time; it makes you wonder whether there is any link to current upheaval in Zim.
Travelers from OR Tambo Airport still being targeted
People are still being robbed when they leave OR Tambo Int'l Airport. In this instance, members of an NGO, Youth for Christ International, was robbed of their belongings, cash and what not.
Bad news is, the organization could have changed their mind about hosting a conference in South Africa. Youth for Christ International might very well lose out sponsorships after this instance; no one wants to be attacked when they come here and put their lives in danger.
Murder on another farm
Another senseless murder in South Africa. I should have a statistics graph on the side of the blog, so we take note of the number of vicious attacks. But then how many crimes are reported anymore?
In this instance, a 71 year old woman was stabbed to death in her farmhouse near Brits. Her body was found by her husband. Apparently the only thing missing from the house was the husband's revolver.
Stealing because you are needy is one thing, brutal murder reveals a whole lot more about degeneration of person as a whole ... don't you think so?
Explosion at Substation
This was bound to happen sooner or later.
There was an explosion at a substation in PE, Joburg. I believe the switches just couldn't handle load shedding anymore.
According to municipal electricity technical manager Barnard Lamour, "We saw some smoke coming out and the whole place blew up. These switches are very old and they are not designed to be switched on and off."
Update: The Herald reports that some residents might be without power in that area until Thursday!
South African football coach to quit
Hmmm, according to BBC Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is going to quit his role as SA football coach. The reason being that he wants to spend more time with his sick wife.
Check out the comments of the BBC site if you read the full article. Someone has started talking about problems in SA and included the topic of crime as well. I can see where he is going with this; the country is in a bit of a mess right now. Now, check out the zealous defender who says please only talk about coach, South Africa will be fine for world cup.
Probably one of the head in the sand citizens from SA.
Shoot to Kill bring up crime issue
While we are still on the topic, one of the commentators had a link to a DailyMail article about shoot to kill controversy.
Good to know this whole debacle also highlighted the horrid crime rate in SA, to the UK readers of course.
Stats from article:
SA and UK have similar-ish population stats
More than 22 000 deaths per year [crime related; for SA]
700 murders in UK
For every day in 2006-2007, the country saw 57 murders, 120 rapes and 37 carjackings. More than 150,000 criminals are behind bars.
In the past few years, the violence has spilled into suburbs and white areas. More than 100 policemen were shot dead last year, on and off duty.
Jo'burg Water Scare
Remember the Jo'burg water scare? IOL's article today states:
Scares about the drinking water in Johannesburg being unsafe because of sewage spills caused by power cuts are unfounded.
That was the word from Johannesburg Water and the Gauteng health department as they continue their investigations into the causes of the outbreak of cholera at the Chicken Farm informal settlement in Kliptown, Soweto, and the discovery of E.coli bacteria in the tap water in some northwest Johannesburg suburbs on Friday.
Excuse me if I am still wary.
Italian Ambassador killed in accident
Italian Ambassador to SA was killed in a freak accident. Apparently he was part of a hunting group; they swerved to avoid an eland and the vehicle did the flip flop.
Sad news.
*** After a respectful pause *** Do you have hunting expeditions these days?
Burning is our slogan
You can't make this stuff up. As part of an angry protest, residents of an informal settlement has burnt down a vehicle and robbed a butchery of all its meat. Incidentally they were protesting lack of service delivery from local ward councillor.
How does the butchery fit into this scenario? Maybe they got hungry on the way there.
And must you be so yesteryears and burn everything? I would suggest a pacifist hunger strike but judging by the way they looted the butchery, the finer art of protesting might be too chic for them.
It's a Buckley's chance that a SA protest will not involve matchboxes.
Eskom using blackmail to get price hike?
According to the African Energy News Review, Independent Democrats Chief Whip Lance Greyling has accused Eskom of blackmail for trying to force a massive tariff increase down the throats of the South African public with threats of more blackouts.
He also states:
Considering the astronomical cost of running gas turbines off diesel, it would be much more feasible to bring on line many renewable energy technologies, which are far more sustainable and will create thousands of jobs,'
Photo Source:
HMVH
Friday, April 18, 2008
German Tourist Injured in Airport
South African news:
I got a keyword search looking for Koo French Style Beans. So I got this picture of the news making bean bonanza and made it the picture of the day. You know, in case anyone wanted to know what Koo French Style Green Beans looked like!
Drinking Water Warning for Jo'Burg
Hmm weren't we talking about water just the other day?
Northern Jo'burg residents have received an unpleasant warning about tap water - don't drink tap water! Charming!
The areas affected are Northcliff, Linden, Cresta, Blairgowrie, Fairlands, and the areas immediately surrounding them.
Apparently it was found out that water in these areas was not up to standard.
Wonder if power outages have anything to do with it?
Cop shoots hijacker
There was news of a foiled hijacking. Apparently 3 guys tried to hijack a plain-clothes police officer. They probably didn't know he was law enforcer, since it was an unmarked police car.
Anyway, after handing over his keys, the officer shot at one of the hijackers. Good to know the criminal is now under police guard.
You also wonder if this was in anyway influenced by recent comments about policemen using their firearms.
Tourist hurt in South African airport
I wonder why everyone harps on about tourism in South Africa when they receive such ghastly treatment.
In this instance, a German tourist was injured on the shuttle to the airport. He thrown from his wheelchair because [t]he airport attendant had allegedly failed to activate the chair's brake.
He hit the back of his head and suffered injuries.
Apparently neither him or his wife spoke English so it was only when they boarded the plane that anyone knew they needed help. Oh might I add that two doctors on the plane noted that the couple need medical assistance!
So they disembark, hoping to get hold of paramedics; airport staff allegedly told them they should wait an hour for the airport paramedic to arrive.
The couple's daughter, Monika Moser said the Cape Town-based South African manager of the airline, German company LTU, had failed to respond to numerous phone calls.
Dangers of South Africa - McIntosh
By the way, recently there was a new article by Bronwyn McIntosh. Well, in case anyone wanted to read her previous article The Dangers of South Africa; Fear of Crime, check out the Escape Artist link here.
There is also a link to contact her.
Don't permit transport of arms
You the arms consignment that was waiting for clearance? The Chinese vessel whose ultimate destination is Zimbabwe?
Well, looks like there might be some well-meaning folks who are trying to hinder its passage.
An urgent application is being brought in South Africa’s High Court to block an arms consignment onboard a ship in Durban’s port from reaching Zimbabwe.
Would be interesting to see the reaction to this application. It would also be a clear indicator of where you draw the line for non-interference, surely?
ATM blast!
Another ATM is blown up. This time in Zonderwater, Cullinan. Apparently this took place around 2:30am.
Nothing is safe in this country. You wonder how people hear about all these instances and still believe everything is alright?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Durban Faces Water Tariffs
I'm going to start on a positive note today. No Carlin-isque speeches ... yet.
Never too late to study
This is a story of a brilliant and resourceful lady, born into disadvantaged background who made life happen.
Nelisiwe Mvuna went back to highschool at age 27 and now has a BSc. in statistics and actuarial science. Well done.
Now she is joining Eskom who has also granted her a full scholarship to do her honors!
In her words,
"They say they cannot do what I have done because I am bright, but it depends on how hard you try. Some people feel they cannot do it because of their age or because they have children or they are poor. But I did it and I come from this background,"
That's right! You have to grab opportunities and change your own life. You can't wait for someone else to do it for you.
I am glad to see her perseverance and strength; frankly, you get tired of certain groups (who are themselves half-witted ignorant people) make condescending remarks about a race as a whole. Mvuna proves them wrong and let's hope many more follow her lead.
ATM bombings on the rise
Back to the dreary news.
Two more ATM bombings have been reported. One of them at a Shell garage!
Are they crazy? They will add new meaning to 'in a ditch, covered in petrol, on fire'. To those lookign puzzled, this was an Eddie Izzard joke.
Apparently gangs are opting for blowing up ATM spots as opposed to cash-in-transit heists.
Violent break-in
Horrible Horrible story.
Family fights off robbers. Why do the criminals have such a violent mindset? And why were they trying to enter the kid's rooms?
And all this for a cellphone and a wallet!
The father, one of the victims, is recovering in hospital right now.
Do you notice that news24 seem to be one of the few papers that report crime? There seem to be silence about crime in most other papers.
Have people become so used to crime? Or is there a gag rule?
Waterkloof murders
There's been a bit of progress in the Waterkloof murders. Remember Picton-Tuberville's murder? Well an accused from the murder case of nursery school principal's case will be added to this case as well.
Water tariffs in Durban
How's this for annoying?
There's going to be new water tariffs. Apparently it starts in July.
Aim of these tariffs is to target those rascals who just love to leave tap running. To bath, wash dishes, play water polo, who cares! You will pay for this luxury 'cos this is South Africa where it don't matter if you pay dilligently for services, you're just gonna be treated like second class citizen.
According to IOL, [u]se 50kl and expect to pay an additional R58, much of which will "allow the council to take certain bold initiatives to make water more affordable to the poor".
By the way, the article also mentions the fact that Durban lost about 35.6 % at the end of Jan.
Why?
Essentially, this means that more than 35 percent of all the water the municipality buys from Umgeni Water is either lost through leaks or stolen. The council is also owed about R935-million for water, of which R680-million is owed for more than 120 days.
Really!
Photo Source:
Semi-detached
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Zimbabwe crisis
South African news:
Photo Source: Further to Fly
Xeniphobic attacks
Oh for crying out loud!!
Residents in Phomolong went on a xenophobic rampage; looted and burnt foreign-owned shops.
Bet a few days later they going to worry about getting new goods.
Can't people see far into the future?
As much as a property protection law is cringe-worthy, perhaps one should be placed in these areas.
How can you argue land claims if you don't respect the right to property in the first place!
Deputy Minister calls for tolerance
This call comes a bit late.
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba is talking tolerance towards immigrants in the form of migration management.
He wants the police to be "very firm" when dealing with those who attacked and destroyed property belonging to immigrants.
Wonder if any of the victims from the previous article can quote this assurance?
Farm Murder
This is just horrible.
This guy was acquitted of murder 23 years ago and now might be guilty of another murder.
Amos Zulu is accused of murdering his employer in a farm in Welbekend.
The accused pleaded guilty to those charges but denies rape.
Sticky Cellphone Contracts
This lady has an informative article about canceling a cellphone contract ... or rather, the lack of ease involved in the process.
Ms. Knowler points out that even when customers reached the end of 2 year contract, they remain liable to keep paying the network or service provider (SP) a monthly subscription unless they send WRITTEN notice of cancellation - between one and three months before it expires.
That's South Africa for you.
Situation in Zim worsens
Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille's website had a post about the upcoming meeting with the UN ambassador. This was in reference to Zim.
What I saw in the comment section of that post was rather chilling. Since the author has given permissin to pass it around, I have also included it in this post. Please help spread the word.
Photo Source: Further to Fly
Xeniphobic attacks
Oh for crying out loud!!
Residents in Phomolong went on a xenophobic rampage; looted and burnt foreign-owned shops.
Bet a few days later they going to worry about getting new goods.
Can't people see far into the future?
As much as a property protection law is cringe-worthy, perhaps one should be placed in these areas.
How can you argue land claims if you don't respect the right to property in the first place!
Deputy Minister calls for tolerance
This call comes a bit late.
Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba is talking tolerance towards immigrants in the form of migration management.
He wants the police to be "very firm" when dealing with those who attacked and destroyed property belonging to immigrants.
Wonder if any of the victims from the previous article can quote this assurance?
Farm Murder
This is just horrible.
This guy was acquitted of murder 23 years ago and now might be guilty of another murder.
Amos Zulu is accused of murdering his employer in a farm in Welbekend.
The accused pleaded guilty to those charges but denies rape.
Sticky Cellphone Contracts
This lady has an informative article about canceling a cellphone contract ... or rather, the lack of ease involved in the process.
Ms. Knowler points out that even when customers reached the end of 2 year contract, they remain liable to keep paying the network or service provider (SP) a monthly subscription unless they send WRITTEN notice of cancellation - between one and three months before it expires.
That's South Africa for you.
Situation in Zim worsens
Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille's website had a post about the upcoming meeting with the UN ambassador. This was in reference to Zim.
What I saw in the comment section of that post was rather chilling. Since the author has given permissin to pass it around, I have also included it in this post. Please help spread the word.
Dear Family and Friends,
Well never thought I would have to do this email do not know if it may be my last from our farm “Chidza”. At 3.30pm today, 5 April 2008, a lorry load of so called Mugabe brain washed “war- vets” arrived at our gate to take over our land, equipment and pedigree cattle.
This crazy action is occurring in a country where there is v little food being produced! It is now 6 pm and they have been singing their war songs at our gate for three hours, the atmosphere is violent and more and more of
them have arrived.
We managed to get our daughter Alison and her young son “Little John”
into town and for now it is just John and myself, plus our dogs remaining in the house on the farm. They have said that our labour will not work tomorrow . They have demanded that John must kill them a sheep, which John has flatly refused to do, so no doubt they will simply kill one for themselves. None of our paid labour will even attmpt to come to work tomorrow either!
Graham Richards who lives south of us is also under siege at the same time as us, so this siege of the last remaining whites is an orchestrated plan. The Goddards and Deidricks are in the same boat. They have already taken over Pa-Nyanda Guest Lodge, and Graham and his wife Callie are now in town.
Alison is at John sisters in Masvingo town and her husband Carl is
expected back from Bulawayo tonight.
Lorna’s telephone no. is Zw code 39-264323 ; Ali is on 011216643 Our
Phone Landline is 039-266080 Cell Phone Nos. 011-215275 ; 023-258810
Please pass this email on to as many folk as you would like to , this illegal action must become “known” thru out the world. If you know of anyone in the Media, please ensure that they become aware /are alerted to this evil tyrant’s actions to keep power at all costs. We have to let the world know what is happening. Well done to Zesa. As they load shedded us and I phoned my friend in the Zesa Faults and he phoned Harare and they have switched us back on. So for now please keep all of us in your prayers and we will send a follow up tomorrow if we are able.
Our love to you all.
John and Joy from Chidza.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
What was that about a jet plane?
South African News:
Don't you just love power shortages?
Dark Times for the Harbor
Guess what? Durban Harbor is joining the list of fellow power cut sufferers.
Wonder if someone looks at a chart and says, what business have we NOT put on the path of ruin and then just throw them onto the list!
The port will be hit by power cuts three days a week - like all other residents and businesses in the municipality.
Eh? I was sure I read something else; according to what I checked we were on load shed for 6 days a week. But then I could have made a mistake. I can confirm that in the next few days though.
Anyway, back to the woes of the Harbour.
According to Andrew Thomas, chief executive officer of shipping company Ocean Africa Container Lines,
"If these power cuts are continuous it will lead to inefficiency of operations at the port. Therefore, shipping lines will increase their freight rates (the rates that shipping lines charge for moving cargo) to cargo owners. Essentially, it is likely to become more costly to import and export goods,"
Someone should have a graph set up: number of power cuts co-relation to economic downfall.
Jewel Thieves
You alway imagine Cat-Woman when you say Jewel Thief - a sophisticated cat burglar sneaking into places in the middle of night. Stealth and brainy maneuvers to escape detection. A rare criminal to say the least. Well, this is South Africa so rampant crime is the norm.
Bunch of robbers totting AK-47 broke into a jewelery store, smashed display case with hammer and made off with the most expensive jewels! This happened in Jo'Burg, Rivonia Square Shopping Centre.
Scary how they knew what to pick.
In the words of the owner, "They definitely knew what they were looking for, or maybe they brought somebody with them who told them what to take,"
Compensation discrimination?
Oooh! Nasty!
A UK citizen lost one of his baggage when he returned to London. As if that was not bad enough, here's what his little inquiry into the matter unveiled.
Read the article for the full details but basic idea was this: apparently you the compensation you get for lost bags is less if you start out your journey from a 3rd World Nation than if it was a First World Country. How bad is that?
And the complaint, Marius Maritz, claims that an employee of SAA that the company had lost 50 000 bags in the past year! Charming tourism fact that!
According to the SAA spokesperson, "SAA is not aware of the figure [how many lost bags], but can confirm that the airline handles more than six-million pieces of baggage a year ...."
Pfft!
Leaving O
This is news. Thami Ngubeni will say adieu to her position as O's editor, one year after attaining the top spot.
According to her, I am leaving because there are other opportunities that have come from here that I want to explore. But this does not mean I am going to be lost to the O readership. We will maintain the relationship with the magazine.
Maybe she was made an offer she could not resist?
She will leave at the end of June.
Flight Risk
Okay, this I did not need to hear.
First Eskom, now the flights? Yikes.
According to The Times, the US Federal Aviation Authority has warned that the company that maintains SAA’s fleet of aeroplanes has been hit by a massive staff exodus that could compromise flight safety ...
FAA pointed out:
... although many workshops were adequately staffed “others, however, are barely staffed with enough trained and qualified personnel to meet daily demands of the repair station and subsequent oversight”. Due to staff shortages some work has been outsourced to contract workers and technicians working overtime are paid double — sometimes even triple — the going rate to get the work done on weekends.
Forget about getting the proper papers, pretty soon there might not be a plane safe enough to take people outta here.
Photo Source:
Chothia
Monday, April 14, 2008
Be wary of travel scams
South African news:
Boy does it get ever more depressing!
Real Estate Agents whittles down in number?
Real Estate Agents may no longer find selling houses to be the fruitful business it used to be. Apparently 10-20% might leave the field by the end of the year!
IOL quotes Business Day, claiming that it was due to a combination of interest rate hikes and poor sentiment about SA's future and the general economic outlook take their toll on an industry already suffering from depressed sales.
Travel Scam
SA Olympic swimmer, Rolan Schoeman's mom has been victim of a travel scam. Apparently she ended up paying more than R40 000 for tickets. And then found out she had been conned.
Security guys at the airport pointed out that her ticket had been purchased through a fraudulent transaction. Plus her son's return ticket had not been bought. Ouch!
The name of the agency is Super Deals Travel Agency. Guess it would be safer to try the tried-and-true agencies for now. As much as ticket prices can be exorbitant at some spots.
Farm Seizure
This article talks about violence in Zim. Specifically farm seizures. From the looks of it, this happened last week.
A chilling tale, people gathering around outside, threat of bloodshed and knowing law of the land is not going to protect you. Almost sounds like they have jumped back to times of absolute law of the monarchy?
It's a disturbing story and one that you hope will not happen in South Africa.
Bean trouble
Okay, keep an eye out for Tiger Brand Koo 'French style' green beans. The 2007 batches were being recalled due to defective seals. And I mean the closure of the can and not dyfunctional polar creatures.
According to company statement:
"The defective seams may result in micro-organisms entering the can, which may lead to product spoilage. If this product is consumed the effect on the person eating the product could vary from no effect, a mild stomach upset to food poisoning, depending on the type of spoilage organism concerned,"
Photo source: Amelia PS
Friday, April 11, 2008
Outrage at Shoot to kill Order
South African news:
Did anyone else see the morning news today? There was quite a commotion about the failure of service delivery to Zeerust(?). Quite a lot of people were interviewed, the reporter mentioned that those in charge were not answering their cellphones.
Later on, a few representatives of the relevant authorities showed up to have their say; not that it went very well, must say the reporter and residents were quite adamant about getting a straight answer.
On to the news ....
Bullard called a racist
When hear big controversies like this, the first thing you wanna do is find the object of the whole ruckus. Here's the article in case you were curious.
Well because of that particular piece, David Bullard has had to pack up his bags and take a really long lunch break. Why? Because his article "Uncolonised Africa wouldn't know what it was missing" was deemed as racist.
On the note of colonization=progress, I would like to point out that colonization=sharing of info and technology=progress. Hence, most countries have been sharing knowledge, one way or another, which helped development in their own civilizations. So it goes without saying that if you are cut off from the rest of the world, you will lag behind in the world trend. Right?
So how much of it was meant as a personal attack on race and how much of it really referred to a geographical interaction? Someone please point out the importance of the Tropic of Cancer to the rise and fall of world civilizations. Just in case there were white supremacist somewhere out there.
Robbers with rich taste
Now I've heard everything. A gang of robbers broke into a rather fancy clothing store in South gate Mall and stole trolley full of clothes.
Wouldn't it be ironic if they were trying to look good for a job interview the following day?
Shoot to kill
Alrighty. They found a 100 odd people who weren't paying attention in history class. The same blokes who signed a petition supporting Deputy Safety and Security Minister's comments.
Apparently they are trying to see if 1 000 people skipped class like they did.
On the other hand, Sowetan had an article pointing out public criticisms to Shabangu's comments. Actually it's not so much public opinion as it is the opinion of various organisations.
Gun Free SA (GFSA) :
The SA Human Rights Commission:
The SA Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (Saphor):
South Africa has high % of PTSD
David Shevel, a psychiatrist testifying on behalf of photographer Alix Carmichele, points out that SA crime has nasty side effects on its citizens. In his words, “South Africa is probably the world capital of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
That is believable. People live in constant fear and worry themselves sick here. And suffer from crime multiple times.
Can't believe people think Carmichele is exaggerating.
Photo Source:
Kid Continuity
Did anyone else see the morning news today? There was quite a commotion about the failure of service delivery to Zeerust(?). Quite a lot of people were interviewed, the reporter mentioned that those in charge were not answering their cellphones.
Later on, a few representatives of the relevant authorities showed up to have their say; not that it went very well, must say the reporter and residents were quite adamant about getting a straight answer.
On to the news ....
Bullard called a racist
When hear big controversies like this, the first thing you wanna do is find the object of the whole ruckus. Here's the article in case you were curious.
Well because of that particular piece, David Bullard has had to pack up his bags and take a really long lunch break. Why? Because his article "Uncolonised Africa wouldn't know what it was missing" was deemed as racist.
On the note of colonization=progress, I would like to point out that colonization=sharing of info and technology=progress. Hence, most countries have been sharing knowledge, one way or another, which helped development in their own civilizations. So it goes without saying that if you are cut off from the rest of the world, you will lag behind in the world trend. Right?
So how much of it was meant as a personal attack on race and how much of it really referred to a geographical interaction? Someone please point out the importance of the Tropic of Cancer to the rise and fall of world civilizations. Just in case there were white supremacist somewhere out there.
Robbers with rich taste
Now I've heard everything. A gang of robbers broke into a rather fancy clothing store in South gate Mall and stole trolley full of clothes.
Wouldn't it be ironic if they were trying to look good for a job interview the following day?
Shoot to kill
Alrighty. They found a 100 odd people who weren't paying attention in history class. The same blokes who signed a petition supporting Deputy Safety and Security Minister's comments.
Apparently they are trying to see if 1 000 people skipped class like they did.
On the other hand, Sowetan had an article pointing out public criticisms to Shabangu's comments. Actually it's not so much public opinion as it is the opinion of various organisations.
Gun Free SA (GFSA) :
"We are shocked and highly disturbed by her emotional outburst,” said GFSA spokesman Reverend John Oliver. “It is unfortunate and irresponsible since it appears to encourage the police to break the law.”
The SA Human Rights Commission:
“Of particular concern are the deputy minister’s remarks that the police have permission to kill criminals at will and without the need to fire warning shots ... These remarks can only be described as inciting, disparaging and dismissive of the rule of law,”
The SA Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (Saphor):
“She’s giving the police licence to kill while we’re struggling with police brutality,”At least some people are thinking straight.
South Africa has high % of PTSD
David Shevel, a psychiatrist testifying on behalf of photographer Alix Carmichele, points out that SA crime has nasty side effects on its citizens. In his words, “South Africa is probably the world capital of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”
That is believable. People live in constant fear and worry themselves sick here. And suffer from crime multiple times.
Can't believe people think Carmichele is exaggerating.
Photo Source:
Kid Continuity
Thursday, April 10, 2008
South Africans against abortion and philosophy
South African news: License to Kill
South Africans opposed to abortion; a shower can cure anything
You know I always wonder about polls and protests like this. Apparently a new poll, conducted by someone with nothing better to do, shows that South Africans are strongly opposed to abortion.
No kidding! These vehement protesters are probably the same bunch who get all worked up about classical philosophy and natural science books in the bookshops. Note: I recently went on a b'day hunt to buy some classical literature or philosophy; did I get a nasty surprise in the latter section. No Desmond Hume, no Wittgenstein and no John Locke. Grr!
How can you protest abortion in a country with the highest crime rate in the world? What was the stat, one in nine women are raped here?
And if you are worried about teeny brats being promiscuous and then waiting for the stork, perhaps stricter parenting skills are required. Or a protest march against current pop culture.
Focus people!
New car in South Africa; wistful glances by consumers
Good news everyone. Tato Nano might be launched in South Africa. Hooray.
Just when people stopped spending and started worrying about a recession.
Sure it's the cheapest car in the world but with the fuel prices and inflation rates, how is that going to work out?
Would have been brilliant news last year; by this I mean middle or beginning and nowhere near the Dark December phase.
License to kill
I saw this on the news this morn. Couldn't really believe what I heard.
Deputy Safety and Security Minister Susan Shabangu has a new strategy for fighting crime; she implies a "shoot to kill" order for the police.
First of all, in a court of law, is she going to defend any citizen or policeman who shoots and kills a criminal in such a manner? Sure, you can easily say that but when someone actually follows through with the deed and you end up in court for taking human life, self-defense or otherwise, what happens then? Does Shabangu show up to defend your case?
Secondly, I am sure the SAHRC will be most unhappy about the "no warning shot" comment. In order to curb police brutality and halt violation of human rights, you have to follow a due process when arresting a potential criminal. Otherwise, it's gonna be that sad little incident in UK where a South American man running to catch the bus was shot, 'cos you know, he looked dodgy.
Wonder if there will be an outcry about these comments. I can understand why she is frustrated with the crime and the need to deal with criminals but perhaps a "it's coming right for you, shoot" attitude is not the solution.
Weather affected the Swallows
Something straight out of that enviro-disaster movie.
Thousands of swallows died because of the rapid weather change. Yea, you know how it was flipping hot in March and next thing you know, a freezing cold wind was blowing.
Alright, so it's been happening since 2000 and it's one of those Earth cycle things. It still grabs your attention, doesn't it?
No free broadcasting
This was somewhat funny.
Icasa threatens to complain about Free2View, take the matter to UN and all that.
Free2View spokesperson dismisses claims of illegal broadcasting on their side; he has to say about chairman Paris Mashile's complaints -
When someone takes your seat ...
People complain about tight airport security. Seems like that aspect is a bit lacking here.
On trying to board a flight from Durban to Jo'burg, a couple found out that someone else had swiped their seats.
Seems like someone was impersonating them. A feat only possible with ID documents.
How is this even possible in a post-9/11 world?
Soweto says yes to XO Laptop
100 Soweto school children were the first in South Africa to get a cool XO laptop.
Yea, it's kicking off here. The One Laptop Per Child Campaign is finally starting out.
All we need is some condescending colonialist to take about kids only using it to access porn.
South Africans opposed to abortion; a shower can cure anything
You know I always wonder about polls and protests like this. Apparently a new poll, conducted by someone with nothing better to do, shows that South Africans are strongly opposed to abortion.
The polling firm, also found levels of education and church attendance were factors in abortion attitude with churchgoers more likely to oppose abortion and those with higher education levels more likely to support it.
No kidding! These vehement protesters are probably the same bunch who get all worked up about classical philosophy and natural science books in the bookshops. Note: I recently went on a b'day hunt to buy some classical literature or philosophy; did I get a nasty surprise in the latter section. No Desmond Hume, no Wittgenstein and no John Locke. Grr!
How can you protest abortion in a country with the highest crime rate in the world? What was the stat, one in nine women are raped here?
And if you are worried about teeny brats being promiscuous and then waiting for the stork, perhaps stricter parenting skills are required. Or a protest march against current pop culture.
Focus people!
New car in South Africa; wistful glances by consumers
Good news everyone. Tato Nano might be launched in South Africa. Hooray.
Just when people stopped spending and started worrying about a recession.
Sure it's the cheapest car in the world but with the fuel prices and inflation rates, how is that going to work out?
Would have been brilliant news last year; by this I mean middle or beginning and nowhere near the Dark December phase.
License to kill
I saw this on the news this morn. Couldn't really believe what I heard.
Deputy Safety and Security Minister Susan Shabangu has a new strategy for fighting crime; she implies a "shoot to kill" order for the police.
"You must kill the bastards if they threaten you or the community. You must not worry about the regulations. That is my responsibility. Your responsibility is to serve and protect,"
"I want no warning shots. You have one shot and it must be a kill shot. If you miss, the criminals will go for the kill. They don't miss. We can't take this chance."
First of all, in a court of law, is she going to defend any citizen or policeman who shoots and kills a criminal in such a manner? Sure, you can easily say that but when someone actually follows through with the deed and you end up in court for taking human life, self-defense or otherwise, what happens then? Does Shabangu show up to defend your case?
Secondly, I am sure the SAHRC will be most unhappy about the "no warning shot" comment. In order to curb police brutality and halt violation of human rights, you have to follow a due process when arresting a potential criminal. Otherwise, it's gonna be that sad little incident in UK where a South American man running to catch the bus was shot, 'cos you know, he looked dodgy.
Wonder if there will be an outcry about these comments. I can understand why she is frustrated with the crime and the need to deal with criminals but perhaps a "it's coming right for you, shoot" attitude is not the solution.
Weather affected the Swallows
Something straight out of that enviro-disaster movie.
Thousands of swallows died because of the rapid weather change. Yea, you know how it was flipping hot in March and next thing you know, a freezing cold wind was blowing.
Alright, so it's been happening since 2000 and it's one of those Earth cycle things. It still grabs your attention, doesn't it?
No free broadcasting
This was somewhat funny.
Icasa threatens to complain about Free2View, take the matter to UN and all that.
"We will report Free2View to the International Telecommunication Union for broadcasting illegally in South Africa,"
Free2View spokesperson dismisses claims of illegal broadcasting on their side; he has to say about chairman Paris Mashile's complaints -
[T]he fact that Mashile wants to report Free2View to the ITU shows he realises that the communications regulator has no law to stop them.What with the decoder-tv license debacle and now the Free2View tiff, this sounds like a bit of communications monopoly.
When someone takes your seat ...
People complain about tight airport security. Seems like that aspect is a bit lacking here.
On trying to board a flight from Durban to Jo'burg, a couple found out that someone else had swiped their seats.
Seems like someone was impersonating them. A feat only possible with ID documents.
How is this even possible in a post-9/11 world?
Soweto says yes to XO Laptop
100 Soweto school children were the first in South Africa to get a cool XO laptop.
Yea, it's kicking off here. The One Laptop Per Child Campaign is finally starting out.
All we need is some condescending colonialist to take about kids only using it to access porn.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Why Telly is Rubbish
South African news:
Attackers caught
Well well well. A victim of crime comes across his attackers, in his own neighborhood. He dashes off to report to the police and luckily two of the attackers were nabbed.
A bit foolish to think they wouldn't get caught. On the other hand, maybe criminals are used to thinking they will never get caught?
Would it be a tad pessimistic to say that as much as the criminal element consists of foreigners, it is also made up of large percentage of locals?
Cape Town hailed as a model city
I saw this on the news today and have been looking for more details. I found bits here and there but let's say most articles were not very expressive about this topic. I finally found the Helen Zille invited by UN article though.
So, UN invited Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille to use her city as a case study to help the commission understand the circumstances under which urbanisation can enable people to improve their lives, and the role of the city in creating such circumstances.
Apparently the UN Commission on Population Development wants to examine the push-pull factors of urban sprawls, how cities can handle this growth, provide services etc. etc. And Cape Town is hailed as a model city in this regard.
Surely that is something to be proud of, something nice to say about South Africa after so many negative news recently?
The article also notes that Zille is currently long listed for the 2008 World Mayor award.
Can't say that I am surprised!
Shellfish poisoning
Alrighty. Dept. of Environmental Affairs has stated that West Coast shellfish has low levels of toxicity. Which means don't collect or eat any shellfish on the West Coast.
Apparently experts prodded a few of the specimens and found out they could cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Which is pretty bad.
And make sure you tell your friends; too many people go on a permanent news these days.
Eskom wants to double price hike
And of course, the news that brings a smile to everyone's face. Possibly due to macabre thoughts.
Eskom points out how utterly important it is to double price hike in next two years. Oh for crying out loud! Why does the public have to pay for other's mishaps and bad judgments?
Reuters also mentions the price hike. Note the bit about the World Cup fears:
SA bidding for world's largest telescope
In other news ... work with me here. Perhaps this only seemed bizarre after reading about power crisis here in South Africa.
Here goes. South Africa is competing with Australia to win the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope project, which would see the world's most powerful telescope built in the Murchison.
Well good for them. I suppose it would only be strange if they were trying to build it in this country. As it is people worry they can't finish the stadiums.
Decoders to control TV?
Sounds like people really need cash to run things. Check this out.
People are quite miffed with SABC's plans to introduce new decoders, you know to usher in the digital era and what not.
Apparently there are fears that they might cut off public broadcasting to those who have not paid their TV licenses.
You know, you're supposed to entice people to watch the telly, not absolutely put them off the idea.
Wonder what they would say if people sold of their telly and decided to just read a book. Who's losing ratings then?
Photo:
CapeTownFifaWorldCup2010
Attackers caught
Well well well. A victim of crime comes across his attackers, in his own neighborhood. He dashes off to report to the police and luckily two of the attackers were nabbed.
A bit foolish to think they wouldn't get caught. On the other hand, maybe criminals are used to thinking they will never get caught?
Would it be a tad pessimistic to say that as much as the criminal element consists of foreigners, it is also made up of large percentage of locals?
Cape Town hailed as a model city
I saw this on the news today and have been looking for more details. I found bits here and there but let's say most articles were not very expressive about this topic. I finally found the Helen Zille invited by UN article though.
So, UN invited Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille to use her city as a case study to help the commission understand the circumstances under which urbanisation can enable people to improve their lives, and the role of the city in creating such circumstances.
Apparently the UN Commission on Population Development wants to examine the push-pull factors of urban sprawls, how cities can handle this growth, provide services etc. etc. And Cape Town is hailed as a model city in this regard.
Surely that is something to be proud of, something nice to say about South Africa after so many negative news recently?
The article also notes that Zille is currently long listed for the 2008 World Mayor award.
Can't say that I am surprised!
Shellfish poisoning
Alrighty. Dept. of Environmental Affairs has stated that West Coast shellfish has low levels of toxicity. Which means don't collect or eat any shellfish on the West Coast.
Apparently experts prodded a few of the specimens and found out they could cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Which is pretty bad.
And make sure you tell your friends; too many people go on a permanent news these days.
Eskom wants to double price hike
And of course, the news that brings a smile to everyone's face. Possibly due to macabre thoughts.
Eskom points out how utterly important it is to double price hike in next two years. Oh for crying out loud! Why does the public have to pay for other's mishaps and bad judgments?
Reuters also mentions the price hike. Note the bit about the World Cup fears:
Critics say the government ignored warnings and failed to adequately plan for future demand growth. And many people are concerned the power crisis may black out the World Cup, which South Africa hosts in 2010, despite official reassurances stadiums will have generators for the tournament.
SA bidding for world's largest telescope
In other news ... work with me here. Perhaps this only seemed bizarre after reading about power crisis here in South Africa.
Here goes. South Africa is competing with Australia to win the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope project, which would see the world's most powerful telescope built in the Murchison.
Well good for them. I suppose it would only be strange if they were trying to build it in this country. As it is people worry they can't finish the stadiums.
Decoders to control TV?
Sounds like people really need cash to run things. Check this out.
People are quite miffed with SABC's plans to introduce new decoders, you know to usher in the digital era and what not.
Apparently there are fears that they might cut off public broadcasting to those who have not paid their TV licenses.
You know, you're supposed to entice people to watch the telly, not absolutely put them off the idea.
Wonder what they would say if people sold of their telly and decided to just read a book. Who's losing ratings then?
Photo:
CapeTownFifaWorldCup2010
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Someone tried to burn SABC?
South African news:
Another one strikes a match
Sounds like someone watched V for Vendetta recently.
A disgruntled worker (?) tried to set fire to SABC building on Monday. He claims that he had a project that went wrong with the management and does not work for the SABC anymore.
Seriously, what is it about burning down everything? What ever happened to peaceful hunger strikes?
Don't use skin color as secret password
People are getting worked up again. Remember the whole "ban white journalists" debacle?
SAHRC has ruled that just exclusion was a big no-no and that
... that the FBJ consider amending its constitution to open its membership to all races, subject to its aim of furthering the "advancement and empowerment" of black journalists
That's good to know. Otherwise it would be double standards; it's nasty if any white person slams the door on other races but okay if any other race does it to a white person.
Not unlike female sexism. Instead of thinking that chivalry and adhering to social etiquette applies both ways, they stick a flag on the concept and claim it for women, humanity, or races, cheese or any other widely used dinner conversation terms.
The case where Carmichele sued the State
I believe this is the case many people cite when talking about crime and taking it up with the authorities.
Here's how the story goes. Photographer Alix Carmichele was attacked in 1995. Turns out the dodgy criminal was walking the streets because he had been granted bail - even though he had originally been arrested for almost killing another unfortunate woman.
So Carmichele sues the State - it was along the lines of the powers protecting those they serve sort of thing and hence they failed by letting the schmuck run wild.
So State is supposed to pay etc., etc. but the payment amount is being debated.
Makes you wonder if this can apply today. If anyone is attacked, by second time offender, can't it be negligence?
DIFF is back
To anyone who is interested, Durban International Film Festival is back. All sorts of arty ventures from 23rd July - 3rd August.
I've not found a film timetable yet. Bet you can get one of those near the cinema these days.
Multiple Choice answers don't include crime
This rather disillusioned family was denied asylum in US. Apparently, violent crime is not applicable as a reason for seeking asylum.
I am curious about one detail - the children were born in US but this does not change the situation, nor does the fact that they've lived there for six years.
Am I remembering this wrong? Surely children born in US are naturalised citizens? And their parents are granted citizenship? Or was that how it used to be?
Crime is so bad here, you can't imagine people being denied asylum. Especially when South Africa has been compared to Iraq, in terms of violent deaths.
Ban the correct ads
There seems to be a zealous social responsibility movement going on. Has it always been there? Or is this a new development?
First there was the passionate protests against alcohol and its ill effects on youth. Then someone got a brainwave to ban alcohol ads.
Now someone suggested banning ads that depict online gambling. Oh boy!
You know something that would really help people in general? Banning those awful 'personal care' ads. In my mind, they have a direct message towards influencing people than the others.
Dandruff fighting shampoo, now you can head butt in a concert
Red lipstick that makes you look like a fashionable clown - because your value as a person adds up in $$$
Buy this car because you will smile even if you have load shedding
Can't drive car 'cos of petrol price? Get this annoying ring tone with ghastly gyrating bodies ... because we said so.
See, the way I see it, these ads will make people think their self esteem and value as a human being depends on what they possess. So they will either berate the lack of money or possibly go about questionable activities to make the money just so they can roll a slab of over priced sinus-blocking gel under their arm pits.
So let's focus on what really matters, shall we?
Photo Source:
just ryc @ flickr
Another one strikes a match
Sounds like someone watched V for Vendetta recently.
A disgruntled worker (?) tried to set fire to SABC building on Monday. He claims that he had a project that went wrong with the management and does not work for the SABC anymore.
Seriously, what is it about burning down everything? What ever happened to peaceful hunger strikes?
Don't use skin color as secret password
People are getting worked up again. Remember the whole "ban white journalists" debacle?
SAHRC has ruled that just exclusion was a big no-no and that
... that the FBJ consider amending its constitution to open its membership to all races, subject to its aim of furthering the "advancement and empowerment" of black journalists
That's good to know. Otherwise it would be double standards; it's nasty if any white person slams the door on other races but okay if any other race does it to a white person.
Not unlike female sexism. Instead of thinking that chivalry and adhering to social etiquette applies both ways, they stick a flag on the concept and claim it for women, humanity, or races, cheese or any other widely used dinner conversation terms.
The case where Carmichele sued the State
I believe this is the case many people cite when talking about crime and taking it up with the authorities.
Here's how the story goes. Photographer Alix Carmichele was attacked in 1995. Turns out the dodgy criminal was walking the streets because he had been granted bail - even though he had originally been arrested for almost killing another unfortunate woman.
So Carmichele sues the State - it was along the lines of the powers protecting those they serve sort of thing and hence they failed by letting the schmuck run wild.
So State is supposed to pay etc., etc. but the payment amount is being debated.
Makes you wonder if this can apply today. If anyone is attacked, by second time offender, can't it be negligence?
DIFF is back
To anyone who is interested, Durban International Film Festival is back. All sorts of arty ventures from 23rd July - 3rd August.
I've not found a film timetable yet. Bet you can get one of those near the cinema these days.
Multiple Choice answers don't include crime
This rather disillusioned family was denied asylum in US. Apparently, violent crime is not applicable as a reason for seeking asylum.
I am curious about one detail - the children were born in US but this does not change the situation, nor does the fact that they've lived there for six years.
Am I remembering this wrong? Surely children born in US are naturalised citizens? And their parents are granted citizenship? Or was that how it used to be?
Crime is so bad here, you can't imagine people being denied asylum. Especially when South Africa has been compared to Iraq, in terms of violent deaths.
Ban the correct ads
There seems to be a zealous social responsibility movement going on. Has it always been there? Or is this a new development?
First there was the passionate protests against alcohol and its ill effects on youth. Then someone got a brainwave to ban alcohol ads.
Now someone suggested banning ads that depict online gambling. Oh boy!
You know something that would really help people in general? Banning those awful 'personal care' ads. In my mind, they have a direct message towards influencing people than the others.
Dandruff fighting shampoo, now you can head butt in a concert
Red lipstick that makes you look like a fashionable clown - because your value as a person adds up in $$$
Buy this car because you will smile even if you have load shedding
Can't drive car 'cos of petrol price? Get this annoying ring tone with ghastly gyrating bodies ... because we said so.
See, the way I see it, these ads will make people think their self esteem and value as a human being depends on what they possess. So they will either berate the lack of money or possibly go about questionable activities to make the money just so they can roll a slab of over priced sinus-blocking gel under their arm pits.
So let's focus on what really matters, shall we?
Photo Source:
just ryc @ flickr
Monday, April 7, 2008
Taboo Topic: Crime in South Africa
South African news:
A Controversy about Crime in South Africa
Bronwyn McIntosh is writing a book related to her 2004 article and the resulting responses to her article.
To recap, McIntosh had written an article called Dangers Of South Africa: Fear Of Crime in 2004. It resonated with the feeling of fear and helplessness most South Africans felt about living in an exceptionally violent nation. And it also voiced the concerns of those who made the tough choice to emigrate.
Turns out, there was a huge response to her article. From people seeking her advice, should they go to South Africa, that sorta thing as well as correspondence from other South Africans who had to leave but just continued to miss home. Perhaps because they left due to lack to choice as opposed to really wanting to go.
In October 2004 Thabo Mbeki had called her a racist.
And now, McIntosh is writing a book about the events following the article.
In her words,
This is my opportunity to give a voice to all the expats, the "should I stay or should I go" people, and those who adamantly refuse to leave.
Walrus and Capenter
Okay, now we have a seafood alert. Don't eat seafood these days, especially on the West Coast.
Some perlemoen were found in shallow waters and they are currently trying to rule out shellfish poisoning. Which might be fatal so watch out for the symptoms provided in the full article.
In the Dark
Ouch! Apparently residents of Fairbreeze on KZN North Coast has been without power for more than 24 hours. And they also mention some areas without power since Thursday.
That's just crazy. Makes you worry that it is a premonition of things to come. Call me a pessimist.
Eskom wants confidentiality
Hmmm, Eskom wants Nersa to be discreet.
It has asked National Energy Regulator of SA to withhold sections of its tariff increase application from the public at a meeting today on the grounds that the information is "business sensitive".
That sounds dodgy, doesn't it?
Wonder what section this was? Reason for huge price hike?
A Controversy about Crime in South Africa
Bronwyn McIntosh is writing a book related to her 2004 article and the resulting responses to her article.
To recap, McIntosh had written an article called Dangers Of South Africa: Fear Of Crime in 2004. It resonated with the feeling of fear and helplessness most South Africans felt about living in an exceptionally violent nation. And it also voiced the concerns of those who made the tough choice to emigrate.
Turns out, there was a huge response to her article. From people seeking her advice, should they go to South Africa, that sorta thing as well as correspondence from other South Africans who had to leave but just continued to miss home. Perhaps because they left due to lack to choice as opposed to really wanting to go.
In October 2004 Thabo Mbeki had called her a racist.
And now, McIntosh is writing a book about the events following the article.
In her words,
This is my opportunity to give a voice to all the expats, the "should I stay or should I go" people, and those who adamantly refuse to leave.
Walrus and Capenter
Okay, now we have a seafood alert. Don't eat seafood these days, especially on the West Coast.
Some perlemoen were found in shallow waters and they are currently trying to rule out shellfish poisoning. Which might be fatal so watch out for the symptoms provided in the full article.
In the Dark
Ouch! Apparently residents of Fairbreeze on KZN North Coast has been without power for more than 24 hours. And they also mention some areas without power since Thursday.
That's just crazy. Makes you worry that it is a premonition of things to come. Call me a pessimist.
Eskom wants confidentiality
Hmmm, Eskom wants Nersa to be discreet.
It has asked National Energy Regulator of SA to withhold sections of its tariff increase application from the public at a meeting today on the grounds that the information is "business sensitive".
That sounds dodgy, doesn't it?
Wonder what section this was? Reason for huge price hike?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Soccer Trouble in South Africa?
South African news:
Don't clown about
A MacDonald's in an East Rand mall was robbed recently. Apparently the creepy clown failed to scare away the criminals. I know it creeps me out.
Wonder if they are going to have to up security there. That would affect the prices, wouldn't it?
Rocking South Africa
What do you know! Chris Rock is gonna dazzle people with his routine in South Africa.
Apparently, he will perform four shows in South Africa, entertaining crowds in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City between 3 – 7 June 2008.
More World Cup problems for South Africa
Here's a titbit about 2010. Guys at Fifa are huffing and puffing about claims in a UK paper; claim that Fifa has been forced to establish a £400-million (R6.1-billion) contingency fund to cater for the possibility of the collapse of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
How's this for a strange denial? They said that the £400-million claim is “factually wrong” ... and that Fifa was obliged, in terms of its own statutes, to build cash reserves.
Source for Pic:
mmagallan via sxc
Thursday, April 3, 2008
South African wants UK passport
South African news:
Holiday in June, Christmas in December
Not sure if this is the best laid plans.
By the way, I just threw in the December bit, it made the title look cool.
You know the section in the National Educational Dept. which deals with school calendars, holidays and what not? Well, they are proposing a longer holiday session in 2010, to extend the June holidays to five weeks.
Doesn't sound like a brilliant plan though. As the DA spokesperson pointed out, [e]very analysis of the poor performance of South African schools makes the point that children and their teachers do not spend enough time in the classroom.
And this surely will make things worse?
Bees attack man
Man was stung by bees more than 1 000 times and now he is fighting for his life. Shame.
One of the paramedics who was also allergic to bees also got stung.
Sounds like something out of a Hitchcock movie.
Man marries for passport?
Oh boy! I was looking for news about South Africa and I ended up in this Aunt Agony sorta section of a British newspaper.
Apparently this one guy's South African friend wanted to marry him for his Irish (wait, might have been British) passport, cos you know, South Africa is falling to bits.
It's right that the Irish guy don't wanna go through with this for ethical reasons etc. ... but the UK immigration officers are probably gonna call up to get his friend's name now.
Funny website
I came across this website on Muti. It's called Ideate and the blog post I am linking to says, If you recognize this, you're getting old.
So true. None of the young whipper snappers know MacGuyver anymore.
Eskom power hike
Hmm, remember the uproar about the 53% price hike? Well, we'll know by June 6 whether everyone is going to have a heart attack when they receive their bills every month.
And you have til the 29th of this month to grab your keyboard, pen, phone whatever and comment on the matter.
Tea and cake?
Source:
scataudo via sxc
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