One starfish at a time…

South Africa has been an example of reconciliation following the end of apartheid in 1994. The new ANC government has had some successes, but they have moved far too slowly and have made plenty bad decisions, or not enough decisions, period. A good example of this is what’s happening with Eskom now – the country’s electricity provider. This obviously has massive ramifications all over the country and economy.

I believe a governments’ first priority is to protect it’s citizens – this is where the ANC has failed the worst. I am very negative about it all right now – I may look back on this and be ashamed of what I post here but this is how I feel now. I love SA and would live there in a heartbeat if I thought living there would offer me a safe, happy life. Giving up one’s culture, friends, familiarity is not easy. Any country you choose to live has some good and some bad. It feels like the last few months have been the tipping point though – and for me all things considered, it’s all heading in the wrong direction.

I read this comment on the Homecoming revolution blog recently from a black Zimbabwean who I think sums things up pretty well:

African Pilgrim // Feb 27, 2008 at 3:45 pm

Hello everyone, I have recently joined & this is my first contribution. I am a black, Zimbabwean born and lived in Cape Town for 7 years. I recently moved to London and work in an investment bank. I love Africa and until recently was convinced that I would return to the continent – preferably back to SA – to contribute, build the continent and have my kids. Now I am not so sure. I am particularly incensed by the lack of leadership, but more importantly, by the low expectations of my African brothers who will continue to vote for the ANC whose leadership is IMO increasingly proving itself to be morally bankrupt and continues to betray the values of Ubuntu which so many fought, suffered and died for. I saw first hand the effects of this low expectation in Zimbabwean and I now believe that a nation has the government it deserves! I share Desmond Tutus’ protestations against African leaders generally and SA in particular – remember his outburst about JZ not being morally fit to govern or that the ANC was betraying the poor black masses – and am worried that as long as black South Africans (who as the overwhelming majority are the only people who can keep the government of the day accountable) raise their expectations of governance – this covenant between the state and its citizens.

The black majority in South Africa are incensed at the slow progress, corruption etc of the ANC government – yet every election the ANC majority increases. There is no way that the majority of South Africans will vote for the DA or any perceived ‘white’ party regardless of how liberal they may seem. It’s the way it is. We had a magnificent leader in Madiba. Nelson was more focussed (rightly so) on reconciliation than building the country for the future, and the cracks have started to appear with Eskom but the fear is that through the BEE etc, they run much, much deeper. Mbeki followed him and he’s been poor to be fair on him. Next comes Jacob Zuma!! I never believed I would see this day. Here is a man who (allegedly) raped his neighbour, a young girl (I mean he already has 6 wives and is likely to ‘take’ another 2 before the year is out). He admitted to sleeping with her, and he knew she was HIV positive – but he says he just took a shower after to sort that little inconvenience out! He’s also up on corruption charges, and I could write pages on how bad he is as a human, never mind as the leader of my beloved country.

And finally it’s a story like this that convinces me that no matter where I settle, I am doing right by my kids for it not to be in SA

This podcast is mostly about China and it’s interaction with Africa, but also touches on other topics – not least SA’s current woes with the electricity blackouts.

I just love the ‘ya’s'! Lekker old school SA.

The energy problem is a huge one in SA, and one which needs to be dealt with quickly and effectively to limit the fallout. Much easier said than done, given that additional megawatts take time to bring online. See more here

Tony Budden of Hemporium, a South African company that specializes in the multifarious products that can be made from hemp, talks about the environmental, nutritional, industrial, social and spiritual benefits of using hemp to provide us with almost all of our everyday products. These range from biodegradable plastics, detergents, composites that are stronger than steel yet lighter, finest quality paper, foods, textiles and many more.

He explains how the crop is a natural pest deterrent and requires no pesticides and very little fertiliser (natural please) and delves into the controversial history of the plant revealing many important truths of the nature of our global economic systems. A must see for South African’s that love South Africa!

from SABC3: ‘Free Spirit’