RELIGIOUS LEADERS - A CALL T0 ARMS

> Archbishop Thabo Makgoba defied President Jacob Zuma's warning that churches and clergy must desist in engaging in politics. In a blistering Christmas midnight mass sermon he castigated the country's leadership for "their insatiable appetite for obscene wealth, accumulated at the expense of the poorest of the poor".
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>> The Archbishop likened the current political leadership to living under a apartheid-era state of emergency. The deteriorating socio-political environment compelled the Archbishop to "get political". It was a rallying cry for all religious leaders to speak out against unchecked corrupt political power, unlimited government's policy and looting of state resources.
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>> What if Martin Luther King Jr. and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had decided not to "get political" when it came to institutionalised racism? 
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>> Religious leaders must fearlessly speak out against Zuma's government that in so many ways has lost its way, and consequences be damned. 
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COLEEN MAINE - ELECTRICAL BRAIN IMPULSES OF A HUMMING BIRD

What do Donald Trump and ANCYL president Coleen Maine have in common?  They both radiate warm and fuzzy feelings for Russian president Vladimir Putin.  What's more Maine is so enamored with Putin that he pleaded with his idol, Jacob Zuma, when addressing a recent ANCYL Freedom Lecture, to be "the Putin of South Africa".

Although Maine did not offer an explanation for his plea, one can readily presume that he wants Zuma  to follow Putin's example in not only expressing his contempt for the West, but also to bring  about economic freedom, as Maine believes, Putin has done for his countrymen.  He must be living in a parallel universe unaware of the extreme economic hardship Putin has inflicted on Russia's proletariat.

Maine must also be suffering from the ravages of mental midget disease in believing that he and his comrades "will be in charge of the economy of South Africa" by instigating a falling rand and its subsequent rise. His prescription to controlling the economy defies rational thinking.  But, then there are those who are drawn to ignorant men of the likes of Maine, who are accomplished at spinning a web of false promise based on a false premise.

Maine's message to the party faithful was nothing more than code for the ANC's catch phrase of the month "white monopoly capital", the perceived obstacle to taking charge of the economy.  The scenario will play out, and in the end the rand will nosedive sounding the currency's death knell in lockstep with the Zimbabwean dollar.  Who will Maine blame for the chaos that will surely follow?  None other than the  ANC's go-to imaginary Third Force.

Maine is very much like his idol Jacob Zuma.  In the words of George Bernard Shaw:  they know nothing, but believe they know everything.

'THERE'S NONE SO BLIND AS THEY THAT WON'T SEE'

The eminent Justice Yacoob recently excoriated *John Matisonn in a letter published in the Daily Maverick.   Matisonn questioned the appropriateness of Professor Maguvhe's appointment as chairman of the SABC board, because he is blind.

What Matisonn should rather have taken issue with was Maguvhe's lack of qualifications for the position, inasmuch as his physical disability had nothing to do with his lack of ability.    Maguvhe's appalling performance at the ad hoc parliamentary inquiry into the SABC speaks volumes, leading to at least the following inescapable conclusions: ignorance as to his role and duties as chairman, and oblivious to being manipulated by others at the SABC to further their own ends.

Maguvhe's atrocious performance at the inquiry necessitated a review of his educational background.  His educational credentials, which included a less than stellar co-authorship of publications in non-peer review less than reputable journals, leads to one inescapable objective conclusion:  Maguvhe's academic background cannot under any rational basis meet the universally accepted test for a professorship.  What then possessed UNISA to confer a professorship upon him?   The answer must lie within the ruling party's cesspool of political cronyism in which UNISA must have been a willing participant.  

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 *John Matisonn has since apologised to Justice Yacoob, who is blind, for his insensitivity.
  

            

ETHICS, CRICKET & FAF DU PLESSIS

The appeal by Faf Du Plessis against his fine for ball tampering was dismissed.  It was a wasteful and frivolous exercise with zero chance of success.

What was it that Du Plessis, his teammates and executives at Cricket South Africa caused them to conclude an appeal was appropriate?  If it was based on Du Plessis' lack of intent to alter the condition of the ball, his defence was doomed to fail. All that was required was a finding of ball tampering for punitive measures to be imposed.

Du Plessis' decision to appeal,  aided and abetted by his teammates and Cricket South Africa smacked plainly of arrogance, and the belief in the 'can't do no wrong' syndrome.

The game of cricket is imbued with an abiding moral imperative, and it is "just not cricket" without the ethical value.  Cricket is the loser when ethics are hit for a six - it's no secret who did the hitting.

SABC BOARD CHAIRMAN - NOT FIT FOR ANYTHING

SABC's board chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe had his day before the parliamentary inquiry into his fitness, including others,  to hold office.  

Listening to the man testify evoked a whole range of reactions from shock , anger to pity.  He was clearly out of his depth, lacking recollection, and when he did respond, was generally incoherent to the issues at hand.   Even committee ANC MPs were embarrassed, and joined the rest of the committee in expressing their disdain.  Their disdain does not, however, shelter ANC MPs from contributing to the destruction of the SABC in failing in their oversight role. 

Maguvhe's appearance unequivocally confirmed that his appointment to the SABC board was not based on merit, but rather political patronage, or cronyism.  He joins a long list of politically ignorant elite who enjoy the benefits of patronage, or cronyism,  not fit to hold office.  

THE ERSTWHILE RATS OF FAWLTY TOWERS RUN FOR COVER

The Roman scholar Pliny wrote "when a building is about to fall down, all the mice desert it".

So it was with former SABC board members and CEOs who abandoned Fawlty Towers (to borrow a Hogarthism) like rats deserting a sinking ship.  It was not an overnight turn and run for cover, but rather one when Fawlty Towers was about to run aground.

Former board members and CEOs have lined up to testify before the parliamentary inquiry into the SABC.  Those who have testified are readily divulging the systemic rot in the halls and boardrooms of the SABC.

Why did it take a parliamentary inquiry for these former SABC bosses to step up and spill the beans?  Simply because of concerns of personal well-being, having enjoyed the fruits of the poisonous tree during their tenure.

It remains to be seen whether they escape the dragnet of malfeasance.  Until then one telling word, amongst many, comes to mind for these individuals:   hypocrites.

ANC FINALLY SHOWS SOME BACKBONE

ANC MPs who were part of the communication oversight committee inquiry into the deplorable actions of the SABC board finally had some sense of their oversight responsibilities. 

The day's proceeding can best be described as tedious.  ANC committee members in the guise of questions launched into mostly rambling  quasi-intelligible narratives.  The result was two-fold:  rising room temperature from all the hot air, and puerile attempts at distancing themselves from any culpability in the destruction of the SABC.  Nonetheless it did appear they were leaning to hang their SABC comrades out to dry.

It remains to be seen if the report to parliament references the committee's lack of inexcusable oversight in contributing  to the SABC's destruction.

ZUMA'S WARNING TO CLERGY: RENDER UNTO CAESAR . . .

President Jacob Zuma recently addressed members of a church group, and used the opportunity to berate churches and clergy for engaging in politics instead of praying for political leaders. 

Our President is seemingly unaware that most organized religions regularly offer prayers to bless him with divine empowerment in the performance of his role as head of government.  

Inasmuch as prayers for divine empowerment remain answered, religious leaders are duty bound to "get political".  They must champion our foundational principles - including the importance of human freedom and justice for all, the danger of unchecked corrupt political power, unlimited government, looting of state resources, and living within our national means to prevent future generations from drowning in public debt.  To this end, religious leaders are compelled by a moral imperative to "get political". 

What if Martin Luther King Jr. and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had decided not to "get political" when it came to institutionalised racism?  

People of faith, and certainly the clergy, are obligated to speak out boldly to Zuma and his government that in so many ways have lost their way.  They must speak truth in the political sphere, even if it means "getting too political," no matter what the consequences.  

WHAT FAF DU PLESSIS DID JUST WASN'T CRICKET

Faf Du Plessis added new meaning to the phrase "finger lickin' good" when television footage emerged from the second test against Australia of him using saliva to vigorously shine the ball with a mint in his mouth.

Du Plessis was charged and found guilty of ball-tampering by the ICC. Despite footage conclusively establishing ball tampering, Du Plessis will appeal the verdict .

Du Plessis should reconsider and withdraw his appeal.  The odds of a successful appeal are zero  notwithstanding the statement from CSA's chief executive, speaking for Du Plessis:  "In his mind Faf is clear that he did not alter the condition of the ball nor did he intend to do so . . . "  Even so, it is irrelevant as to the question of guilt or innocence.  The rule against tampering imposes strict liability on the offender irrespective of intent. The lack of intent is, however, material to the degree of punishment metered out.

It is not too late for Du Plessis to withdraw his appeal, and accept responsibility for violating the black and white rules on ball-tampering.  By doing so, he will assuage the moral indignation of many followers of cricket who well know that his lapse in judgment "just isn't cricket".

ZUMA - A KNOW NOTHING CHUMP

We were recently treated  to a modern day equivalent of the Hatter's tea party in parliament when President Zuma appeared for a Q & A session.

With the EFF boycotting the session the usual disagreeableness between the ANC and opposition parties was less evident, but even by Wonderland standards more confusing.  Confusing because Zuma's  extemporaneous responses to questions demonstrated a fundamental lack of understanding of the challenges facing South Africa.

Like Alice at the Hatter's tea party, opposition MPs were subjected to a litany of Zumaesque absolutely nonsensical responses to important questions.  His asinine remarks deprecating the validity of a downgrade on the country's sovereign debt by rating agencies is indicative of an ignorant man.  He simply does not understand their influence on all sectors of the economy.  To him ratings agencies are symptomatic of a nefarious Western conspiracy to undermine the Brics alliance.

Zuma exemplifies a man delusively content who, to paraphrase George Bernard Shaw, knows nothing,  but believes he knows everything.

THE CONTENT OF ZUMA'S CHARACTER - EMPTY AS AN IDIOT'S MIND

Abraham Lincoln once observed that "if you want to test a man's character, give him power".

So it is with Jacob Zuma.  Over the past weekend Zuma addressed the party faithful in Pietermaritzburg.  Facing an increasing barrage of calls to step down, Zuma invoked the touchstone of shameless politicians -  playing the victim and the blame game.  Zuma defended himself from perceived political conspiracy by erstwhile friends to energise the party's rank and file.  Adding to his diatribe, he blamed Western powers and white capital for underhandedly promoting a nefarious agenda against him and the ANC.

Zuma is smart enough to know he is swimming in dangerous waters - hence his address to the party faithful who blindly rescue him from those he claims conspire against him.

Zuma's worldview is centered on political survival in which he excels.  As to the  content of his character it is as empty as an idiot's mind.

ZUMA AND A DUMBASS DODO

Shawn Abrahams' decision to withdraw fraud charges against Pravin Gordhan has put him in the crosshairs of President Zuma and Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza. Zuma has called on Abrahams to show cause why he should not be suspended. Ntlemeza has accused Abrahams of bad faith/lack of integrity in dropping charges against Gordhan.

Inasmuch as South Africa's political landscape breeds systemic cynicism, it is not inconceivable for Zuma  and Ntlemeza to have orchestrated a pincer movement against Abrahams.  Both are furious at him for withdrawing charges against Gordhan.

Allegations of gross incompetence leveled at Abrahams coupled with Ntlemeza's bad faith/lack of integrity accusation have afforded Zuma the perfect cover to suspend Abrahams to make way for a dyed-in-the-wool Zuma lackey.

In time the political chicanery surrounding the Gordhan saga will be known.  In the meantime Abrahams has suffered lasting damage to his professional reputation.  As for Ntlemeza his role is a lesson in ignorance cloaked in irony - ignorance as to the respective mandates of the Hawks and NPA, and ironically, his questioning of Abrahams' integrity after a judge called Ntlemeza dishonest and lacking in integrity.  He certainly does not possess the traits of a hawk, but rather a dumbass dodo.

MOLEFE RUNNING SCARED

South Africa was recently treated to a rare event -  Brian Molefe's voluntary resignation as Eskom's CEO following allegations of wrongdoing in the State of Capture report.

Voluntary resignation by officials of state or state-owned enterprises is as rare as hens' teeth.  Molefe's  explanation for walking away in the interest of good governance is feeble at best.  Ironically the report alleges Eskom's violation of corporate governance under Molefe's watch, in addition to damning allegations on his relationship with the Gupta family. Simply put, Molefe is running scared.

According to Molefe he plans to take a break, and spend time considering what comes next.  The fact that the DA will file criminal charges against Molefe may leave him with little or no choice of what comes next for him.  

MALEMA WELCOMES A NEW BEDFELLOW

Clinton supporters are in a state of shock, trounced by a billionaire who understood the anger of disaffected voters.  His anti-establishment populist rhetoric resonated with white America across the Rust-Belt and rural communities.  He played to their fears about jobs moving abroad and immigrants, especially from the Middle East moving in.  Trump was their savior, spoke their language, willing to insult anyone in his run for president.

Trump joins the ranks of a growing number of populist leaders capable of mobilising the people claiming to speak on their behalf.  They draw their support by appealing to the less educated and the economically marginalised.

Included in the ranks of populists leaders is Julius Malema.  He too has tapped into the deepening  inequality and social exclusion of the dispossessed.  In doing so, he has benefited from the ANC government's failure to improving standards of the poor. The arrogant ruling elite has unwittingly prepared the way for Malema's populist movement. .

Trump's populist victory will now further embolden Malema to achieve his extremist agenda.  

IT'S TIME FOR THE REAL RAMAPHOSA TO STAND UP

If people are wishing for the day when uber-rich Cyril Ramaphosa, the beneficiary of gratuitous empowerment deals, is anointed the ANC's next leader, and president of South Africa, they should perish the thought.

Although Ramaphosa's public persona seems benign enough, characterised by affability and congeniality, he is not what he appears to be.   Rather he masquerades as a Wolf in sheep's clothing.

Ramaphosa has demonstrated time and again superior skill in political expediency.  Like the wolf he has an innate understanding of the value of teamwork, ready and willing to take his place in the chain of command.  Biding his time,  he readily compromises whatever previously held political convictions to achieve his one overriding ambition - president of South Africa.

When recently challenged by a white DA MP about Marikana, he aligned with the wolf's instinctive aggressiveness by resorting to a racist retort in his defense.

Ramaphosa's outburst on white people speaks volumes about an otherwise enigmatic man.  Until his outburst he has tended to keep his cards close to his chest, but now Ramaphosa's real character has  been unmasked.  It does not bode well for an already deeply divided people should he succeed Zuma.

OCTOBER 31, 2016 - THE DAY SHAWN ABRAHAM AFFIRMED HE HAS ELECTRICAL BRAIN IMPULSES OF A HUMMINGBIRD

Following Shawn Abraham's decision to drop charges against Minister Pravin Gordhan and his co-accused, calls for his resignation will intensify with each passing day.  Even his puerile attempt to blame others for the decision to charge Gordhan and his co-accused will not mute calls for his resignation. 

It is bad enough being one of Zuma's lackeys.  It is worse being an order of fries short of a Happy Meal.   Sadly he does not know it.   He has no idea how shameless he is, especially when his competence level pales in comparison to the mediocrity that surrounds him.

Abrahams will not resign notwithstanding been told he is incompetent.  The NPA is a good place for him, as no one in the real world wants a lawyer riddled with incompetence.

JACKSON'S MTHEMBU'S PLAINTIFF CRY TO DO RIGHT

The centrality of South Africa's deepening political and economic crisis lies in its lack of leadership.  An absence of performance of leadership obligations prevails, exacerbating the social lives of many more people forced to live under unspeakable conditions.

Lack of leadership and its endless deleterious impact on the country was implicitly the catalyst for prominent ANC member Jackson Mthembu to courageously speak out.  He said that top party leaders should step down.  In his view, the public has lost confidence in the ANC "because of factional behaviour [and] because of arrogance . . . "  Arrogance decidedly personified, and driven by Faustian myopic, selfish and doctrinarian collectivism.

Those singled out by Mthembu must heed his call, as they clearly lack the traits of good leadership.  What they do have in common are one or more traits of naïveté, lack of vision, incompetence, opportunism and parasitism.  They have compromised millions of people who are suffering for no reason other than the appalling choices of these so-called leaders.

THE NEWBIE PP - A WIN FOR ZUMA

I was left with a number of misgivings after listening to the new Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane's recent presentation to parliament.  Admittedly she is under pressure, wanting to set her own agenda.  But, in doing so, she seemingly denigrated her predecessor, that was well received by the ANC-dominated parliamentary portfolio committee.

Although one should not draw definitive conclusions from her presentation to parliament, nevertheless there is warranted cause for concern.  For example, she joined with some ANC MPs in expressing disdain for the term "state capture".  Whether she was giving a signal of where her loyalties lie, or naively sugar-coating the country's pervasive political corruption, is unclear.  One thing is clear, however, her presentation was heavy on form and light on the mandate "to strengthen constitutional democracy by investigating and redressing  . . . maladministration. . . abuse of power in state affairs".

Inasmuch as South Africa's political landscape is a breeding ground for skepticism, Mkhwebane will have to categorically demonstrate that she will exercise her powers as public protector without fear or favour.  Her presentation to parliament did little to allay skepticism that she would, in fact, do so.  To put it bluntly, her actions since her maiden presentation to parliament are harbingers of who she really is - another dyed-in-the-wool Zuma lackey.

ANC'S ANNOINTED CARNIVAL BARKER

When Shawn Abrahams was appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, I welcomed his appointment. At last a career prosecutor was appointed to the position.  However, recognising that naïveté could come back to haunt one, I viewed his appointment with scepticism, and as it has turned out with good reason.

Abrahams has repeatedly stated that he is his own man, mindful of faithfully carrying out his duties effectively and without favour.  Nothing is further from the truth in light of a litany of indefensible political decisions ranging from dropping charges against Nomgcobo Jiba, refusing to prefer charges against Zuma, and more recently a spurious charge of fraud, alternatively theft, against the finance minister akin to road kill that stinks to high heaven.

Abrahams, in announcing the charge against Pravin Gordhan gratuitously postured that "the days of disrespecting the National Prosecuting Authority are over".  It had a similar ring to the ubiquitous barker attempting to attract  passersby at a carnival, but whose exhortations fell on deaf ears.

What Abrahams fails to understand is that "respect is for those who deserve it, not for those who demand it".  The train to board for him and the NPA for earning respect left the station shortly after his appointment.

THULI SPEAKS SOFTLY BUT CARRIES A BLUDGEON

It was reported that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela  will issue her findings of state capture on October 14, 2016, her last day of office.

Despite appeals from President Zuma, and the Guptas not to issue her report, she intends doing so.

Zuma and his friends, the Guptas, have long known of the public protector's investigation into state capture. Now at the eleventh hour they have taken her to task for doing her job.  In fact, a lawyer for the Gupta family accused Madonsela of engaging in "window dressing", and questions whether she was leaving "a well-respected office with ill-intent",  aimed at the president.

Vigorous objections by those implicated leads to the presumptive conclusion:  evidence of the selling of the South African government to the highest bidder.  That being so, will the ruling party follow the same pattern of behaviour as in Nkandla:  defending the president and his friends at all costs?

PROPAGANDA MAN

Minister Pravin Gordhan was in London recently to convince foreign investors that South Africa economy "may well have bottomed out".  It was a prediction and nothing more - no economic indicators to support his prediction that the economy would grow by more than 1% next year.  

Minister Gordhan had the unenviable task in proffering that South Africa was ripe for investment opportunities.  To the sophisticated investor Gordhan's "bottoming out" prediction, without giving reasons, was a non sequitur.

If Minister Gordhan believes the South African economy is about to undergo a turnaround, he is not only mistaken, but also naive.  Too many political and economic factors militate against his optimism  - an economy that is structurally impaired, plagued by incoherent policies, dysfunctional state-owned enterprises, crippling unemployment, corruption, and incompetence.  All will combine and result in a ratings downgrade to junk status.

With this in mind foreign investors would be sitting on the fence notwithstanding Gordhan's cheerleading.  Surely his time will be better spent by staying at home, and reining in the excesses of his comrades.

TIME TO OVERHAUL SA'S BROKEN BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM

South Africa's educational system consists of a complex set of circumstances that remind one of a gunpowder keg.  Provided a barrel of gunpowder is handled with care, all appears seemingly peaceful and dormant until an event triggers an explosive outburst of violence and destruction.  So it is with student 'fees must fall' protests that have grounded universities to a halt.

The upheaval was bound to happen, but not solely on the issue of free tertiary tuition.  There are many systemic problems rooted in education policies that have demonstrably eviscerated the country's educational system. These policies, the equivalent of toxic vapors, have commingled to trigger the mayhem on university campuses.

One unassailable root cause facing tertiary education is South Africa's basic education embedded in a bureaucratically bloated government department with  poorly trained and unmotivated teachers, and incompetent school administrators.  They jointly and severally have failed to meet the needs of students, reminiscent of the insidious educational system that led to the 1976 student uprising.

Year after year the Basic Education Department churns out an assembly line of dysfunctional young people lacking in the three basic R's of education.   The department, unions and teachers disavow responsibility in creating and perpetuating decades of dysfunctional children.  However, they decidedly contribute to the cycle of inter-generational poverty and exclusion.  In addition, they place undue burdens on tertiary institutions who grapple with yearly intakes of essentially illiterate students requiring in-depth remedial tutoring.

Desperate and asinine measures have been introduced by government to turn education around. A prime example is so-called Outcomes Based Education that rewards failing pupils by promoting them to the next grade level.  As a result, millions of children are trapped in a system lacking accountability, poor teacher training, complacent and disinterested administrators content with the status quo.

Shaking the bureaucratic tree of complacency and disinterest, based on personal experience, can be a challenging task.  I was a volunteer at a primary school, run by a not-for-profit literacy organisation, tutoring eight year olds.  It soon became apparent that individualized tutoring was a wasteful exercise.  What  these young people, and likely many others, desperately needed  was cognitive and learning disorder assessment followed by remedial or special needs intervention.  I raised the issue with a school administrator, but to no avail.  Perturbed by the lack of disinterest and concern, I approached Minister Motshega for assistance.  After persistent follow-up requests, the matter was eventually referred to Specialised Support, Western Cape Education Department.

Shortly thereafter a department delegation was dispatched to the school.  It must have not been a pleasant experience for the principal as she confronted me at the first opportunity.  It was neither a cordial or constructive discussion.  Suffice to say she expressed displeasure for being "shown up".  The fact that her basic instinct in self-preservation preempted the interests of the affected children is emblematic of rife self-interest amongst do-nothing administrators.  What was equally disturbing was her threat to disband the volunteer literacy program if I continued to volunteer.   It will be no surprise to learn that at the behest of the NGO I am no longer a volunteer.  Personal agenda and cowardice once again trumped the best interests of children.

As long as bureaucrats persist in dumbing down the basic education system, there can be no realistic expectation of fundamental change.  But, fundamental change is imperative if matriculants are to be equipped with the educational tools to perform in a university environment.  Whether this is politically feasible is an open question, particularly since change will  likely alter the territorial imperative dynamic that bureaucrats in the Basic Education Department selfishly
guard, as if their lives depended on it.  Truth be told, it does!

The presence of pervasive under-performance and mediocrity in government schools is not unique to South Africa. Schools in the United States have had to deal with the phenomenon.  Their solution was the establishment of charter schools which has dramatically improved the quality of education.

Charter schools are public schools operating under a charter between the school and government. Schools are independently run in their operations  in return for greater accountability.  Although publicly funded, a charter school is established by teachers, parents, or community groups.  In return for public funding, charter schools must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic performance, financial management and organisational stability. Equally important charter schools have the ability to recruit and retain high-quality and motivated teachers.

Charter schools raise the bar of what is possible, and what should be expected in public education.  Those who sought refuge in private schools are returning in greater numbers to public schools.  In doing so, they are contributing to an inclusive, positive and growing multi-racial environment for young people from all socio-economic backgrounds.  The introduction of charter schools in South Africa will markedly decrease the racial divide currently existing between public and private schools.

Children attending public schools in South Africa are denied the opportunity to succeed in school, career and life. Government  in partnership with communities across the country can effect change through the introduction of charter schools.

The ANC government has propagated a lie as to its commitment to quality education for too long.   South Africa's young people know it all too well.

South Africa's children do not deserve an educational system that is irreparably broken. We owe it them to overhaul the system, because "if not us, then who? If not now, then when?"

FALSE HOPE AND PROMISE

 ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe believes that universities should shut down for up to a year if students fee protests continue.

On its face, one can understand Mantashe's outburst.  His ANC government is in the grips of a student revolt that he and his party comrades are are at loss what to do next - a scenario of damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Shutting down universities would, according to Mantashe, bring protesting students to their senses.  A simplistic and myopic reaction to a problem that has been festering for decades. A problem which the ANC elite has purposely neglected, paraphrasing  Mantashe, to deepen the crisis before solving it.  A radical approach that will only stoke the fires of student rage and reinforce implacable resistance to reasoned compromise.

The born-free generation was handed false hope and  promise of "A Better Life For All"', but instead are captives to an endless cycle of poverty and exclusion.  They have finally realized that the ANC government sold them a bill of goods which never pays off.

The clarion call of battle trumpets will continue to be heard, despite the deployment of stun grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets.  It has little impact in drowning out a clear message to government from students: "we have been patient, given you plenty of chances; we have finally learned that your promise of a better life was bogus; no more!"

A MODERN DAY WITCHES' BREW

Justice Malala's column "All the president's men" (19/9/16), highlighted the prevalence of metastasised mediocrity rooted in most of President Zuma's cabinet ministers.  We all know who they are - no need to elaborate.

Zuma and his sycophants are not only failing us miserably, but also putting future generations in great peril.  They simple don't care because their self-interest and welfare comes first.  It is an inescapable truth of political life in South Africa.

Zuma's yes-men and women follow his example by putting their self-serving interests before that of the nation.  It is called "self-preservation", and it is destroying the country from within.

When one adds self-preservation to the recipe for mediocrity, and include ingredients of  incompetence, corruption and wrongdoing, the end result is a modern day witches' brew - a toxic concoction that is inexorably poisoning the lifeblood of the nation.

THE ROT iN THE NPA CONTINUES

A two-judge panel in the Pretoria High Court struck senior prosecution officials, Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mcwebi, from the roll of advocates.

In a scathing, no holds barred judgment, Judge Legodi rendered an ironclad well-reasoned decision affording Jiba and Mcwebi no basis in law or fact of reversal on appeal.

After the decision Shawn Abrahams, Director of of Public Prosecutions placed Jiba and Nrwebi on special leave at their request.  According to NPAs spokesman, Lufuyo Mfaku, Abrahams based his decision by apparently balancing the integrity of the NPA and the administration of justice "against the integrity and reputation of Jiba and Mrwebi".  Mfaku then added insult to injury by thanking "the two officials for upholding the integrity of the institution as well as theirs".  Hogwash!  The NPA represents the very anthesis of integrity and reputation.

Truth be told Jiba and Mrwebi should have been summarily fired. By placing the pair on special leave will not interrupt receiving their unearned salaries, free to pursue frivolous appeals at taxpayer expense.  The rot in the NPA continues.

ONE PRINCIPLED DECISION IS NOT REDEMPTION

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba's announcement that 'hate' pastor, Steven Anderson, had been refused a visa was consistent with the country's Immigration Act prohibiting foreigners who are "likely to promote hate speech or advocate social violence".

In announcing his decision the minister predicated it on South Africa having .  . ."to work towards reaching its constitutional goals".  A lofty sentiment, but one that flies in the face of the government's refusal of a visa to the Dalai Lama, a man of peace, and allowing Omar Al-Bashir, wanted for mass killing, rape and pillage, to enter and depart notwithstanding a court order preventing his departure.

No matter how principled Gigaba's decision in denying a visa to Anderson was, decisions insofar as the Dalai Lama and Al-Bashir were concerned, will not disembowel the stink of hypocrisy and unlawfulness generated by Gigaba's department and other organs of the state. By doing so, they rode roughshod over the constitution.

THE MORAL & INTELLECTUAL BENIGHTEDNESS OF ANC MP's

When the roll is called in Parliament ruling party MP's  answer "Present".  They then settle down to the people's business by napping, socialising, and when called upon deliver incoherent talking points in defense of ANC government corruption, patronage and clientelism.

More significantly the instruction to ANC MP's is not to hold members of the executive accountable, or from taking stands according to their conscience.  They willingly accept their perfunctory role from the Speaker to the backbencher  in the name of party loyalty wrapped-up in patronage.

ANC MP's must answer "Guilty" instead  of "Present" when the roll is called.  Guilty because ANC MP's have abdicated their constitutional oversight duties including duties prescribed in their oath of office.  They have yet to comprehend that constitutionalism means constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.  Until then the constitution is an irritant and an inconvenience to be discarded at any inconvenient political opportunity - a classic case of a constitution without constitutionalism.

SOUTH AFRICA IN THE HAND BASKET OF HELL

South Africa's GDP rose an annualised 3.3% in the second quarter.  In doing so, the country avoided a technical recession.

It sounds like good news, but GDP statistical data does not tell the whole story. The fact that a technical recession was avoided is of little or no solace to the millions of South Africa's unemployed.  To the impoverished masses a modest recovery in GDP figures means nothing at all.  They will still face ongoing extreme hardship despite the rise in GDP.

The mining and manufacturing sectors contributed to GDP recovery.  What was not taken into account was the ongoing political chaos, exacerbated by lack of direct foreign investment, drought, low commodity prices  and probable downgrading of the country's sovereign credit rating to junk status. One must also add corruption in the public sector and ANC imploding factionalism to the mix.

An increase in GDP doesn't cut it when the country has been in the hand basket of hell for sometime.

A FLEETING MOMENT

Imagine for one fleeting moment that South African Airways is a publicly traded company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  This came about because of SAA's imminent liquidation, compelling the government to agree to a fire sale of SAA's assets to private investors.

It was an express condition of the sale that the new shareholders had the right to remove or affirm the current board of directors.

First to receive her marching orders was SAA's wrecking ball chairperson, Dudu Myeni, Zuma's close friend, set to serve a further term.  When the news broke, SAA's stock trebled in value  - a positive sign of investor confidence in SAA's road to recovery.

As to the remaining 11 directors, approved by cabinet, a decision to retain one or more of them would be assessed solely on merit.  In other words, verification of their education, skills, training, on-the-job experience, and integrity.  The days of over-paid do-nothing incompetent, corrupt parasites in SAA's first class executive dining room would be a thing of the past.  Odds are a number of them will be looking in newspaper help wanted ads before too long.

A fleeting moment - yes, but hope springs eternal for government to divest state-owned enterprises to the private sector.  Imagine some of the benefits -   revenue enhancement to the fiscus, and an end to looting of state resources.

TIME TO PULL THE PLUG ON SAA

According to a SAA spokesperson the newspaper request for R16bn through  market funding was to test the appetite of the market.  Maybe so, but it was really a cry for help to all and sundry.

SAA's plea for funding has sunk to the level of a down-and-out street beggar pleading with pedestrians for alms.  No matter what SAA says to the contrary the airline is on failing life support - it is time to pull the plug.  No amount of loans, government guaranteed or otherwise, will result in a financial turn around.  The root causes for the airline's earthbound crash remain -  gross mismanagement, corruption, to name a few.  Private lenders know it, and will not heed SAA's apocryphal representations of financial resilience.

SAA is a text book case of government encroachment in an industry that should entirely be run by the private sector.  Government knows it, refuses to acknowledge it, but will be compelled to privatise SAA.  It should do it now, rather than face the humiliation of having to do so through force of circumstances.

CAN RAMAPHOSA FIND HIS COJONES?

In Monday Morning Matters (The Times 29/8/16), Justice Malala urged Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to find his cojones, and speak his mind.  A tall order indeed.

Ramaphosa is a person exhibiting an apparent contradictory nature.  The word "paradox" is one that may suitably describe his nature.

On the one hand, Ramaphosa exemplifies the gregarious, intelligent back-slapping politician.  However, intelligence does not necessarily equate with good judgment. Consider his steadfast loyalty to the ANC collective in the wake of Nenegate.  The fact that he did not speak out against the appointment of van Rooyen as finance minister leads to one unmistakeable conclusion: judgment deficit disorder wrapped in political expediency.

Ramaphosa typifies the affable politician, well-versed in empty vessel generalities.  He is simply not his own man, and lacks the cojones to be one

TRUMP'S MESSAGE - MAKE AMERICA WHITE (OOPS - GREAT) AGAIN

History doggedly repeats itself, but we learn little from its lessons. Consider the fact that clever people did not take the rise of fascist demagogues in the 1930's seriously. They regarded peacock strutting dictators in their goofy uniforms and jackboots as buffoons. They were mocked, derided and treated with contempt until it was too late to prevent their costing mankind suffering and waste beyond reckoning. History repeated itself in clever people once again failing to take fascist Donald Trump seriously. They were bemused by his unmitigated dishonesty, constant lies, religious intolerance, bigotry, xenophobia and egotism. Now, with 13 million Republican voters in Trump's camp, he is no longer considered a joke. The fact that a sociopath was able to become the Republican nominee for President is un-American in itself. Trump's policy proposals are diametrically opposed to America's founding principles and truths that all Americans are meant to regard as inalienable. Trump's campaign is driven by disaffected white voters who yearn to return to the time when the majority of America's people were white. That's what Trump really means when he says he wants to make America great again. America will cease being America if Trump becomes its 45th President.

ANCYL ROCKS A TATTERED ANC

If the ANC Youth league (ANCYL) believes it is in a position to orchestrate the future role of ANC elders, it is no fantasy. The ANCYL has called for an overhaul of the party's leadership. In doing so, it excoriated Gwede Mantashe for calling on unnamed cadres to resign, and instead Mantashe was told "do so alone". Clearly the ANC's poor showing in the recent election has magnified factional rifts within the party.  For the ANCYL to undermine the likes of Mantashe, who are deemed to be impediments to increasing its sphere of influence within the organisation is clearly a new phenomenon.  Historically the ANCYL has hardly been an influential body within the ANC. No longer, as the shift in power within the country has now afforded the young guns of the ANCYL the means to put the old men and women in Luthuli House out to pasture.

POLITICS & CRICKET - A REFLECTIVE LESSON

It was a tranquil day in idyllic Sandwich Town, Kent, where the sounds of a cricket match filled the air. Besides the ear splitting thump of the ball on a batsman's helmet, the solitude of the game allowed one plenty of time to ponder the big questions. And so, it was for me, recuperating from a mild concussion, to ponder the big questions about South Africa's recent election and its political future. At the outset the obvious must be stated: the ANC under-estimated the deep-seated frustration and resentment amongst its metro supporters. It's ubiquitous T-shirt and food parcel no longer served as catalysts for votes. The DA, on the other hand, understood voter concerns - bread and butter delivery issues. In doing so, it was empirically in a position to demonstrate its competence in governing the Western Cape, and given the opportunity, to govern equally well in other provinces. South Africa's 2016 municipal election was a watershed moment. It has demonstrated a political maturing of its people resulting in the genesis of a new power structure with the DA playing a prominent role. It is up to the DA, metaphorically speaking, not to drop the ball in the country's slips or its boundaries.

TRUMP - AMERICA'S NIGHTMARE

Although it is still some four months until Americans cast their vote for president of the United States, the world can breath a sigh of relief. Trump met his Waterloo at the recently concluded Republican National Convention. The Convention in Cleveland this past week nominating Donald Trump as the Republican Party's nominee for president will be one which Republicans will want erased from memory. From Melania Trump's plagiarised speech to Ted Cruz's refusal to endorse Trump, the Convention turned out to be the worst in recent history. If the purpose was to unify the party it failed miserably. The rancor, incoherent message, open revolt and unprecedented hard edged attacks have cemented undecided voters from casting their ballots for Trump. Other than a minority of die-hard angry white voters, the rest of the country recognises Trump for what he is: an egomaniacal neo-fascist demagogue with a narcissistic personality disorder unfit and unqualified to hold the office of President of the United States. Trump will hear a thunderous and clear message from the electorate on November 4, 2016: "you're fired!" America will be so much better for it.

WOMEN - A POWER SHIFT IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

The prominence of powerful female politicians on the world stage is a welcome development. It is time for women to rule the world because they can do so much better than men. It is no longer political correctness that has empowered women such as May, Lagarde, Merkel, Clinton and Sturgeon. Rather it is their womanly practicality and long-term strategic vision that engenders collaboration and inclusiveness to facilitating conflict resolution and peace making. These women are the standard bearers of a new matriarchy where capable and ambitious women are taking matters into their own hands. They are uniquely qualified to do so because they listen and understand consensus in a dimensional context. An historic political power shift is in the making. Globalisation is immutably preparing women for political leadership positions. Male-dominated patriarchy must wake up to the fact that women are imbued with intellectual capacity and emotional fortitude to make the difficult decisions that leadership demands. The world needs new thinking and new strategies. Women get it and are up to the task. The old patriarchal order must get on board by teaming up with women as equals before it is too late.

SOUTH AFRICA'S CULTURE OF DISHONESTY - FAKE CREDENTIALS

Media reported on a fake degree scam orchestrated by an employee at the University of Zululand. At the request of a former student the public protector will investigate,which begs the question: why the public protector and not law enforcement? South Africa is notorious for its culture of dishonesty - fraudulent qualification and falsified professional resumes. This will continue unabated if perpetrators simply receive a slap on the hand, if at all. A lengthy prison term as a deterrent is an appropriate and long overdue solution. If the likes of Ellen Tshabalala, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, Mohau Pheko, and others had been criminally prosecuted, it would have served as a deterrent to those contemplating academic fraud. The practice of issuing get out of jail free cards by tolerating academic fraud does irreparable harm to the country's reputation and the credibility of its institutions. Government promised to deal with fraudulent qualifications more than a year ago. One more of a laundry list of unfulfilled promises which do not solve the country's problems, inasmuch as actions do.

THE LAST GASP OF A MURDEROUS REGIME?

Speaking on events in Zimbabwe Gwede Mantasha proffered that long-standing economic problems should "never give a license to regime change elements to revive restlessness in Zimbabwe". In general terms - yes, but circumstantially in Zimbabwe's case, a necessity. Mantashe is clearly oblivious of the fact that economic conditions constitute a significant factor in regime change. Zimbabwe is undergoing an explosive economic crisis that has all the trappings of regime change. The catalyst for regime change is Zimbabwe's bankruptcy. Zimbabwe's finance minister, while begging for loans in European capitals this week told French radio "Right now we literally have nothing". Not true, because according The Economist, Mugabe and his cronies... "between them probably have enough money to pay off all of Zimbabwe's arrears to the IMF". As The Economist rightly points out bailing out the bandit Mugabe and his cronies is a bad idea - it will simply add to more repression by a murderous regime.

C' EST LA VIE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD

We have yet to learn the full scope and extent of the culture of corruption in South Africa. On the other hand, it really is of no consequence as it would not change the fact that the nation has already been reduced to a state of exhaustive conditioning to endless corruption. Organisations that issue reports on public and private sector corruption are simply exercises in futility - no one pays attention, or cares a tinker's damn anymore. Against this backdrop it is not surprising that SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng intervened and "rescued" Zuma-Ncube, Jacob Zuma's daughter, and co -owner of the TV production, Uzalo from an early demise. This, despite a review panel's recommendation to axe the production. The review panel expressed multiple concerns for not renewing ranging from a perverse budget of R167m to dubious artistic considerations. According to the Sunday Times when Zuma-Ncube learnt of the non-renewal, she and her co-producer complained to Motsoeneng. Unsurprisingly the TV production was back on the gravy train for the benefit of Jacob Zuma's progeny. Another opportune day for Zuma's progeny, but for the rest of us c'est la vie en Afrique du sud.

THE VERY DEFINITION OF ENCYCLOPEDIC IGNORANCE

Our worldly International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has put her dainty feet in it once again! This time in response to a question at a briefing in Pretoria, she said: "Brexit? We don't know about it" We saw it on television. We heard it will impact negatively on trade and relations, but we haven't seen any evidence of that". At the very least she could have avoided the "we" reference when prefacing her remarks. There are presumably many South Africans who take exception to be included in the ignoramus category reserved for the likes of Nkoana-Mashabane. The minister's obliviousness to world events raises fundamental questions as to what she does to fill her day. Not much, if anything it would seem, as her remarks are demonstrative of a degree of ignorance that has a shelf life in perpetuity.

A CALL TO ACTION

Time is running out for South Africa's Jewish establishment to mobilise politically. For too long it has ignored, to its detriment, South Africa's body politic, avoiding meaningful political involvement, other than directly affecting the Jewish community. The lack of meaningful Jewish community involvement in political decision-making, or electioneering is not a new phenomenon. It had its dawning in the apartheid era following Jewish establishment's warning to all Jews not to awake the wrath of the regime. The warning was unneeded as an anxious Jewish community preferred to be discreetly seen, but not heard. Opposition to apartheid as a matter of policy was therefore unthinkable. Tacit, and at times, overt complicity in the evils of apartheid was the accepted norm in spite of Judaism's fundamental belief in the dignity of man. During apartheid a minority of South African Jewish activists courageously opposed apartheid. Some were either murdered, jailed, or exiled. Within the Jewish community they were stigmatised, regarded as political lepers, and a real and present danger to the wellbeing of the community. The implications of the phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" in Genesis 4:1-9 was poignantly a non sequitur. In this respect, I for one, despite the passage of time, have yet to put aside residual animus towards the Jewish establishment for abandoning those of us in the struggle, by jettisoning the centrality of freedom from political oppression embedded in Jewish thought. The Jewish community did not differentiate between Jewish activists and the banned ANC leadership. The former were lumped together with Mandela, Sisulu, Tembo, and others under the catch-all communist-terrorist classification. When the opportunity presented itself to demonstrate commitment to the status quo under apartheid the Jewish community unhesitatingly did so. One simply has to recall the community's misguided pride in the selection of a Jewish prosecutor bent on securing a death penalty conviction for Mandela and his co-accused. The Jewish community's moral compass during apartheid was in lock-down mode. Silence on the evils of apartheid from the likes of the Jewish Board of Deputies, and religious leaders was not only deafening, but cowardly. It remains a deep-seated festering thorn in the side of today's ANC. With the birth of the new South Africa in 1994, Jewish religious and secular leaders experienced an epiphany as far as race relations were concerned. Those in the liberation movement were no longer pariahs, but heroes, to be feted at every opportunity - quintessential hypocrisy disguised in new found altruism. Not too long ago Obed Bapela, an ANC subcommittee chairperson singled out South African Jews serving in the Israeli military. He did not expressly say so, but his agenda was likely to question the loyalty of the Jewish community in South Africa. As expected the Board of Deputies criticised Bapela, adding that "the Jewish community has played an active and integral role in building South Africa". The loyalty issue continues to smolder due to the Jewish community's commitment to Israel in contrast to the ruling party's enmity, compounded by residual memories of Israel's close ties with the apartheid regime. Despite the Board's assertion of "the Jewish community's active and integral role in building South Africa", the ruling party remains unpersuaded by the Jewish community's 'overnight' non-racial transformation, because of its disconnect to the suffering of the black population pre-and post-apartheid. Against this backdrop the Jewish community should no longer passively remain in the shadows of South Africa's body politic. It must discard the shackles of the past, increase its visibility, and unwaveringly enter the political arena, even if it means confronting anti-Semitic attacks, or accusations of racism for criticising a black government for lack of good governance. There is a rightful place for Jews at South Africa's political table. But, sitting silently on the back seat of history is a perilous cop-out. It really is an issue of survival, failing which the plaintiff cry "that was the South African Jewish community that was" will be heard throughout Israel and the diaspora.

ZUMA - IT IS TIME TO MAN UP!

Political and economic turbulence reached alarming levels this past week, from the violence in Tshwane to Brexit's bombshell, and its presumed impact on an already faltering economy. The prospect of a silver lining in the ensuing turmoil appeared improbable, but for the Pretoria High Court's dismissal of Zuma and the NPA's application for leave to appeal reinstatement of 783 corruption charges against Zuma. Assuming Zuma wants, as he previously claimed , his day in court, now is the time for him to man up. He will not do so, and will continue to engage in obstructionist and frivolous tactics to defeat the ends of justice. In so doing, the NPA will participate in the charade pandering, as always, to Zuma and his benightedness. If, at the the end of a long and tortuous road Zuma is tried odds are good he will be acquitted. One merely has to recall the growing number of high profile cases the NPA has lost. In Zuma's case, however, it will be lost to more than NPA effortless incompetence, but for reasons more insidious in nature and scope.

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS - A SOLUTION TO SA'S NATIONAL EDUCATION CRISIS

South Africa's basic educational system is in crisis mode, but it is not for want of funding. South Africa spends more on education, about 7% of GPD, than any other African country. If it was simply a question of money, the educational system would be riding the crest of a wave. The education system is dysfunctional for a multiplicity of reasons ranging from a bureaucratically bloated Basic Education Department, poorly trained and unmotivated teachers, incompetent school management to socio-economic factors. Year after year the system churns out an assembly line of dysfunctional children lacking in the 3 basics R's of education. The Education Department, unions and teachers disavow responsibility for their roles in creating and perpetuating decades of dysfunctional learners. Each contribute to the cycle of inter-generational poverty. Fanciful strategies has been introduced by government to turn education around. None of them, such as outcomes-based education have, or will succeed, because they are simply intended to serve as band aids to protect the special interests of bureaucrats and unions. One need look no further than Sadtu's refusal last year to administer annual assessment tests. One reason advanced by some for its refusal was that the tests would demonstrate an unacceptable level of substandard teaching. Not an outlandish conclusion as unions exist to protect its members rather than society as a whole. Millions of children are trapped in a system lacking in accountability, inferior training of teachers and bureaucrats. Those who have the financial means are increasingly sending their children to private schools. Fundamental change in a system that deprives millions of children to quality education is paramount. The solution is the establishment of charter schools which have dramatically improved the quality of education in under-performing urban and rural schools in North America and elsewhere. Charter schools are public schools operating under a charter between the school and government. Schools are independently run in their operations in return for greater accountability for performance. Although publicly funded a charter school is established by teachers, parents, or community groups. In return for public funding charter schools must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management and organisational stability. To this end, charter schools have the ability to recruit and retain high quality teachers. Charter schools foster a partnership between parents, teachers and learners, creating an environment in which parents can be involved, teachers are encouraged to innovate, and learners are provided the structure needed to learn. Under-performing schools that have been transformed into public charter schools are decidedly closing the achievement gap. They are raising the bar of what is possible - and what should be expected in public education. In fact, those who sought academic refuge in private schools are returning in greater numbers to public charter schools. In doing so, they are contributing to an inclusive, positive and growing multi-racial environment for learners from all socio-economic backgrounds. Every child in South Africa deserves real opportunity to succeed in school, career and life. Public charter schools will provide the opportunity. Surely it deserves serious consideration by government in partnership with the education community. We owe it to the millions of South Africa's children.

A BROKEN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THAT BREEDS BUREAUOCRATIC DO-NOTHINGNESS & INDOLENCE

Commemorating June 16, 1976, as we do from year to year,  in recognition of the uprising and sacrifice of Soweto school learners is the least the country can do to honour the courage of those involved. 

What we fail to underscore was the deep-seated frustration experienced  by students forced to endure second-rate education.  Marching against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction was the last straw against an insidious educational system. 

Reflecting on the standard of present day basic and higher education, change in form has far outweighed change in substance.  Our educational system remains second-rate, and is not meeting the needs of our student body - they are no better off in comparison to 1976.  Literacy and numeracy are oxymorons in the educational context.  I know this from tutoring at a primary school.  

The decay in the standard of education is further compounded by Education Department bureaucrats disinterest in improving the system.  By way of example, I have sought cognitive and learning disorder assessment and intervention for young learners desperately in need of remedial education, but to no avail, either from school administrators, or the Minister herself.  There is a lesson to be learnt - one should not expect responsiveness from an environment that is a breeding ground for do-nothingness and indolence.  

South Africa's children do not deserve an educational system that is irreparably broken.  We owe it to them because "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?"

ANC TRUCKING FOR VOTES

As day breaks over South Africa, day in and day out, the poor are subjected to increasing misery, hopelessness and despair at the hands of the ANC.  Now it is alleged that senior ANC comrades issued a directive to withhold water to the poor in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. After doing so, water tankers would be despatched to ostensibly demonstrate the ANC's sensitivity to delivery - all in the name of securing votes in the coming election.

As expected the ANC has denied manipulating the affected residents.  The denial falls on deaf ears as the ANC has lied for so long it is impossible to distinguish between the truth and a lie.

Those responsible should be publicly tarred and feathered instead of having to experience the ignominy of an ambassadorial appointment to a distant exotic location.

ARROGANCE AND CONTRIVANCE: GAMING THE SYSTEM

The NPA and President Zuma's application for leave to appeal the High Court's ruling that Zuma should face charges in a earlier dropped indictment was recently argued.  Judgment has been reserved.

There is every expectation leave to appeal will be refused inasmuch as the unanimous full court decision was legally sound in fact and law.  Why then did Zuma and the NPA seek leave to appeal?

From Zuma's perspective one can understand his decision -  avoidance at all costs of reinstatement of criminal charges for particularly serious crimes.

For the NPA the decision to seek leave to appeal follows a pattern uniformly employed by government and parastatals who engage in frivolous lawsuits with no expectation of success.  One merely has to recall the number of recent high profile cases government has lost.

Why then does government persist in engaging in ever-increasing frivolous and costly lawsuits?   Primarily arrogance and contrived legal advice -  advice that government lawyers dish up to simply satisfy their political bosses. The entire system from the NPA to the Office of the Chief Law Advisor is politicised and panders to politicians and their benightedness.

The politicisation problem has not gone unnoticed.  A study by the Public Service Commission has addressed it. Whether its findings will be acted upon remains to be seen.  Probably not, and certainly not from those in private practice .  The status quo is a bonanza for them.  Their laughter can be heard all the way to the bank!

"NOT THE SHARPEST KNIFE IN THE KNIFE-THING"

South Africa's  foreign minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has done it again - embarrassing the country.  She did so on al-Jazeera, and now by leveling unfounded complaints at the US for its recent terror alert.  Her actions are demonstrative of a degree of stupidity that has a shelf life in perpetuity.  

Noake-Masabane was oblivious to the fact that the US alert was directed at US citizens living in South Africa.  It was not for her, or the security cluster, to question the source for the terror alert. There are some 8 million US citizens living abroad, and  the protection of its citizens is of the utmost priority.  The fact that the minister criticised the US for its "disingenuous" actions will not deter the US from issuing warnings in the future.  If the minister, or the security cluster felt slighted by the alert so be it!  The alert had nothing to do with the government's inability( as it suggested) to protect its citizens.   Smacks of deep seated inferiority complex issues wouldn't you say?

One explanation advanced for the minister initiating a diplomatic protest is her animus towards the US.  One thing is, however, patently obvious:  she lacks the temperament and intellect for the important portfolio.  She may be gifted in other areas.  To this end, Luthuli House should deploy her to one of the many cabinet positions where she can be seen but not heard, and can do no further harm. 

SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT'S GRAVY TRAIN FOR PROFESSIONAL VAMPIRES

It was reported that the audit firm KPMG earned a staggering R23 million of taxpayer money in compiling a forensic report on the SARS "rogue" unit. Surely the stupendous cost of the report should induce some sense of consternation for the service provided by KPMG. It would be interesting to learn if the government agency that engaged KPMG has questioned the reasonableness of the cost. Fees billed for professional services must be reasonable in keeping with the nature and scope of the work done. This test applies equally to auditors, accountants, lawyers, doctors and professions in general. The taxpayer has a right to know if he received "bang for his buck" in forking out R23 million! The government spends millions upon millions of Rand on outside professional services of which forensic services and litigation support constitute a significant portion. Hopefully there are controls in place to insure that government is getting reasonable value for the money it spends. Wishful thinking? Probably.

ANC RANK AND FILE AND THE LURE OF PUBLIC OFFICE

All is not well under the ANC tent. There is a struggle by those wanting their preferred candidates to secure a place on the list of ANC candidates for the coming local elections. The need for inclusion on the list is paramount towards a winning jackpot for a life of power, prestige and vast wealth. Rank and file ANC members have finally come to the realization that public office is not reserved solely for the party's political elite and their camp followers. They believe they too are entitled to a slice of the political pie, be it wealth, power, patronage and corruption that public office so readily provides the ruling party. The days of a compliant ANC rank and file collective appears to be at an end. From hereon the politics of greed will intensify, but not indefinitely, because a party built on greed surely cannot endure.

A HEARTBEAT AWAY FROM A HEART ATTACK

Watching politicians on TV can be hazardous to one's health. A case in point when Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashane was recently interviewed on al-Jazeera television. A couple of minutes into the interview I felt my blood pressure rising and heart rate increasing. I did what I suspect some do to prevent the onset of chest and shoulder pains, precursors to a heart attack: shout, scream, squirm and cringe. Other than a possible infarction,  it would not obviously have abated the minister's anecdotal ramblings, but it did provide some personal cathartic relief. The role of a minister in foreign affairs is embedded in diplomacy requiring utmost tact and skill. None of these attributes were plainly present in Nkoane-Mashabane's interview with al-Jazeera. She was unprepared, arrogant, intent on sidestepping questions, and oblivious to the irreparable damage she inflicted on the country. The country faces enormous political and economic problems without the likes of Nkoana-Mashabane begriming our image abroad. In addition to not being the sharpest knife in Zuma's cabinet, she does not have the intellect and temperament for the important portfolio.

SOUTH AFRICA'S CESSPOOL OF DEGREE/DIPLOMA FRAUD

South Africa has its share of public sector employees lying about their academic qualifications. It has been awhile since the likes of Pallo Jordan, Ellen Tshabalala and Mahau Pheko misrepresented their qualifications. Some fraudsters have the good sense to resign their positions, while Hlaudo Motsoeneng, SABC's COO, who lied about his qualifications, stubbornly refuses to do the right thing, aided and abetted by his bosses. In or about March, 2015, government undertook to flush out public servants with fraudulent qualifications. Whether it has done so is unclear. What is clear, however, is that public servants who have secured government jobs through fraud deprive opportunities for those who merit such jobs. These include bona fide university graduates who are increasingly unable to find employment. It is an issue of fundamental fairness requiring the government to unrelentingly root out and prosecute the fraudsters. Failure to do so negatively impacts the country's reputation, in addition to contributing to the 'brain drain'. The focus in South Africa has been centered on exposing fake academic credentials. But, there is more to the problem. One simply has to look at the pervasive prevalence of academic fraud in Russia, riddled with plagiarism, dissertation ghost writers, corrupt dissertation boards and faculty rubber-stamping stolen, or shoddy work. Affirmative action by the Russian government and a volunteer organisation "Dissernet" is exposing academic fraud using plagiarism-detection software. Authorities in South Africa must follow Russia's example in auditing and publicly exposing fraudsters. It will restore the country's tarnished image by closing growing qualification and academic fraud. A broad spectrum audit should commence with existing public sector employees. Expect job vacancy rates to dramatically increase, due to immediate resignations, public shaming and prosecution of those who achieved professional positions through dishonest methods. It is time to clean up the cesspool of academic fraud.

"A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE"

MINIMAL effort is all that is required to understand multiple deprivations many vulnerable South African children confront from birth. These include, but are not necessarily limited to, poor nutrition, disease, violence, abuse, neglect and squalid living conditions. The social ills children face decidedly affect literacy rates. According to the Minister of Basic Education the national average performance in 2012 among Grade 3 children in literacy was 35%. Performance rates have not meaningfully improved since 2012. How then do we attack the deleterious effects of illiteracy and its unwanted progeny of low educational achievement, wasted human potential and resources? One solution lies in providing additional individualized support for children having difficulty with English as a second language. There are plenty 'at risk' children who struggle in a large class environment. Individualized tutoring serves as a bridge for these children to get up to speed. In this respect, Shine Centers, a non-profit organisation, bridges the gap, using trained volunteers, who tutor English reading, writing and speaking skills in keeping with its ethos that each individual matters. Having tutored at a primary school affiliated Shine Centre for some months, improvement in learner performance is achievable. One learner, Fikile, (pseudonym) who could otherwise charm the birds out of their nests, presents a challenge. Suffice to say, he is a child with special needs and requires the intervention of a special education professional. Here is the rub: the school does not have a special education professional on staff, nor is it likely that one can be provided by the Education Department for the foreseeable future, if at all. The need for special education especially for children in their formative years cannot be over-emphasised. Their lives do change for the better. My son is a case in point - he needed special education at a very young age to open his window of understanding. Today he is a Ph.D in molecular biology. Refusing to accept the status quo, I contacted Fikile's grandmother, his care person. She was unaware of her grandson's lack of progress, or the need for further inquiry into his learning disability, pointing out that she has never been contacted by his teachers. The family will take exigent corrective action, but what about the many children whose learning disabilities are never detected, or addressed by school teachers, administrators, or bureaucrats either through neglect, disinterest, ignorance, or lack of funding? Educating children with learning disabilities is not considered a priority when compared to the myriad of overwhelming problems facing the country's educational system. The lack of priority raises the implication that children with special needs are regarded as incapable, and lacking in potential. Nothing is further from the truth as "a mind is a terrible thing to waste". The dialogue surrounding special education must be personalised, encouraged and respected. It is emblematic of a society that values equal opportunity, in education, in human dignity and hope. South Africa's educational system can and must embrace all of these qualities.

NO SHORTAGE OF MORAL COWARDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Local television channels recently reported on the outcome of two court decisions, one involving Nomgcobo Jiba, National Prosecutions Deputy Director, and the other, Hlaudo Motsoeneng, SABC COO. The court dismissed the DA's application for the suspension of Jiba. It was cheers and hugs all round at the NPA. Jiba's jubilation will be short lived as the decision will be reversed on appeal. Motsoeneng, on the other hand, failed in his appeal setting aside his permanent appointment as SABC's COO. However, one would have thought he scored a huge victory when addressing his misguided supporters on the steps of the courthouse. To a bystander nothing was more amusing than an arrogant man on the path to nowhere. Jiba and Motsoeneng both share a common trait: moral cowardice - "the necessary consequence of discarding morality as inconsequential" - Ayn Rand. Their actions have raised serious questions of wrongdoing going to the very heart of their fitness to cling onto their positions. Nonetheless they persist in obfuscation notwithstanding a mountain of evidence to the contrary. Moreover, they do so with the morally indefensible support of their bosses. Surely it is time for the country to demand that Jiba and Motsoeneng (and others) accept responsibility, do what is right by embracing moral decency and the courage to confront their misdeeds. Regrettable it will not happen as shame and contrition have no place of prominence, if at all, in the public sector.

SHAWN ABRAHAMS - ZUMA'S OUTED LACKEY

Shawn Abrahams recently announced that the NPA will seek leave to appeal a high court decision reinstating corruption charges against President Zuma. My initial reaction was one of resignation followed by a sense of sadness as I previously believed that Abrahams was, as he has repeatedly stated, his own man. He is not, and like his predecessors must be added to a long line of Zuma lackeys. An objective review of the high court decision leads to one inescapable conclusion: a unanimously sound judgment based squarely on the facts and the law. The NPA's decision to appeal is blatantly frivolous, and no more or less than a delaying tactic. Abrahams did not need to appeal - he knows it as does the nation. When Abrahams was appointed Director of the National Prosecuting Authority, I welcomed his appointment. In hindsight I naively placed emphasis on Abrahams being a career prosecutor, and in a position to withstand political interference. One thing is clear: the political machinations of the NPA preyed on my naïveté. From hereon skepticism and incredulity will be the watchwords of choice.

MALEMA'S ROAD MAP TO THE UNION BUILDINGS

Julius Malema and the EFF couldn't be happier with conditions plaguing the country. A moribund economy, dire poverty, increasing unemployment, a corrupt and grossly inept ruling party are but a few examples creating a win-win combination for the EFF at the coming local elections. To the millions of the marginalised, desperately poor and unemployed, the EFF pitches hope for a better life. If one adds up the myriad of social ills facing the country Malema and the EFF appear unstoppable in mobilising the disenchanted into a sea of red overalls as far as the eye can see. Malema is riding the crest of an enormous wave of mass anger and change. He understands the hopelessness of the masses, and readily manipulates their despair to fulfill his political ends. In doing so, the ANC and the DA impotently look on as the EFF gains increasing support at all levels. Malema will continue to attract followers, not because of leadership qualities, but as a demagogue. He has no interest in empowering the powerless by giving them voice, respect and opportunity. He is simply preoccupied with fortifying his power and eventually securing state control. Hold onto your freedoms as we are in for a rough road ahead.

HAPPY TRAILS PROFESSOR JANSEN

Dear Professor Jansen: I recently learned that you will leaving UFS. It will be difficult, if not impossible, for the university to fill the vacuum created by your departure. You are one of those rare individuals who, without question, meet the 'indispensability' test in your field of endeavor. In fact, your departure leaves me with a sense of loss in that one of the very few remaining guiding beacons in education in South Africa will be turned off. I hope your successor will follow your example in attempting to improve one of the worst school systems in the world. The odds are against it in light of the political dynamic that smolders within the Basic and Higher Departments of Education. Although I have from time to time disagreed with your writings, I have, on the other hand, learned a great deal from you. To this end - thank you! Having spent the greater part of my life in the U.S., and familiar with Stanford's cutting edge excellence, you could not have made a better choice. Academic life at Stanford will be a welcome and well-deserved change.

RED, WHITE & BLUE UNDER EVERY ANC COMRADE'S BED

South Africa under the apartheid government coined the phrase " a red under every bed". Fear of Communism haunted the white minority government. Anti-Communism was inextricably linked to government's foreign policy and much of its domestic policy in furtherance of institutionalized racism and minority rule. The regime's anti-Communist stand found support by most of Western Europe and the US due to their confrontation with the Soviet Union. The ANC has long contended that some Western countries during the Cold War covertly collaborated with the apartheid regime. Such collaboration, according to a recent report, led to the arrest of Nelson Mandela following a tip from a CIA operative. That was some 54 years ago. Nonetheless ANC spokesman ZIzi Kodwa and Secretary General Gwede Mantashe, contend that the CIA is still interfering . . . "to undermine the democratically elected ANC government". The narrative has dramatically and irreversibly changed since Mandela's arrest. The collapse of the Soviet Union altered the political dynamic for the US and South Africa. South Africa no longer has the strategic relevance that previously existed except in the context of the war against terrorism. Kodwa and Mantashe's allegations of US involvement in regime change is a classic example of a red herring - spurious allegations meant to detract from the real and important problems facing the country - unemployment, corruption, crime, dire poverty, wasteful spending and maladministration. No amount of obfuscation by the ruling party will prevent inevitable change taking place within the country. The upcoming local elections will underscore growing disaffection with the ANC. So much for food parcels and free T-shirts.

ANC GOVERNMENT'S WASTEFUL MISSION TO NOWHERE

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa recently led a large delegation of ministers and business leaders to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Kigile, Rwanda. The delegation's primary purpose was to attract potential investors under the trite slogan that South Africa was open for business. It did not resonate at the WEF in Davos earlier this year, and very likely has fallen on deaf ears in Kagile as well. Realistically what did South Africa's delegation have to offer potential investors? Certainly not a thriving economy replete with viable economic indicators for attracting direct foreign investment. So, on what facts was Ramaphosa able to hail the WEF mission as "fruitful?" Also, on what facts could he represent to investors that positive returns on investment "are almost guaranteed in the infrastructure and ICT sectors" of South Africa? Answers to these questions remain unanswerable - no facts, no data, except Ramaphosa's proclivity for rhetoric over reality. What does not escape one is the wasteful cost to taxpayers in sending a delegation on a mission doomed to fail.

RACIST RANTS & MORE. . .

First it was Sparrow, then Theunissen, and now Jansen, besides being white, have one more thing in common - racist comments against blacks. The response from organisations and community activists was furious and swift, reminiscent of medieval times, but in a figurative sense akin to burning villains at the stake, or hanging them in the public square. Knee jerk lynch mentality may offer some vengeful relief, but it will not lead to a change in racist attitudes. It will take more than visceral reaction to change the mindset of a racist. The creation of South Africa's constitutional democracy offered white South Africans an antidote to racist attitudes. Instead of embracing the "elixir vitae" they paid lip service to the "Mandela miracle" and never accepted the fallout: the end of their privileged existence. The antidote could not penetrate the deeply embedded ramparts of white racist attitudes against blacks. It has continued unabated, but in discreet mode. No more - white racist comments against blacks are now increasingly evident on social media and elsewhere. There are a myriad of reasons that fall under the umbrella of demographic marginalization or representation triggering overt white racism. We cannot ignore them inasmuch as we cannot ignore the causes for black racism. We have yet to learn the need to walk and talk together to close the racial divide. There must be no delay as nation building hangs in the balance.

DEADPAN DAVIES & BBC's HARDTALKING SACKUR

To many viewers Minister Rob Davies must have showed signs of a "deer in headlights" syndrome when aggressively interviewed by BBC's Hardtalk anchor Stephen Sackur. Davies displayed classic traits of transient lack of motor reactions. To those of us who are used to annoyingly deadpan ramblings of ANC government ministers, it was no surprise. Sackur, on the other hand, was clearly taken aback, incredulous, and bemused at the minister's robotic responses couched in ANC collective jargon. Sackur is to be excused for not knowing the ANC's political structure embedded in group collectivism. Individuality is an anathema to the functioning of the collective. The collective comprises a hive-minded group mentality with a loss of individual identity. Watch a group of bees as they coalesce to move as a committed unit to prevent splitting up the hive and losing the queen. Is it any different from the ANC executive coalescing around Zuma, of which Davies is one of the more prominent coalescing comrades? One must conclude that Davies televised performance was well received by his comrades. Not so by international viewers as the cringe factor has yet to dissipate.

OPEN LETTER TO JACOB ZUMA

Dear President Zuma: In the past, through print media, I have excoriated, admonished and castigated your government for incompetence, neglect and corruption, to mention a few systemic problems within your administration. For purposes of this open letter to you, I will assume that you do keep your finger on the pulse of the nation through media outlets. That being so, I write, not to berate your government (as I regularly do), but to urge you to take cognizance of the plight of thousands of citizens living in abject squalour on the doorstep of our cities. You, like many of us, travel on the N2 highway to and from Cape Town. Townships abound on both sides of the highway, abominably unfit for human habitation. It boggles the mind that your government, in more than two decades, has taken no meaningful steps to improve living conditions for these desperate people. Before you protest too much, the installation of fire hazardous electrical connections, and satellite dishes on tin shacks do not qualify as meaningful. For these voiceless, forgotten people the misery and despair continues unabated, despite promises of a better life post-1994. Inasmuch as there is a government program to provide housing, it is a drop in the ocean. You may say that funding for housing is limited, and is insufficient to meet demand. This is not so, as all you need to do is earmark the money saved from stamping out rampant government maladministration and waste. This could be a positive legacy in the making for you - think about it.

FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT & PRAY

South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is a stand-alone government agency responsible for civil aviation safety. The agency is concerned with ensuring that aircraft flying in South African airspace are airworthy. Although a government agency, CAA is considered independent, manages its own activities, and does not depend on larger government for approval. Its independence is pivotal to civil aviation safety and security. CAA's independence was brought into question after it grounded SA Express for serious systemic problems that were putting passengers' lives at risk. Just one day later, after being grounded, SA Express was Inexplicably again flying South Africa's skies. How could a decision to ground SA Express for serious systemic failures be reversed overnight? One possibility for the reversal was Department of Public Enterprises intervention on behalf of SA Express - a critical source of passenger revenue for the money-losing national airline SAA. Whatever the reason for reversing the no-fly order certainly does not engender confidence in SA Express or CAA. One thing, however, is clear: forewarned is forearmed as simply fastening one's seat belt may not be enough.

RAMAPHOSA DROWNING IN DENIALISM

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa must take us for fools. Replete with empty platitudes, he recently told South Africans that the country's sovereign credit rating would not be downgraded to junk status. One can only conclude that he did so with the upcoming World Economic Forum on Africa in mind, where he and the country's delegation will likewise take foreign investors for fools. They, like us, see through Ramaphosa's self-serving talking points. What Ramaphosa will discover, however, on his visit to Rwanda is that the world is no longer interested in us. True to form Ramaphosa did not back up his "firm belief" that South Africa would avoid a downgrade to junk status. No facts, or statistical data, or divine intervention - nothing at all! This is not the time for Ramaphosa to deny reality, and an uncomfortable truth - the country's credit rating will be cut to junk. All economic and political indicators point to a downgrade to junk status, underscored recently by Moody's confirmation of the country's credit rating at Baa2, but adjusting the outlook from stable to negative. Surely Ramophosa should rather prepare the nation for the onset of extreme economic hardship instead of creating a false sense of hope. Churchill must have had Ramaphosa in mind when he said: "There is no worse mistake in public leadership than to hold out false hope soon to be swept away".

ABRAHAMS BETWEEN A ROCK & A HARD PLACE

When Shawn Abrahams was appointed national director of public prosecutions, I welcomed his appointment.  At the time I wrote: "At long last, a career prosecutor assumes the position . . . in contrast to previous political appointments".  However, recognising that naïveté can come back to haunt one, I concluded:  "In light of previous appalling incumbents , the appointment of Abrahams, although encouraging, must be viewed with some skepticism".

Others who commented on the appointment unequivocally rejected Abrahams as simply one more in a long line of Zuma lackeys.

Abrahams will now be put to the test following Pretoria's High Court decision on the dropping of charges against Zuma several years ago.  It now remains to be seen if Abrahams is, as he has repeatedly stated, his own man, mindful of faithfully carrying out his duties effectively and without favour.

The prosecuting authority's reputation is in tatters owing to political interference that has severely compromised its integrity.  Will political interference prevail, or will Abrahams have the independence and fearlessness he professes to reinstate charges against Zuma for corruption, fraud and racketeering?

On principle not a difficult decision, but a politically untenable one for Abrahams.