Jul
15

Who Rules South Africa?

Who Rules South Africa? It is a complex question that raises a whole host of other questions and possibly leaves you with unwanted answers?

Who Rules South Africa?

Who Rules South Africa?

Who Rules South Africa is a remarkable book. There is no getting away from it. It strips away layer after layer and presents what is probably one of the most objectively critical accounts of South Africa as it is today. To surmise that it is a mere kleptocracy, or reduce the politics to the simplicity of colour, is to present the country as something that it is not. Because it is not simple, because the answers are not superficial, because interpreting it requires a concerted and in-depth understanding of the forces at play.

While the furiously liberal will argue that there are problems but by and large it is in hand, the angry conservative right will argue that it has gone to the dogs. The thrust of the population, while angry and feeling dissent, continue to support a ruling elite that increasingly deprives them of their rights. In and amongst this has emerged a middle class, formerly white and increasingly black, that live lives of ample propensity. A class of people that really are not materially affected by the vacillations of the party in power.

You cannot get away from the fact that there are people in positions of power that are corrupt, that they have pilfered the coffers of the state, and that pull the leavers of power to ensure that they stay in power.

Who Rules South Africa not only lays before the reader the complex history of the ANC and its alliance partners, but also clearly spells out the levels of power and the systemic corruption that exists within not only the ruling party, but also the government.

At the same time, this week, I read an address delivered by Roy Bennett at Oxford University. (Here is a locally published copy.) He has constructed a compelling argument about Zimbabwe that I would argue that is conclusions about Zimbabwe and consequently South Africa, could not be dismissed out of hand.

Let’s be clear here on one very important thing. At your peril do you underestimate or dismiss Robert Mugabe as a madman. It has always been evident that he is very clever and calculated and that he has created the environment in Zimbabwe in order to stay in power. What makes Bennett’s analysis of the situation that much more alarming is that he is so measured in his attack. This is a man who has suffered at the hands of the regime.

The real question that comes out of this, and Bennett warns South Africa in his address, is to what extent is South Africa in danger of suffering at the hands of a similarly despotic and kleptocratic government? In Who Rules South Africa the continued and necessary oversight of civil society and of the media is clearly identified as the reason that the government has been brought to account. But is that enough?

Keeping the politicians in line with the constitution, ensuring that there is sufficient oversight of legislation, protecting the rights of minorities and the disenfranchised, of the poor and vulnerable, surely this is the function of government and not of civil society or of the media? And yet the government, through the intended promulgation of the Protection of Information Bill, is seeking to clip the wings of activists.

South Africa is a complex country and it is now becoming evident that the powers in government are unlikely to do anything about the plight of its citizens. What then, pray tell, are the politicians in power doing?

Jul
13

Fuck Me, Ray Bradbury – R.I.P.

Ray Bradbury, ‘The greatest Sci-Fi writer in history’, has died. But the legend, his ideals and his ideas will survive him forever.

Ray Bradbury 22 August 1920 – 5 June 2012.

Ray Bradbury, 22 August 1920 – 5 June 2012.

Anybody who knows anything about books will know the name Ray Bradbury. They may not actually have read any of his books, but there is no doubt that they would have heard of him. Actually, his influence has been so pronounced that even those who are not readers would know some of his references. Fahrenheit 451 has entered popular culture, and while this is only one example, it serves to illustrate the colossus that was Ray Bradbury.

Bradbury was a technophobe and often railed against technology and the deleterious effects that it brought to people and society at large. On one level, he argued, that Fahrenheit 451 was not so much a postulation about the destruction of the book through fire, but a reaction to the consequences of the introduction of television. Whether you agree with him or not, his passion for the subject and his singular dedication to the act and cause of writing has to be admired. It amuses me that Bradbury was anti-ebooks, so much so that he held the line almost to the end of his life, refusing initially to allow the publication of his works in a digital format.

The most incredible story as far as I am concerned was that he wrote Fahrenheit 451 in two weeks on a hired typewriter. A singular achievement, and given its continued appeal, a lesson to those that strive to write something lasting. It proves that great ideas and great books will outlast even if they don’t always outsell.

It is hard to memorialise someone as great and accomplished as Ray Bradbury. Difficult to celebrate such a distinguished life. So it was with absolute delight that I encountered the song written by Rachel Bloom, Fuck Me, Ray Bradbury, where she very cleverly (even if in questionable taste) says what every fan of Ray Bradbury would have love to have said.

May
31

Spear of the Nation

The ‘Spear of the Nation’ painting tells us many things about South Africa, but non so much as the fact the more still needs to be done.

Spear of the Nation – Brett Murray.

Spear of the Nation – Brett Murray.

There has been more written about ‘The Spear of the Nation’ in the past few weeks than one could reasonably assimilate. The fact is that it has divided a nation, and it has done so not along the lines that one would normally expect. Yes there has been the usual colour lines, class lines and in some instances values have defined positions. The greater division, however, has been one of cultural and historical reality?

A century ago the English would not stand for it if you insulted the King. You may have said something in the confines of your home, but you would not have spoken in public. It mostly goes that way for the Afrikaner, who incidentally were only finding their identity. The Afrikaner, a much maligned people, have had their share of atrocities. The Zulus by then, largely subjugated, would have cut the throat of the offender. They too have had their unfair share. Name the people, call the insult, it is a truth. The point is that a hundred years ago a cultural, values, colour and even class position would have defined your reaction.

And then Brett Murray, an innocent in this matter, painted a contentious picture.

The public reaction to the painting has nothing to do with the artist. So I want to put aside any idea that he is wrong or right. Or even that he is relevant. The reality is that artists have done what Brett has done for millennia, the only difference here is the response to the piece.

The work has poked at the eye of the fault.

A little like managing to squeeze a knife between the steel and the frozen ice in the packed deep freeze. It has broken the cracks from below.

Murray has hit us in the gut with a painting that requires you to take a position. It is not a comfortable thought to have your world unsettled that way, but then art, relevant art, has done that throughout time?

South Africa, if it is the thing that we actually want it to be, needs more work. The artist should be praised for making us face that uncomfortable reality.

Apr
24

The Real McCoy, Santam & Nando’s Campaign

The Real McCoy ad campaign from Santam has drawn some interest, Nando’s has spoofed it, but Santam’s response is inspired!

Santam recently launched their Real McCoy ad campaign which has been received with some interest. Let’s face it, having Sir Ben Kingsley as the face of a company can’t be all bad.

Here is the original ad.

And here is the Nando’s spoof, a classic Nando’s take.

And then here is Santam’s response …

All credit to Santam who have responded as these things should be responded to.

Feb
17

It is time to bury Julius (seriously) – Time for Grog

Julius Malema has been a central character on the South African political stage, but now his star is waning. Time for Grog.

Comrade Julius Malema.

Comrade Julius Malema.

I did not think that I would write about the end of Julius Malema’s first political career quite as early as this, but then it is hard to be certain that he is out for the count?

There is no doubt in my mind that he will surface again. He will possibly pull a Big Bad Brad Wood and start his own movement, perhaps he’ll join up with Bad Brad? Perhaps he will see the light and leave the ANC in favour of COPE? Maybe he could talk his new hero, comrade Thabo Mbeki, into starting a new political party. Or maybe, just maybe, he will disappear into the sunset never to be seen again.

Frankly all of that is irrelevant. Although there was a moment that he posed a real and substantial threat to the country? That certainly has been the perception, and here I have to admit, that I saw it like that. Malema is a destabilising force, just like all the other radicals have been throughout the history of the country.

His is a political world that is there for self enrichment. There is no other reason that he is in politics. Perhaps he enjoyed the power of it, but really it was the fact that being in political power in (South) Africa meant that he had access to money. This still has to be tested in a court of law, but it is difficult to see how a man that is so young could amass so much so quickly in an honest way?

I suppose it is possible, but hardly explains why he would focus his attentions on politics. A business man of his calibre surely doesn’t need that?

Like the others before him it is now time to forget Julius Malema. It is time to forget about the man and remember his actions. We must remember that the ANC had the will to do the right thing when it mattered.

We may also one day be called upon to do the right thing when it matters.

Feb
03

Most of us want to be like Christopher Hitchens

If you know anything about the man, if you have read Christopher Hitchens, if you’ve watched him debate, you’ll want to be like him?

Christopher Hitchens 1949 – 2011.

Christopher Hitchens 1949 – 2011.

There is something deeply attractive in the great iconoclasts, more than their contradictory and rebellious character, it is the accomplished intelligence and disregard for the uninformed. Christopher Hitchens was undoubtedly one of the greatest minds of his generation, but it was the personality that the mind came packed in, that seduced us all.

It is truly mesmerising to watch a master of the debating craft at work. Hitchens was that. In everything that he said, in every confrontation he ever had, you could see the singular skill that he had for debate and for argument. In what often seemed like mere throw away lines he would reduce his opponent’s arguments to nothing. Like Winston Churchill who reportedly said that he spent the best years of his life preparing his unprepared speeches, Hitchens said that he never used an argument he had not yet tried out. That I suppose is the difference between an amateur and a professional.

I have for a long time be enamoured of the alcohol fuelled artist. Hitchens had a bit of that about him and would openly speak about his heavy drinking. He was someone whom it did not appear to effect as it might most. He would frequently brag about how he was able to work under its influence. Hitchens was a lifetime smoker and celebrated the cigarette like few others. He lived the Bohemian lifestyle and was ever grateful for it.

Here is the point. Every person wants to be like that. They want to do the things that they do and not fear the consequence. What is remarkable about Hitchens is that even in the last stages of his life he did not look back with regret. There is something in that.

If nothing else, Christopher Hitchens has taught us something about how to live. An achievement I doubt he would ever have considered?

Jan
27

Will Amazon destroy the book business?

Amazon is the world’s retailer and has moved decisively into selling digital books, the question is, are they destroying the industry?

The Amazon Logo - Time For Grog.

Amazon: The world's retailer?

Warren Buffet has a number of rules when it comes to investing. One of them is that you should stay away from industries that can be rapidly eclipsed by technological advances or where they do not have a sustainable competitive advantage. This leads you to the realisation that you should stay away from airline stocks.

The basic logic here is that airline ticket prices have been falling since the industry first came into being. The same now seems to be the case in the motor car industry. Prices just keep on coming down. Recently there is the example of the music business, which relates more closely to the topic, that has effectively adopted a free model. Adopted is possibly a little generous; they have had no choice.

Amazon is a diversified retailer but essentially, to most of us sitting in places like South Africa, they sell books, DVDs and CDs. With the advent of the digital world CDs were the first to go, then DVDs followed after the creation of greater broadband capacity. It was at this point that Amazon realised that if they did not act someone else would step into the breech and take away their book business.

The music example was, of course, Apple. Most folks, when they are asked about the Apple model, think that it is like Gillette. The company makes razors but actually makes its money out of selling razor blades. The fact is, however, that Apple does not make its money out of the music that they sell, they make money out of selling hardware. This is what the business people call a network effect. Simply put the more music there is available in a digital format, the more people will be driven to digital music players.

When Apple started out with the music companies they had to ensure that the files were wrapped in DRM, that is copyright protection so that piracy would be prevented. Very quickly the music companies realised that they were being undermined and so dropped the need for it. Apple has gone on to sell over 10 billion tracks. They have sold 125 million iPods. That is 80 tracks per iPod. Think about that for a moment.

When Amazon launched its Kindle it was an expensive device. As volumes have grown and the network effect of the availability of ebooks has driven sales, so the price of the device has come down and they have grown market share. Effectively Amazon now controls 80% of digital book sales.

Here is the kicker; they are not interested in the books. They are interested in selling devices and ensuring that, like Apple, they dominate the industry. In truth Amazon could not care if the prices of books keep falling; their revenue model will ultimately reside in the device.

When you realise that everyone who has an iPod has many more than 80 songs on it, you realise that Apple is a hardware business. Amazon is no different. Where they are different to airlines or motor car manufacturers is that they are trying to build a durable competitive advantage by locking out other entrants. It is not about the books, it is about the device.

The public have embraced the Kindle as the future. The cost of this choice is going to be the near collapse of publishing as we know it. Books will be free and everyone will be able to publish their pitiful thoughts and narratives. One day we will look back and realise that just because it is free and there is lots of it does not make it better. The cost of Amazon’s commercial ambition, the cost of our insidious acceptance of cheap and nasty, will be the lack of cultural advancement of society as a whole.

Jan
20

10 things the government could do right now …

1. Introduce experience, skill and integrity as criteria for all appointments.
2. Admit that they have cocked-up the education system and need to return to basics to fix it.
3. Stop the double speak about nationalisation and clearly state an official position.
4. Introduce austerity measures in all aspects of government business.
5. Put Schabir Shaik back in prison.
6. Reopen the case against Jacob Zuma.
7. Give the Dalai Lama a visa.
8. Listen to those that have something to say about the Protection of State Information Bill.
9. Denounce Robert Mugabe for being the murderous crook that he is.
10. Stop worrying about quotas and street names and take an interest in poverty, education of unemployment.

Jan
17

In Memmoriam: Robert Falcon Scott 1868 – 1912

On 17 January 1912 Captain Robert Falcon Scott and four of his men arrived at the South Pole only to discover that they had been beaten.

Robert Falcon Scott in the Antarctic - Time For Grog.

Robert Falcon Scott in the Antarctic.

I have no intention of retelling the story of Robert Falcon Scott and his pursuit of the South Pole. If you have not read anything about him before, then let this suffice. The discovery of the South Pole was the last of the great expeditions to be launched in the age before the destruction of the First World War. For decades men had talked of getting to the pole and after several attempts and a number of celebrated expeditions two teams made it to the pole within a month of each other.

To say that it took Scott and his men years to get to that point of disappointment would not be an exaggeration. He was no stranger to the brutal conditions having once before launched an attempt at which they failed. It is worth saying that Amundsen was the better prepared, but that Captain Scott had faced a number of extraordinary difficulties and that in addition his luck had run out. On the return journey from the pole Scott and his men died. For an account that details the extraordinary journey you should read the Ranulph Fiennes book Captain Scott.

His is a story that is tragic. It is a story that is heroic beyond belief and as far as men go he must certainly be one of the greatest and most honourable that have ever walked this earth. I say this more because of how he died and what he did when he knew that death was inevitable.

Some years back I was in London and had some time between meetings. I shot off to the British Library where there is always an exhibition of sorts. There I saw Scott’s notebook displayed and open on the page that contained his last words: ‘For God’s sake look after our people.’ A more moving appeal I cannot think of.

It is even more heroic when you consider that Scott was the last man to die in the tent where they spent their last days. We know this because, despite the overwhelming and debilitating cold, he stitched each of his men into their sleeping bags ensuring that they were afforded dignity in death.

Robert Falcon Scott is undoubtedly one of the finest men ever to have lived. While he may not have been the first to the pole his legacy is his decency as a human being. The heroism and character that he showed, even in the face of certain death, assures him a place in the annals of history.

Today it is one hundred years since he discovered that his was the second expedition to make the pole, and yet he is as celebrated and remembered today as he was in life. He must be one of the few to come second in a race and still is universally remembered.

Jan
13

Matric Results: The Politics of Education in South Africa

Last week the Minister of Education announced the improved matric results of 2011, but were they as good as they were made out to be?

    ‘There are three types of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.’ Mark Twain

    ‘The only statistics that you can trust are those that you falsified yourself.’ Winston Chruchill

Matric Results - The Politics of Education in South Africa.

A certificate not worth the paper?

The South African government has reported that the 2011 matric results improved to a pass rate of 70,2%. That in itself should not be presented as good news, at a failure rate of 30% things are still out at sea, but things are on the up. Or are they?

Actually the pass rate if you take into account the number of students that started schooling in 2000 (Enrolment in 1999: 1’157’249 and in 2000: 923’463) is 38%. That would have been the generation that was born in 1994 which could account for the fall off of 233’786.

The number that Angie Motshekga is using to determining the pass rate is also based only on the candidates that sat the minimum number of exams if previous history is something to go by. We can assume from this that the real number is in the vicinity of 10% lower?

The reality is that the situation is far worse than what the numbers seem to suggest. If you consider that the minimum requirement for a matric pass is well below what would be acceptable internationally. If my understanding of the basic requirement is correct then you can pass with two subjects at 40% and the rest at 30%.

The Education Department does not seem to publish the raw numbers. Would they tell a whole different story?

The situation is so bad that it does not take a tremendous degree on insight to see it. Couple the poor results with the fact that the government has effectively dismantled Technicons, over-legislated labour relations, and made it so complicated to employ anyone that apprenticeships have all but disappeared, it can only stack up badly for the class of 2011.

Evidently it is not education that is at the heart of what the ANC lead government is trying to achieve. Had that been the case there would have been the political will to solve the education crisis? It leaves only one possibility on the table and that is the political agenda of the ruling party. The government is content with pushing through as many candidates as they can. An education has been promised, no actually a matric is what has been promised, and the more that is seen to be delivered the better the ANC fairs in the eyes of the voters.

The matric results of the 2011 are appalling. What is worse is that they are even worse. It is time for this government to face up to their incompetence and take drastic action, else we face a future that is too dire to contemplate.

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