The SABC, Politics, and the Misery of Apathy

Yesterday, I was suprised to find that many of the South African Broadcast Corporations (SABC) radio stations had interrupted their regular programming for a live broadcast of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) press conference about the suspension of their excutive from their mother body the African National Congress (ANC). They broadcast the whole of Julius Malema's conference statement address. Almost every station that I change to was Malema, Malema, and more Malema.

Now, I ask - who gave the authority for this to happen, and on what grounds? Why does the National Brodacaster think that spat between the ANC and ANCYL excutive is of such national importance that it deserves to be covered live on mutiple radio stations, at the expense of regular progrmming on those stations?  Is Julius Malema a public representative? If not, why is he addressing the nation?

I think we, South African citizens, have let politics and politicians grow out of control in this country.  It is time we reclaimed this country. It is time we called for politics free public institutions! It is time we stopped having 'political solutions' to lawlessness! South Africa is for all who live in it, not only for politicians and those closely connected to them. It's time to hold ourselves accountable.

Ke nako!!!

Adults Running The African National Congress Youth League

The African National Congress Youth League is run by adults who are old enough to be making waves and jostling for positions in the mother body, the ANC. ANCYL membership should be restricted to 25 years and below (if not 21 and below).

Men and women 21 years, and older, have no business being called youth.

Universal suffrage is at 18 years old in South Africa.

May the real youth please stand up.

Battles for Political Leadership in South Africa

When the African National Congress had its leadership battle in the run up to their 52nd national conference a few years ago, it was not clear why those who wanted Mbeki wanted him; over Zuma. It was not clear why those who wanted Zuma wanted him; over anybody else. Now that the Congress of the People is engaged in a similar battle, in the run up to their 2nd national conference, it seems the same questions apply. Why do those who support Lekota want him; over Shilowa? Why do those who support Shilowa want him; over Lekota, or anybody else?

Furthermore, in either case, the ones running for leadership never say why they want to lead; or how they intend to lead. Yet, they are voted for anyway. Why?