On Jacob and the Government

As I listened to this I kept thinking to myself,  "But you (Jacob Zuma) are the head of government..."

Views of South Africa Today

There is little respect for human life.

Yesterday a man killed another man in full view of the media and the police.

Murder is an everyday occurrence.

In August, this year, the state opened fire on civilians killing 34.

When workers go on strike they carry deadly weapons.

There is no respect for the organs of state.

Politicians and union leaders are state celebrities.

They attack state institutions at will.

The government and parastatal posts are reserved for friends of the ruling alliance members.

The ruling party is in big business with the state and the private sector.

The citizenry is kept in check 

With grants galore...

With promises galore...

With much blame on the past...

uMkhonto in Trying Times

My assertion is that people should be able to express themselves freely without fear or favour. I don't have to like what you say, but I should defend your right to say it. That said, after saying it, you should also be able to bear the consequences of the lawful actions that might arise because of it.

For me, all is well as long as it is within the confines of our founding document, the constitution of the republic. 

So, I'm not a polygamist, but I respect the right of those that choose it. I don't have a specific interest in the work of Brett Murray, or Ayanda Mabulu, but I respect their right to engage with their leaders. I didn't like Zapiros version of the spear, I found it distasteful, and unfortunate. But again I respect his right to say it. I support and respect the right of the President and his family to seek relief in court. 

What I found odd was the out of court tactics of the ANC on the issue of 'The Spear'.. They can sing, "kill the you-know-who" and defend it; and then turn around and bully citizens into submission over a painting. The whole tripartite alliance marches on a gallery, over a painting. The same alliance throws stones at an opposition party marching on Consatu over Youth Subsidies. Where is the consistency in principle? 

Some thing is wrong somewhere, we live in a culture of Shut Up! Sit Down! Votsek! Our public language is that of marching, throwing stones, burning tyres and schools. We don't engage in a civil manner on issues we differ about. Nobody is leading the way in this regard. When we differ we call each other monsters, dogs, and all sorts of insulting things.

I long for the day when we value each other regardless of our differences. That is the day we will become strong as a nation.