South Africa, Cellphone Cameras Citizens, and a New Age of Governance

Violence in South Africa is endemic. This is is not a new phenomenon. Extreme violence has been part of the national culture for many years. The nation has yet to present a unified voice against it.

Each time it occurs -

• The public expresses complete horror and shock, at its occurrence, and then goes about its daily business. 
• The government declares, "these are isolated instances", and then goes about its daily business.      

Every day, on the South African news, there is a report of extreme violence. South Africa cannot look away any longer, we have to face it head on; with all the peaceful means at our disposal.

We need to confront the epidemic with all our might. Peace and love are good for business and family.

Citizens with cellphone cameras seem to be talking a lead in confronting this scourge. These extremely violent crimes against humanity are being exposed as they happen.  They can no longer be denied. We remember:

Andries Tatane (13 April 2011),

The Marikana Miners (16 August 2012),

and Emidio Macia (26 February 2013).

These are only a few of 'these isolated instances', by those where are sworn to protect the public. There are many more, all over South Africa; on farms, beaches, and estates; in the suburbs, townships, and villages by those who were not sworn to protect the public.

Violence in South Africa should be prevented everywhere, in all it's forms.

The cellphone generation are leading the way, to changing the country. Let us confront and end violence in South Africa in our lifetime.

Citizens for a new age of African governance.

On Politicans, Policies, Public Facilities, and Action

" ... And can you imagine the example it would have set if all public representatives were only allowed to use public facilities, such as schools, hospital and transport?

The policies of political parties are often meaningless because they are mere words without any real intention to back them up with action." - Ryland Fisher Daily Maverick 20130325

On Jacob and the Government

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

Politics and Leadership

In Africa Politics and Leadership are synonymous.

Politicians are the celebrities... followed closely behind by economic and religious moguls.

We need wider and more diverse areas of leadership to be recognized; that is, every leadership from the citizenry.

Africa will be liberated by leadership beyond Politics, Money, and Religion.

South Africa: In Leadership Crisis?

Is Jacob Zuma the best candidate, for the office of state president, South Africa has to offer?

Is Jacob Zuma the best the ANC has to offer South Africa?

Is Sdumo Dlamini or Zwelinzima Vavi the best Cosatu has to offer it's trade unions?

Is Gwede Mantashe or Blade Nzimande the best the SACP has to offer?

Is the Tripartite Alliance necessary in modern day South Africa? 

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.