I like having criminals in government.
No wait. I don't.
But over 67% of South Africans sure do.
What bothers me about this...
No one else seems bothered.
Why aren't South Africans as angry as I am?
15 years of ANC rule has left SA with broken promises, crime and corruption. Will Zuma spare the country from another 5 years of detriment? Doubt it.
This is bullshit and no one gives a damn. Get angry. I have a US passport. I can leave when I choose. Not everyone can. And it seems as if thinking South Africans have just rolled over. Maybe they don't care.
Maybe it's not my fight. Maybe I shouldn't care either. Maybe I should just leave.
And maybe, just maybe I will.
Showing posts with label Africa seeps through my veins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa seeps through my veins. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I can't get no Satisfaction.
You know things are in a bad state when Political leaders are shot during voting...
Somehow this is peaceful.
Somehow this warrantes a single sentence inside a story about how the ANC is winning...
Is there a problem here? I think so.
Ugh. Sad Day.
Somehow this is peaceful.
Somehow this warrantes a single sentence inside a story about how the ANC is winning...
Is there a problem here? I think so.
Ugh. Sad Day.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Apparently I blog about South African politics a lot.
I like South Africa. Honest.
And I like politics. Double Honest.
Politics in South Africa scare the crap out of me.
It scares me that Jacob Zuma is predicted to be elected on Wednesday as the next president of South Africa. btw... read that link above any other link on this post.
Next election I want to be president of South Africa. Oh wait. I can't.
Maybe if I just get a criminal record first, then I will be applicable.
This is a crock.
The South African so called democracy is such a bunch of flooey.
Pity. Because I like this place. Honest.
And I like politics. Double Honest.
Politics in South Africa scare the crap out of me.
It scares me that Jacob Zuma is predicted to be elected on Wednesday as the next president of South Africa. btw... read that link above any other link on this post.
Next election I want to be president of South Africa. Oh wait. I can't.
Maybe if I just get a criminal record first, then I will be applicable.
This is a crock.
The South African so called democracy is such a bunch of flooey.
Pity. Because I like this place. Honest.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Humiliating the Aussies.
This morning I got such a beautiful wake up listening to our local radio station. Darren (whackhead) Simpson pranked 2day Fm in Sydney. How brilliant is this?
As payback for recent criticism, Simpson posed as Tom Cruise's crew and claimed to offer Kyle and Jackie O a phone interview with Tom Cruise. 2day FM promoted and prepared for the interview extensively only to find that they had been fooled. The Australian prankers had been pranked by South Africa's very own Prankster. I will admit, Kyle and Jackie O handled the surprise very graciously. Go Darren!
I can't help but wonder (and look forward to) when Jackie O gets Darren back for this wonderful morning guffaw (let's be honest, it wasn't a mere giggle but a "lets get the guy sitting opposite to me in traffic to stare at my open mouth and closed eyes" guffaw)
If you want to listen to the prank yourself, go here.
Oh yes, and didn't South Africa kick the Aussies in the Cricket? I sure think they did.
As payback for recent criticism, Simpson posed as Tom Cruise's crew and claimed to offer Kyle and Jackie O a phone interview with Tom Cruise. 2day FM promoted and prepared for the interview extensively only to find that they had been fooled. The Australian prankers had been pranked by South Africa's very own Prankster. I will admit, Kyle and Jackie O handled the surprise very graciously. Go Darren!
I can't help but wonder (and look forward to) when Jackie O gets Darren back for this wonderful morning guffaw (let's be honest, it wasn't a mere giggle but a "lets get the guy sitting opposite to me in traffic to stare at my open mouth and closed eyes" guffaw)
If you want to listen to the prank yourself, go here.
Oh yes, and didn't South Africa kick the Aussies in the Cricket? I sure think they did.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The Silver Mullet ...I mean Bullet...
Sometimes I enjoy living in South Africa. The sky is more beautiful here than anywhere else I've been. The culture is so diverse that I learn so much everyday about other people. I get to try my hand at 11 different languages of which I have mastered one. English.
I have many reasons why I do not in fact like living in South Africa though.
Top Three Reasons I Hate Living in South Africa
1. Black Empowerment. I am not black. My parents are not well-off. 'nuff said.
2. Theft. Family car was broken into recently. Thankfully we still have our car (unlike last time) and no one was hurt in the process.
3. My Farmer's tan. The walk from the car to work this morning left me with a slightly darker forearm than upper arm. Hooray! Now I look like David Letterman's feet.
Joy of all joys.
Sometimes I count down the years until I move back to the states. Then I watch Gossip Girl and am thankful I am right where I am.
I have many reasons why I do not in fact like living in South Africa though.
Top Three Reasons I Hate Living in South Africa
1. Black Empowerment. I am not black. My parents are not well-off. 'nuff said.
2. Theft. Family car was broken into recently. Thankfully we still have our car (unlike last time) and no one was hurt in the process.
3. My Farmer's tan. The walk from the car to work this morning left me with a slightly darker forearm than upper arm. Hooray! Now I look like David Letterman's feet.
Joy of all joys.
Sometimes I count down the years until I move back to the states. Then I watch Gossip Girl and am thankful I am right where I am.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Definitive moments
I have had several moments in my life that I place in my definitive category. Some I will never find words to express. Some are so deeply entwined in my core that to remove them, analyze them, and reveal them would strip them of their power.
But some of them only have power when stripped open. Some moments yearn to be shared. These have no shame. Like the beggar at the traffic light, they cry out to me. Sobs of fear, regret and desperation are met only by my own heartache and incompetence.
I had another dream about her. Her name was Sali and I first wrote about her here. Lately, she has been invading my subconscious, crying out to be shared.
I met her July of 2008 in a small village in Mozambique called Panhame. Her lifestyle is what you see on National Geographic with little comfort and even less guarantee of tomorrow.
Yet, she aroused no pity from me.
Sympathy, sure. "Man, somebody's gotta do something" sure. Pity? No.
This does not mean that I am immune to the sadness of seeing impoverished people. I felt no pity because she felt no pity.
This was her life. She is 4 or 5 years old and herded her family's goats. She helped her mother with the only meal of the day. She would probably never get an education or learn where babies come from before she was married. This was her life and, at her age, she seemed to accept her life in all its entirety.
I am no photographer but here she is:
And these are my words:
To the girl who aided my heart recovery:
Sali
The great expanse of dust packed still
By bare feet trampling
The shadows pool beneath Marula tree
And dusty rocks, undisturbed, watch
Sali toddle across the plain
Heavy laden, haunting eyes
And the beads and bracelets clanking
And she tumbles
Embracing shrouds
The dust- scarlet and steaming
Tear neglected she leapt
To chase the goat
And fade into the blackness.
But some of them only have power when stripped open. Some moments yearn to be shared. These have no shame. Like the beggar at the traffic light, they cry out to me. Sobs of fear, regret and desperation are met only by my own heartache and incompetence.
I had another dream about her. Her name was Sali and I first wrote about her here. Lately, she has been invading my subconscious, crying out to be shared.
I met her July of 2008 in a small village in Mozambique called Panhame. Her lifestyle is what you see on National Geographic with little comfort and even less guarantee of tomorrow.
Yet, she aroused no pity from me.
Sympathy, sure. "Man, somebody's gotta do something" sure. Pity? No.
This does not mean that I am immune to the sadness of seeing impoverished people. I felt no pity because she felt no pity.
This was her life. She is 4 or 5 years old and herded her family's goats. She helped her mother with the only meal of the day. She would probably never get an education or learn where babies come from before she was married. This was her life and, at her age, she seemed to accept her life in all its entirety.
I am no photographer but here she is:
And these are my words:
To the girl who aided my heart recovery:
Sali
The great expanse of dust packed still
By bare feet trampling
The shadows pool beneath Marula tree
And dusty rocks, undisturbed, watch
Sali toddle across the plain
Heavy laden, haunting eyes
And the beads and bracelets clanking
And she tumbles
Embracing shrouds
The dust- scarlet and steaming
Tear neglected she leapt
To chase the goat
And fade into the blackness.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008 and it's vibe
Due to the craziness that continues across the country as we are still on holiday, I have had a really difficult time sitting down and focussing enough to write something worth your time.
This has technically always been my problem. When have I not wasted you time? Maybe
only here.
And that's because I didn't even write it!
Today is the 31st, despite my own constant forgetfulness about the date. It is indeed the final day of 2008, a year overflowing with joy, happiness, friends and family.
I found this questionnaire here. Her blog is great. Give it a read because she is funnier and a better speller than I.
1.What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Being proposed to. Had a *severe* wardrobe malfunction. Went to university. Got a Ta too.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I make the same resolutions every year. Every year I fail miserably. Next year I will probably make them once again... I am just that sadistic.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No! The group of us married (slash me being soon-to-marry) girls are all waiting to see which one will fall preggo first. They have all been married a year or two longer so they shoudl get on it!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. Thankfully God has been gracious.
5. What countries did you visit?
Mozambique and The Free State. I am pretty sure The Free State is it's own strange and backwards country.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A Husband. A South African Driving Licence. A smaller butt.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 August, the day that the Fi proposed. *sigh*
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
This. It's one more step away from her.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I lost my wit. Here I can just link this entire blog...
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Sprained ankle twice. Several icky flus and colds. Multiple mystery bruises and the most recent unknown injury to my toe that has left it purple and in pain.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My tattoo. It's my constant reminder to breathe life in.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The Cope. Next year South Africans might actually have a Democratic election and a chance to break away from the corruption of the ANC.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The choice of the US election candidates.
14. Where did most of your money go?
University and the revolving items. And developing pictures.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The wedding.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sting. His music was the soundtrack for my year at university.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
Happier definitely. I'm probably the same size. And most definitely poorer in money. But I am most definitely richer in other areas of my life.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I enjoyed res more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Less stressing about Spanish!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the family and the Fi. Chilling SA style.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Re-fell...
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Whose Wedding is it Anyway, Grey's Anatomy and Army Wives
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Probably. I am a really not-nice person most days. But lucky for them I am also a terribly forgetful one as well.
24. What was the best book you read?
eh, I read a lot of books this year. The best one? Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles were actually surprisingly good. I had not read a book like that before and really enjoyed it.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Wind it by Jody. Can't get that song out of my head despite hate/loving it
26. What did you want and get?
A ring.
27. What did you want and not get?
A discontinuation of country music.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Were there any great films of this year?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 20 and went on a picnic with the Fi and the family.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A licence or maybe the set box of Greys.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
This year my personal fashion consisted of the "I'm too broke to buy clothes" look, combined with the "I live at res and res food sucks so bad that I am putting on weight and don't really have anything to wear" look, followed by the "I am no longer in res and losing weight and can't keep my clothes on"
32. What kept you sane?
Weekly phone calls from the Fi. Dancing with the flatmates. Chilling with my gnomies.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Johnny Depp.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
South African politics always stirs me up.
35. Who did you miss?
Meeka the BFF
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I met the most incredible group of girls that I lived with.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Things don't always work out the way we planned but sometimes better!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"That was when I ruled the World"
This has technically always been my problem. When have I not wasted you time? Maybe
only here.
And that's because I didn't even write it!
Today is the 31st, despite my own constant forgetfulness about the date. It is indeed the final day of 2008, a year overflowing with joy, happiness, friends and family.
I found this questionnaire here. Her blog is great. Give it a read because she is funnier and a better speller than I.
1.What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Being proposed to. Had a *severe* wardrobe malfunction. Went to university. Got a Ta too.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I make the same resolutions every year. Every year I fail miserably. Next year I will probably make them once again... I am just that sadistic.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No! The group of us married (slash me being soon-to-marry) girls are all waiting to see which one will fall preggo first. They have all been married a year or two longer so they shoudl get on it!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No. Thankfully God has been gracious.
5. What countries did you visit?
Mozambique and The Free State. I am pretty sure The Free State is it's own strange and backwards country.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A Husband. A South African Driving Licence. A smaller butt.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
16 August, the day that the Fi proposed. *sigh*
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
This. It's one more step away from her.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I lost my wit. Here I can just link this entire blog...
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Sprained ankle twice. Several icky flus and colds. Multiple mystery bruises and the most recent unknown injury to my toe that has left it purple and in pain.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My tattoo. It's my constant reminder to breathe life in.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The Cope. Next year South Africans might actually have a Democratic election and a chance to break away from the corruption of the ANC.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The choice of the US election candidates.
14. Where did most of your money go?
University and the revolving items. And developing pictures.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The wedding.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Sting. His music was the soundtrack for my year at university.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
Happier definitely. I'm probably the same size. And most definitely poorer in money. But I am most definitely richer in other areas of my life.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I enjoyed res more.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Less stressing about Spanish!
20. How did you spend Christmas?
With the family and the Fi. Chilling SA style.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Re-fell...
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Whose Wedding is it Anyway, Grey's Anatomy and Army Wives
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Probably. I am a really not-nice person most days. But lucky for them I am also a terribly forgetful one as well.
24. What was the best book you read?
eh, I read a lot of books this year. The best one? Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles were actually surprisingly good. I had not read a book like that before and really enjoyed it.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Wind it by Jody. Can't get that song out of my head despite hate/loving it
26. What did you want and get?
A ring.
27. What did you want and not get?
A discontinuation of country music.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Were there any great films of this year?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 20 and went on a picnic with the Fi and the family.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A licence or maybe the set box of Greys.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
This year my personal fashion consisted of the "I'm too broke to buy clothes" look, combined with the "I live at res and res food sucks so bad that I am putting on weight and don't really have anything to wear" look, followed by the "I am no longer in res and losing weight and can't keep my clothes on"
32. What kept you sane?
Weekly phone calls from the Fi. Dancing with the flatmates. Chilling with my gnomies.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Johnny Depp.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
South African politics always stirs me up.
35. Who did you miss?
Meeka the BFF
36. Who was the best new person you met?
I met the most incredible group of girls that I lived with.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Things don't always work out the way we planned but sometimes better!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"That was when I ruled the World"
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Zapiro is my hero
I love Zapiro.
Today he has come into hot water yet again because of a cartoon published by the Sunday Times earlier this year. Jacob Zuma is suing Jonathon Shapiro (Zapiro) and the Sunday Times for R7 million. The claim consists of R5m for alleged damage to Zuma's reputation and R2m for alleged damage to his dignity (as said by NEWS24).
The cartoon, posted below, shows lady justice being pinned down by political leaders and Zuma preparing to rape her.
Has Zapiro crossed the line?
I personally side with Shapiro. The elitism of the South African government is disgusting. The disregard for justice is more than merely concerning. This is a blatant and shocking image that accurately reflects my own shock and disgust. The fact that Zuma has recently been acquitted of rapes charges is moot. This is clearly a separate issue.
Pity, because I wouldn't mind writing another post about how much I despise Zuma and the ANC. I am ashamed of you ANC. I am ashamed of you Zuma.
Today he has come into hot water yet again because of a cartoon published by the Sunday Times earlier this year. Jacob Zuma is suing Jonathon Shapiro (Zapiro) and the Sunday Times for R7 million. The claim consists of R5m for alleged damage to Zuma's reputation and R2m for alleged damage to his dignity (as said by NEWS24).
The cartoon, posted below, shows lady justice being pinned down by political leaders and Zuma preparing to rape her.
Has Zapiro crossed the line?
I personally side with Shapiro. The elitism of the South African government is disgusting. The disregard for justice is more than merely concerning. This is a blatant and shocking image that accurately reflects my own shock and disgust. The fact that Zuma has recently been acquitted of rapes charges is moot. This is clearly a separate issue.
Pity, because I wouldn't mind writing another post about how much I despise Zuma and the ANC. I am ashamed of you ANC. I am ashamed of you Zuma.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Naked Truth
Prompted by Hillbilly's contest I have been thinking a lot about my expression of truth.
It really baffled me. How do I express truth? When has truth been best expressed to me? What is truth? How do I know that it is true? And worst of all how the heck am I going to communicate this to a gaggle of strangers?
And so I thought. A lot. And I worked out clearly what I know truth is NOT.
I really don't buy into relativism. The thought that truth is transient doesn't fit well with me. I am transient. I am fleeting. My mortality encourages my search for truth that is steadfast, unwavering, and strong.
My closest experience to Truth was when I was taking a picnic in the Pilansburg Mountains. I wandered off by myself exploring and found a spot on a gigantic rock overlooking a scene much like this one.
I looked out. The wind picked up and threatened to throw me over. The jutting dead trees littering the ground deep below me offered little comfort. For a brief moment,vertigo gripped me fiercely.
I panicked.
I was going to fall.
In my panic I looked to my feet. They were firmly planted. The rock had been my support and I was, in fact, in no danger. I sat there for a while because, despite being on a cliff overlooking a kilometer plummet, I was completely secure. I was not going to fall.
Truth to me has inherent religious connotations. I have no shame in saying I put my trust and my hope in Jesus Christ. This is rock solid. This is stable. This has found me completely secure in my situation. Much like how I felt on that rock in the Pilansburg, despite the immediate danger I am facing, I am safe. The truth is that when the wind dies down and the sun beats upon my face once again, my feet will remain firmly planted in truth and I will not fall.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Two fewer mochas a month..Totally do-able.
So Betsy commented on my blog post last week regarding an non profit organisation that is concerned with the needs in Africa. I checked it out.
They are attempting to allow normal people like you and I to help with the desperate situation in Africa. For the cost of 2 mochas a month ($7) you can make a difference in the life of several African people.
They have six projects that you can contribute your money to. HIV/AIDS, child mothers (described by the site as: "These young women are called "child mothers" because they were only children themselves when they were abducted, trained as fighters, and given as sex slaves to rebel soldiers in the LRA. Now that they have escaped or been excused as expendable, the community at large rejects them and their children."),Orphan care, Education, Job creation and Sudan regrowth.
The part I like best is this little phrase, "All of our work is through trained indigenous leaders: Africans developing Africa." As a white person in Africa, we are viewed with a whole different level of stigmatisms that only an actual person who had lived in Africa for several years can understand. Americans especially. I find this difficult because I love Africa. But becuase of the understandable nuances that come with being of a different culture I seem helpless to actually provide accurate assistance. But when we can gve the resources and training to indigenous leaders who can teach the general public, we might have a chance to help.
For $7, a lot can be done.
I applaud the mocha club. It's about time that we get involved in the world around us.
If you are interested in getting involved the web address is mochaclub.org
Do something.
They are attempting to allow normal people like you and I to help with the desperate situation in Africa. For the cost of 2 mochas a month ($7) you can make a difference in the life of several African people.
They have six projects that you can contribute your money to. HIV/AIDS, child mothers (described by the site as: "These young women are called "child mothers" because they were only children themselves when they were abducted, trained as fighters, and given as sex slaves to rebel soldiers in the LRA. Now that they have escaped or been excused as expendable, the community at large rejects them and their children."),Orphan care, Education, Job creation and Sudan regrowth.
The part I like best is this little phrase, "All of our work is through trained indigenous leaders: Africans developing Africa." As a white person in Africa, we are viewed with a whole different level of stigmatisms that only an actual person who had lived in Africa for several years can understand. Americans especially. I find this difficult because I love Africa. But becuase of the understandable nuances that come with being of a different culture I seem helpless to actually provide accurate assistance. But when we can gve the resources and training to indigenous leaders who can teach the general public, we might have a chance to help.
For $7, a lot can be done.
I applaud the mocha club. It's about time that we get involved in the world around us.
If you are interested in getting involved the web address is mochaclub.org
Do something.
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