In an article written by Jonisayi Maromo and Sandy Moeketsi PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA M&G (Mail and Guardian) President Jacob Zuma said “South Africa has made significant strides since democracy in improving access to basic services” at a Freedom Day celebration in Pretoria on Friday.

On the 27^th of April 2012 South Africa and her citizens celebrated Freedom day. Freedom Day is an annual celebration of South Africa's first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. Peace, unity, the preservation and the restoration of human dignity trademarks Freedom Day celebrations on the 27th of April of each year.

The road to democracy was a long and difficult one and many have their own opinions as to whether South Africa has made progress since 1994 or not.

I am of the opinion that the state of our country has fluctuated, as shown in the diagram the crime rates since democracy has increased and some have decreased.  

Crime Rates in South Africa

In the same breath, poverty rates have shown a distinct difference amongest whites and other races, this I believe to be a reslut of aparthied and the retrictions that were place on people of colour at the time.

Poverty Rates in South Africa

We may argue and draw different conclusions based on different rates and or facts; however, I believe that there is room for improvement. Not everything is doom and gloom our government has brought about positive changes.

But 18 years into freedom and democracy, has what’s been done enough??

God First

It was interesting and very pleasing for me to read an article in The Times online newspaper (19 April 2012) the times in which President Zuma acknowledges God, the church and the role in plays in society.

Some profound words he said: "The country needs more prayer and blessings to succeed. One of the aspects we pride ourselves on is the fact that this organisation was founded in a church in Mangaung. Among those present were men of God. We always say we were blessed at birth in the history of the ANC." – J. Zuma

It’s all good and well that he credits God for where the ANC is today and the role that the church plays within our society; however this then leads me to question why our government is in such dire state?Why it is that corruption is still so rife? If men of God led our country would we as a country not be in a better position? Less crime, less poverty, less suffering?

With all due respect I believe that Zuma’s actions contradict his words. He promotes prayer and God but in the same breath he condones behaviour that is far from Godly. Members in cabinet get away with shameful deeds and he, himself is guilty of the unspeakable.

Every sinner has a past and every saint has a future, only God can judge, but do you think its fair for a man of his calibre to preach God and prayer? To me, it’s considered blasphemy

Happy Birthday Mr President

Yesterday marked President Zuma’s 70^th birthday. Birthday’s are seen as occasions that bring about a special cheer and warms the hearts of those both young and old. However in an article in the Mail and Guardian (12 April) written by ADRIAN EPHRAIM did everything but warm my heart. I was dismayed to find that below his introduction, was a link to “Birthday cards” that ridiculed the President. http://mg.co.za

The cards were a hoax and written/signed by some prominent members of parliament. In an attempt to be humorous some of the messages/wishes in the cards exposed the lack of confidence in the President that his colleagues have in him as well as the envy and rivalry going on in the government. I am all for laughter as it is healthy for the soul, however there is a line between humour and disrespect.

Is it not enough that South Africa’s worldly issues and the appalling state our ‘democratic’ government is in happens to already be splashed our across news room board meeting tables?  I find it disturbing that our very own South Africans have the time to scorn the leader of their country yet on the other hand they sing the praise of President Obama. Do you not think that if we spent more time uplifting Zuma and encouraging him, then he to could deliver just as much as his fellow counter-part?

From a communication perspective, articles such as the above printed within the pages of such a reputable newspaper (Mail and Guardian) make attracting tourists a job as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. When the perception of a country is negative and openly portrayed by the citizens themselves, people abroad immediately close off the possibility of visiting the country.  Public Relations is the management of such perceptions yet, before it can be managed it has to be repaired.

What people don’t understand is that while bad-mouthing the country and the President for any reason may alleviate their grievances, it distraughts all the positive communication sent out by highlighting our countries attributes.

So, before you speak ask yourself if it will hinder or help.  

Corruption charges haunts Zuma

“Unless President Jacob Zuma and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) appeal the Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA) judgment handed down this week, the lid could be lifted on how the country's first citizen dodged corruption charges. This is what Jacob Zuma most dreaded. Three years after charges of corruption, racketeering, tax-evasion and money-laundering were dropped, the country’s Supreme Court has ruled to allow a review of that hugely controversial decision. The ruling on March 20th could ruin Mr Zuma’s chances, not only of getting re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) at the party’s five-yearly “elective” conference in December, but also of serving a second term as the country’s president”

I took the above abstract and cartoon from the renowned cartoonist everybody loves to hate Zapiro. www.zapiro.com – I am often intrigued by his unique way of interpreting every day issues.

The cartoon depicts a grave dispute Jacob Zuma faces. As the current head of state all eyes are on him and his actions are being watched under a microscope. South African citizens watch and await the verdict handed down by the Supreme Court as

This all just makes me wonder, why the future rests in the hands of the man accused of corruption.

R12 million spent on guests at ANC Birthday Bash



A News 24 (2012-03-22) article, reported about the R12 million spent on guests at ANC birthday bash. In it, divulging that South Africa spent R12m on hosting foreign guests at the ANC's recent 100-year celebrations, thus being confirmed by International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane on Thursday.

50 heads of states and governments and nine dignitaries were housed, fed and entertained leaving South Africa with a hefty bill of R11 014 000 at the end of it all. Further more, R1m was spent on logistics, including meals, at the three-day event in Bloemfontein.

The capital was used for an array of things which included celebrations, a golf tournament, animal sacrifice and concerts. It wasn’t all work and no play as the event was also used for meetings on South Africa's foreign policy.



International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

With regards to the money I have no objection in it being used and I am well aware of the costs that are incurred on a business trip more especially so when it involves prestigious dignitaries, heads of state and other government officials. But my curiosity rises as I ponder on the question most citizens are asking:

Why spend so much money on lavish celebrations, and event when there are on-going problems like poverty, inequality and unemployment.

Arms deal; Safe in the HANDS of Zuma?

In 1994 the South African government announced that it intended re-equipping the air force and navy. Four years later, the arms deal was signed and so began a saga that has seldom been far from the news

President Zuma came under the firing line again this Thursday when the Leader of the Democratic Alliance in Parliament, Lindiwe Mazibuko asked him whether he intended to release the full and unexpurgated final report to be produced by the commission and whether steps would be taken against the persons that may be implicated in the report.

We live in a country governed by the nominal concept of democracy which has made it possible for the public to become involved with regards to the Arms deal & what exactly went down. However along with the democracy there happens to be a fair amount of corruption as well.

 There is a great deal of public concern about the fact that this report will not be made public because it might implicate some senior members of government, even senior members of your own Cabinet.

 "I honestly believe that if you think the public interest and the principles to which you are enjoined are the issue at heart, then you have to commit to this House that you will release the report and you will make it public within a reasonable timeframe, say three months of it being tabled to you, in order to give the public the assurance that this government will not tolerate corruption within its senior ranks," said Mazibuko.

Why does government feel the need to expose only what they want the public to know? Are we to, not entitled to be in the know?

 Two years ago the arms deal only cost SA approximately R47-billion. It had then ballooned from the initial cost of approximately R30-billion.The arms deal has cost the South Africa public over R70-billion.

With figures like that, I think it is only fair that President Zuma ‘fess up  the findings as per the commissioner who has sweeping powers to search and seize, subpoena witnesses and to compel them to answer questions.

Seems like the President to easily forgets that the same people who elected him into power April 2009 are the very same who can leave him position less. With democratic elections only one year away, these questions need to be answered.

E-Thief

Thousands of COSATU members took to the streets of Johannesburg on the 7^th March 2012 in an attempt to have their voice heard. Many are displeased with government and the e-toll levy that they are now expected to pay. Protesters handed over a memorandum of demands to Gauteng transport minister Ismail Vadi and Premier Nomvula Mokonyane outside the latter's office in the Johannesburg CBD.

 Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi warned the government on Wednesday that the labour federation would not permit e-tolling to go ahead, as it would "drive poor people off our highways".

That being said, I’m sure many will agree that on top of paying taxes AND the constant hike in petrol prices, expecting road users to pay e-toll tariffs will be the final nail in the coffin.

According to SARPN www.sarpn.org the poverty in South Africa stands at a staggering 57%. Therefore based on the high levels of poverty in South Africa, how can government expect citizens to furthermore fork out money on e-toll tariffs?

Poverty rate (%) in South African municipalities

In Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan’s 2012 budget speech he says: “Mister Speaker, I am mindful that the introduction of tolling to finance the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme has caused considerable public reaction. We have listened carefully to the various suggestions and appreciate the difficulties that might be faced.”  www.moneyweb.co.za

 In saying that, what has government done to alleviate the costs charged to citizens? At no point before the installation of the e-tolls were the citizens consulted.

The Government’s response:

“The government has made a decision and the government is going to proceed to implement that decision, at the time when there’s a necessity for that decision to be changed, the cabinet will look at that, but at the moment, the cabinet decision stands.” the Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane.

E-tolling system will go ahead as scheduled on April 30.

Members of COSATU and thousands of South African road users are demanding answers more especially they are demanding relief from the increasing transportation costs. All they seem to be doing is paying for the upgrading of road that never seem to be upgraded year in and year out.