tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52027182012-01-10T13:03:55.008+02:00Thoughts on South African and international politics and cultureJontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.comBlogger7361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-67829963255113548212009-12-11T09:22:00.001+02:002009-12-11T09:23:41.083+02:00

This Blog Has MovedThis blog has moved to my personal domain here. Please adjust bookmarks accordingly!

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-44304982553132882222009-06-02T07:52:00.002+02:002009-06-02T08:12:23.470+02:00

Lessons on the future of US ConservatismGreat piece in the Wall St Journal on the future of conservatism through the life of Bill Buckley, widely seen as the father of modern US Conservatism.Buckley's brand of conservatism stood for capitalism and individualistic freedom, to the point where he sometimes took some bizarre positions which often flew in the face of the Republican party. (In the late

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-43395624905501483622009-03-05T15:49:00.004+02:002009-03-05T15:52:02.128+02:00

The ANC's election advertWith the DA focusing on a huge outdoor campaign to build their brand, the ANC has launched its television campaign as the pinnacle of their hard electioneering. See the ad below:The DA has promised its TV ad soon, and I'll put that up as soon as I have it. Let me know your thoughts...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-8310627797638778792009-02-24T08:50:00.002+02:002009-02-24T09:08:59.199+02:00

Desperation sets in...The DA has taken legal action against the ANC in Mpumalanga for allegedly distributing fake DA pamphlets which in essence warn of the 'return of the Swart Gevaar'. The ANC has followed an incredibly successful strategy over the past five years of type-casting the DA as a racist party representing the white elite, so this allegation does have some traction.Very similar

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-37731652753677862322009-02-22T16:42:00.003+02:002009-02-22T17:12:23.926+02:00

Your country needs you!When South Africa goes to the polls in the general election on April 22nd, it will be one of the most interesting days in South Africa's political history. In undoubtedly the most highly contested election since '94, the stakes are markedly high, and the election will give a hugely important signal into the next two decades of socio-economic governance. The electorate of

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-51482858592410394172008-12-24T07:36:00.002+02:002008-12-24T07:40:33.945+02:00

COPE Policy DocumentsCOPE's Mpumalanga office recently released draft policy documents for the party, which make for very interesting reading. COPE calls itself a "progressive party" and espouses a "New Way" - very reminiscent of the Labour Party's similarly named, and very successful, major policy shift under Tony Blair. Ours is the New Way. We acknowledge that the past has shaped the character

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-65704241944892661362008-12-24T07:35:00.001+02:002008-12-24T07:36:11.886+02:00

ApologiesHuge apologies for the lack of posts recently, it's been a crazy end to the year. Hopefully January will bring more words!

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-80488547352916127632008-11-26T15:34:00.001+02:002008-11-26T15:39:28.403+02:00

Lighting a fire under the DAIt seems that COPE is doing great things for the DA. Now that their mantle of Official Opposition is under threat, they're finally cleaning house and doing the things that they should have done a decade ago.My biggest gripe with the DA has been their focus - most acutely under Tony Leon - of sniping at the heels of the ANC at every turn, whilst at the same time

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-3006132090654091302008-11-12T21:00:00.002+02:002008-11-12T21:03:34.954+02:00

Noami Klein on the bailoutStrap yourself in, you know it's going to be a wild ride! And the folks at Morgan Stanley? They're planning to pay themselves $10.7 billion this year, much of it in bonuses — almost exactly the amount they are receiving in the first phase of the bailout. "You can imagine the devilish grins on the faces of Morgan Stanley employees," writes Bloomberg columnist Jonathan

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-21860015264537581512008-11-11T08:18:00.004+02:002008-11-11T16:48:41.630+02:00

DA sees the light...This day has been a long long time coming and I can honestly say that I am really interested in this step that the DA has taken to open up the party. I have long bemoaned both the fact that the DA has remained a "white privilege" party and the lost chances that availed themselves after Tony Leon's departure. The DA though, seemingly only at the threat of losing their official

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-41220593537462790762008-11-06T07:58:00.002+02:002008-11-06T13:29:56.402+02:00

Palin thought South Africa was a province of the country, AfricaHmmmm, a heartbeat away from the Presidency?Read here...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-88129186589842908432008-11-04T08:45:00.001+02:002008-11-04T09:10:12.480+02:00

ANC will remain centristWhilst I posted previously that a concern with the formation of the new Shikota party is that it may push the ANC further left, the Business Day has an opposing view, which does make a lot of sense:Economists say the founding of a viable new opposition party by ANC dissidents is likely to put pressure on the ruling party to deliver on its pledges.However, it may also

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-57343589584922506612008-10-15T07:36:00.002+02:002008-10-15T08:12:59.536+02:00

New dawn or false dawn?Lekota's moves over the past week have been very interesting to follow, but his future remains very much a murky mist. While it would be fantastic for our longer term democratic foundation, there are two key issues that dampen my optimism about Lekota's new party.The first is that this is a party very much formed out of anger. Whilst many people are championing Lekota's

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-20518254651445678742008-10-08T08:39:00.003+02:002008-10-08T09:05:57.959+02:00

The Irony of SA's Financial RegulationsWhile South Africa is experiencing markedly less turmoil than the rest of the international markets, it seems almost ironic that many commentators and business luminaries are crediting (no pun intended!) our rather constrictive financial regulations as the antecedent. Most of these commentators have spent their last few years deriding these same regulations

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-64098053360250475052008-10-06T08:35:00.002+02:002008-10-06T09:09:43.998+02:00

New York Times not loving SAThe NY Times carried a none too positive article on SA on the front page of its site this morning. The article notes all of the negativity surrounding the socio-political environment of our homeland, from both a non-white and white perspective. It's sobering reading and does us no favours at a time when we're all looking for positive reinforcement. I remain optimistic.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-87564519343307895222008-10-03T08:44:00.002+02:002008-10-03T08:51:54.053+02:00

The last person to the party...It seems the SACP are the last people to learn that they aren't invited to the party. ANC leftists are bemoaning the fact that the Motlanthe cabinet holds so little for them in terms of representation, and have been dealt a further blow with the news that the ANC's economic conference, something on which they had put much relevance on, has been cancelled. I said it

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-30537188415895006652008-09-25T08:28:00.002+02:002008-09-25T09:33:12.930+02:00

Danger signsJulius Malema is fast becoming a liability for the ANC in his linking of cause and effect between the ANCYL and Mbeki's demise. Whilst many in South Africa have seen him as a liability for the country's image, the Zuma faction of the ANC have used Malema well as a hyperactive mouthpiece, usually stating things that they cannot say as "elders" of the party. The problem though, is that

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-68635748108387357462008-09-22T08:38:00.003+02:002008-09-22T12:24:21.298+02:00

The dust settles...A lot of people have been asking me how I feel about Mbeki's recall over the past few days, so in order to some it up, here's a few of my talking points:On its precedentMany people have been telling me that this is unprecedented and is unconstitutional, which I think is the easiest one to clear up. Recall of a president by a ruling party is not at all unprecedented. Think

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-10667132136731425342008-08-14T15:15:00.002+02:002008-08-14T15:19:06.238+02:00

Blogger on leaveI will be on leave this weekend until the first week of September. My travels take me to the US, where I'll be getting a first hand look at the traditional Labour Day start of the 2008 Presidential electioneering. If you'd like me to notify you when I'm back posting, please send an email to jontyfisher@gmail.com.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-65269278414751492612008-08-05T09:54:00.001+02:002008-08-05T09:56:11.328+02:00

Zuma's BrinkmanshipMy latest Thought Leader post went up yesterday, outlining the pressure being exerted in the Zuma camp to force an amnesty outcome:The recent reports of Mbeki’s alleged misdemeanours in the Sunday Times, along with the elevated rhetoric from those in the Zuma camp over the last week, have surprised and rightly concerned many. Rumours of Mbeki’s involvement in the arms deal have

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-31255985307546538532008-07-28T09:20:00.002+02:002008-07-28T11:28:58.335+02:00

Get ready to know a lot about this manIt was revealed yesterday that the Judge to preside over Zuma's initial attempts to get his case thrown out, and ultimately, to preside over any criminal trial against Zuma in relation to his graft charges, is Judge Chris Nicholson.Nicholson seems a well-respected pick for this critical trial. He is an experienced former human rights lawyer, founder of the

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-37355556577413849742008-07-24T14:07:00.002+02:002008-07-24T14:16:04.732+02:00

Our democracy's in safe hands...Many people have been overtly concerned about the prospects of a Zuma presidency, most notably because he is "beholden to his Communist backers" in the SACP and COSATU who, apparently, have led him to power. However, perhaps they should take a second look at the SACP's communist merits, if their most recent 'gala dinner' is anything to go buy. Far from sharing the

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-63902100936523542422008-07-22T09:09:00.002+02:002008-07-23T09:11:42.643+02:00

Blogger UpdateAs you may have noticed, I'm finding it harder and harder this year to post more than 2-3 times a week (except for this last week!). My work commitments have really taken a step up in 2008, and I will continue to post a bit more sporadically than I have done in the past. Please bear with me...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-7887558664616970862008-07-14T19:26:00.002+02:002008-07-14T19:37:39.745+02:00

Is it time for early elections?It does seem like a bizarre proposal coming from me, but I'm beginning to see the logic of staging early elections given the paralysis that is rapidly engulfing our Presidency and Cabinet. With Mbeki's last remaining powers being rapidly stripped of him, and both his international and domestic standing laying in tatters, Mbeki has gone beyond being a lame duck, and

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-57539831210864670342008-07-10T08:57:00.002+02:002008-07-10T09:14:09.387+02:00

The Silent War on Africa?John Pilger writes an interesting op-ed piece in the Mail & Guardian arguing that Africa's position is being actively kept down by Western powers, through agricultural policies, arms trades and convenient realpolitik. It's a well worn path this, and one which has to be balanced with the accountability and responsibility of Africa's governance by its own leaders. Sometimes

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-75998854930612947752008-07-09T09:53:00.003+02:002008-07-09T10:42:30.106+02:00

Thabo Mbeki: Down and OutMbeki really has fallen on his own sword. A man once so respected internationally for his global diplomacy has become, in the world view, a thorn in effective diplomacy's side. Out of the recent G8 discussions, there have been calls for Mbeki to be replaced by a UN mediator, and a repudiation of Mbeki's calls for shared power. So frought has his position become, that the

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-78308913145180299912008-07-02T09:39:00.002+02:002008-07-02T09:43:22.864+02:00

Contrarians unite!The one thing I've loved about all the doom and gloom negativity that seems to envelop us every day in the media and around the dinner tables is how certain sage and calm people have responded with positivity and realism in the face of often hysterical pessimism. One such opinion piece doing the rounds is from analyst Mark Ingham, which I've included in full:June 24th 2008A

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-17965990540226075082008-06-30T09:08:00.002+02:002008-06-30T09:35:17.066+02:00

Who's got suggestions?One of the most frustrating things about the current Zimbabwean situation is that there's no clear path as to what to do to resolve it. It's incredibly difficult to isolate Mugabe without pouring more suffering on Zimbabwe's people, regime change is not on the table (if only there was oil...), and external pressure seems only strengthens Mugabe's position. A recent Time

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-74342360113925723322008-06-27T13:54:00.002+02:002008-06-27T14:07:12.091+02:00

Thinly veiled threats of a 'More of the same" leadershipMany people have spent the last year asking themselves what a Zuma presidency will look like, and it fascinates me how the public view of Zuma has turned from one of ridicule and contempt into one of sympathy and resignation. This has been aided both by a typical human need of introspective self-protection and of course, by the bumblings of,

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-29441709811053206792008-06-26T13:41:00.000+02:002008-06-27T13:54:39.997+02:00

Thabo is reduced to leaks...You know times are tough on Mbeki's Zim stance when he is forced to leak a seven year-old document to try to prove that he, at once stage at least, was able to voice an opinion on Mugabe. The document, leaked to the Mail & Guardian on Friday, illustrates a different Mbeki talking tough in a letter to Mugabe. He warns the Zimbabwean leader not to drive anyone away on

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-19635619171250479172008-06-17T08:18:00.002+02:002008-06-17T08:21:57.068+02:00

Mbeki's back attaches to a corner"We fought for this country and a lot of blood was shed. We are not going to give up our country because of a mere X. How can a ballpoint pen fight with a gun?" Thus endeth the Zimbabwe legacy for President Thabo Mbeki

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-15246876732081109782008-06-13T12:50:00.002+02:002008-06-13T12:59:23.474+02:00

What I'll miss...If there's one thing that I'm sure I'll pine for when Thabo Mbeki leaves office, it's his eloquence. Fast-forward three years and, even under the current quagmire of mass hate he finds himself in, I'm pretty sure we'll be casting a jealous eye back to our 'old' president's mannerisms, verbosity and sharp tongue.Compare: “Neither the honourable De Lille and Botha spoke of their

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-57070224374524931202008-06-10T08:43:00.002+02:002008-06-10T08:52:27.421+02:00

Thabo's Last ChanceThabo Mbeki, humiliated by the world, spurned by the MDC and led by the nose by Mugabe, is making one last bid to save his legacy on Zimbabwe. As I write, Mbeki is mediating 11th hour talks between Zanu-PF and the MDC in order to build a negotiated settlement rather than face the prospect of the June 27th run-off.This ultimately, is Mbeki's original modus operandi, no big talk,

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-57471619565817722962008-06-06T09:15:00.002+02:002008-06-06T09:23:01.283+02:00

Some courage on the continentWhilst Mugabe uses food as a weapon once more, at least there is some courage from African leadership. Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday attacked Mugabe and branded him as what he is: "a dictator"."As a pan-Africanist, I think that I would be failing in my duty if I did not point out that what is happening in Zimbabwe is a big embarrassment to the entire

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-91916017035137268472008-06-05T08:23:00.002+02:002008-06-05T08:34:11.180+02:00

Mbeki: Giving up the ghost?I think I will be expanding on this in a ThoughtLeader post shortly, but all the signs of the last few months point to an internally combusting Thabo Mbeki. Careering from one badly-handled crisis to the next, Mbeki has lost all of his stately airs and pistol-whipping control that allowed him to gloss over such crises in the past. It really does seem that he is

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-36189166097863510872008-05-30T09:24:00.002+02:002008-05-30T09:31:44.213+02:00

A balance of injusticesI often have to raise an eyebrow at some decisions taken at municipal governance level, but this one is more jaw-dropping. There is a street in Amanzimtoti, Durban called Kingsway Road, where in 1985, a man called Andrew Zondo planted a limpet mine at a shopping centre, killing 5 people. Now, the eThekwini Metro Council, in all its wisdom, has decided to rename the street

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-92231131294234023322008-05-23T08:31:00.002+02:002008-05-23T08:38:39.725+02:00

Motlanthe escapesIt seems that African National Congress deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe has escaped the career suicide of cabinet - for now. Motlanthe, recently sworn in as an MP, will remain a back-bencher for the forseeable future. This gives him, and his high-powered backers, the time to monitor the situation with Jacob Zuma and have an 'on the ground' presence to challenge for the

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-25771278051828023512008-05-21T21:59:00.003+02:002008-05-21T22:25:27.573+02:00

The trouble with Umshini WamiI must say I did take some interest in Jacob Zuma trying to wriggle his way out of the fact that Umshini Wami, such a rallying call during his journey to president-elect, has become a rallying call during the xenophobic violence recently. While many of these thugs have been singing "his" song between belting some poor Somalian, Zimbabwean and/or anyone else in their

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-39062792865715480312008-05-19T21:54:00.000+02:002008-05-21T21:58:55.830+02:00

Apologies......for the lack of posting. I've been really swamped at work. Normal service to resume.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-32489940937385138572008-05-13T09:13:00.001+02:002008-05-13T09:16:56.340+02:00

You have got to be kidding...NPA date blunder casts new doubt on Zuma trialI'm speechless...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-47312403722938012672008-05-12T13:15:00.002+02:002008-05-12T13:25:02.496+02:00

Mbeki falls awayThis really is a sad, sad end for Thabo Mbeki, a once-proud international leader now reduced to the stature of a naughty pet no-one wants around. Over the weekend, the SACP failed in its bid to have Mbeki removed from office at the ANC conference, but more because that nobody seemed to think he was a real threat to their interests anyway. We also heard this weekend that Mbeki is

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-72590032024578392942008-05-08T13:01:00.002+02:002008-05-08T13:09:36.431+02:00

Drama in Vusi's officeWell, we're finally getting proof that Vusi Pikoli's sacking was solely due to his refusal to obey orders from the Presidency not to arrest police chief Jackie Selebi. Now this has obviously been South Africa's worst kept secret over the past two years, and it's not surprising that Mbeki's having more trouble than usual keeping the lid on it, giving his current standing

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-91457507243717663242008-05-07T08:52:00.002+02:002008-05-07T09:06:47.434+02:00

Is the bad mood justified?For all of you looking for guru analysts to lead you through the turbulent intellectual times defending South Africa at present, look no further than one of my personal heroes, JP Landman. Landman has been BOE Private Clients' (not that I'm one - it's available on the internet!) chief analyst on political and investment research, and his latest document rebuffs a few of

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-91710276177962646322008-04-29T16:05:00.002+02:002008-04-29T16:09:31.842+02:00

And now for something completely different...Most of the time blogging on politics can be a very serious pastime, but every now and then there's something of (usually dark) humour. And so to today, where Western Australian Opposition Leader Tony Buswell has admitted to an allegation that he "sniffed the chair of a female staffer in late 2005"... Not that I'm for a minute dismissing his deeper

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-11344839325825880682008-04-29T11:27:00.003+02:002008-04-29T16:10:36.614+02:00

Help send one of our sharpest political minds to HarvardOne of our great political minds, Jonathan Faull (IDASA analyst), has been accepted to pursue a Masters in Public Policy at Harvard, and he needs your help to get there. Jonny is looking for interested parties to pledge to assist with the large tuition costs at Harvard. If you're interested in supporting quality political analysis and

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-75753502774922664592008-04-23T00:13:00.000+02:002008-04-22T12:22:58.530+02:00

Some Great JournalismThese are tough times for South Africa politically, both domestically and internationally, but it's unearthing some great analysis and journalism. Two examples of it are:Foreign policy begins at homeANC freed a genie it might not controlBoth well worth a read.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-31745598279633687212008-04-22T08:35:00.002+02:002008-04-22T08:42:22.926+02:00

Zuma shifting with the windJacob was in Germany yesterday, calling on all the "leftist governments to unite in their lobby for United Nations and World Trade Organisation reform as well as conflict resolution and climate change". Jacob spoke about the need for the governments of India, Brazil and Germany (and seeing as he is visiting France as well, probably them too) to form a more united front

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-44821680003274364672008-04-18T08:51:00.003+02:002008-04-22T08:47:07.558+02:00

Bullard and the Nuance of RacismAnalyst Xolela Mangcu writes a good op-ed piece in the Business Day this morning regarding the creeping racism in South Africa and the dangers of the creeping response from the black population. y purpose here is indeed to sound the alarm bells about the rise of racial recidivism in the white community, and the response it is generating in the black community. By

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-78236969768471681192008-04-17T13:38:00.002+02:002008-04-17T13:49:44.360+02:00

Confusing Law with SentimentThere seems to be a crisis of conscience in South Africa at the moment, where people are incredibly loose with their interpretations of the law, using it or discounting it, depending on which argument they're trying to make. The current situation with this Chinese vessel on its way to deliver an arms shipment to Zimbabwe is a case in point. There is no arms embargo

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-35401209931078574412008-04-15T10:56:00.002+02:002008-04-15T15:38:52.820+02:00

Zuma to get a new public faceIt would be an understatement to say that Jacob is in desperate need of better publicity, and in the lead-up to his August trial date, the ANC is concerned about how well-equipped his current communication staff are. Suffice to say, they will join the ranks of the unemployed fairly soon, replaced by a sparkling new cadre of spokesperson and communications specialists.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-28857551324472029452008-04-10T12:29:00.002+02:002008-04-10T12:34:02.881+02:00

A Few Notes....Just a few quick notes today:Firstly, have a read of an interesting op-ed piece in today's Cape Times by Bennie Bunsee, exploring whether black people have the right to exclusivity. Bunsee argues that just as there are societies (and insurace companies!) for women, black people should have the right to form their own societies too. Secondly, on a more humourous note, the fact that

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-14774969288173589352008-04-08T08:07:00.002+02:002008-04-08T09:03:24.859+02:00

Wrong turn...Well,I certainly got it wrong on Friday suggesting that I didnt think Bob wouldn't enter a run-off. Apparently after much SADC, EU and UN discussions, Bob decided not to listen to his wife, but instead to listen to his old chums the military, and is now preparing for a battle. Literally, it seems.Yesterday, police arrested seven electoral officials for "undercounting" votes for

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-76429207641149048632008-04-03T08:55:00.002+02:002008-04-03T10:04:09.435+02:00

The Aftermath of MugabeWell, it now seems fact over speculation that Mugabe will haunt Southern Africa no more. With the parliamentary majority moving to the MDC, even if a presidential run-off occurs (the presidential results have not yet been officially released) in three weeks and Mugabe tricked his way into that, he would have little ability to impact policy, besides the use of his veto.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-40846230069616122762008-04-01T10:50:00.002+02:002008-04-01T10:58:01.180+02:00

Barney Berates ZumaFor those who don't know him, Barney Pityana packs some serious punch in terms of his political credibility. Pityana is a theologian and human rights activist, founding member of the South African Students' Organisation, South African Human Rights Commission chairman and an important figure in the Black Consciousness Movement with Steve Biko. So when he criticises, people

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-42289477097203374272008-03-31T10:33:00.000+02:002008-03-31T10:35:49.155+02:00

He's baaaaack!Not heading past lessons, Eugene Terre'Blanche has resurrected the AWB and is back to his old tricks:"Africa has not yet satiated itself on the blood of our women and our children. The land has inherited our beautiful ones," he calls."But I am willing to die for the ashes of my father and the temples of his gods and the blood of our children if I am not going to be allowed to live

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-6505949252001218242008-03-31T09:17:00.003+02:002008-03-31T09:25:28.197+02:00

The end is nigh?Bob's delaying of the ZEC results is an incredibly worrying sign, both for Mugabe himself and for the prospects of a peaceful handover of power. It is incredibly difficult to believe that the real reason for the delay is "logistical problems" and not some last-ditch attempt by Mugabe to affect the outcome. There is simply too much personal power at stake for him to give up almost

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-23092330705843203462008-03-28T12:53:00.002+02:002008-03-28T12:59:59.790+02:00

Poor old T-BonePoor old Thabo. The man is under fire from every quarter, sees foes at every corner and friends running in every direction. He is being goaded by the DA who are accusing him of cowering before the Zuma factions but yet he has little room to manouver. His rather insipid and wholeheartedly transparent attempt at blocking the release of the full Khampepe Commission - which was

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-85638306958495191552008-03-26T11:29:00.002+02:002008-03-26T11:32:35.804+02:00

Arms Deal AmnestyIf you've been following this blog for a while, this would not have taken you by surprise, but there's plenty of behind-the-scenes discussion about the possibility of a blanket amnesty for all of those involved in wrongdoing in the Arms Deal. Given the pressure on Mbeki and his cabinet over the largely 'Zuma coalition'-led reopening of the Arms Deal reports, this was always to be

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-28981753953828915382008-03-25T15:21:00.002+02:002008-03-25T15:28:03.103+02:00

Great question, TNSI was amused to see a headline of "Thumbs up for Zuma" in an IOL report on the latest TNS Survey on Zuma. The "thumbs up" comment is made in relation to a 41% disagreement (over a 40% agreement) with the statement, get this, "If Jacob Zuma becomes president in 2009, it will bring disaster to South Africa". Great question TNS, you're definitely looking for an objective response

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-34370909152491836962008-03-20T15:35:00.001+02:002008-03-20T15:37:22.086+02:00

The Arms DealMy latest ThoughtLeader post is up, where I discuss the 1999 arms deal as the defining moment in this last decade of politics. Get it all here.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-44653922087264656972008-03-17T15:25:00.003+02:002008-03-17T15:34:15.283+02:00

I benefited from apartheidIt does amuse me how many white people have such a difficult time stating this. There is a complete ignorance that the economy of the country was built on incredibly cheap and mobile black labour sourced from designated areas created by the apartheid state. That millions of jobs were reserved for whites only, even though whites are less than 15% of the population. That

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-941349191623316532008-03-14T09:36:00.002+02:002008-03-14T09:49:37.689+02:00

Can. Worms. Open.As we've discussed before, there is plenty of dirty laundry yet to come out regarding the ANC's role as a party in the 1999 Arms Deal. The Mail & Guardian this morning breaks new revelations about the murky network of companies involved (most notably Chancellor House) with bidding companies, the money trail of which ultimately flow back to the ANC.The so-called “Mabandla dossier”

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-55433774780576602982008-03-13T10:40:00.002+02:002008-03-13T10:49:39.089+02:00

Motlanthe's slow burnANC Deputy President and "thinking man's ANC President" Kgalema Mothlanthe has not spent too much time in the spotlight of late, but he is preceded by a reputation respected by most on both sides of the current ANC divide. However, as Ebrahim Harvey writes in the Mail & Guardian, Motlanthe's left leanings have been emboldened by the occurrences pre-, during and post-Polokwane

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-23278990792762186252008-03-07T13:48:00.002+02:002008-03-07T13:55:17.936+02:00

Walking the LinePresident-elect Jacob Zuma is quickly working out how difficult his tenure may be. At present, he is walking a very fine line between his various and beholden 'partners', particularly with respect to business and labour. If there's one this Zuma knows, it's that he cannot vastly alter the current macroeconomic principles laid down in the past decade, but he also realises that he

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-42184693839648049142008-03-04T10:30:00.002+02:002008-03-04T10:34:05.433+02:00

Alternate view on the BJFThere's been a lot of conjecture about the decision of the Black Journalist's Forum to bar white journalists from the Zuma session a week or two ago, much of which I agree with. For an additional view, here's an op-ed piece by Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya in the Mail & Guardian. Moya writes:So let us not kid ourselves. It is patently untrue that black people are incapable of

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-62704634799966194652008-02-29T11:28:00.002+02:002008-02-29T12:28:56.419+02:00

Zuma's Bad DayPresident elect Jacob Zuma has had a very rough week. Firstly, the state accuses him of massive tax fraud, then the Mauritian courts reportedly have denied his request to hold the original documents in the country, and finally, he has been brow-beaten by Cosatu.Odds on State President Kgalema Mothlanthe anyone?

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-73953177762633716482008-02-27T11:44:00.002+02:002008-02-27T11:55:21.592+02:00

Shaik admits to bribing ZumaWhen someone's back is against the wall, the truth usually outs. Shaik is a case in point. With the state going after his assets gained through corrupt practices, his defence team have had to use the only gambit they have left, to admit that Shaik bribed Zuma, but to quibble on whether this was the ultimate decision-maker in the arms deal selections. It's a

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-49856562720549385142008-02-25T08:12:00.002+02:002008-02-25T08:17:55.751+02:00

ANC "not neccessarily moving left"The universally respected Dr Steven Friedman writes an op-ed piece in the Business Report around the misunderstanding of the political and economic realities in the new ANC leadership.But Friedman said the alliance that elected Zuma was a very disparate group and there was no certainty about the role the Left would play in decision making. He pointed out that

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-70575902215352264132008-02-21T08:24:00.002+02:002008-02-21T08:35:35.332+02:00

All businessYesterday was a brave performance by Trevor Manuel, announcing a "business as usual" pro-business budget in the face of huge populist pressure. He certainly gave increased expenditure to social causes, but probably not nearly enough to satisfy the thirst of the far left. There were few crumbs for embattled consumers either. All in all, more of what we have come to expect from Manuel

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-70398291091818613722008-02-20T08:22:00.002+02:002008-02-20T08:28:02.746+02:00

Nqakula brought back into lineIn another view into the state president versus ANC president power struggle, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has stepped down his rhetoric on the Scorpions, going from statements that they "will be dissolved" to a more reasoned line that "the disbanding of the Scorpions is still only a 'proposal' and will go to Parliament and include public

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-55010172411641767942008-02-19T12:53:00.000+02:002008-02-19T12:55:07.917+02:00

The SA dream post-PolokwaneLate notice: I’ll be attending a discussion this evening at UCT entitled “The Dream Deferred, Shattered or Redeemed?”: Reflections on Thabo Mbeki post-Polokwane”. It features journalist Mark Gevisser, Adam Habib and the SACP’s Jeremy Cronin. Should make for interesting debate, and it's free. Starts at 6PM at the Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus, UCT.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-52819522181988437012008-02-15T08:44:00.002+02:002008-02-15T09:00:56.560+02:00

Actions of an innocent man?Zuma has spent the last few days in sunny Mauritius trying to bar the "damning" evidence against him from being released by authorities there. Funnily enough, lawyers for Thint were also there on the same mission. All very reasonable when you're an innocent man...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-22562544953076479352008-02-14T09:55:00.001+02:002008-02-14T09:57:13.419+02:00

Pandor(a)'s pledgeThe current reaction to Naledi Pandor’s youth pledge is another in a long line of negativity that seems to be infesting the white population at present. There seems to be this constant knee-jerk reaction of intense negativity that should not continue unchecked. Rational thought has to prevail in the face of seemingly mindless Pavlovian response.First of all, let’s have a look at

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-92220186066149584442008-02-13T22:15:00.002+02:002008-02-13T22:33:07.051+02:00

Let's not all freak out here...Without information, perceptions generally turn to worst case scenarios, most especially when it comes to government policy. I have noted this and fought this on this platform many times before. However, the ANC must shoulder much of the responsibility for this in their complete incompetence in presenting policy to its public. The ANC done little to effectively

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-53358054075299462832008-02-08T10:50:00.000+02:002008-02-08T10:51:33.034+02:00

All eyes on MbekiAll eyes (and ears) will be on Thabo Mbeki this morning in the annual State of the Nation Address. Follow it here from 11AM.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-54992105411234242752008-02-06T11:06:00.001+02:002008-02-06T11:29:47.956+02:00

Super Tuesday update...All voting seems to be going swimmingly in the US, and the picture right now is as follows:Democrats:Clinton - 760 delegate countsObama - 692Republicans:McCain - 570 delegate countsRomney - 251Huckabee - 175Still a way to go though, the Republican winner requires 1191 delegates, and the Democrat winner reqauires 2025. The Democrat race looks like its going down to the wire.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-37001387711135557362008-02-05T12:31:00.000+02:002008-02-05T12:46:44.241+02:00

Super TuesdayIt's Super Tuesday in the US today, which is the most important date in the leadup to the party presidential elections, with a mutitude of states voting for their preferred candidates. 24 states will vote during today with 52 percent of all pledged Democratic Party delegates and 41 percent of the total Republican Party delegates at stake.To read up on who's who, click to have a look

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-40372464354303513552008-02-04T09:44:00.000+02:002008-02-04T09:50:33.098+02:00

Whispering in the corridors...Jacob Zuma used a speech over the weekend to lambaste those who he saw as working against his position as party president, which has been taken by many to mean an attack on Mbeki supporters within the ANC""As we worked (towards) Polokwane, because we had differences we had the right to meet, lobby, caucus, do whatever. But once a decision has been taken at conference

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-20127292057517013222008-01-29T09:31:00.000+02:002008-01-29T09:42:20.684+02:00

Zuma feeling presidentialSpats with the NEC aside, Zuma is really doing his utmost to look presidential of late. His performance in Davos was all ruler, discussing the future policy direction of the country and defining who and who will not be there when he takes over. Interstingly, he was yesterday taking the moral high ground on the Eskom debacles, following Alec Erwin's highly questionable

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-12726695832353154312008-01-21T09:17:00.000+02:002008-01-21T09:33:37.684+02:00

Beyond knee-jerk gloom over new ANC leadership Anthony Butler writes a very sage op-ed piece in the Business Day today regarding the over-reaction to the Zuma win in Polokwane. Some of you may decry my stance as optimistic, but there's no doubting the caliber of Anthony Butler. He writes:First, branch delegates at Polokwane magnificently chose the least bad option when they elevated an admittedly

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-56179782049506608522008-01-18T15:19:00.000+02:002008-01-18T15:20:46.741+02:00

Sadly......it's very difficult to argue his point.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-31734738081539445552008-01-17T20:44:00.000+02:002008-01-17T20:59:06.012+02:00

The curse of SA's mineral wealthMoeletsi Mbeki, Thabo's brother, wrote an op-ed piece in the New Statesman, about the problems inherent in trying to build a newly democratic economy with mineral wealth. Moeletsi proposes that SA's resource wealth allows the leadership to 'get away with' not restructuring the economy but rather trying to placate the poor with handouts. This isn't a long-term

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-49048729892052445052008-01-16T12:17:00.001+02:002008-01-16T12:25:18.469+02:00

Scorpions picking on us, say ANC leadersThis article in the Business Day this morning makes for some interesting reading:The African National Congress (ANC) national working committee (NWC) yesterday accused the Scorpions of unfairly targeting its members, and criticised Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke for “showing disdain for delegates to the party’s national conference in Polokwane last

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-53295823900092716552008-01-11T15:09:00.000+02:002008-01-11T15:10:25.810+02:00

Acting presidentialThere are some things that a Prime Minister should quite possibly keep to himself...

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-37056310174840773072008-01-11T08:37:00.000+02:002008-01-11T08:44:14.499+02:00

Finally: A Zuma Policy SpeechAll eyes (and ears) will be on Atteridgeville on Saturday as Jacob Zuma makes his first real policy speech on the future direction of the ANC. Expect few fireworks and much placating of international and local investors, as well as some socially-friendly policy directives on free education and poverty alleviation. It will however, finally put some straw into the Zuma

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-17280612483123130212008-01-10T16:18:00.000+02:002008-01-10T16:20:03.091+02:00

The arms deal may yet take down more than one presidentOne interesting development out of Monday’s ANC NEC meeting was the announcement of an ad-hoc committee that will produce a “detailed structural report” on the 1999 arms deal. This has supposedly been brought to bear given the lack of detail of the facts surrounding the arms deal and the role of the ANC president, Jacob Zuma, in it.However,

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-8462087624201996702007-12-19T08:33:00.000+02:002007-12-19T08:53:26.480+02:00

Zuma's In, What Now?It seems to me that the Polokwane conference has been like a newsprint and analysis vortex, sucking in all commentary into an incessant stream of words around a central thesis of "Will he or won't he?". Well, now we all know the answer to that question, and we need to drag ourselves out of Polokwane and start looking forward to the 2008, 2009 and beyond. This has been the most

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-62135231707352280432007-12-18T08:29:00.000+02:002007-12-18T08:43:31.373+02:00

What a weekend!Well, for those of us following politics in this country, this last weekend was undoubtedly seminal in the political landscape of the past decade, as well as the future decade. For actual events, turn to the media, especially Thought Leader which has some fantastic coverage, including the first and only bloggers to gain media accreditation for a political event of this

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-72653623105336564032007-12-12T08:49:00.000+02:002007-12-12T08:56:14.339+02:00

A Middle East SolutionTell me if this is hideously simplistic, but it strikes me that a forward-thinking (and ethically sound) US leadership should be able to "solve" much of the Middle East's issues using a straight budget re-allocation. Take the nearly half a trillion Dollars that the Iraq war has cost and plug it into finding a viable alternative to the US's reliance on oil, shore up Saudi

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-63273424360931035402007-12-10T10:17:00.001+02:002007-12-10T10:24:06.412+02:00

A Media FrustrationI must say I'm often disappointed by the lack of journalistic standards within our media. The recent crime figures released by Government are a case in point. Whilst murder, rape and other hard crimes decreased, business robbery soared by something in the region of 170%. Naturally, the media's focus is on this fact, but how many of you knew that the key reason for this was that

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-53395139523225373372007-12-05T09:05:00.000+02:002007-12-05T09:09:00.083+02:00

Thabo plays all cardsWhen the going gets tough, the tough get going. That seems to be Thabo's mantra, as he leverages all his assets to bring influence on the succession voting process. His latest move is to use the SABC, providing him with a whopping 2 hour interview this evening.Naturally, everyone but Thabo's backers is up in arms, but I suppose, when you're the President, these kind of

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-75894121507994896192007-11-02T07:40:00.000+02:002007-11-02T07:45:55.872+02:00

Blogger on LeaveIt's nearly time for my annual leave, which couldn't have come at a better time for me, but a worse time for political coverage in the lead-up to the ANC conference. The few weeks that I'm away will no doubt be seminal in deciding who's the seat-holder come December. However, I will leave you in the capable hands of my colleagues at Thought Leader whilst I'm away. I'll be back in

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-30766674031099017342007-11-01T07:53:00.001+02:002007-11-01T07:57:08.087+02:00

Tokyo: A Late ChargeAfter media reports earlier in the week asserted that Tokyo had no branch nominations, the Business Day reports that he may have been written off too soon:Business Day independently verified that Sexwale ha d secured more than a dozen presidential nominations from branches in the party’s Waterbe rg region in Limpopo. A Sexwale lobbyist in Limpopo said yesterday he had managed

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-1319167703253464532007-10-31T15:59:00.001+02:002007-10-31T16:06:03.711+02:00

Tokyo's ChanceI think Tokyo read my post from yesterday. He came out today with a "third way unity" list which is premised on the delivery of a party president drawing his lieutenants from both Zuma and Mbeki camps.Tokyo Sexwale's supporters have put a new list on the ANC succession table, premised on neither Jacob Zuma nor President Thabo Mbeki in the top six, but incorporating lieutenants in

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-47586644329937593282007-10-30T09:30:00.000+02:002007-10-30T09:39:47.078+02:00

Vavi playing a dangerous gameCosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is treading on very thin ice. Cosatu has put all of their eggs in one basket in terms of their backing of Jacob Zuma. Vavi hit the headlines over the weekend by stating that the tripartite alliance would "not survive" a Mbeki third term as ANC party president. This is patently untrue, and largely overstates the power of Cosatu

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-9609236700429561332007-10-25T08:31:00.000+02:002007-10-25T08:56:58.057+02:00

Zuma woos businessJacob Zuma yesterday took investors from Merrill Lynch to lunch yesterday, to explain his economic policies and other positions 'should he become president'. Notably, the Business Day stated that: Zuma spoke at length about the interdependence between political and economic stability and told the investors that the ANC’s internal process would ensure a smooth transition when the

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-71868102024345430842007-10-23T08:46:00.001+02:002007-10-23T08:58:16.030+02:00

T-Bone's losing the loveThabo Mbeki's approval rating has fallen to its lowest in four years, around 40%. This is not the lowest it's ever been, but is markedly lower than the 2005 euphoria, when it as about 61%.It's easy to see why if one looks at three key trends. Firstly, Mbeki is in the last vestiges of his second term, and has largely given up on creating policy, with his vision very

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-56767967919076985782007-10-19T07:59:00.000+02:002007-10-19T08:04:30.791+02:00

Farewell LuckyIt's a sad day today and this does somewhat depress in what should have been a great weekend for South Africa. Last night Lucky Dube was caught up in a botched hijacking last night in Johannesburg, and was killed. The Mail & Guardian currently carries the best coverage here.

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-79834905752885704632007-10-18T10:19:00.000+02:002007-10-18T10:53:24.343+02:00

Tokyo making all the right noisesGood to see presidential hopeful Tokyo Sexwale making all the right noises on freedom of speech at The Star's 120 year anniversary event last night."You have the right [to freedom of speech], you don't have to ask for that right ... you have won that right by being citizens of this country," he said. "Let nobody in this country preach otherwise ... the right was

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202718.post-34954469438726117972007-10-16T07:50:00.000+02:002007-10-16T07:54:41.140+02:00

Mbeki: Indispensable or Simply Arrogant?Very interesting op-ed piece in the Business Day yesterday, written by UCT public policy lecturer, Anthony Butler. Butler investigates the driving forces behind Mbeki's desperation to hang on to the ANC party presidency, ultimately argues that it is due to his perception of his own "indispensability", and then goes on to debunk that notion. Under close

Jontyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05574847586208493133noreply@blogger.com0