Qmoded

Wow, can't believe that I have been quiet for a bit. It must definately be Solomon Proverbs that got me queit. Apparently the less you talk the more likely you are to gossip. I'm not certain that this also applies to blogging or is this considered the individual space. The Lil one is turning 3 months today. The bond could not be more stronger than it is now, with each passing day a new smile and facial feature I see. Like the long stare during lunch today, whilst I was munching on my foldover. Well enough about me and the thoughts that I deep within that which amounts to a testament of LOVE.

Well the country is doing pretty great, though have to admit I went on slow motion when it comes to my hustle. It happens, that opportunities are just around you and you fail to grab them fully. Perhaps this has nothing to do with one's inadequecy, but rather the strength is no longer there or rather the desire is buried deep within. It's at times like these that God will fortunately sent you just what you need, in the midst of the storm.

Golf
Well have started my Golf lessons and already entering competition, I swear to God in two weeks I'm already the chipping champion. Some say that it's just beginners luck, but deep within me I feel that it's all genetical. There is high probability that I was conceived after a Golf Day, so that course or the green is something that I have known since I was still in liquid form. At this point is my little secret, meaning my Dad has no clue that I have taken liking to the green. Well though the stories of golfers are gennerally the same when it comes to the game. I think myne will be trully unique,I'm not doing it for business reason, I'm not doing it for the Hype, I'm not doing it for the balls either. Let's just say doing something new is trully refreshing and perhaps this will inspire a part within me that has been buried deep.

Politics
And accordingly, truth lies in Murphy law. The elections are generally contested with opposition proclaiming the shortfalls of the other guy. Though the April election gave us a increased in number of voters. Nlow more so do we see that communities being vocal at primary level. The recent municpalities strikes have become the phenomen of ordinary day in South Africa. I have to admit though loving the way the new administration is handling these matters. The sense of urgency that my Presidents Jacob Zuma has when it comes to matters that relate to the people. If this was the PR campaign it's by far the best I have expirienced in my being. Not even Barack Obama could pull this off. Mr. Zuma is playing quiete an amazing leading role. And for that with all the challenges I applaud you Mr. President.

Well on matters of the Heart ( Bafana Bafana)
Well in a nutshell one can say the lovelife campaign of 2010 Love to be there....will have fallen flat had they known how the executives at SAFA, the national team, administration, will tarnish the pride of the nation moments before glory has come. Well this week Joel Santana the Brazilian born former coach of South African National Soccer Team commonly known as Bafana Bafana was fired. This perhaps has to do with the not so impressive records in friendlies. And true to being South Africans politicians just had to ride on the bandwagon. I swear I'm not going to quote Julius, he is the only honest politician. I swear politicians must just shoot from the hip, it's what makes politics grounded. Some think it's stupidity but I think it's strategical intelligence, and quote me years from now when you are reading a book titled The Rise of Julius Malema, and no in will not be in cartoon format or talking puppets on the strings either. Well as for Bafana Bafana, I don't know whether I would love to be there......but I'm happy that we will be hosting thr World Cup.

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I have to confess, I'm really adopting well to less debochorous weekends. Pity that I still have not picked up Deception Point by Dan Brown or Blueprint 3 that is trully so unlike Moa. Anyway after a couple of weeks managed to pick 3 copies of Sunday Newspapers. I bet the Cafe owner was also shocked since it's been a while since I bought Sunday reads. For once though I spend my Sunday afternoon reading the papers ( that's an achievement considering how pricey newspapers have become). Last week Friday was the Copenhagen countdown, and it seems that in these parts of the world we are clueless when it comes to the impact of Global warming. But that a topic for another blog, as going green perhaps is interpretted differently in these parts of the world. Considering how many drug busts we've had with out Britain counterparts in the last week, and this is with the delays of the satellite lauch. I will bet my life that the syndicates are looking at more creative ways to get the drugs into the country, with 2010 around the corner. It was also reported that credit fraud is on the rise, perhaps it's more linked to 2010 than the recession but that's just my opinion.

Juju is at it again, today is his court day and he was celebrating his birthday this past weekend. Apparently Fikile Mbalula had a bit too much to drink and some reserversist were slapped. Now the judge are no longer sober, and Fikile is clearly continuing with were McBride left off. I think the shoot to kill statements or disturbing the peace rules did not apply in Sandown Sandton this weekend. Afterall, Juju runs the show and everyone knows it. It must be something nice to utter "do you know who I am". Its trully being a Juju week, a book about his quotes will also be released soon. I'll wait to see how much floor space will Exclusive Books and their counter parts allocate for this part of Non Fiction / utterances by Julius. I will not be surprised if it flies of the shelf, ohh cry the beloved country or Long Walk to Freedom we are about to have a bestseller.

Well what will this blog be without any reference to sport or is that ASA, let me mention that Caster Semenya has been played by ASA. Now politicians wants Leonard head, but I say if we forgave Hansie lets forgive Leornard for the sake of the girl afterall he is a father not a politician. I read that SABC accronym is South African Bankrupt Corporation, that the only part of the articles I did not read this past weekend and the cellphone charges story. But I'm certain that I will blog something tomorrow. Anyway let me shoot from my mouth once again.....nooooorrrr maybe next time.

Qviews

Well a breath of fresh air since there is no political discourse that I will be bound to dwell on just for today. Okay maybe that's really pushing it considering that everything seems to be connected to politics. Even the thought that since Monday I bonded with Proverbs ( that's scriptures) and for once I seem to me getting my "read a book mojo back". Infact, I just finishied a 149pager by Stephen Finn. Still surprised that it took me just over a week, I used to go through a book that size in a matter of hours. I'm not kidding considering that it's trully a nice read and for some reason though fictional can explain the school environment dynamics in our society. How individuality is usually discriminated by the social norm and how later the society will judge. How does sociaty turn individuals to killers or murderes and continues to judge without taking note of the role that it has played in the construction of the events.

Anyway, I reccomend that you read Soliloquy by Stephen Finn it really is amazing and highly reccomended for any teen parents. Considering the latest child shootings and violence at school it is a must read for all those that I embarking on a journey to high primary to serve as an outline of possible challenges. Well, enough about Stephen Finn, it appears that Caster has even entered the boardroom SA with the latest victim being Phat Joe a radio presenter from KayaFM. I guess society will always try to punish those that speak out about their prejudices. Infact one can argue that social prejudices can affect Freedom of Speech. But whether does this goes to freedom to privacy or freedom to individual rights that is something different altogether. I mean our own President had his own share prior to his rise to the highest position on the land. It seems that we keep going over the same indifferences over and over and we have a few learnings from ourt past experiences. This is in now way to compare Caster to my president. Well I guess we need to look at both sides of the fence. I would really like to know how is the house for the Semenya family coming along though?

Forget what I uttered about leaving politics out of the issue, well it appears that Blade Nzimande has apologised for the lavish cars. Well perhaps an apology is not good enough, perhaps he needs to follow S'bu Ndebele example of getting rid of the car for one that is similar to Finance Minister. That will impress me, I mean on a serious note lets practice what we preach. Blade has also gone on to blame former president Thabo Mbeki on the shortfalls of the government and his elements that still exist. That is trully dissapointing, we have moved on from the Mbeki era and challenges and shortfalls. I don't think it will be imperative to quote the ANC on their election promises and how they rode the flag of in the past years we have done ABC prior to the election. I guess what I'm saying is that with our votes we acknowledged the failures and the success of the previous leadership and choose one party to take us forward. Let's move on, and not blame our shortcomings on the previous leadership or else I'll just have to release Julius on the current leadership.

Ohh Mighty Springboks, you have once again done the country proud. Pity though that there are elements that will use your VICTORY to mock some part of the racial group within the country. I mean on a serious note, we are more South Africans when the Bokke win than when Bafana loses. I mean well really wanted to compate apples with apples but in this scenario well just have to compare the loses of Bafana Bafana to the winnings of the Springboks. It's the only way I can match or balance the score of both teams. The Bokkes gives us pride, not racial slurs and claims that the Berlin Olympics gave us post Caster, Mulaudzi and Mokoena. You have done us proud, beyond measure.

Well that's it for the day...

Q (Monday Opinions)

Well as it would seem, the weekend was a Spring Blast and this week it I'm not mistaken is the New York Fashion week for spring. I can't really go much about the papers this morning but one thing remains. Castor is still making the news, but she is slowly making her way to the mid section of the papers. Actually more like the opinion sections of the papers. And obviously the papers will not be that great without corruption highlights by DA member Mr. Bloom. As with any week, this week he has also spotted something. I'm sure the wa not reference to ANC connection in that article making it the first. So forgive this monday opinion, perhaps this could be attributed to the fact that I purchased my Sunday Times at R7.00 from a street vendor. I swear R7.00 for Sunday Times worse still I have not read it yet. Actually just noticed that Dan Brown will be releasing, it's actually so bad that I don't even remember the cover story. Ohh it just came back to me, it's the Canada / South African deportation story. I'm sure there was a better compelling story, infact now that I think about it even Brett Kebble mansion auction would have been a better cover story. Perhaps, my mind is looking for something different and reading Stephen Finn book ( Soliloquy ) makes for some worthy read this past weekend.

My mind strangely is on shadows of love this morning. Infact considering that I was asked when is the anniversary by the Mrs this morning on my way to work. Thank God she phoned instead and was not with me in the car, despite the fact that she called 10 minutes after I left the house and kissed her goodbye. Believe me, no man wants that trauma on a Monday morning. We don't have it in us to chuck out memorable dates at the speed of light. Our brain cannot process that well on Monday morning or during the most important physical activity known to man and during sport games.You just ought to let us be and let us blend into the day. Ohh well, I blame post natal depression and just hope that I got the date right or else she is counting how many times she has reminded me. I swear I love technology. Infact I love things like facebook, it has been so helpful that the only thing that we have to remember these days are the month for the memorable event birthdays, anniversaries, and so forth. At the click of a button we access old pics and full profiles with dates and all. Making men the most loving partners with good memory. Well that it for now, MY HEART is currently is some pantone shades I do not understand. But afterall it is a Monday morning so taking it easy like a Sunday morning period.

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Q (Monday Opinions on Current Affairs)

Spring is upon us, and the weather is most definately great. What a great weekend and the newspapers are covered with BRT news and ofcourse the fight against crime. I'm certain the new commissioner is impressed with the number of failed robberies, the recent one being at Soweto Orlando. Well stay away from robbery period or with the new Nathi and Cele wrath you are bound to end up in a dust to dust scenario ohhh and dumblings. Anyway it appears that NEWS on Caster are never ending. Besides the R60K she received from the ANC Youth League, which was from annonymous sponsors. It appears that her family will also be getting a house, now n ot going to politicise this but it made me wonder about Motjali ( the area were Caster hails from). Now how is service delivery in that area? Besides there is also a village in Limpopo that was adopdted by the current cabinet for turn around strategy with regards to service delivery. I wonder if Diepsloot, Newlands, Khayelitsha. Well, too bad for Mulaudzi and Mokoena then.

I'll be honest, I'm happy for Caster but would have preffered if this turnaround in her family fortune came in the form of endorsements that a sign for political trophy. She has most definately put that area on the map, a few things can be used by the municipality and villages that will go beyond Caster family. Besides with the exception of Eastern Cape, the achievement by Caster at Berlin is really a success story for the village. I mean why not just start a Caster Gallery in Motjali showcasing her medals and pics from the media. This can go a long way in changing the livelihoods of the community and perhaps boost tourism in that part of the world. But instead, politicians are rushing for one party glory in the name of Caster and making horrendous remarks in most cases. The municipality needs to think broader on how can they make this opportunity a win for Limpopo that is beyond a party vote. I stand to be corrected but I think Caster will appreciate this much more. Anyway enough about Caster Semenya.

Driving to work this morning, was really a breeze. Taxi drivers are on the "Go slow". Well this means that for once there are more sane people on the road and no one rushing for the next R6 at the expense of commuters lives. Obviously their Go Slow might be good for other road users but the impact is has on society is much greater. Infact it has the potential to damage families, exarcerbate unemployments, and so forth. I could not help it or rationalise taxi owners and drivers actions. Infact it does not make any economic sense. The number of commuters that were stranded today was in my view to huge and beyond even Rea Vaya, Metrobus, or Putco buses. Now with more taxi than buses on the road, while would members of taxi association be on a Go Slow. The population numbers is in their favour, infact besides their driving their price as well is much better in most cases. Talking to our tea lady at work, she told me that she had to cough R11.50 for a bus trip and generally she pays R6.00 for a taxi. Personally I don't buy the argument that buses are taking business and they don't see the benefit. If the issue is really about money of financial implication. All that the taxi associations need to agree on are really few things

1. A R1 increase across the board ( which makes the taxi still cheaper that the bus service)
2. A licence to also use the route for BRT ( This will lead to less congestion on other parts of the road )
3. Training programme for all taxi drivers in line with rules of the country
4. Only roadworthy taxis must be allowed to operate and taxi associations must ensure this themselves

These are only some of the few things that can be done and I think should taxi associations and members apply their mind they would manage to co-exist with any transport mode. This could be beneficial to us beyond 2010. In addition there needs to be a report back on how the industry helped during the Confed Cup. The industry needs to appreciate their role in society, but more than anything else they need to realise that they have a larger role to play in economic development of the country and should not hold the country and commuters at ransom.

Non Racial Society Debate

My view of non-racial society has always been more theoretical than practical. Well it is much easy to avoid racial debate when you have elevated in class. Our political achievements has thus in some form created a breed of African leadership that has moved up atleast in class terms. This unfortunately has created a situation were, it easier to state that race is no longer an issue. This however is only applicable to those that have elevated to higher class since the democratic dispensation. The 9th annual report of the Commission for Employment Equity released recently paint a scary picture. Infact, even if we choose to look at this from a class perspective and with the rise of black class one cannot help but note that class and race in South Africa are intertwined. And though the majority of the past three elections where somewhat driven by racial discourse, FEAR of the old master and how bad it used to be under apartheid. How soon do we forget that in the past elections the DA campaign of "STOP ZUMA" was seen in racial sense not class or political sense. And it could be argued that race was the winner at the poll even though the ANC is a non-racial political organisation. From an insight point of view, it could be argued that the campaign was solely based on the court appearances and allegations of corruption. The question that is more intriquing though, is at the veterans and citizen level. How was the campaign interpreted at the public level? I think the answer to such a poll will shock even the die hard "No Debate on Race" leadership.

The picture from the report The Commission of Employment Equity is really self explanatory "Whites still occupy the majority of top management posiyions and earn more than blacks even where blacks are in the majority when it comes to skills" ( Sowetan Online 25/08). A colleque of myne the is morning, in reference to visits by Human Settlement Minister night spend at Diepsloot shacks uttered these sentiment "One cannot spend a night in shacks and think that he knows fully how poverty affects the poor, infact that action could be seen as nothing but an adventure" think Diepsploot Survivor one day episode with a bull lights BMW parked outside. I personally would like to give the minister a chance, infact I will like to give the entire South African cabinet a chance ( considering that this morning I was listening to Bheki Cele on 702FM ) so on visible level and positive media coverage and awareness I give cabinet 10.

The score that will matter though, is that which will deal of social inequalities and service delivery and a creation of non racial society. I think I'm losing track here so back to the issue at hand. Non racial society needs to extend beyond a belief system held by the majority party, or an acknowledgement that the ANC has always had comrades of color. The truth is that the same comrades of color journey was more in emancipation of black South Africans or the marginalised. Their participation in the liberation should not in any terms be used as a justification for not addressing the racial issues. Yes indeed the ANC is a non racial organisation, but this does not in any terms mean that we can't debate racial dynamics that are at mimimum robbing the majority of economical survival or advancement. The report on Employment Equity only highlights, what the majority of voters fear. Economical emancipation and benefitting from the proceeds of the land is still largely skewed towards certain race groups. Should the masses, hold this view as a belief system and long for a social journey towards a class discource.

The loser will be the party that is failing to address the racial dynamics prevalent in society and perhaps a rise of a class party. But for now, credit goes to Julius Malema for always raising the issues that we fear to raise.

Privatisation of Profits and Socialising Losses

Reading my Business Report today, I could not help it but agree with Remgro Chairman Johann Rupert sentiments with regards to bank bailouts by governments across the world. My favourate part of this article is what he alluded to "Rupert said that he was appalled at the bank bailouts that has had occured in the UK and the US, noting that it suggested a public policy of "privatisation of profits and socialising of losses". This really got me thinking, about the South African context with regard to two three two parastatals names Eskom and SAA. I would have went three and included the SABC, but for now I would leave them out of this box. Lets face it the problems at SABC, whether financial or otherwise are heavely influenced by the political discourse not withstanding the fact that they generally finance themselves through advertising revenue.

Now back to the two parastatals, it's strange that executives in these two organisations have been getting exorbitant bonuses for a number of years. This is without the foresight to the current financial situation at this organisations. Unfortunately, bonuses were given and the shortfalls in terms of planning has ironically become the burden of governments and as a result rob the poor. Why should we continue to reward contractual obligations, that are not tied to the best performance still puzzles me. It is the citizens of this country that have to pay for the incompetence, via bailouts and loands. These executives are taking developments at grass roots level backwards unfortunately. Resources which could be used to address the inequalities of our society are used to feed huge bellies of executives. The result is that development is delayed, and social injustice prevail the gap between the rich and the poorer gets even wider.

Yesterday GDP figures confirmed, what the people at the ground level have been saying all this time along. This country is in a recession. I hate to paint a negative picture based on the figures, but we ought to hold executives accountable. We cannot afford to have gravy train situations any longer with regards to people that we put in positions of power. The sentiments expressed above are also applicable to the corporate sector. Privatisation of profits, in honesty hasd led to these endless strike marches. Corporate executives have lost touch with core assets of production the labour force in their conquest to impress shareholders with over the top balance sheet and at individual level increased bonuses. It's strange that when times get touch as their currently, it is the same executives that will request leniency from the labour force than from shareholders.