South Africa P.I.G.

Zuma "has lovechild" with 2010 football World Cup chief's daughter

Jacob Zuma’s lovechild New addition to Zuma's brood This sort of behaviour from a president is totally unacceptable. And the fig-leaf of “polygamy” cannot be used to conceal this problem. Zuma owes this country an explanation for why he is behaving in this way. Promiscuity is one bad enough. But unprotected sex sets the very worst example possible.THE Sunday Times reports today that President Jacob Zuma has fathered a love child with Sonono Khoza, daughter of Irvin Khoza, a man six years his junior. The child was born in October last year and is said to be his 20th child. <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article284367.ece">Zuma fathers baby with Irvin Khoza's daughter </a><a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article284367.ece"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvygYy1nHyTWvL7oCak4weeCIrB8fVhc4LhxDCFnRuHx8z3fArWrE3heX-pAZ2Pzv1MHSgUFhZQVpcQU9M7hVs2mZsYhFnfNVQXmKV2cKdpcbV4fonnzz01A3azxOW1bwYNNil_e8aJggo/s1600-h/zumadd.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432852293035208066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvygYy1nHyTWvL7oCak4weeCIrB8fVhc4LhxDCFnRuHx8z3fArWrE3heX-pAZ2Pzv1MHSgUFhZQVpcQU9M7hVs2mZsYhFnfNVQXmKV2cKdpcbV4fonnzz01A3azxOW1bwYNNil_e8aJggo/s400/zumadd.jpg" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a> South African President Jacob Zuma has fathered a child with a daughter of a long-time friend who is one of the main organisers of this year's football World Cup, a newspaper reported Sunday. The Sunday Times said that 39-year-old divorcee Sonono Khoza, daughter of football magnate Irvin Khoza, gave birth to a daughter in October. The child, who has been registered in the name of Thandekile Matina Zuma, is the 20th to be fathered by 67-year-old Zuma who is a practising polygamist. According to a family friend quoted by the paper, a delegation visited the Khoza family in Soweto township last December on Zuma's behalf to discuss the customary Zulu payment (inhlawulo) due when a child is born out of wedlock. Zuma himself then spent an hour discussing the issue with Sonono and her mother Matina in Soweto in January. Khoza, who is chairman of the World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) and owner of the Orlando Pirates team, is said to have told family friends that he felt betrayed by Zuma's relationship with Sonono as he considered him a friend. When telephoned for comment, Sonono Khoza told the paper: "I definitely do not know what you are talking about." But asked how she felt about her new granddaughter and the fact that Zuma was the father, Matina Khoza responded: "No, we are not excited." The addition to Zuma's brood shows that the president has again had unprotected sex with a woman who is not his wife - something for which he apologised three and a half years ago. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xjmNOPFZksUCU_I7xtL4q6aQqcjneld1qxVmcfG62J6tVxite284mbtVQSs7TFzk98QtBa4Wnal2kx1JXycJNFlWB5wqGADTV-hFyWCd9cr6h4dSkSXHuu5sQ1H-LHl-WMWjlukMrapC/s1600-h/zuma_soap_2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432830412182938914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xjmNOPFZksUCU_I7xtL4q6aQqcjneld1qxVmcfG62J6tVxite284mbtVQSs7TFzk98QtBa4Wnal2kx1JXycJNFlWB5wqGADTV-hFyWCd9cr6h4dSkSXHuu5sQ1H-LHl-WMWjlukMrapC/s400/zuma_soap_2.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>In May 2006, following his acquittal on a charge of rape, Zuma made a speech in which he said: "As I testified in court, under oath, I am HIV-negative, having undergone an HIV test in March this year. I wish to state categorically and place on record that I erred in having unprotected sex. "I should have known better and I should have acted with greater caution and responsibility." In clearing Zuma of rape, the court found that he had had consensual sex - with the daughter of another friend. "Kwezi", as the woman was identified during the trial, was the daughter of one of Zuma's closest friends and comrades in exile and referred to him as malume (uncle). Zuma's polygamy, which is a source of much public debate, was again thrust into the spotlight this week at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Asked by Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria, who was moderating a panel on South Africa, about his "many wives" and whether he loved all of them equally, Zuma responded, "Absolutely," drawing howls of laughter from the crowd. The birth of the latest baby has triggered speculation that Zuma may be planning to take another wife, which could land up costing taxpayers. According to the ministerial handbook for members of the executive and presiding officers, spouses legally married to the member in a polygamous marriage are entitled to a variety of benefits. Zuma's wives are each entitled to a personal assistant, a post worth R145920 per year. Air travel, medical expenses and security costs for the spouses are also borne by the state. His first wife is Sizakele Khumalo, who he married in 1973 and who lives at his homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal. He has no children with her. As well as his late wife, Kate, and his ex-wife, Dlamini-Zuma, in 2008 Zuma married Nompumelelo Ntuli with whom he has two children. Earlier this month he tied the knot with Tobeka Madiba-Zuma, with whom he has three children. He is engaged to 45-year-old Gloria Bongekile Ngema, with whom he has one child, and has an adult son with Minah Shongwe.

Zuma "has lovechild" with 2010 football World Cup chief's daughter

Jacob Zuma’s lovechild New addition to Zuma's brood This sort of behaviour from a president is totally unacceptable. And the fig-leaf of “polygamy” cannot be used to conceal this problem. Zuma owes this country an explanation for why he is behaving in this way. Promiscuity is one bad enough. But unp…

31Jan2010

Armed gang of 'fake cops' torture farmer, family

Pretoria – Heavily-armed men in police uniforms tied up a Mokopane (Potgietersrus) farmer and his family and repeatedly shocked them with stun guns on a farm this week. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFH999y7qb-SwZoOSoaixKpKycX47M0USL3za1vu0_XNrF041K5mnSp7faT-WBmlCUJtuOS1YyybBp2A224NCy0JFL5e_XkFsshkAeDdRRRdZSW5haOqHyldGzC2xxpxJantpJhINohPr/s1600-h/ANC+VICTIMS.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432203634008494898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFH999y7qb-SwZoOSoaixKpKycX47M0USL3za1vu0_XNrF041K5mnSp7faT-WBmlCUJtuOS1YyybBp2A224NCy0JFL5e_XkFsshkAeDdRRRdZSW5haOqHyldGzC2xxpxJantpJhINohPr/s400/ANC+VICTIMS.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>The eight attackers also pulled plastic bags over the heads of Okkie Malherbe, 63, and his wife Emmerentia, 53, from the Olem agricultural concern on the farm Doelen. Malherbe's granddaughter, Kaycee, 5, was hysterical during the attack. Malherbe's son, WD, 34, said the attack lasted about two hours, "but it felt like forever. There was murder in their faces." WD said he had come for supper on Tuesday evening at his father and stepmother's. Shortly after 19:00, an Isuzu bakkie and a Toyota Corolla with a blue light on the roof, had stopped in front of the farmhouse. Three of the eight men were wearing police uniforms. The rest were "neatly clothed, like detectives". "We thought it was the police and then I opened the door. They pointed semi-automatic machine guns at me." WD said the attackers told them they were police officers from Gauteng and were investigating illegal firearms. His father asked to see identification and the men quickly waved about "a piece of paper and cards". "We could see these weren't police IDs and said we were going to call the police. They then pulled on their Balaclavas." They asked for money and keys to the safe. The attackers tied up WD, his father and stepmother and also tied the hands of his sister, Zia, and her daughter Kaycee. "They told me to lie on my face on the sofa. We weren't allowed to speak and every now and then felt a firearm against the head." WD said the attackers shocked them, but not Kaycee, several times with stun guns. The men took his father to a nearby building from where the family ran the Limpopo Meat Packers business. He gave them the keys to the safe. They took his shoes and pulled a plastic bag over his head. They took R120 000. The attackers forced him back to the house and took him and his wife to their bedroom. A plastic bag was also pulled over his wife's head. "They were choked. I felt like I was going crazy when I heard that but I couldn't do anything," said their son." Employees of the Malherbes who stayed in a flat near the main house, suspected something was wrong and activated an alarm. "They fled when the alarm went off. They took my bakkie, but later left it on a farm road. My father and stepmother's cellphones were also stolen. We feel vulnerable, what should you do if people with police uniforms and a blue light stop near you? How should you know who you can trust?" Provincial police spokesperson superintendent Ronel Otto said a special task team had been appointed to look for the attackers. - Beeld

Armed gang of 'fake cops' torture farmer, family

Pretoria – Heavily-armed men in police uniforms tied up a Mokopane (Potgietersrus) farmer and his family and repeatedly shocked them with stun guns on a farm this week.The eight attackers also pulled plastic bags over the heads of Okkie Malherbe, 63, and his wife Emmerentia, 53, from the Olem agricu…

29Jan2010

Fat cats pocket R262 million of Tax Payer money for FAILING!!!

Payouts to "failed" departing chief executives of South Africa's parastatals have cost the South African public at least R262.1 million over the last decade, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Tuesday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKOeC109PSuN_THS0XYmd-AlVX4znMvZ3r1bYFuaCxEM2FIueL9FOmvRrP-fx0aC6cbe_jwhf7W5Daub8VrqBJMijIHI5CMSp4tWKhIX1kAjBLMk6AFWNsqtd5A7RyeSiwwGseoq7tAj_/s1600-h/fat_cat01.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yMZ4ei7eOwuQV5362hHDMRb2Xjhxa9Xto-yIwwhx7yI_-oyroImfHM3Fj7TxFtoYZtMIHDJAnkJHVOBgwNiArtUivwyNwVmfTe27CDz2SjU91abCD7FKKMm3hOtGCMP7gaU_TZQw0jr0/s1600-h/zuma-gravy.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432009704403560050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yMZ4ei7eOwuQV5362hHDMRb2Xjhxa9Xto-yIwwhx7yI_-oyroImfHM3Fj7TxFtoYZtMIHDJAnkJHVOBgwNiArtUivwyNwVmfTe27CDz2SjU91abCD7FKKMm3hOtGCMP7gaU_TZQw0jr0/s400/zuma-gravy.bmp" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px" /></a>Pieter van Dalen said the cost of the payouts would jump to R347 million if former Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga was successful in a lawsuit against the parastatal. "If paid out, Jacob Maroga's R85 million claim would be just the latest in a series of staggering salary payouts to unsuccessful executives," Van Dalen said. "Since 2001, at least R262.1 million has been awarded to parastatal bosses for their part in running their respective parastatals to the ground." These payouts include an R8 million settlement received by former SA Airways (SAA) chief executive Khaya Ngqula, after he was fired for his role in a R1 billion tender rigging saga in 2009. Before Ngqula, SAA paid CEO Andre Viljoen R3.6 million on top of a salary of R2.2 million and a performance bonus of almost R1 million. During Viljoen's last two years at the helm of SAA, the company made losses of R15 billion. In 2001, former SAA CEO Coleman Andrews received a golden handshake of R232 million, even though the airline posted a net loss of more than R700 million for that year. In 2009 the SABC paid R11 million to its former group CEO Dali Mpofu. Mpofu took the SABC to court after he was suspended for suspending then head of news and current affairs Snuki Zikalala. Former Denel chief executive Victor Moche, who was fired from his position by then public enterprises minister Alec Erwin, walked away from the parastatal with a golden handshake of about R3 million in 2005. Land Bank CEO Alan Mukoki received R4.5 million after he quit in 2007 amid R2 billion worth of fraud. "This list, it should be noted, is limited only to payouts received by departing CEOs of parastatals. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWEofYA4lUpx5dRWem2qz0EHIwYduYaG0rB1ZX8hziy4Vxc8a1DqtTbskqkrgnxp9jY4p1FKHFjyrbdP6Vg1fDmE739H0F3BiperxaOtIjKb8bljmepIySpvYZwgUT5-4VH7BWZ_6TJkm/s1600-h/gravy-train.bmp"></a>"The culture of golden handshakes, however, extends far beyond that under the ANC. Recent examples of Lawrence Mushwana (R7 million) and Vusi Pikoli (R7.5 million) illustrate precisely that point." Van Dalen said the party would pose questions to the Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan to establish the true cost of severance packages over the last few years. "We cannot continue to pay for incompetence like this. This is money that could be spent on ensuring that parastatals deliver quality services to the public that they are required to". Related:- <a href="http://moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page326289?oid=332997&sn=2009+Detail+no+image&pid=326289">Drowning in the trough</a><a href="http://moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page326289?oid=342546&sn=2009+Detail+no+image&pid=326289">The revenge of Jacob Maroga</a>

Fat cats pocket R262 million of Tax Payer money for FAILING!!!

Payouts to "failed" departing chief executives of South Africa's parastatals have cost the South African public at least R262.1 million over the last decade, a Democratic Alliance MP said on Tuesday.Pieter van Dalen said the cost of the payouts would jump to R347 million if former Eskom chief execut…

28Jan2010

Forget Julius Malema. Meet: Chris Hlabisa

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TayRuaopRWOldP5iOzIPm0XJwWVBYMYP4levI_DTCqQn4jXZ-4Yjy4iCGXURW6GJ_AfLQtIQ3KV6MoxvGJAY31Zy_baCLQzkCzAGFvfLD1-fStCIOzxZ4dGD-gDeuNmN7yIyLPy2r_Yj/s1600-h/nigger-dumb.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431992783264713266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TayRuaopRWOldP5iOzIPm0XJwWVBYMYP4levI_DTCqQn4jXZ-4Yjy4iCGXURW6GJ_AfLQtIQ3KV6MoxvGJAY31Zy_baCLQzkCzAGFvfLD1-fStCIOzxZ4dGD-gDeuNmN7yIyLPy2r_Yj/s400/nigger-dumb.bmp" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 365px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>Church of Scotland Hospital chef Hluphile Elda Zuma, 53, is suing the provincial government - and in particular the transport MEC Willies "Wonker" Mchunu - for R1,1-million after she lost an arm in an accident when the taxi in which she was travelling hit a pothole on the R33 between Keates Drift and Tugela Ferry in December, 2004. Apparently the minibus, having hit a pothole, overturned. The taxi driver could not avoid the pothole because of oncoming vehicles. Zuma was so badly hurt her arm had to be amputated below the elbow and, since the accident, she had lost her job and income, endured pain, and has have further medical treatment. She hoped for a bionic prosthesis, the court heard. According to Sapa, a witness told the court that when he arrived at the scene, the minibus was upside down and the left ball-joint between the axle and chassis broken. He also said that several other vehicles had been damaged by the pothole, estimating it at 30cm to 35cm deep. Now Zuma's legal representatives are not messing around. They called in a retired transportation professor to give evidence. He was apparently the only person able to see that the offending pothole should have been urgently repaired. The cost of repairing a large pothole is about 15 times greater than if it had been repaired when still small, Alex Visser (the ex-prof) explained. Visser said this type of road defect developed over a long time, starting small, growing gradually over months, if not years. Pothole repair involved a standard procedure and was not difficult. Checks on road conditions should be done weekly, he said, and potholes reported at meetings. There you go; not so difficult, hey? Moreover, the hole should have been repaired urgently as it was between two bends. Signs - ones warning drivers about it - should have been erected. The taxi driver had moved into the right lane to go round the pothole but swerved left again to avoid an oncoming vehicle. He hit the pothole and the taxi overturned. The prof was on a roll. You see, Blade Nzimande knows what he's talking about when he stresses the importance of a university education. This is fascinating stuff. Many of us have blown our tyres and lost our nifty rims on potholes in the beloved country. You just need to drive from Parkview to Melville in Johannesburg - or from the circle near the German school to Empire road - or, heavens to betsy, out of your driveway. But the story gets even better, much better. Turns out, my brothers and sisters - as JG Zuma might say - that the mighty province of KZN spent R5,36-million tarring a section of lightly-used road past the country home of then provincial premier (and now transport minister) Sbu Ndebele. And Judge Jan Combrink and counsel in the case conducted an inspection in loco of the road past Ndebele's home. And the road past Ndebele's summer plek was used by about 20 vehicles a day, a man who lives close to the road told the court. However, KZN neglected the maintenance of another busy, dangerous road, the court heard. And you know which road the province neglected, don't you? And oh yeah - earlier evidence indicated that the pothole on the busy road - the one that cost Zuma her arm and that was not repaired - could have been fixed for R500 when it was still small. (I think maybe it was the prof who explained that part.) But the story gets top notch with the entrance of one Chris Hlabisa, the head of the KZN transport department. Hlabisa clearly puts the interests of the province first and foremost. And he, obviously a sensitive man, is hurt that people - such as Zuma (the armless woman, not the president) - are, as he put it, only interested in "ripping off the government" by suing the transport department for injuries and damage caused by potholes. Au contraire, he told an enterprising journalist, Bronwyn Gerretsen of the Independent group, people should be grateful they have roads on which to travel. Hlabisa said that instead of realising that many of their fellow citizens did not have transport and roads, people were choosing to "milk the government". <blockquote>"I think people are very unfair on the government," he said. "We are asking them why they are so inconsiderate. They know the roads have exceeded their life spans of 25 years, and they know that we haven't had significant funding towards improving the road network, but people still take us to the cleaners. People must work through their consciences and they must understand and go back to the basics and the realities of our country." </blockquote>Both the provincial and national transport departments were inundated with litigation - he said - and it was causing "a lot of problems". He cited the 2008 case of Pietermaritzburg advocate Allistair McIntosh, who sued the department for R100-million in compensation for injuries sustained in a cycling accident on the P164 Rosetta-Kamberg road, and was eventually awarded R15-million in damages. Hlabisa said there were now queues of people with "overboard" claims at the department's doors. Some of the claims were for huge amounts and it was difficult for the department to win these cases, he said sadly. <blockquote>"People must be considerate. All the claims are very high, they are ripping off the government ... and if our South African public takes us to the cleaners and for a ride, what about those people who have never had access to roads? We are trying to make ends meet for them, but now we have people who are going all out with an influx of claims. I don't know what they are up to," said Hlabisa.</blockquote>Asked by the journalist to clarify whether "considerate" meant that people should only claim for the exact cost of damages suffered, or if they should not claim from the government at all, Hlabisa responded: "People in rural areas are still walking 30km to get to transport. <blockquote>"There are people whose lives, when it rains, come to a complete standstill because they can't cross swollen rivers to get to schools and clinics ... Then you get people who hit a pothole and make a big noise. "We are asking them why they are so inconsiderate. Don't they know where they are living? Don't they know that many people are still suffering because of the imbalances of the past and that they still have to carry coffins many kilometres to graveyards? I am very disappointed." </blockquote>Hlabisa acknowledged that the road network needed rehabilitation but said the department needed more funding. <blockquote>"It is a reality we are facing. We are limited in terms of resources ... There are two worlds in South Africa, the First World and the Third World, yet people are making a meal of it."</blockquote>Are you following this? Some people are making a meal of the first and third worlds (without or without tomato sauce?); others have to carry coffins to graveyards; and yet people like Zuma, who merely lost her arm, job and a good deal more, are harassing the provincial government. I mean, listen up: if anyone at Luthuli House has been concerned that something might happen - like, say, a road accident due to a pothole - to Julius Malema, they need worry no more. His replacement is the HOD at transport in KZN. The guy's a genius - he's wasted in transport, I say. Put him in the national executive committee.

Forget Julius Malema. Meet: Chris Hlabisa

Church of Scotland Hospital chef Hluphile Elda Zuma, 53, is suing the provincial government - and in particular the transport MEC Willies "Wonker" Mchunu - for R1,1-million after she lost an arm in an accident when the taxi in which she was travelling hit a pothole on the R33 between Keates Drift an…

28Jan2010

Tourist tied up and robbed

A German tourist was robbed in a Camps Bay, Cape Town guest house on Tuesday morning, Western Cape police said. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhraRAwFxHACGKwNTJpz0psO1CPdfQvhbvR5prvKr51BOiiYWEicu31B-HS1creJPaaNN8dZpQrQaVB9mdVhYYQ8eHQ3SC2sChfocglSpgAOhBLJDw-FUkGsOJZpLZLixEMY3kyKke5u78x/s1600-h/south-africa-exodus.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEKMgHIkaWFqfDgr3k5PsMCFlp-ra5dosn1-8KLEbLNEoONYLW4D2256u4h_6KciuzCt3RSqDqfll-jwVbg7GGyd_QAayr14PTcw_Zz9jhtSbCzCaqt22LyKT1_vh2FzjPcwvYNowresH/s1600-h/crime-dangerous-sa"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431949844294696370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEKMgHIkaWFqfDgr3k5PsMCFlp-ra5dosn1-8KLEbLNEoONYLW4D2256u4h_6KciuzCt3RSqDqfll-jwVbg7GGyd_QAayr14PTcw_Zz9jhtSbCzCaqt22LyKT1_vh2FzjPcwvYNowresH/s400/crime-dangerous-sa" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" /></a>"The complainant alleged that he woke up and found two unknown men in his bedroom. The one suspect was armed with a firearm and the other with two knives," Captain Frederick van Wyk said in a statement. The 32-year-old man's hands were tied and 100 euros and R3000 in cash stolen, along with a laptop computer, video camera, digital camera and two cellular phones. "It appears that the suspects gained access to the house through a kitchen window." His three companions slept through the robbery.

Tourist tied up and robbed

A German tourist was robbed in a Camps Bay, Cape Town guest house on Tuesday morning, Western Cape police said."The complainant alleged that he woke up and found two unknown men in his bedroom. The one suspect was armed with a firearm and the other with two knives," Captain Frederick van Wyk said in…

28Jan2010

Where do we get such a sense of entitlement?

A gigantic whopping R85m lawsuit by Maroga against the utility! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431973537792960386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy2Lh7nrr-LwJ8E9V93wlVvRSKbBpSUEFGHUy39WmOxPRoHFpqVA0C8FGj3S1ewqijwxHqVuQvoj0C_ZFt-54GsZdzuR_E6SEVbpi28AEBUQFAZoEWCM0pEQhfrWGchk2ppBPOcSfaldX/s400/eskomfzjm.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> In a civil claim filed at the Johannesburg High Court, the sacked CEO demands what he described as reasonable damages unless he is reinstated to the position he left amid controversy last year. He is suing his former employer Eskom, its Chairman and Acting CEO Mpho Makwana and Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan. He accuses the board of illegally conspiring to fire him under the guise of a voluntary resignation. His court papers bear testimony to the lavish lifestyle he thoroughly enjoyed at taxpayers' expense. Maroga, whose five-year contract was due to expire in 2012, is demanding everything he was entitled to when he was still the utility's CEO, including future earnings. This includes R14.5m for the loss of salary, R45m for incentives and R7m for other benefits, According to his claim, Eskom paid R1m a year for dedicated protector and driver, and a driver for his family. This includes R500 000 a year for security at his Kyalami Estates home, and a R100 000 for general home support. This also includes R1m a year for personal assistance, just under R100 000 a year for a petrol and a garage card for his Mercedes Benz C350 and R5 000 a month for medical aid up to the age of 80. He also demands R3m to cancel his housing loans. He has a home in the exclusive Kyalami Estates. In addition to his monthly 2009-2010 salary of R430 833, Maroga's claim details the R45m in incentives he had expected Eskom to pay him during the remainder of his renewable five-year contract. This is made up of an annual short-term incentive scheme performance bonus of R10.7m, and a long-term retention bonus of R34.3m for the period 2006 to 2012. He also demands a sincere public apology for the strife and emotional anguish caused by the drama around his departure. There you are. I ask myself one question: Where do we get such a sense of entitlement? Why do we think we deserve these huge sums of money when we have not even performed sufficiently enough to deserve them? What did Maroga do to deserve what he is demanding from the taxpayer? Is it the black-outs that he subjected us to in 2008 which saw the mines shutting down and other businesses suffering irreparable losses? Does he want to be compensated for the billions that the economy lost every day during those blackouts? Does he want to be rewarded for the 135% tariff hikes (over three years) that he proposed during his disastrous tenure? Hold your breath, because these tariff hikes are going to leave your economy in tatters. Pray, because these tariff hikes are going to cripple businesses and households to such an extent you won't want to do businesses or call this country your home. Those electricity intensive mines will shut down again, and this time for an extended period of time. Kiss foreign direct investment (FDI) goodbye because your country will have become too costly to do business in. What about those disastrous management decisions? And this man wants all this money to feed his obscene lavish lifestyle despite the chaos he left behind? Why this entitlement? This, in fact, brings me back to the Honourable Mr Dali Mpofu, the former SABC CEO who also left under a cloud. The guy was paid R12m to leave. I repeat, to leave after a series of management blunders, which left the public broadcaster literally bankrupt. These experiences show us that there is no alignment between performance and reward at these state enterprises. Why this entitlement? By Sipho Ngcobo - MoneywebSee also <a class="headline_list_bold_new" href="http://moneyweb.co.za/mw/view/mw/en/page326289?oid=342546&sn=2009+Detail&pid=287226" target="_blank">The revenge of Jacob Maroga</a>How "morally bankrupt and corrupt" is remuneration of parastatal executives?

Where do we get such a sense of entitlement?

A gigantic whopping R85m lawsuit by Maroga against the utility! In a civil claim filed at the Johannesburg High Court, the sacked CEO demands what he described as reasonable damages unless he is reinstated to the position he left amid controversy last year.He is suing his former employer Eskom, its …

27Jan2010

White business owner hijacked, left for dead

A 52-year-old Polokwane business owner was severely beaten and left for dead in a hijacking, his friends said on Wednesday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd41e1VO6cGEQYkxDpBU11aE3amzfONqm-9gEAMFBh-Em2-oEBaGKmqs6GZZYGjGEBszF7s4JRx-y13J2l1gtCIm1HSLLioe_rpaxa6lXiQS9KTH9FG7mlajOmhTQhhe8gqfRqa-B9W-4T/s1600-h/crime-hijacking.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431513022199040690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd41e1VO6cGEQYkxDpBU11aE3amzfONqm-9gEAMFBh-Em2-oEBaGKmqs6GZZYGjGEBszF7s4JRx-y13J2l1gtCIm1HSLLioe_rpaxa6lXiQS9KTH9FG7mlajOmhTQhhe8gqfRqa-B9W-4T/s400/crime-hijacking.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px" /></a>Thys Diedericks, the owner of Limpopo Tractors, was accosted by four men, one armed with a pistol, the others with pangas, in the parking lot of the Savannah shopping mall around 7.15pm on Tuesday, his friend and colleague Stefan Myburgh said. They threw him into the back of his Isuzu double-cab bakkie and drove in the direction of Mankweng, stopping along the way to drag him into the bush. They beat him until he was unconscious and fled with his vehicle, three cellphones, bank cards and some cash. One of the suspects drew R3 000 from his bank account using an ATM in Mankweng on Wednesday morning, Myburgh said. Early on Wednesday morning, Diedericks became conscious thanks to heavy rain. He crawled to the road where a passing minibus taxi stopped to pick him up. The driver took him to Mankweng Provincial Hospital, where he was found by his family, who had been searching for him. He was transferred to Limpopo Medi-Clinic. He has a cracked skull and multiple cuts and fractures. His eyes are swollen shut and half his ear has been torn off. A Polokwane police spokesman, Inspector Lesiba Ramoshaba, said no criminal case had yet been reported to them. Myburgh, however, said that Diedericks had been reported missing and that a case had been opened early on Wednesday. Subsequently, cases of hijacking, assault and robbery had been opened. He said no arrests had been made and Diedericks's vehicle, registration number BPY 056 L, was still missing. - Sapa

White business owner hijacked, left for dead

A 52-year-old Polokwane business owner was severely beaten and left for dead in a hijacking, his friends said on Wednesday. Thys Diedericks, the owner of Limpopo Tractors, was accosted by four men, one armed with a pistol, the others with pangas, in the parking lot of the Savannah shopping mall arou…

27Jan2010

Cops lose 3 000 guns

The police are "unwittingly fuelling the illegal arms trade" by ordering thousands of new pistols to replace those that have been lost or stolen, a Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkOWcbw0oYF9uA90ginv4vEVO5t5qZr1okpXAPto1fC-D2cEm_I6KdRJJAaumueg-umFPJlKuCcxO3CqYLrGttyi1BqPXGFBbhOQIRsP522zl0WOxBAGvm8S84lOSta2hjinDQSN9dfgE/s1600-h/SAPS-police1604_b.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1meXApEIv0WyvTl2acEfy3haD-fiaBYDkhy7YO4WhZ0iI9vvEF07L4hQ9FsmHJ5GePPafnN5m3cESLoH0cPlKtrMMgtbqA1fzLpM7PVkfCTIoeYneLpkkV3zhzQ0mnFFvuBwVxjoS2_lz/s1600-h/saps-Beretta+pistols.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431527255327832098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1meXApEIv0WyvTl2acEfy3haD-fiaBYDkhy7YO4WhZ0iI9vvEF07L4hQ9FsmHJ5GePPafnN5m3cESLoH0cPlKtrMMgtbqA1fzLpM7PVkfCTIoeYneLpkkV3zhzQ0mnFFvuBwVxjoS2_lz/s400/saps-Beretta+pistols.jpg" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 277px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>Dianne Kohler Barnard said 4 000 new pistols ordered by the SA Police Service (SAPS) were not to boost firepower, but "mostly to replace lost and stolen firearms". "As revealed on the ARMSCOR website, the ordering of about 4 000 new Beretta pistols means that another R16-million is being spent by the police on procuring weapons," Kohler Barnard said. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqxHyjTUS3rCIDqfZecRM9NL9_tExO95oAsmjErv59NqlZIv6F5fzl-2iW9aWTA3K6CTEHfPDbyDSdxrX3cz1jchl_iWxTwRo3JA-5rVe3vH0dB8Ei9L4o9IdgTg_CJg5ZzTd4ptWquDP/s1600-h/SAPS-police-crime.jpg"></a>"However, we understand this order is almost entirely as a consequence of the fact that nearly 3 000 police firearms were lost or stolen over a period of just six months last year." Kohler Barnard said the loss of the weapons was as a result of "shoddy firearm management" by the police. "Last October, it was revealed that 2 944 firearms had been lost or stolen from the police - approximately three firearms lost or stolen from each station in the country," Kohler Barnard said. "These are the figures to September, implying that we will see record police firearm losses for 2009/10, once the final tally is in. "This all needs to be understood in the context of a sizeable upward trend in the number of lost and stolen police firearms in recent years." Kohler Barnard said in 2008, there were 2 507 lost and stolen firearms, compared with 1 923 in 2007. About 7 374 police firearms went out on the streets over these three years. "Even more concerning is that these firearms inevitably fall into the wrong hands and are used in criminal activities. As police firearms are lost and stolen and then replaced at great cost, with seemingly no action from police management to prevent this, the police are unwittingly fuelling the illegal arms trade." - Sapa

Cops lose 3 000 guns

The police are "unwittingly fuelling the illegal arms trade" by ordering thousands of new pistols to replace those that have been lost or stolen, a Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday.Dianne Kohler Barnard said 4 000 new pistols ordered by the SA Police Service (SAPS) were not to boost firepower, …

27Jan2010

20 cars a day on Ndebele's tarred road

A tar road in front of the country residence of Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele was used by about 20 vehicles a day, a man who lives close to the road told the Pietermaritzburg High Court today. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG_nnlo9EgLlE2LHgdZL73fwNWu6gTwDI7MxVZql3BFDmc9ZWWW101kQQn5fRut7vMDjR4S9cBeLl-7R7iacupEGt2QYxbNl0fu5MPWlspUEJMrT7BddHvtUZEh0mf1fPZofr77Wuh0bf/s1600-h/potholes_2_48340b.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431505465692381234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG_nnlo9EgLlE2LHgdZL73fwNWu6gTwDI7MxVZql3BFDmc9ZWWW101kQQn5fRut7vMDjR4S9cBeLl-7R7iacupEGt2QYxbNl0fu5MPWlspUEJMrT7BddHvtUZEh0mf1fPZofr77Wuh0bf/s400/potholes_2_48340b.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px" /></a>Themba Sibiya, 45, a tractor driver, who said he had lived close to the road all his life, was testifying in a case in which Hluphile Zuma, a former chef, lost a hand and part of her forearm in a 2005 taxi accident. The minibus overturned, apparently when it hit a pothole on the busy road between Tugela Ferry and Keate's Drift in December 2004. She is suing the KwaZulu-Natal roads department and government for an amount still to be fixed. The department is opposing the claim, arguing that a lack of money precluded more road maintenance and repair. The five kilometres of tar road past Ndebele's property cost about R5.536 million to lay in the 2004/5 budget, according to government documents. Zuma's lawyers contend that if the province spent that amount on tarring a lightly used road past Ndebele's property, it should have been used to maintaining the Tugela Ferry-Keate's Drift road. Earlier evidence given indicated the pothole could have been fixed for R500 when it was still small. Sibiya said road signs presumably brought for the tar road construction were still in their plastic wraps at the scene of the construction. Pietermaritzburg's Natal Witness reported in August 2005 that local residents questioned why the road past Ndebele's home was tarred before a much busier road close by, which was in bad repair. Farmers vainly tried for nine years to persuade the roads department to tar the busier road on which many accidents occurred. At the time a local resident said a substantial part of the lightly used road was tarred within a year after the then premier's wife Zama Ndebele had an accident on the road. Related:<a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article278435.ece">Over 1500 holiday road fatalities </a> <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article271141.ece">KZN transport boss subpoenaed in pothole case </a> <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article81763.ece">Mother sues premier and MEC after pothole crash </a>

20 cars a day on Ndebele's tarred road

A tar road in front of the country residence of Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele was used by about 20 vehicles a day, a man who lives close to the road told the Pietermaritzburg High Court today.Themba Sibiya, 45, a tractor driver, who said he had lived close to the road all his life, was testifying i…

27Jan2010

'World Cup in SA a big mistake'

World football supremo Joseph Blatter made a big mistake when South Africa was elected host of the 2010 World Cup, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness was quoted as saying. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bh8PU2g4CrvhWlsfV5t34ljYoBALcMntx_hVIMi09luePAttS9PMcN9IrXfGhezqf_tzURm1qesaBWXKtU06WzsYXuK5NsDEI0fOYLebKEt1eNe6xUYgh5ym_uYLirLDGflUPOAa10va/s1600-h/Blatter-001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431540206466313202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bh8PU2g4CrvhWlsfV5t34ljYoBALcMntx_hVIMi09luePAttS9PMcN9IrXfGhezqf_tzURm1qesaBWXKtU06WzsYXuK5NsDEI0fOYLebKEt1eNe6xUYgh5ym_uYLirLDGflUPOAa10va/s400/Blatter-001.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" /></a>Hoeness told the local Muenchner Merkur daily that he will not travel to the June 11-July 11 tournament which faces new security concerns and low ticket sales. "I was never a friend of a World Cup in South Africa and Africa as long is the security issue is not 100 percent solved," Hoeness said. "Mr Blatter had to have his way, I always considered it wrong. "Now you have to make the best out of it (but) I am convinced that deep down Mr Blatter has realised that giving the World Cup to South Africa was one of the biggest wrong decisions he ever made." Security has always been a key issue around the World Cup, but it was raised again after three men died earlier this month when gunmen attacked the Togo team at the African Cup of Nations in Angola. However, South African officials insisted that everyone will be safe at the World Cup. Poor ticket sales for the World Cup have also been reported, with a news conference on the issue scheduled for later on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

'World Cup in SA a big mistake'

World football supremo Joseph Blatter made a big mistake when South Africa was elected host of the 2010 World Cup, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness was quoted as saying.Hoeness told the local Muenchner Merkur daily that he will not travel to the June 11-July 11 tournament which faces new security…

27Jan2010

Gauteng local government website hacked

Gauteng's department of local government's website was hacked on Wednesday morning by what appeared to be a radical Islamic group. The department was unaware of the problem when the Mail & Guardian sought comment on Wednesday and said they would be calling in IT crime investigations team. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431395059770569858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpdSLWWAGhHsqO9I1oiRVyf25akfgcj4eK8k70hCtNILVOtBby2J6YRNihvUzpFRhkRetnG0-BQ9UbgYs7MPonadmlxetZXknNceAO-b5yjN1jrII2fHxLIb9K0FyGcfQnN9TnpSgL48g/s400/ANC-hack1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 382px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Alongside a photograph of local government minister Kgaogelo Lekgoro was the headline: "Hacked by CeCen Hack Team". This is followed by images of a child without legs and an unidentified man sporting military attire emblazoned with Arabic writing. There is also the slogan of "ALLAHU EKBER !" followed by: "denmark israel asshole Americas 45 thousand people will give account Hooray Chechnya" An accompanying track also played upon visiting the website. The group's website could not be accessed as the IP was banned. Fred Mokoko, spokesperson for the department, said a new website would be launched in about a month. "The new site will integrate the housing and local government sites," he said. "We will speed up its launch as it is all ready anyway." This follows a glitch on the South African Airways website on the weekend. Visitors to flysaa.com were met with a message saying that the website had expired on January 17 2010 and was "pending renewal or deletion", News24 reported.

Gauteng local government website hacked

Gauteng's department of local government's website was hacked on Wednesday morning by what appeared to be a radical Islamic group.The department was unaware of the problem when the Mail & Guardian sought comment on Wednesday and said they would be calling in IT crime investigations team.Alongside a …

27Jan2010

Government audit disaster

Weak leadership and the high turnover of top executives are fuelling the dismal audit performance of government departments and institutions funded by the taxpayer, the auditor-general's office and the Treasury told MPs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs60N0wGgXPtOBViBx9rrSojDqKblkngjSIWaq28Y3m4Jy_zG32tGHnfBQY3AGK0ySFUcApyE-kSIbyU9zvDWLnu2UBekW6yKnI_YgHk6i8MIq6Pf34h-_wMawo5aHLxvNBcj6q4Lt_B4/s1600-h/AUDIT+state.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431510017075007218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZs60N0wGgXPtOBViBx9rrSojDqKblkngjSIWaq28Y3m4Jy_zG32tGHnfBQY3AGK0ySFUcApyE-kSIbyU9zvDWLnu2UBekW6yKnI_YgHk6i8MIq6Pf34h-_wMawo5aHLxvNBcj6q4Lt_B4/s400/AUDIT+state.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" /></a>At the first parliamentary committee meeting of the year, officials from the two offices said there had been little improvement since 2008 in the overall performance of the 256 operations funded by public money. They were giving a high-level overview of the trends shown in audit reports released last year. Only 91 out of the 256 entities achieved a clean audit in the financial year to March 2009. Eight were so poorly run that no audit was possible, two were given adverse audits, meaning they had generally failed to implement proper financial management, and 33 received qualified audits indicating severe failures. Another 118 produced adequate financial statements, but had issues ranging from inadequate documentation that was completed only with help from auditors to serious but correctable lapses of financial or asset management. In percentage terms, the number of state institutions gaining a clear audit has slipped from 38% five years ago year to 35% last year. "It is a disappointing and concerning picture in that the pace of change is slow," said Jillian Bailey, head of audit in the auditor-general's office. "Adequate leadership involvement and oversight must set the tone from the top and create an environment conducive to good financial management and service delivery." Warning of a downward trend in some areas, Bailey said 88% of government departments were showing signs of failure in human resource management and 86% of dangerously inadequate information system security. Kimi Makwetu, the deputy auditor-general, said things would not improve until the top leadership of departments and government entities became committed to ensuring proper financial management. "We're talking about basic disciplines. It has not yet moved to the level of complexity of accounting and financial management." Six officials from the two departments painted the same picture of poor top-level leadership and uncertainty created by the high turnover of chief executives and chief financial officers. <blockquote>Even the presidency, the department of defence and the public protector received qualified audits last year. </blockquote>The officials said things would not improve significantly until top executives accepted personal responsibility for the crisis. The auditor-general does not oversee state-owned enterprises such as Eskom, Transnet and SAA, but the concern about leaderless public institutions comes amid a crisis that has left all three, as well as the arms companies Denel and Armscor, which received a clean audit last year, with acting chief executives who are unable to take strategic decisions. Bailey said the biggest failing among national government departments was in the management of capital assets ranging from land to buildings and equipment. She said nearly all departments lacked the skills to properly track what departments owned. State entities mainly had problems controlling income and expenditure. These entities range from the South African Local Government Association, which could not produce auditable financial records, to sector education and training authorities, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Robben Island museum and the Council for the Built Environment. MPs from all parties vied to deliver the sharpest rebukes after hearing the overview. "Sometimes one thinks that some of these departments are being run like a spaza shop," said Narend Singh of the IFP. Picking up the theme, the ANC's Sarah Mangena said the Treasury should help in the selection of chief financial officers: "You find that we take a person just because this person was good at arithmetic, but this person really can only run a spaza shop. This person cannot run a department's budget." Mangena took a tough line on corruption, too: "If a person has taken R104-million, why can't this person bring that money back. If he can't, let him sell his wife and children so we can recover this money." Deetlefs du Toit of the DA was among MPs who demanded to know how the government planned to break the pattern of poor financial management. "I don't know whether to call this a catastrophe or a disaster," he said. MPs also complained that the auditor-general's report is similar every year with little progress in enforcing recommendations.

Government audit disaster

Weak leadership and the high turnover of top executives are fuelling the dismal audit performance of government departments and institutions funded by the taxpayer, the auditor-general's office and the Treasury told MPs.At the first parliamentary committee meeting of the year, officials from the two…

27Jan2010

Eskom importing black employees to meet AA targets

Eskom black employees recruited from countries such as the USA and UK to work for Eskom to help Eskom reach its affirmative action targets. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvyFFrsH1DUAPkWxWLUuN7Tb7jiXlNtrP6WMvhLMrsRas81kOhS4e8P6kv-WdCsbwqgEcFdUPHHie_FOWSpAVrXPmvoSVquf4YkWjn1qXiv8CiBmPbSlDvvpYFxuTprBEDWhkA3PH9sbP/s1600-h/eskom.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430774976701418402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvyFFrsH1DUAPkWxWLUuN7Tb7jiXlNtrP6WMvhLMrsRas81kOhS4e8P6kv-WdCsbwqgEcFdUPHHie_FOWSpAVrXPmvoSVquf4YkWjn1qXiv8CiBmPbSlDvvpYFxuTprBEDWhkA3PH9sbP/s400/eskom.gif" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" /></a>See Carte Blanche story <a href="http://beta.mnet.co.za/carteblanche/Article.aspx?Id=3819&ShowId=1">Eskom Expats </a>Dozens of Americans and Brits recruited by the electricity giant Eskom to fill skilled labour positions. <a href="http://beta.mnet.co.za/carteblanche/Article.aspx?Id=3819&Showid=1">Watch</a> In terms of a campaign launched by Eskom a few years ago, the plan was to recruit nearly 5000 new employees over a period of five years — about half of these had to be black women. Solidarity maintains that if these allegations of appointments being abused for the sake of affirmative action targets are in fact true, the electricity supplier has dug a hole for itself. "South Africa has extremely capable people with years of experience at Eskom, but who have lost their jobs there since 1994. By blindly chasing after targets and importing black employees simply because of their skin colour, Eskom is taking things too far," Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said. "Not only were the employees lured to the company under false pretences, but Eskom also tried to reach targets in an illegal manner by simply appointing black employees to the positions. This approach does not benefit any South African, black or white, and the company should rather look at developing local expertise," explained Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans. Kleynhans emphasized that Eskom's attempt to reach affirmative action targets has completely destroyed the company's efficiency. "If suitable, local black employees cannot be found to fill the positions, Eskom cannot ignore suitable white employees," "After all, the original purpose of affirmative action is in no way achieved by appointing black foreigners and an urgent investigation should be launched into Eskom's affirmative action appointments to determine who, by right, qualifies for the positions because the jobs were actually earmarked for local employees," Kleynhans explained.

Eskom importing black employees to meet AA targets

Eskom black employees recruited from countries such as the USA and UK to work for Eskom to help Eskom reach its affirmative action targets.See Carte Blanche story Eskom Expats Dozens of Americans and Brits recruited by the electricity giant Eskom to fill skilled labour positions. WatchIn terms of a …

25Jan2010

Staggering 4.7million South Africans without work

Government's promise to create 500 000 employment opportunities is faltering, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Monday. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXxyFzpZKPL5TTAurHdF6jUOPyEzRq3rmq6dYtTa2o0ls2iWwBxyGQQSx0McMPTuIJ1HIPVGDmBJ40MxmdiWG4sSFmg39gJ2UjzP3vCLlcZQV0Nl3Z1_UvjpmPncqjG-XR9MQSOHAuG7X/s1600-h/ANC_BULLSHIT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430768010651692674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXxyFzpZKPL5TTAurHdF6jUOPyEzRq3rmq6dYtTa2o0ls2iWwBxyGQQSx0McMPTuIJ1HIPVGDmBJ40MxmdiWG4sSFmg39gJ2UjzP3vCLlcZQV0Nl3Z1_UvjpmPncqjG-XR9MQSOHAuG7X/s400/ANC_BULLSHIT.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px" /></a>"Much more needs to be done to make sure we achieve and preferably surpass this target," he said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Nedlac Labour Sector School. "The fact that 73 percent of those currently unemployed are under 35, and the recent entry of over a million school leavers without any matric or other qualifications and virtually no possibility of a proper job, make it absolutely imperative that we take them off the streets and give them opportunities to work and train." Although there are reports that the country is coming out of a recession, workers are yet to see evidence of this, he told delegates at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). Still stuck in a catastrophic recession South Africa came out of a recession during the third quarter of 2009 according to Statistics SA. "On the contrary, they are still stuck in a catastrophic recession, marked by rising unemployment, poverty and inequality. If there is any growth, it is certainly jobless growth." Last year President Jacob Zuma pledged the creation of half a million jobs through the year. But there were nearly a million retrenchments in the first quarter of 2009, and when the final figures are released, this could be over one million, Vavi said. "When you take into account that an average of five people depend on the wages brought home by one worker that means that five million South Africans were plunged into poverty in the course of last year." R17-billion worth of income lost He said unemployment increased from 23.6 percent of the labour force in the second quarter, to 24.5 percent in the third quarter of 2009. The expanded definition of unemployment, which includes those who have given up looking for work, climbed from 32.5 percent to 34.4 percent in the same period. "This means that a staggering 4.702 million South Africans are now without work, way above the levels in any comparable country." The union body estimated that for the first three quarters of 2009, at least R17-billion worth of income per year was lost by 716 000 workers who lost their jobs. This shrank the tax base and put a greater burden on social spending and meant the government had to support more families with grants. "The capitalists now say that the effects of the global crisis on South Africa have been muted. "They may have been muted for the capitalist class, whose profits have been rising more than the economy throughout the lifespan of our democracy. But for the workers it is a different story."

Staggering 4.7million South Africans without work

Government's promise to create 500 000 employment opportunities is faltering, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Monday."Much more needs to be done to make sure we achieve and preferably surpass this target," he said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Nedlac Labour Sector School.…

25Jan2010

Developing nations rush to jump on Haiti bandwagon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0-sHtyb1SFSXP2nVzva1mnZYMd_JkI6Wg9bRvFm7Yp-_GegRBwndRU4RH0Db8ibtP0pYK5SRBG3mzlIutprU3MtYcBWBijsL_xdDFCuQ5ySI_-MSkE1lneujtiHej1nutSZ06_rrTYmy/s1600-h/parody.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435923106861262530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0-sHtyb1SFSXP2nVzva1mnZYMd_JkI6Wg9bRvFm7Yp-_GegRBwndRU4RH0Db8ibtP0pYK5SRBG3mzlIutprU3MtYcBWBijsL_xdDFCuQ5ySI_-MSkE1lneujtiHej1nutSZ06_rrTYmy/s400/parody.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 56px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 53px" /></a>Developing countries say the catastrophe in Haiti has taught them some important lessons on how to get noticed by the international community. "We're hoping for a volcano, or at least a mud-slide," said the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Clearly it's a natural disaster or nothing." <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_AE52zoY71BhfD2wVUhT5BEYaUE7qPG_CoNi8ir1D6KyPA2WvCN7Pox-YgU-iDSqKnoZEJ-aQ6YSKAdbVdMrzn7s3brFTL-U16sVOw_8oSA0UJ2oXAwx6WsGKe_jOIw7Dx7uytIJZO83/s1600-h/haiti_UN_oil.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430812314729433410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_AE52zoY71BhfD2wVUhT5BEYaUE7qPG_CoNi8ir1D6KyPA2WvCN7Pox-YgU-iDSqKnoZEJ-aQ6YSKAdbVdMrzn7s3brFTL-U16sVOw_8oSA0UJ2oXAwx6WsGKe_jOIw7Dx7uytIJZO83/s400/haiti_UN_oil.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" /></a>According to the DRC official, Jean-Luc Propakanda, Haiti had gone "overnight from being one of the most horrific places on earth where people eat mud flavoured with cooking oil, to the world's darling. "We want in on that action," he said. The DRC leapt to contribute $2.5 million in aid, a move questioned by DRC citizens who currently survive on a diet of diesel fumes and boiled artillery shells. However Propakanda defended the move. "It's not so much a donation as a consultancy fee for advice on how to replicate Haiti's tremendous publicity coup and maybe voodoo up an earthquake of our own." He said that the DRC was doing everything it could to gain the world's sympathy. "We've got child soldiers, a rape pandemic, we blow away gorillas on sight. Hell, we've even resorted to cannibalism. We've killed 5 million people in the last 14 years. And what do we get? Nothing. Not even a whiff of a CNN correspondent." Other "worst places on earth" including Afghanistan and Sudan, have expressed an interest in following Haiti's formula for getting attention and aid. "If we had any water we'd organise a tsunami," said Sudan's Deputy Minister for Closet Genocide. "But somehow spraying people with a hose isn't quite the same." A spokesman for CNN, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that Sudan would not be appearing on television for some time, as "drought and pestilence just aren't sexy any more". Haiti spokespeople were too busy pulling dead bodies from the rubble to comment. hayibo.com

Developing nations rush to jump on Haiti bandwagon

Developing countries say the catastrophe in Haiti has taught them some important lessons on how to get noticed by the international community. "We're hoping for a volcano, or at least a mud-slide," said the Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Clearly it's a natural disaster or not…

25Jan2010

Free State farmer murdered

A 59-year-old Free State farmer has been attacked and killed by three men on his farm in Ficksburg on Saturday, police said. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dqzT9VLsDT4v286teZZyro3sXcGoeQTB2uF42tdlQhdMPmAZuuJdEPdukBSfJI9u857BGtAE_Ll0OMN5sBSJTkZJ9khKdE1dxu9PwkStGQqfxzkRn1sntVMWEVNgA2dkWO17qHQqx-GL/s1600-h/crime=cell.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429995787513161698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dqzT9VLsDT4v286teZZyro3sXcGoeQTB2uF42tdlQhdMPmAZuuJdEPdukBSfJI9u857BGtAE_Ll0OMN5sBSJTkZJ9khKdE1dxu9PwkStGQqfxzkRn1sntVMWEVNgA2dkWO17qHQqx-GL/s400/crime=cell.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" /></a>Sergeant Majang Mosupa said the incident occurred at around 5am at the Goodhope farm. She said the farmer's wife Dorothy Gieseke was alone in the house when she was surprised by three men armed with a firearm and screwdriver. "They threatened her and demanded money and firearms from her and when they could not get any they took her handbag and cellphone." Mosupa said the woman managed to press the panic button inside the house and the three suspects ran away without hurting her. Police said when the woman went outside to look for her husband she found him dead. He earlier went outside to feed animals and water some plants. Mosupa said a blood covered stone was found at the scene with which the attackers apparently hit Ernest Gieseke, 69, on the head. "His throat was also cut with a sharp object." Mosupa said a search for the attackers started immediately and three men, between the age of 16 and 30, were found not far from the farm. Police are still looking for more suspects in the case.

Free State farmer murdered

A 59-year-old Free State farmer has been attacked and killed by three men on his farm in Ficksburg on Saturday, police said.Sergeant Majang Mosupa said the incident occurred at around 5am at the Goodhope farm.She said the farmer's wife Dorothy Gieseke was alone in the house when she was surprised by…

23Jan2010

Rose farmer killed in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga police are investigating the murder of a rose farmer who was shot dead by intruders who broke into his home in the early hours of Friday morning. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YtYM2OeQ922FoXLRl0AEdwBeUlAgq4t-TEYVGWYQanNUSbjUZrU8qauM1NfusKd-qzPVXaUthuRdl7RQP5mx575kVxsOPw5OjIOxwhYI22nXvMMjVuYu3T5uf5sjS7Myv4TqDiTBe3ns/s1600-h/crime-rape-genocide.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429985434449063410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YtYM2OeQ922FoXLRl0AEdwBeUlAgq4t-TEYVGWYQanNUSbjUZrU8qauM1NfusKd-qzPVXaUthuRdl7RQP5mx575kVxsOPw5OjIOxwhYI22nXvMMjVuYu3T5uf5sjS7Myv4TqDiTBe3ns/s400/crime-rape-genocide.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" /></a>"Their son heard gunshots in the house at about 1.30am on Friday and his parents screaming. When he went to their bedroom to investigate he discovered his father had been shot in the head and was dead while his mother was shot and wounded in the arm," said Captain Leonard Hlathi. The woman was taken to hospital for treatment. "The suspects gained entry through a window in the couple's bedroom. Nothing was stolen, so we do not know what the motive was," said Hlathi. He urged anyone with information that can assist police in their investigation to contact Senior Superintendent Faan Steenkamp on 082-565-7656 or Captain Leonard Hlathi on 082-462-0804.

Rose farmer killed in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga police are investigating the murder of a rose farmer who was shot dead by intruders who broke into his home in the early hours of Friday morning. "Their son heard gunshots in the house at about 1.30am on Friday and his parents screaming. When he went to their bedroom to investigate he dis…

23Jan2010

Doctor murdered in Johannesburg

A 55-year-old doctor was shot and killed in Kempton Park on Friday night, Johannesburg paramedics said. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VSE_Va5r_gtQdMMybd4oxfcjYVATc8x3wRXzq-rgxHoMxgRNHpK4W7s81wM17kLfUKRVR8T-pRM3xup7ymVERwFNA0WwGhMnxdLoxqxOcSHZtKnq_xHERHwnhrDkzCJS8i8X3sxawRml/s1600-h/Crimescene%2520Generic.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429988882125519714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VSE_Va5r_gtQdMMybd4oxfcjYVATc8x3wRXzq-rgxHoMxgRNHpK4W7s81wM17kLfUKRVR8T-pRM3xup7ymVERwFNA0WwGhMnxdLoxqxOcSHZtKnq_xHERHwnhrDkzCJS8i8X3sxawRml/s400/Crimescene%2520Generic.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" /></a>Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha said it was believed the doctor went to lock his kitchen door around 8pm when he was attacked by several gunmen. Netcare 911 paramedics arrived on scene and found the doctor lying in the courtyard just outside the kitchen door. They raced over to treat the man but on examination found that he had been fatally wounded. "One of the suspects was wounded by his fellow gunman in the fracas. Police arrested the wounded suspect some metres away from the crime scene. Paramedics found the wounded man lying in a prostrate position on the roadway with a gunshot wound to his leg," said Botha. After being stabilised the suspect was transported under guard to an area hospital for further treatment.

Doctor murdered in Johannesburg

A 55-year-old doctor was shot and killed in Kempton Park on Friday night, Johannesburg paramedics said.Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha said it was believed the doctor went to lock his kitchen door around 8pm when he was attacked by several gunmen.Netcare 911 paramedics arrived on scene and found t…

23Jan2010

Three lying, cheating SAPS staff bust for matric fraud

Three police administration workers appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Friday for allegedly being in possession of fraudulent matric certificates. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NrOdEFbjVFD_CxzQgQlMa0XJohrv8pMaOxk2dIblL0HZ2kXmBQ9z56ECRwghgvaZ27u1q8hZVjHGphL6Oxwco18JevF1eFod74f5cJnpnDzqan8E2ySxXa2H1Ye06PDGr_ILBCKkLQiN/s1600-h/SAPS-police-dept-lazy.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429974989481874818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NrOdEFbjVFD_CxzQgQlMa0XJohrv8pMaOxk2dIblL0HZ2kXmBQ9z56ECRwghgvaZ27u1q8hZVjHGphL6Oxwco18JevF1eFod74f5cJnpnDzqan8E2ySxXa2H1Ye06PDGr_ILBCKkLQiN/s400/SAPS-police-dept-lazy.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" /></a>Police spokesperson Captain Leonard Hlathi said the three were granted R1 000 bail each and the case was postponed to February 3. Both Maurine Sibulelani (40) and Phetheni Annah Ngwenya (35) were allegedly caught with fraudulent matric certificates which they bought through a colleague, 41-year-old Nelly Zulu. Zulu, whose qualificaiton was authentic, was stationed at the Nelspruit police station. All three women have worked for the SA Police Service for about three years. "It is alleged that Zulu arranged fraudulent matric certificates for her two colleagues," said Hlathi. Earlier this month, five other people who were also found with a pile of fraudulent certificates were arrested in Nelspruit and Barberton. They sold the papers for between R150 and R1 000. Among those arrested was Daniel Velaphi Gumede (35), who was allegedly the mastermind who sold certificates to the administrative personnel. He was arrested along with 25-year-old Benedict Mavo Mhlabane, one of the suspects in the 2009 matric papers scandal in Mpumalanga, Gugu Morobane (31) and siblings Doris and Sifiso Nkosi. The group was granted R1 000 bail each, and were expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on February 3. More arrests were imminent, Hlathi said. - Sapa

Three lying, cheating SAPS staff bust for matric fraud

Three police administration workers appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Friday for allegedly being in possession of fraudulent matric certificates.Police spokesperson Captain Leonard Hlathi said the three were granted R1 000 bail each and the case was postponed to February 3.Both Maurine…

23Jan2010

Security Facts - South Africa

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428929526577575778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiKfeYcHzUALh31kAfrVWrVMWihFeSoCNFENsHsFMGSPxH-VgVO_v55Ke-5Y-Yv3AHHngHkvZjHESn_txBA2KBDJocKu6GM71vaGuE8P07vMZZWxV3SCdiGF7KS4r1TtLiJXjDT_coARd/s400/Crime%2520Crime%2520Statistics.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <ul><li>During 2008/2009 a total of 72,194 (59.5%) of all aggravated robberies were street/public robberies. In 38% of street robberies, knives were used. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428938860945934498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi63G9lsRw6TiMJ3NEvLMraFNZGYulUr4XIDYpD-w1a6o8PaLudIVGWc6PHcRkisk17DPRrT0au8HCktT7GDpRuiUKYBidJMr1MQpoL_yWcGdknWDQ5AqMpzQxkEH8Km8oF0anIY5cmfKL/s400/crime-killed.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></li><li>Knives and other sharp objects were the most common instruments used to kill victims (52,2%), followed by firearms (28,8%) and blunt objects (12,7%) according to a new analysis of a representative sample of 1 348 murder dockets linked to cases reported nationally over the period 2007/2008. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428929545606032802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLYYYII_lJEmjQIeS1TL0voQMOb3Jgnv1OGXus_rPCPacZBc8WmXbXgOUSl_UPy3g2LUyZAEcfMo_W4s5wEZSgdT4E8-0UXHMNVTl5f1FfA9OMwq5CKbDdEFhkbsWeck_SLlwvsnqxR8o/s400/crimes-10million.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></li><li>During 2008/2009 a total of 2,098,229 (approximately 2,1 million) serious crime cases were registered in the RSA </li></ul><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428938867055210946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR8pQPkeZlgZze3uY1crA8qYOD6krRxtfRv_bOwlQgjAamFujmU3B0nLJ6QuH3Zyngti88Sb_vbE33_N2SgR2fB6e23wBJAN7ZIf48CJp5XeSbBeMzr6wwSSv4JU10xE45xPOIZxX7XCX/s400/AfrikanerSoccerFanGenocide_DnSA_480.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><ul><li>Of the approximately 2,1 million cases, roughly 686,120 (32.7%) were contact crimes and 551,000 (26.3%) were other serious crimes. </li></ul><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428929535321108242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHb_bbrX24Tq5Y_usok-EFCgfIeP8W3iLzraMEM0xoOQ39X6l86FCJxPeb31RFFOIJiuDDaC-b8K40vKLGArznDNyYVYM21zmuOPP9lcX4De8nxIUr46SANgzgagyQOmKt1f9OdNn3HJq/s400/crime_sa_reality.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Source: <a href="http://www.protektorvest.com/res/2_crime_situation_sa.pdf" target="_blank">View the official "Crime Situation South Africa" PDF</a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428929533359569746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sd7GqVf5lPeM4wNa_e8skAc0PWeqyeS1b69Sx303YyDM7FLuVVXe3EYQSlIGz0dAq-u9g6HxNLXcJjOqAjO7UPNu8n7jFkZltp7hIx7QDkY39tEESZQFg8GBHp9CuMXKijoAdBylocMI/s400/crime_2010_soccer_world_cup.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 390px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />

Security Facts - South Africa

During 2008/2009 a total of 72,194 (59.5%) of all aggravated robberies were street/public robberies. In 38% of street robberies, knives were used.Knives and other sharp objects were the most common instruments used to kill victims (52,2%), followed by firearms (28,8%) and blunt objects (12,7%) acco…

20Jan2010

Government warns World Cup stab vests useless against taxi fenders

A knife-proof vest being marketed to British tourists as a must-have item at the 2010 World Cup has been slammed by the South African government, which says it is completely pointless as most tourists killed will either be shot or run over by taxis. However, the country has recommitted itself to killing as few tourists as possible. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE7s7VZQmfc0IXFXhYnE7fxJQQYaT_QNapHXX4Y_dTyd7TMDfyyA4afwQa5CehzlOQ_zsKv2dkgHKye7PhC348i0bEXjjuWRaLrkd8dnElWJ0vd1o4TTn85JxE4aBwKUFliKElkHZTj-8/s1600-h/EnglandFront.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428921751894545586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsE7s7VZQmfc0IXFXhYnE7fxJQQYaT_QNapHXX4Y_dTyd7TMDfyyA4afwQa5CehzlOQ_zsKv2dkgHKye7PhC348i0bEXjjuWRaLrkd8dnElWJ0vd1o4TTn85JxE4aBwKUFliKElkHZTj-8/s400/EnglandFront.gif" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" /></a>According to the BBC, the so-called stab vests are being marketed in the United Kingdom as essential security wear for the 2010 World Cup and cost up to $70. However, this morning the South African government condemned the armoured items, describing them as alarmist, reactionary and discriminatory against people who earn a living through knife crime. But, said spokesman Whiplash Mahlangu, the real outrage was how ineffective the vests would be in keeping tourists alive. "We urge our visitors to remember that of the 1,500 South Africans who are murdered and the 1,100 who are killed on our roads every month, only a tiny minority succumb to knife wounds," said Mahlangu. He added that while the usual 2,600 locals would be killed during the World Cup, South Africa was committed to killing as few international visitors as possible. "If we can keep it down to around one percent of the South African average, that is 26 tourists, we'll consider that a job well done," said Mahlangu. But, he said, visitors would have to accept that stab vests would "not be of optimum utility in an average hail of gunfire from an average assault rifle, or against the earnest advances of a Toyota Hilux's front fender". He asked both South Africans and foreign tourists to remain positive about the World Cup. "The world is coming," he said. "The important thing to remember is that of the 500,000 guests coming to our shores, 499,974 will be going home alive. "Ultimately football will be the winner." hayibo.com

Government warns World Cup stab vests useless against taxi fenders

A knife-proof vest being marketed to British tourists as a must-have item at the 2010 World Cup has been slammed by the South African government, which says it is completely pointless as most tourists killed will either be shot or run over by taxis. However, the country has recommitted itself to kil…

20Jan2010

The African National Congress of Fashion

The ANC has branched out of politics and decided to venture into the world of fashion with the launch of a new leather jacket range that <a href="http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=pbf/forms/order.html" target="_blank">are available through their website</a> In styles ranging from the "President No.1", which President Jacob Zuma wore to his electoral victory party to the ultra-hip little-indie-drummer-boy, there seems to be a look for everyone. And of course almost 'glow-in-the-dark' green, yellow and black palette gives them the added bonus of helping to improve pedestrian road safety while looking "cool" supporting the ANC. <a href="http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-01-20-and-the-ugly-shall-govern">And The Ugly Shall Govern</a> <a title="ImageShack - Image And Video Hosting" href="http://img36.imageshack.us/i/ancjackets.jpg/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6843/ancjackets.jpg" /></a> The Zuma = Also called The President No.1: Just to be clear - this is for those top top type guys. The Motlanthe = If you have no fame and fortune, but plenty of other talents to offer - then this one is for you. The Madiba = Lekker nice leather jacket that looks like a shirt. Now you too can look Madiba larney. The Malema = For those Polish gangster ouks who like to talk big and look mean while sipping champagne. The Stofile = The Reverend look. Could also double as seksy S&M gear. Fun times. The Ndizamande = Look smart, feel smart. The Mbete = For those who want to lime their pockets.<a href="http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=pbf/forms/order.html" target="_blank">Get yours here. </a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428585481402990034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86r6GJrTaBVgisTdr4IQilx6JBswJnYOFdKCf3m9l6bENjZ9koNQxbgBJIxzqdvT30yl_CmYoKd9PwYNOplL-k09WDDkMTLDRXWwntdJPOE0EUdB8A1FslT1p3lXydWUzJpbtIVbnzmri/s400/president01b.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> 19 designs to chose from. Priced between R1,620 and R1,944.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428585486775077714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB87gNqdI-H9C0EXC4e_bMsnaz49_n1mp74_E5lFUlTSnwYUsxOhouGCX30adwSubH0dEmiQ4yUR7zVWhrAU0WD6NW8mzvhXj7NKebFWTAUze3dFxJskj_s8ylu-dNGZcAd2PG_YV0zc1Y/s400/PBF12.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above - stand-out jacket looks like a school blazer, in black leather. Just like prefect blazers with green and yellow edging. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428585494291065826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLlQpTaRui_uok82gidJip5m_mjRsNC9o-7AkIB4sl8HmLVjFFn1SIhgD9rcpzKZvfExtlbbD3Wwz7xo103Sx9upEZxfTc20uYX4UtyZa0swLLENxBSKzqSOuZT2UCkSfjNVnuCC5nEcm/s400/PBF06.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above - luminous lime green jacket promises to make a statement for the nation, <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428585499506886914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYvFDz-8QUVbjqNdXti2Krl9cT0Y6KHXH59ZSkTP7hnTVevpZFztHXEWKxqB4F7uv9LiLSs1wbzBN01SfzjRemtDGTyBCqJqP_BpdDRUYobkeSO7N0SslOHLaEVSkcMaYPA66K0N6j4mLu/s400/PBF10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Above - yellow jacket puts the sunny in sunny South Africa. All jackets have the ANC emblem.

The African National Congress of Fashion

The ANC has branched out of politics and decided to venture into the world of fashion with the launch of a new leather jacket range that are available through their website In styles ranging from the "President No.1", which President Jacob Zuma wore to his electoral victory party to the ultra-hip li…

19Jan2010

Award winner 'Tsotsi' actor, charged with robbery, assault and impersonating a police officer

Well known black SA actor, Isreal Makoe and his two friends were arrested in Orange Grove on Friday after they robbed three people of their cellphones and R500. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427831206558937298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-RcmafdZ6hloVZUZ9yGjo6hPle2xzDfjnss72ABBOK0QZo1sHWQWCgIdDA0rdi03ISQvbdyQzyoSjjr3Y_qs1HS-rn2dNyWNJ235a9-lCVM_lE0mqhTCvEogcyv8ibBv7NpuXwB2aOYN/s400/israel-tsotsi.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Captain Phillip Maganedisa said two men and a woman were walking on the corner of Louis Botha and Second Street when a blue VW minibus stopped near them around 9pm. "The three alighted from the vehicle, told the victims they were police officers and they wanted to search them. They searched, assaulted them and took their cellphones and R500 from the lady," Maganedisa said. He said a police patrol vehicle came and the three fled. The victims informed the police of the incident and the robbers' vehicle were chased. "They were stopped a couple of streets down the suburb. The stolen cell phones and the money were found in their possession." Maganedisa said the three were charged with common assault and robbery. Makoe is well known for his roles in the movie Tsotsi, the best foreign-language film Oscar winner in 2006, the SABC 1 drama series Yizo Yizo and Gaz'lam. One of his friends is also in the entertainment industry as a back-up dancer. The third man is unknown.

Award winner 'Tsotsi' actor, charged with robbery, assault and impersonating a police officer

Well known black SA actor, Isreal Makoe and his two friends were arrested in Orange Grove on Friday after they robbed three people of their cellphones and R500.Captain Phillip Maganedisa said two men and a woman were walking on the corner of Louis Botha and Second Street when a blue VW minibus stopp…

17Jan2010

Julius and Zuma's son, Duduzane, live the high life

ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema and Duduzane Zuma, President Jacob Zuma's son, reportedly have been true to their reputation of living the high life, spending time luxury boats over the festive season. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY09sXCKw8Fj7aIKb0tMGgQOd_8bolbNi9GVNQS0EZTrbA9PpMZksL6-B1pUiJI2ghJrpURvph3zHGfWdQHp3KvL3aYXkU-d4hKeiC3p9pAHdMJgcWXWmVk8_MVTP9v8Dj1N5yS-yvcp8U/s1600-h/oasis-of-the-seas.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820522294136674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY09sXCKw8Fj7aIKb0tMGgQOd_8bolbNi9GVNQS0EZTrbA9PpMZksL6-B1pUiJI2ghJrpURvph3zHGfWdQHp3KvL3aYXkU-d4hKeiC3p9pAHdMJgcWXWmVk8_MVTP9v8Dj1N5yS-yvcp8U/s400/oasis-of-the-seas.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px" /></a>Rapport says while on the world's largest passenger ship, The Oasis of the Seas, young Zuma apparently stayed in a suite costing between R150 000 and R250 000 per week. When asked, he didn't want to say anything to Rapport. "I'm not prepared to talk about it," were his words during a brief telephone conversation. Some of the ship's passengers say they recognised him. A businessman from Cape Town who prefers to remain anonymous says Zuma stayed in the suite next to his. The luxury two-deck suite boasts panoramic views over the water, and even includes its own concierge. The master bedroom on the top deck is equipped with a shower for two, while the bar and private balcony are on the lower deck. According to the source, Duduzane was surrounded by Indian businessmen most of the time. "They partied in the bars until the early morning hours." South African passengers flew to Florida in the US to board the ship at Fort Lauderdale for the cruise from 19 to 26 December. Mystery party <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427820723133982706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr9yqMMsHEaRyXPS7QY3OyUprHAN5wXwD325TN3nfCYxOBHIPdrgxuQOQblEYO7cXOL__lxgUOmELIfL6Ruj7jNB1gsnqvgAHVgXWd4kjbShNovP7Oul499MbuTr7eo2r_pdrG9lIGU2c/s400/foreplay.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 117px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Meanwhile, the V&A Waterfront was abuzz after Malema was spotted partying on the luxury yacht Foreplay early in December, complete with expensive champagne and whiskey. The party is shrouded in mystery. Mark Engledouw, manager of Foreplay, boasts of clients including celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Robert de Niro and Matt Damon. But he didn't want to say a word about the party at which Malema was spotted, and would not confirm or deny that Malema had been on the yacht. "What happens on board, stays on board - it's an unwritten rule," he said when asked. Malema himself on Saturday denied having been on the yacht. "No, no, no. If I had been at a party on a boat I would have known about it. I would have been in charge [of the boat]." The average sun-downer cruise from the Waterfront to Bloubergstrand will cost you R15 000 per hour, while a whole day's cruise can cost up to R57 000. <a href="http://www.foremostyachts.co.za/charters.html">http://www.foremostyachts.co.za/charters.html</a> Malema is well-known for this luxurious lifestyle. He owns what appears to be a Breitling watch valued at R250 000 and has had quarrels with his neighbours in Sandton over loud and extravagant parties at his home. In an earlier interview with Rapport, Malema stated that his lifestyle serves as an example for the poor, proving "that the ANC can change a township man's life". - Rapport

Julius and Zuma's son, Duduzane, live the high life

ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema and Duduzane Zuma, President Jacob Zuma's son, reportedly have been true to their reputation of living the high life, spending time luxury boats over the festive season.Rapport says while on the world's largest passenger ship, The Oasis of the Seas, young Zuma a…

17Jan2010

Terror threat warning to World Cup

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVFjab73EhG8erpJnVVRZ83FXtD21UWOxJuf4M3pt3DJ3qvMmeflk4ZH8A34vp0SPo14bQ9IJJHsxlBuyItg9GDiAXqKFfCQNd3Zgz6emN93g-reVRwQMEvXgktyuUjDtHZRuHjUNHc2B/s1600-h/2010+soccer+bomb.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427473264581764898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVFjab73EhG8erpJnVVRZ83FXtD21UWOxJuf4M3pt3DJ3qvMmeflk4ZH8A34vp0SPo14bQ9IJJHsxlBuyItg9GDiAXqKFfCQNd3Zgz6emN93g-reVRwQMEvXgktyuUjDtHZRuHjUNHc2B/s200/2010+soccer+bomb.bmp" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96ckcb500TGuk1_MeGw485N9BTryj3CRZEWvYSvTREBaVGHm91aBe0T97QQy6oy5dTleFNOBsUZBrK4kB8HquocsJ64k9_DmesSUHrp3dfY_PORsKHEBbaWVywucVAjG21Lnn4_iovD8c/s1600-h/2010+WCS.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427475358681924642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96ckcb500TGuk1_MeGw485N9BTryj3CRZEWvYSvTREBaVGHm91aBe0T97QQy6oy5dTleFNOBsUZBrK4kB8HquocsJ64k9_DmesSUHrp3dfY_PORsKHEBbaWVywucVAjG21Lnn4_iovD8c/s200/2010+WCS.jpg" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" /></a> <a class="headlines" href="http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71619?oid=156040&sn=Detail">On terrorism and </a><a class="headlines" href="http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page71619?oid=156040&sn=Detail">the world cup</a> <a class="state-published visualIconPadding url" href="http://www.sairr.org.za/sairr-today/sairr-today-how-vulnerable-is-south-africa2019s-soccer-world-cup-to-a-major-terrorist-attack-14th-january-2009/">How vulnerable is South Africa’s soccer World Cup to a major terrorist attack? - 14th January 2009</a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427452003252843730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix5n5PFdwFtkBtaMW9QP0EyY4LqT2VU8W3No1hxpTVYxcvPahR6P_qQ9rylhlgExtGXPoBCXymZtjprGK2SZz_2TgDin-E5i-SowfpBAXFMCUHc_GbzYyrVjsJMxGarobWtGgYHtgV3E4/s400/s-o-c-c-e-r.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />A SERIOUS al-Qaeda terror threat may be facing the World Cup, but South Africa's security forces have proven themselves to be capable of securing major events, according to a think-tank, the South African Institute of Race Relations. The institute's deputy CEO, Frans Cronje, in his report on January 15 2010: “<a href="http://www.sairr.org.za/sairr-today/sairr-today-how-vulnerable-is-south-africa2019s-soccer-world-cup-to-a-major-terrorist-attack-14th-january-2009/" target="_blank">Terror Threat to WC2010 very real’</a> warns that the terror risk facing South Africa doesn't originate from "small and isolated rebel and political groups", but could be one that is a lot more serious. This warning comes soon after a terror attack last week on the Togolese soccer team in Angola's Cabinda region, in which three people were killed. A separatist group has since claimed responsibility and some of its members were arrested this week. Government leaders, including President Jacob Zuma, were quick to say the incident would not affect South Africa's hosting of the June event. The institute warned, however, that an al-Qaeda-aligned movement might want to use the soccer tournament as a "platform" upon which to launch a "massive strike" against a Western target in South Africa. "All the circumstances that would make a terror attack possible and attractive to al-Qaeda converge very neatly around the World Cup in South Africa," Cronje said. Risks such as crime, a shortage of accommodation and weak transport infrastructure would not adversely affect the tournament, he said. Terrorism is, however, not something over which the government could exercise any control, he said. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTs0nPgq8GMY1j5iS69xT1nbidz0reUv-1gJM1AA9iFhDPJ1JLbj4AX7iPB0jLsUNh-NPwq7VU5TrN2iOh5dpc61cCUlCbQx1xrZkpRR4Tk1_Sfopruy8Ff6vKdf9P9MURuu5ol9_2ijY/s1600-h/2010+WCS.jpg"></a> "In addition, one of the most effective assets that any terrorist group can possess is to convince its next target that they are no longer at risk," Cronje warned.

Terror threat warning to World Cup

On terrorism and the world cupHow vulnerable is South Africa’s soccer World Cup to a major terrorist attack? - 14th January 2009A SERIOUS al-Qaeda terror threat may be facing the World Cup, but South Africa's security forces have proven themselves to be capable of securing major events, according to…

16Jan2010

Lawyer critical after stabbing

A 58-year-old lawyer is in a critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed several times by robbers at his home in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ULa2S46FsRthbImKvmr_1eCLL-7iuj0x17FcBwrE2fxssvESZ4QrgpJLWNCXlqv6p1QGMwMrv9X5g9Ao24N27DMGTuahXKzhE4Tf06Qcc-zW2Woah9DFz1NDqAr9GukCllwLg9H5HceU/s1600-h/crime-scene.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427013333250847858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ULa2S46FsRthbImKvmr_1eCLL-7iuj0x17FcBwrE2fxssvESZ4QrgpJLWNCXlqv6p1QGMwMrv9X5g9Ao24N27DMGTuahXKzhE4Tf06Qcc-zW2Woah9DFz1NDqAr9GukCllwLg9H5HceU/s400/crime-scene.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" /></a>"A group of about five men broke down the door on Thursday night and went into the man's 14-year-old daughter's bedroom, taking a cellphone before moving on into his bedroom. There they demanded money, guns and cellphones," said Superintendent Mzukisi Fatyela. They stabbed him several times with a knife and ran away with three cellphones and money. Fatyela said police still needed to confirm what else was stolen. The man was taken to the Nelson Mandela Academic hospital for treatment where he remained critical. "One of the suspects was arrested later on Thursday. He would appear at the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Monday," said Fatyela. More arrests were imminent. Fatyela said police believe this was the same group of robbers which had been involved in numerous house robberies in Mthatha. "They break down even the strongest burglar doors like the Trellidoor and sometimes even enter people's homes through the roof," he said. On Wednesday, armed robbers removed roof tiles from a house in Southernwood to gain access and stole a radio. They were chased by police but they dropped the radio and escaped. Another house was broken into the same day by robbers who fled with four cellphones, a laptop and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Lawyer critical after stabbing

A 58-year-old lawyer is in a critical condition in hospital after he was stabbed several times by robbers at his home in Mthatha, Eastern Cape."A group of about five men broke down the door on Thursday night and went into the man's 14-year-old daughter's bedroom, taking a cellphone before moving on …

15Jan2010

Uproar over new Zapiro cartoon

The latest Zapiro cartoon in the Mail & Guardian has incensed the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), who blasted it as "distasteful" and "deplorable". The cartoon depicts President Jacob Zuma undoing his pants as Eugene De Kock and Schabir Shaik hold down lady justice. The infamous showerhead sketched above Zuma's head is etched closer to the president's head. A speech bubble has Zuma saying: "Begging your pardon." The cartoon relates to applications for a presidential pardon from both De Kock and Shaik. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427009270764924562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jE3_AqWfJjiQM0xqT8wVry2AndgHsS4yAQVBHluO4pOulzX-Kl6kZ3Iboni3uRZDNZt0rc4VuDhpMI-J3ASAqQoUTRGaq0M1OpCPhYHeWZl1b4ggQLg6MKGUj5KIUl1kfdFFVlfaeeHO/s400/zumaxzapiro.gif" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Numsa said the caricature "implants in the minds of the public" that Zuma is a rapist despite being cleared of rape charges by a court of law. "This venomous and personal hatred of President Zuma camouflaged as an artistic skill by Zapiro is a sign of disrespect not only to President Zuma, but to the office and the position he occupies in society as the fourth democratically elected head of state," the union said in a statement. "Whilst we respect and uphold the Constitution and freedom of expression, it does not give cartoonists licence to undermine the fundamental rights to dignity as guaranteed in the Constitution." It also described the cartoon as "reckless" through depicting a woman about to be raped in a country wracked by violence and abuse against women. Numsa demanded that the newspaper and Zapiro apologise to Zuma and that the South African Human Rights Commission take action against the cartoonist.

Uproar over new Zapiro cartoon

The latest Zapiro cartoon in the Mail & Guardian has incensed the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), who blasted it as "distasteful" and "deplorable".The cartoon depicts President Jacob Zuma undoing his pants as Eugene De Kock and Schabir Shaik hold down lady justice. The infamo…

15Jan2010

Another pensioner meets brutal death at home

A second Pretoria pensioner in less than a week has met a violent death at the hands of thugs. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxwFwIroi_MZO3zh1dOU-WEz6o2m5h7xZCGEiwUnp6XjHJzbltDD3y2lQct7X5cisSizXbkfnRB6NPgT3JfjBY3gCcdSW4IzfnqjcOGsQLhZ1E-vz50GpcwFudAW11TsKJ-ZjzwTxlYlj/s1600-h/crime-killed.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426699984068921890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxwFwIroi_MZO3zh1dOU-WEz6o2m5h7xZCGEiwUnp6XjHJzbltDD3y2lQct7X5cisSizXbkfnRB6NPgT3JfjBY3gCcdSW4IzfnqjcOGsQLhZ1E-vz50GpcwFudAW11TsKJ-ZjzwTxlYlj/s400/crime-killed.jpg" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" /></a>Katrina Hendrika van den Berg, 65, was found murdered in her Daspoort home, apparently killed by a man who was carrying out maintenance work on her property. Her death comes days after Kitty Botha, 83, was slain in her Lyttelton home, which was set alight by robbers who killed her without taking anything. Van den Berg's badly bruised and battered body was discovered in her lounge yesterday by her husband, Jan, 56, after neighbours were unable to raise her on the phone or by calling her name outside her Herman Street property. Unable to reach his wife on her cellphone, Van den Berg phoned neighbours and asked them to go and see if they could see his frail wife in the garden. When they called him back and said they could not see her, he raced home. Unable to unlock the gate and seeing the kitchen security door standing open, Van den Berg scaled the garden wall. He walked through his ransacked home and found his wife's body sprawled in the lounge, a kitchen dishcloth clasped tightly in her hand. It is believed she was washing the morning dishes when she was attacked, apparently by a man assigned to do repairs to the roof of their home. As police searched the house for clues, visibly distraught family members gathered at a neighbour's home. "I can't believe it, I can't believe they have killed her," said a family friend. The woman, who broke down in tears and had to be led away by a trauma counsellor, said Van den Berg had been extremely kind and caring. "She never said a bad word about anyone. She had so much time for people and was very loving towards everyone." Van den Berg's stepson, who asked not to be named, said the family were devastated. "We are heartsore. We don't know what to do. It is like a bad dream. I keep on thinking we are going to wake up, but in the end we are not," he said. He said his stepmother was full of love and kindness. "She would do anything to help someone and always had time for people. What happened is beyond belief," he said. Police believe Van den Berg was attacked in the kitchen before she was dragged through to the bathroom where she was tied up. Police Inspector Louis de Bruin said Van den Berg had been tied up and beaten in the bath. "As well as finding ropes, which Van den Berg managed to undo, investigators also found blood smears in the bath. Investigators believe the blood may be from injuries caused either when she was beaten over the head or when she fell in the bath," he said. He said it was not yet known whether Van den Berg was finally killed in the lounge after being dragged from the bathroom, or whether she was attacked there when she tried to escape from her home to raise the alarm, thinking her assailant had fled. De Bruin confirmed that detectives were looking for a man who had been doing maintenance work at the home, as well as the family's gardener. He said it appeared as though only Van den Berg's cellphone had been stolen in the attack.

Another pensioner meets brutal death at home

A second Pretoria pensioner in less than a week has met a violent death at the hands of thugs.Katrina Hendrika van den Berg, 65, was found murdered in her Daspoort home, apparently killed by a man who was carrying out maintenance work on her property.Her death comes days after Kitty Botha, 83, was s…

14Jan2010

VIDEO: Body armour for 2010

Link - <a href="http://www.protektorvest.com/res/2_crime_situation_sa.pdf" target="_blank">Crime Situation in South Africa</a>With crime still a problem in South Africa, many companies are cashing in on the 2010 World Cup as many fear for their safety. Protektorvest.com, a company that prides itself for making protective gear has come up with a bullet proof vest for 2010 World Cup. Click here to view the video Stab Vest For The Football World Cup 2010 In South Africa <object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0DJbwHS8_DA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0DJbwHS8_DA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><a href="http://www.protektorvest.com/res/2_crime_situation_sa.pdf">http://www.protektorvest.com/res/2_crime_situation_sa.pdf</a>

VIDEO: Body armour for 2010

Link - Crime Situation in South AfricaWith crime still a problem in South Africa, many companies are cashing in on the 2010 World Cup as many fear for their safety.Protektorvest.com, a company that prides itself for making protective gear has come up with a bullet proof vest for 2010 World Cup.Click…

14Jan2010

Adapt and die - South Africa's new motto

* The first draft of this article was submitted to the British Spectator, who turned it down about a year ago. It is now updated with references to more recent incidents. Probably no mainstream newspaper in South Africa will publish it, because it refers to the race and gender of violent criminals, which is taboo here as elsewhere in the Western world. As George Orwell said, however, "during times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act". In the interest of drawing attention to the anarchy that exists in South Africa, the author qualifies his copyright on this article and invites everyone to post it on his or her website, copy it and mail it to friends and mailing lists, translate it into other languages and to distribute it far and wide. The only condition is that no element must be changed or censored. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426685708898086546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnJRT1nitOvI-q9C-vY5GOFtHRbO6OHCGazWzTR5E0MaFoCHCYxMlsOcJWiIIIrfs8GkT0f3NQ7ZmKyD_jgEL9BRQLW4yATKRo7xX0xcDlHfxeygdaFPlLYDjKxaVfZH95RYAO6mmcZEZ/s400/ANC_HATE_FRENZY.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />By "Dan Roodt - During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act". During the time of National Party reforms in the seventies and eighties, the cliché "adapt or die" used to do the rounds. Nowadays, given the highest murder rate in the world, this should be modified slightly to read, "adapt and die". For the endemic social violence in South Africa is probably incurable.Optimists think that violent crime can be solved through better policing, more efficient courts and more secure prisons. Even assuming that such improvements were possible under conditions of hard-core affirmative action, it must be admitted that criminal justice treats the symptom and not the cause of social violence. The Department of Correctional Services, for one, has lost 496 out of 500 former Deputy Directors since 1994, representing most of the intellectual capital in the department. Newcomers may learn their job properly, or they may not, but they have to be flown to overseas countries to find out how prisons work as most of those previously involved in managing our prisons are no longer there.South Africa used to have a problem of political violence. It was not as bad as else where in Africa, but for some reason elicited hysterical international condemnation. However, actors in political violence are mostly driven by some sort of creed or belief system. Whether such a person is a communist, an anarchist, a neo-Nazi or an ethnic or religious guerilla fighter, he is usually amenable to persuasion or compromise. Even a group of Muslim suicide bombers might declare peace if they were given a territory in which to set up an Islamic theocracy, governed only by themselves and not subject to any outside influence.In the same way, South Africa's so-called liberation movements who were at one time fanatically convinced of the need for violent and bloody revolution, laid down arms and bombs upon being told that F.W. de Klerk would surrender power unconditionally. Solving political violence is often intractable, but not impossible.Not so social violence. Endemic crime, the breakdown of the social fabric, a sense of drift regarding norms of good conduct, point to a far deeper problem. The freedom fighter or urban terrorist is ultimately rational, despite a value system that normal society might find idiosyncratic.But what is "normal society"? It is only the sum-total of behaviours prevalent in any given society at any given time. The Aztecs, infamously, practised daily human sacrifice to appease their sun god. It might revolt many of us today, but to them it was entirely normal. South Africa currently sacrifices about 87 humans per day to violent crime, or 32 000 per year. Those are only the ones who actually die. Scores of others are injured, maimed, traumatised, robbed, raped, burgled and so on.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690972994888770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyztWhsmoxkWMbabwZK6A2qj62vTOzQH8o4_q_JORTDXFWLltVzhs60pSOeYhB3Ty9isOe6Re3uDnnwUX0gJW4goQXe3v232TRl7keNJknROWi1w9X6320aZ1QYJyu-pGt0lnXWyDulFi/s400/ANC_BLACK_REVOLUTION.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />In any suburb today an entire history of murders, hijackings, and other violent events can be written, if only the locals were narcissistic enough to consider their own history worth recording for posterity. On the other hand, social violence lacks the charm and grandeur of political violence as it is usually not committed in the interest of some glamorous cause like national liberation or world revolution but simply to acquire some hapless person's BMW or rape his wife because she happened to be inside.However, some time ago a Johannesburg newspaper engaged in chronicling some local history in the suburbs of Westdene and Lakefield in Benoni. Nearly every resident had a story to tell, an entire litany of mayhem. Mr. John Gee miraculously survived a shot through the eye, but now feels traumatised. His wife says, "One lives in fear in one's own home. One does not sleep. One prays for protection, yet only more fears come."But who are the authors of South Africa's social violence? Even asking this question presents one with a sense of discomfort, because most violent criminals in South Africa are young black men between the ages of 16 and 36. As one surgeon who had stitched together at least three child rape victims, two of whom were infants, said recently, "Probably white men commit such acts too; it is just that no-one in South Africa has come across such a case."Of course, it would be preposterous to say that all young black men are prone to violence. Judging from our daily experiences in crime-torn South Africa, however, a sub-section of that population, large enough to cause more havoc than even a well-equipped guerilla army of a few thousand men, has taken up practices such as heists, hold-ups, murders, sexual violence exacted upon women and children, and so on.Explanations for such deviancy are manifold. The ubiquitous answer of it being due to apartheid might have been satisfying if other African societies never subject to group areas and a homeland system did not display similar traits. The Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone come to mind. There is a whole nature/nurture debate around black violence, except that no adherent of the "nature" side would publicly admit to being one, for fear of being branded a racist. Even though mainstream American cancer research has conclusively shown that black men have higher levels of testosterone than their white counterparts, few would hazard the notion that this might be linked to their greater propensity for violent crime.America has a gargantuan prison population of two million, over half of which consists ofAfrican-Americans. This is despite their minority status in the USA, comprising only 12% of an overall population amounting to 290 million. South Africa could neither afford nor succeed, given the dire state of our criminal justice system, in jailing a similar number of black male offenders. Currently, only 10% of murderers in South Africa get arrested and only 6% are convicted. Any murderer therefore has a 94% chance of getting away with it.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426689985517921634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFpCjOeqRcc6g-LKzNKZgIXXQU6OMgUdz5ibGIQ2s6DskCjR-vguX6e-yrSjppXK31fz5rTnTablHto-8rg54MNheWtISlqE9LEICx9K9IfHGV4cJhJFQ0iHCajKDG_Fln9bBForYToyI/s400/ANC_SLAUGHTERHOUSE.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />If by some miracle all serious criminals in the country had to be caught and imprisoned, the prison population would surely treble or quadruple from the present 200 000, which is already high by world standards. Not only is such an improvement inconceivable under current conditions, but it would also be politically unpopular with the ruling ANC who would be incarcerating large numbers of young black males who are mostly its own supporters at the polls. Few whites, if any, commit violent crime and there are only 3 900 of them in prison, mostly for white-collar offences such as fraud or insider trading on the stock exchange. All that remains in the world's most violent society, is precisely to adapt and die. Twice as many South Africans of all races now die of murder than of road accidents - even though the road accident rate is also the highest in the world, surpassing that of Turkey. Crime extends to trade in driver's licences, so that a large number of drivers use so-called "bought licences", hardly a contribution to road safety.There are some people naive enough to think that "something can be done about crime" in South Africa, mostly opposition politicians who dream about diverting funds from arms procurement to policing, but this would be futile. There are already three times as many private security personnel as state-employed policemen, and even they do not succeed in containing what has become Africa's only peacetime killing field."I killed them because they were white." These famous words were spoken last year by William Kekana, who participated in one of the most horrendous incidents in which the entire family of Mr. Clifford Rawstorne was wiped out, consisting of his fiancée, baby, as well as his own mother. Even this massacre of an entire family would not have made headlines, were it not for the fact that one year-old Kayla was executed on her very first birthday with a shot in the head. Needless to say, the two adult women were first raped before being killed. Both William Kekana and his accomplice, Charles Fido Baloyi, fell into the high-risk group of young black (and Coloured) males who commit almost all violent crime in the country. South Africa actually has a Minister of Safety and Security, which to some might seem like an example of absurd humour. His Excellency Mr. Charles Nqakula, whose official résumé proudly states that he was once "a waiter and wine steward", has immortalised himself by euphemistically stating that there was no real crime problem in South Africa, except that it was "a little on the high side".All in all, South Africa has got remarkably used to its new-found status as the crime capital of the world. The high-rise districts of Hillbrow and Berea in Johannesburg have been officially designated by Interpol as having the highest murder rate in the world, that is, 600 people per 100 000 population members per annum. Consider for a moment that such a figure represents 12 times the rate found in inner-city ghettoes in the United States, often seen as no-go zones by many Americans.One British immigrant to South Africa who has survived three car hijackings, refuses to emigrate, stating that he is now accustomed to having Kalachnikovs pointed at him from pointblank range. Everyone knows a relative or friend who has been killed or at least subjected to some form of violent crime, and no South African can remotely imagine a society where people do not live behind razor wire, electrified fences, high walls, burglar bars and similar decorative props.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426684907339335890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6NP3shu2LqDPWhaLKAn1_lePeVNTXcqc8EhT6BVAkvgEej7KpCXtgVgx0hx1moQKihB91glhvo_CPSiWtkby7gzkbYGbvS3XHmb1LX9KIarVsJwbnBxL5yKZ3vQoVRyzfg7mfPaqq7VH/s400/ANC_TRIAL_OF_BLOOD.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Outsiders might find our lifestyle bizarre, but many pundits in South Africa consider our society to be much more "normal" now than at any time in the past, which was tarnished by ethnic separation albeit without the present large-scale violence. At the height of segregation and apartheid under Hendrik Verwoerd, South Africa was almost as peaceful as Switzerland but she was immoral. Today we are the apotheosis of racial morality and political correctness, yet as violent as the Congo or Liberia. Surprisingly, however, our economy continues to function amid the carnage. No economist has ever studied this as far as I know, but not only is crime our biggest industry - bigger than gold-mining or manufacturing - it also stimulates consumption as stolen goods are replaced; it is a boon to the insurance and security industries and ultimately makes surgeons and undertakers rich. The government earns billions of rands in Value-Added Tax on stolent goods being replaced with new ones. So crime pays.News about killings or shoot-outs no longer elicits the slightest surprise. It is part of our daily existence, and one assumes the lethal risks attending to something as simple as going shopping or driving to work. My wife, for example, has twice been to the local shopping centre where in the one instance a shoot-out was taking place in the parking area so that she had to hide between the cars with our 18 month-old son in her arms; in the second case an armed robbery had just taken place with the robbers casually strolling by with their guns and their loot. Everyone knows someone who has been killed, raped or maimed. Just this week, the wife of a friend and former literary editor of Die Burger, François Smith, was stabbed to death with a screwdriver in their home in Wellington, near Cape Town. Her murderer was a 16-year-old squatter camp resident whose race was omitted by the press but presumably few, if any whites, reside in his particular squatter camp which is dedicated to black Africans. Lisbé Smuts-Smith was a well-known academic and head of the Afrikaans literature department at the University of Cape Town. Just two weeks ago, another UCT academic, mathematician Brian Hahn, was attacked by a former student, dr. Maleafisha Steve Tladi (35). Hahn died in hospital a week later, while Tladi was released on bail of R500 (about $80).Two years ago Louw Rabie, a brilliant albeit reclusive geologist and brother of author Jan Rabie, was beaten to death with a fence pole by two Coloured men to whom he had lent some money a week earlier. Police in the small Cape town of Montagu readily caught his murderers because they happened to have drinking money during the week, taken from his home. He was 80 years old, but in good health. He is reputed to have been one of the most brilliant geologists and intellectuals this country has ever produced, writing copiously throughout his life but disdaining publication and public esteem. Africans with their oral tradition are fond of saying that "when an old person dies, a library burns down". What strikes me about the relentless killings of educated whites, is that the criminals are indeed "burning down the libraries" of this country and physically exterminating the intellectual class, much like Pol Pot did in Cambodia. The media are celebrating youth, dance, colour, being black and exuberant - as opposed to the quiet studiousness of middle-aged and elderly whites, the bearers of knowledge and understanding. Are these learned whites who are being killed in exuberant, paradisiacal outbreaks of violence simply the remnants of a civilisation that is being eradicated in the name of decolonisation? No government spokesman has ever condemned such killings; so we may assume that the present regime is completely indifferent to them, where such killings do not enjoy their tacit support.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426632496252381650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi-fKxqspJsebDvU805xO9hqclbVj1Bbul14TpdE53-NGoLs5_B0yN34wzGSMl_28-Hy9pJbeGRh5cGffPleKr_oq794Gy1_PQ23NRhauFiwxHhn2QjQvPx0L8GFxngyqlAt_oftXMe7r/s400/ANC_JUSTICE_LARGE.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Around our local school in the past week there have been two car hijackings, as well as one murder. It is not really considered to be an exceptionally violent area. Most of this is not even reported in the press, because there really is not enough space and ordinary crime is no longer newsworthy. It needs some further sadistic element to make the front page, such as babies getting killed or raped, or elderly farmers being tortured to death. Farming in South Africa is now arguably the most dangerous profession in the world with more than 1600 farmers murdered since 1994, often in macabre and dehumanising ways.To the outside world, white South Africans are congenitally evil. If our murderers and rapists had been white and their victims black, Europe or the United States would long ago have sent an expeditionary force to put a stop to it. At present, news of white suffering in South Africa inspires the occasional yawn in Western capitals. This is why a recent article in The Despatch, detailing the rape of a dog by three black men, gave me some hope that a chord will be struck somewhere in the coolly indifferent breasts of our fellow-Westerners. Even if the lives of Louw Rabie, Brian Hahn, Lisbé Smuts-Smith, Kayla Rawstorne and tens of thousands of others are of no value to them, perhaps they will take pity on the mongrel bitch in Grahamstown that was recently raped by three black men. Or perhaps two black men, as the third one protested his innocence upon being dragged out of the shack by screaming, "I came here to relieve myself. These two were raping the dog when I arrived!" Cruelty to humans ,especially white humans, is today a normal feature of our society, just like human sacrifice used to be in the culture of the Aztecs. Cruelty to animals, or non-consensual sex with dogs, may still evoke some sympathy, not only locally, but also internationally. I therefore feel sorry for Masganda - the name of the dog concerned - who was rescued with a bleeding vagina and in need of veterinary attention, but perhaps this lowly creature of uncertain lineage could become a martyr for our cause in alerting opinion-makers and political leaders of our plight. Cycling has become a popular sport in South Africa. However, its practitioners regularly get shot at by gangs of black youths in the street, so that many of them carry guns and knives for self-defence on their bicycles. Members of the Johannesburg mountain-bike club were outraged a while ago when two cyclists, Scott and Lloyd Griffith, were charged with murder after an armed battle with their four black assailants, one of whom succumbed to his wounds. Most of the time, however, whites are helpless victims of crime. The government has recently passed a new gun law which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to own a fire-arm. They have also abolished rural commandos of military reservists entrusted with crime-prevention in the country, without any police units replacing them. Occasionally the newspapers carry stories of crime victims successfully defending themselves against attacks, offering armed resistance. As a result of the new gun law, this will soon end and we shall simply be able to hide or flee from our assailants. Defending oneself against a marauding robber or rapist might be a manifestation of racism, and is therefore frowned upon as being a kind of "right-wing"response.Being robbed of one's vehicle or household belongings is now considered quite normal, and often people ascribe escaping with their lives to their own astuteness, such as being friendly to the robber, helping him load the effects into a vehicle, not looking him in the face so as not to recognise him afterwards, et cetera. A friend of mine in Kempton Park kept up a reasonable conversation with the thieves emptying his house, tied up as he was with a gun pointed at him. He survived, although his elderly mother was badly roughed up and had to be hospitalised. In other instances, of course, people are not so lucky and they become just another murder statistic. Then they simply adapt and die.

Adapt and die - South Africa's new motto

* The first draft of this article was submitted to the British Spectator, who turned it down about a year ago. It is now updated with references to more recent incidents. Probably no mainstream newspaper in South Africa will publish it, because it refers to the race and gender of violent criminals, …

14Jan2010

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Adapt and die - South Africa's new motto

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