Time to look back

As I watched the opening ceremony and the red carpet welcoming of our president to the parliament for the State of the Nation address, I was wondering what was in his mind. Was he feeling anxious, nervous, excited or proud. I also wished I could imagine the state from the president's perspective. To me it looked like president Zuma was content with the progress made so far by his government, something that is contrary to the views of the majority of poor South Africans.

I would be fooling myself if I could say the conditions have not improved since the ANC government took over, but I believe there is still a great challenge ahead, especially with the socio-economic state where the gap between the have and the have-nots is widening day by day. Those who are in management positions want to earn more and more while the ordinary workers have to take to the streets before their voice is listened to.

In his speech the president pointed out some achievements made by the government, such as: More than 80% electrification of rural homes ( That is a distinction in terms of academic rating), decrease in crime, decline in budget deficit ( Something I doubt he will be able to sustain in the current economic condition and lack of jobs) and the improved Matric pass rate.

South Africa has also made significant strides in the global arena, she is a key role player in peace negotiations in the African countries, member of the BRIC and has taken a non-permanent seat in the Security Council.

My deductions from the president's speech is that the country is moving forward in terms of development and making better life for all its citizens. I am hoping for the day where I will see the all important document, the Freedom charter, coming to life.

Predictions

During the 2010 FIFA world cup, we have seen so many predictions being made about which team is going to beat the other and by how many goals. Watching these predictions have been a very interesting thing to do. Some predictions were correct and others were wrong. It has been more interesting to see how people get frustrated if the results are not in agreement with their predictions. Some would even find ways of justifying why the results were not according to their predictions. Some of the reasons used were; the weather, the referee, the ball (Jabulani), the pitch, the pressure from spectators and so on.

My observation has told me that people confuse predicting with pure guessing and wishes. When you make a prediction you don't say what you wish the outcome could be but you base your prediction on correct observations and analysis of the past and the present situation. It is said predicting is "making an informed guess". We make predictions almost everyday of our lives and predicting is a skill that should be nurtured and developed, hence it is also taught in schools. It is through making correct predictions that enable people to forecast the weather and other climate related conditions. Successful traders, in stock exchange, are those that have good predicting skills. This means predicting is an essential skill in life. Thanks to the World Cup for helping our people, including me, realise how important is being able to predict.

Excitement brings country to a standstill

It was Wednesday, 9 June 2010, at 12 o'clock noon, when South Africa's major cities came to a standstill. It was a moment of blowing vuvuzelas ( a kind of trumpet used by SA soccer fans) to welcome the World Cup teams and fans. I watched as I drove through the CBD. I had forgotten that there was such an event until I heard noise of the vuvuzelas coming from all directions. The excitement that is shown by South Africans is amazing. Some even say that South Africa will never be the same after hosting the Soccer World Cup. Well, that remains to be seen.

I wonder if the teams and fans feel the warm welcome that is shown by South Africans, but I believe they do. Looking at the way the citizens have come together, united behind the South African team, I wish this unity may last long after the World Cup. Even if we do not win the World Cup there should be goals we manage to achieve by hosting the World Cup.

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is reportedly the second largest criminal industry in the World. It is mostly used for sexual exploitation and sex trading, where young women are the main targets. In some cases it is motivated by the aim of making profit out of forced labour. The increasing number of cases is a cause for concern, especially at the times when people from different countries of the world gather for the international events like the Soccer World Cup.

Each and everyone of the citizens of the world has been urged to stand up and fight against this evil act. The world has become an unsafe place for the children women. Organisations that fight human trafficking need to be supported. I pledge my support for the campaign against this satanic phenomenon. Read here for more information.

2010 READY

With 19 days left before the kick-off of the long awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup, some feel that we are more than ready to host it but others still have doubts. Others claim that South Africa has won the World Cup already. I am much concerned with the readiness of our boys. To me it looks like they are going there to learn rather than to compete. I do not know if I belong to the pessimists group, but what I say is the result of my own observation. It's good that we have a chance of testing our strength so that we can work harder for the next tournament.

Despite all that, I fully support our National team, Bafana bafana, no matter what their standard is. We have one National team, whether it is good or bad, the fact is; it is our team. The excitement among most of South Africans cannot be overstated. They really feel it. We are looking forward to the big event, to see what it brings for us.

Workers' Day

Every year, on 1 May, South Africa celebrates workers day. This is done, among others, to celebrate victories achieved in the past by workers. If one would ask me if I see the celebrations as relevant to the present day situation I would answer "YES" and "NO". Yes, if we talk about the past which is history that tells us how far we have come.

What is worrying is that there is nothing much to be celebrated in what has been happening in the immediate past, that is one or two years ago. We have seen thousands of workers being retrenched and families sinking deeper into the poverty pool, a condition that cannot be celebrated at all. I believe that having a mind of a worker is equivalent to having the mind of a slave. To be a worker means working hard to enrich your employer and giving him a reasonable assurance that he will still be a master in the nearest foreseeable future. Should you fail to give him that assurance you run a risk of being laid off. In light of this belief I hold, I will never be proud of being a worker and I do not see any reason to celebrate Workers' Day. That covers the "NO" version of my answer.

Mighty men

This post is a reflection on the importance of the existence of organisations like the Mighty men. The Mighty men is holding its last conference that is ending today, in Greytown, near Pietermaritzburg. More than 200 000 men from the world attended this year's gathering, but this number is said to be less than the previous years' attendance. What does this mean? Does it mean the concept is losing it's value?

I, personally, think that gatherings like this are relevant to South Africa and the world. I believe that men need to have gatherings where they talk about different issues that are of concern to them and the nation, especially in these times of change when men find themselves having roles which they have never thought they would take. Men need to find ways to adapt to new ways of living, to discard old stereotypes and accept being equal to their female counterparts.

Besides all that; men are still expected to give guidance and protection to their families and the communities. To do this successfully, they need to appeal to the Almighty God to give them the strength they need. Evangelist, Buchan, advised men to be like Elijah in order to be able to face challenges of the present world. Unfortunately; every idea has its opposers. There are people who are opposed to this gathering saying that it encourages division among the sexes. Are they correct?