Are we the next Zimbabwe?

A few weeks ago, we all got a message about our dear Madiba passing away. It was a hoax though (some people need to get lives). But, this week he was admitted to hospital and it has caused somewhat of a panic. I respect the man, I love him for what he did for us, but why are we gripped with fear at the thought of him dying?

“African National Congress spokesman Jackson Mthembu urged people not to make unfounded statements, “let's remain calm and not press panic buttons because there is no reason to do so".”

Why are we urged not to cause alarm? Is their going to be some sort of adverse reaction from the general public? Are they scared something bad will happen? I hope not. It will be really sad if he dies, but did we honestly expect him to stay forever? We’re all destined for death one day, people. It’s the cycle of life.

All this talk of Madiba got me thinking of all my “issues” with this country.

We have emerged as a leading political and economic force; opportunities for business, trade and cultural exchanges are increasing significantly. Business people, academics and tourists have flooded the country. But are the conditions for most of the South African population worse today than under apartheid? Has the current government left the majority of its people worse off than before?

“Many people around the world who supported the struggle against South Africa’s apartheid system erroneously believe that since the installation of Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress in 1994 conditions have improved. However, the reality is the opposite. Many workers say life in South Africa today is worse than apartheid." ~Wendy Snyder

The World Cup was amazing. It really showed how happy and united we can all be. It made us all proud to be here and to be part of something so momentous. I had my doubts before the “kick-off” but was pleasantly surprised at how it all came together. But it’s over now, and what we’re left with is the cold, hard truth: nothing else has changed.

"Crime is fast destroying the moral fabric of South African cities, and is becoming a major threat to South African democracy as well as the prominent manifestation of a “class war” that is largely a continuation of the “race war” of yesterday." ~Achille Mbembe

There’s a different kind of “Apartheid” going on in our country. If you count freedom from the day Nelson Mandela became president, we’ve been liberated for almost 17 years. Yet the people do nothing but blame the old regime for all their problems. Nevermind that they’ve had enough time to start afresh, educate themselves and reap the available opportunities. And all this BEE nonsense sickens me. Although it’s in my favour, I think it’s prejudiced against “non-blacks”. Are they seriously trying to eradicate the effects of Apartheid by a new altered “acceptable” discrimination?

And don’t even get me started on the crime. We are not free. We are victims, terrorised by corruption and injustice. We are now prisoners of fear. Fear for our lives, the lives of our loved ones, our property and our hard-earned possessions. We walk around on eggshells everyday, holding our breaths, wondering if we’re going to be attacked at any moment. How is this in any way healthy? It’s ridiculous to live always wringing our hands Lady-Macbeth-like in trepidation. 

The sad truth is: crime pays. In fact weren’t we told that if we don’t like the crime we should move out of the country? The government won’t do anything about crime because it generates millions for them. They make money from the citizens who own homes, businesses and cars, which require security fences, alarms, armed responses, tracking devices, insurance, etc. Even after a crime occurs they benefit, from estate duties, medical costs, replacing stolen property, police force, etc. They are profiting from crime. And it’s sick, immoral and unconstitutional.

Our current president is the perfect example of how preposterous the situation has become! I’m not saying we were better off before. Racism makes my blood boil. I think what we have here are two tribulations and you can decide which is the lesser evil.

Well that’s my say on the matter. A bit heavy for a Friday afternoon perhaps.

I got the most thoughtful gift from a friend yesterday. A copy of  “He’s Just Not That Into You”. Can’t wait to read it. Expect some quotes soon. Tonight however, it looks like I’m forced to attend some massive farewell party. The last thing I need is to be stuck in a tent with my ex, his fiancé and all his relatives, but I have to grin and bare it.

Unless one of you has a brilliant way out for me? 

Help!!!

Get well soon, Madiba.

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