Mr. Leadership,

I see greed and silver coating your tribal hands, fiercely.

Why is it then that my palm awkwardly covers the shame and guilt on my face?

What is wrong with my face? What is right with your hands?
 

What is this poverty of which we speak?

When your feet are flooded with the water we drink?

Who is this victim to whom we refer xa eyakhw’ inzalo ixukuxa ngobisi?

 

Yintoni na isisele xa izidywili zimunguny' iqhosh’ elingenamngxunya?

Yinton’ iqhosha elingenamngxunya kwiintsana eziqhel’ ukuhlafun’ iimpukane?

Iyintoni yona inkolo kulowo ungenasono?

 

Take my damn hand, lead me on and bend me over.

The truth I hold will never unfold.

My wasted penis throbs at the sound of your monologues.

 

I could cite excitement, but I’m in pain.

I could correctly rape newness to restoration.

But, what is to come then when I could never clean what I could have in the shower?

 

Happy read!

Freedom

I am an offspring to South Africa; a country that possesses a history record that urges citizens to contribute towards an inclusive world where mutualism is a tool with which the world promotes peace and harmony among people.

The lessons her history has taught me, and my optimistic siblings, is that we can achieve anything when we stand together.

As South Africans, we pride ourselves with more than eighteen years of social equality. This era is a mirror reflecting the intense visuals of suffering, struggle and rebirth of a nation.

Yes, South Africa managed to defeat the system of segregation because people stood together as one.

Still, with that profound view of lessons and relic, and having just celebrated Freedom Day just a few days ago, we fail to understand that freedom without taking responsibility for your own well-being and without taking possession of your own destiny will unquestionably lead to some form of self-imposed oppression.

Happy read!

Cloistered muddles

We speak of the ideas concerning shooting to kill and axing one another, in self-defence or absolute persecution, with so much pride.  Our social media accounts are buzzing with views debating the Lonmin issue; with many siding with authorities while a few perceive the miners to have been on correct and legal grounds.

Not so far from public forums, a few days ago, justice pleased the concept of precision, for once, by punishing the slayers of an infamous AWB member accordingly. Acknowledging that the deceased had been a pain to the bums of many people of colour; inducing them to unbearable grief, yet I am ruling out the right to butcher him.

Perhaps, Dion Chang’s confirmation, as per his Flux Trends for 2012, is not at all a discourse; dubbing the current times the fourth revolution – a time where technology is responsible for drastically shaping our perceptions of self and our crafting of identify.

Of course, we cite the apartheid era as an inspiration to the meanness and lack of education as well as our foolishness. We cite the same for government failures; its corruption and poor service delivery.

Our Public Protector hit the nail, trough the Sowetan, when she spoke sturdily in contradiction of the apartheid legacy being used to protect some of the government's failures, particularly the dire state of the country's education and appalling conditions under which some people live, 18 years after democracy.

Happy read!

Dante’s last blog

Two hours ago, I received a call from an old friend of mine who is based in East London. My friend came across a blog that mentioned my name in it and he suggested I take a look at it.

He refused to go into detail with regards to what the blog was about or who it belongs to. He forwarded me a link; a link I followed.

The link he sent me led me Dante Bello’s blog - Raison d’être! - on a post that seems to have been his last one before he died.

What my friend does not know is that I knew Dante and I knew him very well. To me he was like a brother, to some degree and although I only met him a few times, I feel he left me, and the voices he inspired to speak freely, too soon.

Never mind his short-stay; he definitely made a mark in the lives of many black Africans.

A few dubbed him provocative and philosophical, but I saw Dante as a man of principle; a soul that craved absolute good in the continent.

Since the day I saw a tweet that confirmed his death, I have not been to his blog. So, today I went back to a place Dante introduced me to, a podium I used to challenge his ideology and a platform he used to shape views on certain political and social issues.

In my view, he used this blog to speak his mind in an effort to inspire change and build character in black people, especially those who were close to him.

Having gone through Raison d’être!’s last post, I felt the need to have that same piece on my blog. Of course, not denying the late brother of his credit in the blog.

It appears Dante wrote this post about a year ago.

Postcard From Freetown - Reflections!

Moments have gone by and time is still relatively waiting for no man. This is the reality we are faced with as earthlings. I sit on a chair on my balcony reflecting and reminiscence the thoughts that flow through my mind, words lingers to chaste.

It has been a while I put pen to paper and I can’t say it’s a writer’s block but rather I’ll succumb to the sentiment that it was a wilful decision to stop writing, read more about what others are writing, immerse myself in these spaces to acquire more knowledge, ideology, views, opinions, sentiments and indulge in the literal thinking of others.

Read more here...

Happy read!

Transparency at its worst

In a business and social context, the term transparent refers to openness, communication, and accountability. It implies operating in a way that others can easily see and understand what actions are performed.

For those of us who have daddy issues, this is a term we use when in conflict with our mothers. We question its lack concerning the ‘daddy’ problem. It means being frank and honest about the issue at hand.

The same term comes into play in relationships. If you have fallen for a scumbag, I’m assuming you pleaded with the player using this exact same term. Most probably, you called it honesty or openness. Alas, the dog just could not abide.

From a societal perspective, however, public officials tend to use transparency recurrently. That is absolutely good of them. Except that, many of them become transparent when they have been cornered. And even then, they merely give certain portions of that openness; saving the rest for when the wind blows the cock’s tail again.  

Giving half the story or share it when you are faced with a challenge is not being honest or transparent, I believe. Speak on it as soon as you identify its inferences.

For instance, I was stumped this morning, when I came across The Star with mam’ uNomvula Mokonyane on the cover regarding her son who apparently pleaded guilty to possession of drugs.

What stunts me is the fact that now that the son has admitted to being guilty, the Gauteng Premier “appeals for your support and prayers” as she deals with this “traumatic experience”.

Why couldn’t she come forward before the streets of Joburg were flooded with state pluck-cards aimed at combating substance abuse? Or were we hoping the son would go AWOL for more than a month?

Naturally, no mother deserves to be going through such. Nevertheless, possibly, my sympathy would at least fill-up a flask had she been transparent about the challenge her son has been to her from the beginning. Not only now that the media has caught on it.

Public officials are human beings just like Tom, Mandla and Nokwanda. And because their job is to serve the public, they owe it to the public to be frank about things, especially when such things affect their job or the people they serve.

I believe you owe it to people to inform them by all means, possible. You do not have to be smart or an academic to be transparent. Honestly now, we cannot all be Trevor Manuel. The world needs the Malemas too.

This frankness should not just emerge when times are tough or when the likes of Mzilikazi Wa-Afrika are at your door demanding answers.

In my belief, it is not honesty, transparency or openness when you reveal something simply because you are in trouble. In fact, it would not even be a trouble if it was all out in the open from the first place. Well, maybe.

Let’s work on this, shall we?

Happy read!

Relapse amid evolution

I found myself submitting to appreciation recently, when I overheard colleagues sharing intricacies concerning the widening gap between the poor people and those who rinse cups with Oros, in South Africa.

Emulating the poetic sense of Shakespeare, one painted the picture of the country we live in: “a beautiful place where laws oppose the actions of the people who are duly authorised to pass them and make sure that these are put into action.”

Rightly so, her statement was supported by the policemen who are involved in many corruption cases; hence the rate of crime in South Africa fails to decline.

My gratitude, nevertheless, emanates from being fixed within the working class, despite what tomorrow is believed to have in archives. As a result, my future is based on solid ground; depending on how habitually I nurture the soil on which my professional feet stand.

While I boast about my accomplishments which benefit me and my family, many individuals bear little and, some, nothing to show-off.  They went through academic channels, and many succeeded with flying colours. However, for reasons no one can understand, that was just all for them; no work or any means of income approached.

Something went wrong somewhere and my index finger points at the lack of ambition. So, who do I paint pink with blame? The parents. The families that fail to see past the empty plates on their laps. In this case further education is needed, and with that I am not referring to the enrolment in academic institutions; education in the sense that an individual must learn to be creative, smart and willing to explore possible chances.

Our communities comprise people who are able to shape and design, accordingly, the brands we believe our families are, alas we do not realise that. Hence many people look up to almighty government for everything.

Apart from living large spending the taxpayers money and getting more corrupt each day, the government can only do so much to assist the people who are in need. It is for people at the grassroots level take thing in their own hands. By no means do I say steal from one another. In fact, help one another.

With that being said, South Africa comes a long way, and that would not have been possible had it not been for each of the people who have served as cabinet members in our South African government.

The man whom majority of South Africans dubbed the epitome of humanity, Nelson Mandela shown traits of the push-push concept. Why not practise the push-push concept on each other then; starting in our homes, with families encouraging each member to do well in all aspects and show support whenever members needs it?

Several black South Africans refuse to work hard. Instead opt for illegal dealings that leave the rest of us who do work hard shocked, especially when other races have something to say about it.

We have young girls who do not see the importance of education at all because there men out there who are willing to finance their needs (and possibly their families too), just as long as the reciprocal process includes having sex. The idea of saving oneself for marriage is so ancient, like who wants to be a virgin in 2012??? Like, that is so not cool.

We have dreams, we are very talented people and we are hungry for knowledge, but peer pressure seem to get us even in our 20s and early 30s because we simply cannot be seen standing alone at a bus stop declaring being unique.

The words we utter, therefore, will become pivotal in this case. Consequently, thorough consideration of the things we say to one another will come to play. Perhaps, the outcomes may not be market-related salary for all the family members, but an attitude, for some, that will yield expedient features of life; happiness, positivity and drive.

Nonetheless, there is one thing we just cannot let go. Discrimination. Or is it negativity?

Happy read!

The palimpsest my beloved Mzantsi is

At one point the colours that make up the multihued, my beloved South Africa is, seemed nicely allied and resilient. These days, nonetheless, there seems to be a gap dividing these ensigns. As a result, the question to be noted insensitively points at the reasons causing such a breakage and rapid seclusion. The answer is unknown.

 

Poverty continues to heap on and this is accentuated by the number of robberies that never seems to diminish in many cities in South Africa. Of course, national statistics play a ping-pong game with our minds; unsubstantiated decreasing statistics while our neighbourhoods tell a different story.

 

Hunger has found comfort in many households. In such homes any twinkle costs thousands. Hence many negated bellies see no problem in killing a young school girl for earrings that possibly cost no more than R60.

 

It is starvation, and possibly the love for money or for the actual syndicates, I believe, that has led Nobanda Nolubabalo to hide, in her dreadlocks, 1.5kg of cocaine. Perhaps, R16 000, to deliver the drugs to an unidentified punter at a hotel in Bangkok, was worth jeopardising her life. At 23, she did not, like the drugs would have; destroy anyone’s life, but hers. However, a 38 year-old Janice Linden did not survive consequences of this despicable act. Her illicit trafficking clashed with the Chinese authorities. Hence they executed her.

 

Of course, the main dealers, in this case, are free; possibly engaging other young and unemployed hungry – even horny - women.

 

Poverty breeds crime and many people do not seem to understand this. I would love to believe I do; the indication is detectable in the animal I become while I propel my brother to do well and endure his school time as well as his teachers and what they are compensated to feed him.

 

With that being said, my dear president is an excited man who, for reasons possibly known only to him and his cabinet, persistently declares plans to create employment and to titivate the lives of the impoverished; a concept that continues to fail up to this day.

 

Happy read!

Poverty wars vs. greedy potbellies

Our governing system in South African has seen the worst of days, predominantly during the legal racial segregation era which lasted for over 40 years.

Some of us have relatives and neighbours who bear emotional and physical scars as a result of the abuse that came with the segregation. Their scars narrate the era way better than lyrics that escape the lips of seasoned artists like Simphiwe Dana or the magnificent poetess, Lebo Mashile.

Victims forgave their perpetrators and races became one dominion. Black people learnt twang while white people enumerate sawubona accentuated by a notable grin. Sadness and anger vacated South African premises and oneness became the supreme head boy.

The books we read and the stories flashing on our computer screens acknowledge a positive objective that Nelson Mandela meant to implement. Due to running out of time, he merely spoke about the concept. I assume, those who were to succeed him were expected lay the actual brick on the cement.

Rightly so, the current ruling administration does not skip a day without making it known just how fuelled up it is to embark on a trail to enhance the lives of the previously disadvantaged South Africans while upholding the objective of bringing balance in racial, political and societal standards. 

This excites many people, but I am not fooled.

The efforts of the current government might have worked, in some measure. The old pensioner in the rural Natal can testify and my HIV positive relative shares the sentiments.

However, political leaders and policy makers have became short of transparency and honesty; a tendency that has impacted negatively on many communities on grassroots level.  

One would have thought the year 1994 painted South Africa clean. But, it appears the battle is not over.

We are half way through wiping racial discrimination out, but the trend of corruption and empty promises has taken several politicians by a storm.

This is why there are still households that have never had electricity. This is why, even after 16 years of democracy, there are still schools that are running short of desks, books and even chalks. Why then do we question the roof-hitting fail rate in black schools?

And, that is why many routes to Newcastle have the worst potholes any car could drive on.

It is because; the people entrusted to represent the poor and unemployed South Africans care more about feeding their own pockets and going on a bender using taxpayers money with the belief and confidence that although big brother can see them he will not punish them.

The system we have in South Africa is a joke. The politically affiliated broadcasting institutions have proved this.

No, not by doing their job of reporting – vague details – on the issue of corruption, but by chipping in on fraudulent activities that have left a question mark and a huge dent on the ingenuity of journalism in South Africa.

The people chosen to be leaders have failed to represent poor communities in South Africa and they have failed to represent this country as a society that value of humankind and human rights.

All we have in us is the hope that, in the near future, things will be better. Of course, this is if individuals learn to clutch as much education as they can and cling on it. This does seem to be the only route linking people to white bread and away from brown slices.

We need to put into practice methods aimed at providing useful advocacy tools so as to promote grassroots prioritisation in South Africa. This needs the sane people left in South Africans to work collaboratively towards a goal that will benefit everyone equally.

Or at least better the lives of poor people.

Happy read!

Mzantsi - Not so juicy!

All women deserve to be treated with immense care and respect. This is a notion shared by many countries around the world.

Some states went as far as advocating for the 50/50 concept, to promote women beyond households en route for higher-ranking settings in boardrooms and in politics. Consequently, the likes of Shirley Lue Arnold, Khanyi Dhlomo, Wendy Luhabe, Pam Golding and Helen Zille are amongst the many women who are widening the female footprint in areas that were once perceived as male zones.

South Africa has progressed from being a tyrannical (gender and race bias) state to a country that recognises and advocates for many aspects of human rights and women empowerment initiatives. As a result, misuse of these rights is frowned upon.

Contrary to the latter, women are still the most susceptible to crime, abuse and discrimination in South Africa. In recent cases, women are lured to the country and subsequently forced to work as prostitutes. Lesbians are subjected to corrective rape by men who claim to be “curing" them of their sexual orientation.

This is the country that once had a woman for a deputy president. Businesses operative within South African parameters are compelled to acknowledge and practise gender equity. In fact, for the local government to do any business with private companies such companies must show where they stand in regards to representing women of any race in their businesses.

However, human trafficking is still rife in South Africa. Women are subjected to sexual exploitation and forced labour. Yes, many of them are foreigner. But, the fact is, all this takes place IN South Africa.

The United States government recently released Trafficking in Persons Report which states that South Africa is a transit and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking.

Why then do we still have such problems when we can only be dealing with issues regarding unemployment rate of women and more empowerment initiatives for them?

Last year, Jeff Radebe, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, said the government was planning to fast-track a new law against human trafficking before the start of the soccer World Cup. It is a year later now, the Western Cape still has women who bring other women into the country under false pretences and force them to be prostitutes. What happened to the Prevention and Combating in Trafficking in Persons Bill Sir Radebe was planning to “fast-track”?

Educated minds know better than to pay attention to what the government says and promises. That is why the issue of human trafficking in South Africa is only fought by small private organisations. Chances are, had several women and children’s rights groups not warned about this exploitation last year, the government would not have uttered a word.

South Africa comprises political parties that tend to promise to build Jerusalem for the homeless, feed those whose tummies are echoing emptiness and free education for all. Not even one of them says a thing about the human trafficking issue South Africa is facing.

Is the human trafficking issue not a mention during their speeches in parliament? They are waiting to host another big event during which they will try and impress tourists and outside investors?

Clearly, the government dreads the process of establishing rigid restrictions for human trafficking; hence the safe and easy route to take would be to assist the existing anti-human trafficking organisations by providing them with necessary resources to combat this crisis.

Oh, my dear political parties lie at least. Say something is about to be done just like your vague promises about fixing potholes and combating corruption amongst yourselves. Hold those pointless conferences annually. That way, at least young minds can learn about human trafficking JUST from hearing about it. Possibly, that could make school teachers’ jobs a bit easier and perhaps the ever accelerating HIV/Aids rate could decrease even if it is with one percent.

Happy read!

Our government, whose art is in promises

Just like any other year and like any other president who seeks popularity, President Jacob Zuma stated, in this year’s State Of The Nation Address, that 2011 is a year of job creation. Already the Department of Public Service and Administration website is flooded by vacancies awaiting potential employees to compete for them.

The private sector on the other hand, meeting the government halfway it seems, is doing what it can to assist in the scarcity of jobs. As a result, websites like Bizcommunity, Pnet, Career junction and recruitment agencies are buzzing with what seems to be opportunities for the unemployed.

But how does the process of getting employed work? Is it really possibly to eradicate the ever increasing rate of unemployment in South Africa or we are merely trying to hit a Mariah Carey note with Mary j Blige’s voice?

Laying a complaint

Ever since my mind grew to understand what is uttered by SA presidents, I have been grasping what a normal mind would only dub empty promises; abolition of crime, alleviation of poverty through youth and women empowerment projects, building of houses, yada yada BEE, yada yada bursaries for well deserving students and so forth. All these declarations never seem to be met, well at least NOT entirely.

Having said that, every erudite and scholarly mind, in my opinion, is well aware of the government’s failure to stick to promises. However, we all still lift our hopes and hands up high as if we are welcoming Jesus into our lives, knowing fully that nothing will come out of it.

Consequently, all we do is complain about what the government is NOT doing right FOR us. It appears, our minds have forgotten about Mr Thabo Mbeki’s Vukuzenzele initiative (wake up and do it yourself). Yes, this was mainly invented for the struggling farmers, but that did not mean that a struggling young man in the impoverished Tsomo area, in the Eastern Cape, should just wait for Mbeki to speak to him directly.

The government is at work. The government is delivering. The government is sorting out crime but this is ONLY benefiting certain people in certain areas.

The government is doing all that is possible to get rid of poverty, but this is only experienced by a certain number of people (including the corrupt vultures, of course). Also, the BEE concept is working, but not for every black person who qualifies will get to taste how it feels to a BEE employee.

What does this mean?

First and for most, it does not matter how hard the government lifts up weight in an aim to help and feed the hungry, shield the homeless and comfort the unemployable; it is just impossible to cater for everyone.

There will always be that portion or a number of people who will be poor, who will be unemployed, who will be victims of crime till the world comers to an end.

It is about time people quit looking up to government and expecting a love song to begin after screaming VIVA!

Chairs are fine right next to the table. Leave them for toddlers to lean on when trying to walk, and go out to start something that will bring you money.

Many projects are already in motions in many areas. So, don’t start your own because then as it will take ages to pick up. Get involved in the projects that already exist. Use your talent and what you good at.

Being good does NOT only refer to making the kinkiest moves when having sex; it refers to how you sing, how you dance, the way you draw, the way you cook and the ways herd cows or help build houses for the people in your community.

Not everyone will have a degree or a diploma. Not everyone with qualifications will get a job. So, one MUST do with what is do-able and available right now.

The truth is, you are the ONLY person who solely cares for yourself genuinely. The other people are using you as a ladder for themselves or their businesses. Why don’t you try and be like them then? Use them to grow yourself.

By the way, I hear the world is coming to an end next year, why don’t you start doing something for yourself? Go out and START a job.

Happy read!

The gay voice

At one point, religion ruled and it felt like all that big books state and proclaim was all there was and is to believe and live by. Today, however, politics rule in the same manner, and while religion mainly promotes the most powerful existence of an unseen figure, politics shove down the throats of citizens the rules and values accommodating only a certain portion of the lot residing in this open space of the earth.

Sometimes I find myself wondering if the ‘God’ I call to as a Christian is the politics. I mean, my god works in a very strict manner, while superiors in politics make changes in an instant and break the same rules they lay down for ‘everyone’.

Undeserved victory

The inspiration for my profoundness –in case one was wondering- hails from news feeds that carry headlines proclaiming the victory of Malawi government over the issue of two Malawian men; Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza who happen to be gay.

Despite living in a narrow minded state where being gay is regarded as immoral, the couple went ahead and held their engagement ceremony. Consequently, the two have been found guilty of unnatural acts and gross indecency. This comes after a process of not only being humiliated but disrespected and undermined by their country’s laws.

According to media waves, Tiwonge and Steven face the possibility of being jailed for more than 10 years. However, a magistrate is expected to sentence these guys on today.

The irony of this situation is that, both these men will be kept within walls where sodomy uncontrollably occurs. This applies not only to prisons in Malawi but in other countries as well. This means that, this two will have sex –though not with each other- but with other men imprisoned with them. Unfortunately, having sex in jail might be a deed that’s not so consensual in their case.

Also, it’s amazing how Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika called on religious leaders in his country to help him condemn homosexuality. Daily Nation quoted him as saying, “(homosexuality) is evil and bad before the eyes of God”.  Nonetheless, the same god he uses to perpetuate his personal judgment is believed to have stated in the bible that He is the only one with the right to judge and not anyone else. Clearly, Mutharika reads a Koran.

Sympathy

Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing I can do to help or simply show that I feel the pain Tiwonge and Steven. What has happened instead is that, I have grown scared. I am scared of what the situation will be like now right here is South Africa.

I am well aware of how gay friendly Cape Town is and I also know that in 2007 a law that permits people of the same sex to get married was passed. However, that hasn’t stopped the ignorant few South Africans from not only teasing gay people but also physically hurting them.

With that I ask, how are we different then from a country that is totally against gay people? How often should we preach that homosexuality is not a choice? Who in fact can actually stand up and help to stop this sort of discrimination? If it’s not my president sharing on how he would beat up a gay man back in his youth years, our folks disown us while society tears us apart with insults.

To me it seems, only gay people will be able to stand against the issue, but the question still stands that will we ever win? If yes, when will we win? Clearly not today. Not next week or this year for that matter. This is a very long journey, I believe. One that makes me feel that gay people are fighting a losing battle.

Happy read!