South Africa Doesn’t Suck!
Some expats have linked to my site and used a pic I took of Westdene Dam.
I am flattered that you chose to use my pic! Thanks for the kind words – I would like to investigate photography further. But I would advise some perspective regarding the current and past situation here at home.
Remember South Africa is still a young, diverse democracy. Things are not going well in some respects. But the institutions of democracy (free media, judiciary, parliamant) remain largely intact (if under attack). I am also hopeful the new ANC leadership will take a much tougher line on Zimbabwe, crime and poverty. I suspect things will change for the better in the coming years.
I must admit I’ve considered emigration – but the opportunities here, the beauty of the country and its people, as well as the likelihood that democracy will strengthen further keep me here. Don’t forget South Africa lies at the tip of an underdeveloped and largely democratising continent, brimming with resources and potential wealth.
South Africans have huge opportunities in develping Africa. The same cannot be said of first world nations where opportunity is far more limited and wealth tied up in the system.
Positive local developments include the process of forming a new opposition party, the strength of the economy and banking infrastructure, the fierce independence of most media and the growth of a more independently minded black middle class.
I understand the anger some expats have – especially those who’ve suffered violent crime. But I’d appeal for reason and balance.
Madumbe replied:
South Africa is not a democracy, the anc has violated the very terms and tenets of its own charter. The institutions of democracy are under constant attack by this peverse neo socialist black regime.
You appeal for reason and balance…. how will this help the victims of an indifferent and criminal government. Will those who have been murdered, tortured and raped by the criminals which run loose lie easier in their graves.
Is the anc interested in reason or balance? No it is not. The anc is the insidious self serving cancer with which South Africa has been infected.
It is fallacious to refer to independent media while the SABC is simply an anc anti white propoganda mouth piece.
It is also unsustainable to argue as to positive economic developments when the rand is once again virtually worthless.
Strange that you should refer to a “black” middle class in what is supposed to be a non racial country….
November 16, 2008 at 4:07 pm. Permalink.
scuzzbucket replied:
I take your point regarding the use of racial signifiers like “black”. However you fall into the very same trap by uncritically using the label “white” and “black”.
It is far too easy to understand the SABC, the ANC etc in monolithic or one dimensional terms.
I put it to you that the ANC is a complex organization, composed of factions both liberal and socialist. Mosiuoa Lekota’s COPE party lays this reality bare. Equally I know many journalists at the SABC who are committed to the ethos of public broadcasting.
The point I am making in the piece above (also see my piece on Obama) is that democracy; the rational, fair and accountable exercise of power should be the ultimate goal of all nations. South Africa has an effective one party system t present – which I would conceded is not beneficial to democratic practice.
However the country is still young and I remain hopeful that a number of new parties will eventually challenge the ruling party and maintain an effective gaze on its actions. The same applies to independent media.
November 16, 2008 at 4:45 pm. Permalink.