Zuma Booed | Calls for Mbeki

President Zuma Booed at Madiba Memorial

South African President Jacob Zuma took the stand to deliver his eulogy to the sound of boos from the crowd. Yesterday mourners attending the memorial service held for former South African president Nelson Mandela voiced their disapproval of incumbent president Jacob Zuma, calling for former president Thabo Mbeki to take the stand instead.

ANC leaders have called call this display a disgrace in front of visiting world leaders, at a time when the focus was on honouring Mandela.

But was this display not in the spirit of Madiba? Everyone present at the event was there to honour and remember Mandela. It was an emotionally charged day, in an emotionally charged week. Had Nelson Mandela been there in body as well as spirit, he would surely have said "Let the people speak".

Mandela Magic | Obama and Castro Shake Hands

Mandela Magic from Beyond the Grave

US President Barak Obama yesterday (10 December 2013) shook hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro. Appropriately this gesture of friendship took place during the memorial service held for former South African president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Photo from telegraph.co.uk

How fitting this gesture was at this time. Nelson Mandela became a world symbol for peace and reconciliation after his release from 27 years as a political prisoner under the old apartheid government of South. On his release Mandela, known to the world as Madiba, extended the hand of reconciliation to his former enemies. Mandela believed in freedom and equality for all people, regardless of race, creed or gender.

Siyabonga kakhulu uTata

Siyabonga kakhulu uTata - Farewell Madiba

We regret the passing of one of South Africa's greatest sons, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and wish to express our sincere condolences to those left behind; uTata's children, wife, his family and all South Africans everywhere. 

We cannot write words that are good enough to pay sufficient tribute! Instead we simply offer the words that meant so much to uBaba throughout his life...

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika

Nkosi, sikelel' iAfrika;
Malupakam'upondo lwayo;
Yiva imitandazo yetu
Usisikelele.

Chorus

Yihla Moya, Yihla Moya,
Yihla Moya Oyingcwele

Sikelela iNkosi zetu;
Zimkumbule umDali wazo;
Zimoyike zezimhlouele,
Azisikelele.

Sikelel' amadol' esizwe,
Sikelela kwa nomlisela
Ulitwal'ilizwe ngomonde,
Uwusikilele.

Sikelel'amakosikazi;
Nawo onk'amanenekazi;
Pakamisa wonk'umtinjana
Uwusikilele.

Sikelela abafundisi
Bemvaba zonke zelilizwe;
Ubatwese ngoMoya Wako
Ubasikelele.

Sikelel'ulimo nemfuyo;
Gxota zonk'indlala nezifo;
Zalisa ilizwe ngempilo
Ulisikelele

Sikelel'amalinga etu
Awomanyana nokuzaka,
Awemfundo nemvisiswano
Uwasikelele.


Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika; 
Cima bonk' ubugwenxa bayo
Nezigqito, nezono zayo
Uyisikelele.

ANC, FNB and Treason

ANC Accuses FNB of Treason

The ANC, outraged at FNB's ‘Arab Spring' advertising campaign, accused the bank of committing treason.

FNB's ‘Arab Spring' ad campaign consisted of a series of videos titled "FNB: You Can Help". Children in school uniforms called for, among other things, an end to corruption and people voting for the "same government" while hoping for change. Read More:

The ANC would have 'joe public' believe the "overwhelming majority" of young people are satisfied with the government's performance. Perhaps this is true in some regions, but in my experience, the youth of the nation (and I don't mean those 30 something old-timers in the ANC Youth League) is totally disillusioned with the state of the nation. Granted, my perception is based on opinions among urban youngsters of all races and genders.

Cyril Ramaphosa ANC Deputy President

Cyril Ramaphosa ANC Deputy President - And Now Comrades?

Cyril Ramaphosa ascends to the high position of Deputy President of the African National Congress. What does this mean for the direction the ANC is headed in the build-up to the 2014 National Elections? Cyril Ramaphosa received 3,018 votes from party delegates, while incumbent party leader and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma was re-elected with 2,983 votes. The vote totals indicate that Ramaphosa, for the moment, is the most popular political figure in the ruling ANC.

Trade Unionist to Billionaire

Photo from Business Day Live

From his humble beginnings as a trade unionist, Cyril Ramaphosa left politics in January 1997 to pursue a career in business. By all accounts his career in business has been one of achievement and success; his personal wealth is now estimated at over R600M. Cyril Ramaphosa's decision to exit politics to delve into the business world stands out from the typical African politician/businessman who more commonly remain in politics while using their office to help feather their nests.

His career has so far been untainted by the corruption and scandal that has surrounded so many high and low ranking ANC officials and black businessmen in South Africa since 1994.