This week News24.com reported on an SABC story gleaned from the BBC, in which Jacob Zuma promised that he would ”follow former president Nelson Mandela’s example” when it came to fighting corruption in government. And there the manne thought it was current President Thabo Mbeki who was the corruption-buster. Ja, said Vrot Snoek, but maybe this is what happens when you get news third-hand. Or maybe it’s just what happens when you get your politicians second-rate.
Know your leaders
Can you tell the difference between Marie Antoinette, former queen of France, and Alec Erwin, current drama queen of Pretoria? Special clue: one is a Cabinet minister who throws lavish dinners using public funds, and the other is Marie Antoinette.
Yellow with envy
Lemmer hears that cellphone giant MTN is about to spread yellow summer to Iran. No doubt rival brands, noses out of joint by being beaten to a lucrative market, are preparing media statements accusing MTN of being the official talk-time sponsor of the Axis of Evil, but shareholders will be delighted. After all, it’s all about getting most bang for your buck. Even if that bang is sometimes accompanied by a mushroom cloud.
When insects clash
Business Day reported this week that Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder wants the position of Leader Of The Opposition scrapped, on the grounds that the Democratic Alliance and Tony Leon do not represent the interests of all the opposition parties. Oom Krisjan would like to congratulate Mr Mulder on his elevation to Leader Of The Opposition to Leader Of The Opposition, but can’t help thinking of two fleas arguing about who gets to bite the rhino first.
Buddy, can you spare a bus?
According to the Sunday Times, Mzansi will need 1 500 luxury tours buses for the 2010 World Cup, and we only have 400. The solution, as proposed by South African Tourism boss Moeketsi Mosola? Borrow them from neighbouring countries. Note: tourists travelling to Vic Falls in 2010 should be advised that it’s a long walk from Harare International Airport. Start early and bring extra socks.