New definitions of Afrikaans audiences are reflected in an Afrikaans press that’s adapting rapidly, writes Herman Wasserman. Old stereotypes are being challenged by a more inclusive and ever-evolving consciousness.
It is trite that the Freedom Charter is an African National Congress document. The Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party are therefore stating the obvious when they allege as much. But those who plan to boycott the 50th anniversary celebrations of the document miss a bigger point when they focus on its ANC roots or outmoded language.
Rwanda and Ghana have become the first countries to bare it all before a panel of distinguished African experts as part of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Though critical areas of intervention have been highlighted, the completion of the stocktaking would have strengthened the hand of those who will be arguing Africa’s case at the G8 meeting, next month.
Maybe Lemmer’s been watching too many crime dramas, but when rumours of a poisoning start doing the rounds in connection with the death of the young Queen Modjadji, and almost immediately her coffin mysteriously catches fire, Oom Krisjan smells a rat. Or petrol and Blitz firelighters. The official cause of the fire? No one is sure, but the ancestors seem to be a top contender.
Malcolm Glazer had no sooner delisted Manchester United from the Stock Exchange on Wednesday, ending 14 years of trading in the club’s shares, than the club announced the arrival of a player who will go some way to easing the huge debts the American has incurred in his takeover.
Chelsea have been given until Friday by Tottenham to pay about £8-million in compensation for Frank Arnesen or face a Premier League inquiry, after Arnesen was photographed aboard Roman Abramovich’s yacht in the Mediterranean. Spurs believe the picture confirms that Arnesen held a secret meeting with the Chelsea owner in breach of league regulations.
Victor Greene has stopped replacing the rear brake light bulbs of his ageing car as youngsters from his working-class suburb in southern Cape Town kept on stealing them to smoke tik, the latest drug being consumed by the city’s youth. ”If they can get it [the light bulb] for free, they can save some rands for tik,” he shrugs.
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There must be no room for corruption or nepotism in municipalities, Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel said on Thursday. ”Nobody’s going to benefit, nobody’s spouse is going to benefit. The rules are going to be clear and we will ensure that the incentives and disincentives are in place,” he said on Thursday.
A South African government spokesperson expressed irritation on Thursday at the so-called bogeyman approach being used to scare African countries into conforming with the West. ”I am really irritated by this ‘kgokgo’ approach,” presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said when approached for comment on a call by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw for African action against Zimbabwe.