One thing I am learning from South Africa and its people is the ability to have a very healthy, possibly even delusional, sense of self, because the only thing bigger than South Africa’s enthusiasm is its ego.
This ego manifests itself in many ways and one was made apparent when it became a reality that South Africa would be the first host nation ever to be eliminated in the first round of the World Cup. Tangible depression filled the air and the country was in a state of mourning. Car flags were ripped off and window socks tossed aside. The hosts were facing a humiliating knockout. The ego was bruised and seemingly crushed!
But as they have done many times before, South Africans picked themselves up and rallied around the boys again, and Bafana Bafana’s success/failure win/lose drama made the bitter pill of not making it through easier to swallow. The ego was fed with the convincing win over an embattled France. The ego was satisfied. Now some can say ego is a bad thing and in some individuals it’s a supreme source of annoyance, but in the words of Mike Krzyzewski, “Our collective ego is unbelievable”.
It was that collective ego that led South Africa to bid to host the World Cup in 2006 and, though they were robbed and lost to Germany, they went for it again with a fierce determination to host in 2010. The euphoria around winning the bid was slightly dampened when the sceptics literally hurtled out of the woodwork with calls for a backup plan to be put in place to host the tournament in another country (Australia), because it stood to their reason that this is Africa, surely it’s bound to fail. Many newspapers from abroad did all they could to dissuade visitors from reaching these shores with gory stories of crime being splashed on front pages on an almost daily basis. Sepp Blatter was at odds to placate fears and doubts, asking the world to “Trust South Africa, trust Africans and to say to them: ‘You are strong, you can do it,’”. And though the tournament is far from over, boy, are we doing it and doing it well.
For it would seem all the negative media and scepticism just seemed to push South Africa’s collective ego into overdrive. It had a point to prove. They put all they had on the line, from the balls that led them to bid to the ambitious plans to build world class infrastructure, they showed their strength and their determination was commendable. South Africa managed to get their preparations finalised on schedule and nearly halfway into the tournament the positive feedback continues to pour in with many showing shock at not only the world-class state of the country and the friendliness of its people, but the success of the tournament.
When former president Thabo Mbeki spoke at the UN University in 1998 of his dream of an African Renaissance, I doubt he envisioned the start of its fulfilment being intertwined with a soccer event and an 81st place seeded soccer team. In his historic speech he stated the need to build “a society of which all Africa would be proud because it would address also the wrong and negative view of an Africa that is historically destined to fail. The first thing we must do, clearly, is to succeed.” Winning the bid to host was a victory for the whole continent and South Africa has been spearheading this process to ensure success so that a society can be born of which all Africans can be proud. A society that is determined to learn and to succeed at all they endeavour!
But with this process come lessons for other African countries and a need for self-examination. People talk about the poverty in the rest of Africa and many believe it is brought about by a lack of food and shelter. But many fail to mention the poverty of hope and aspiration. Africa has a distinct lack of ambition that is exacerbated by the deeply embedded begging-bowl mentality that totally negates Africa’s potential. Our lack of ambition is highlighted by the dismal performance of all but one of the African states represented at the World Cup – teams which have failed to make the most of this one chance to showcase their skills and talents on home soil.
So while South Africa is paving the way, what is most of the rest of Africa doing? For it’s easy for all Africans to stand tall and also claim the World Cup success as its own, but it’s time the rest of the continent catch a wakeup, learn from this experience and realise that Africa needs to stop riding on the coattails of South Africa. It’s time the rest of Africa started seeing themselves as more than they are. It’s time they aspired to do more, be more and above all to succeed. Succeed in telling a success story that is the sum of all our efforts put together.
Ego is not a bad thing Africa, take a look around you and see what is happening in South Africa and say to yourself “Yes we can, because South Africa just did!” It's time we, in our individual states, built up our collective ego’s and remembered how to dream again, how to hope and know that we could do more than we've been told and in doing so; as Mbeki said: “Thus shall we, together and at last, by bringing about the African Renaissance depart from a centuries-old past which sought to perpetuate the notion of an Africa condemned to remain a curiosity slowly grinding to a halt on the periphery of the world”.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10654002&ref=rss
I did read Chris Rattue's article and I have to say that was the most ignorant piece of writing on South Africa I have ever read. He mentions crimes like credit card fraud and stabbing and muggings as if they happen in SA alone. But, thank intelligence that, for every article like this, there are many more that say otherwise. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/jeremy_clarkson/article5821586.ece Who to believe? Regardless of the problems that SA has it still made this tournament a success as you will hear from the returning fans who will tell of their experiences of an African World Cup.
You have your facts wrong to suggest that were incapable of building whatever infrastructure we have, by the way only 3 new stadiums were built from scratch the rest were just refurbished and all them by South African companies, like WBHO and Aveng.
Are you being serious when you say western media went soft on us, I am sure you were not reading many of them, the ones I have seen continue to be scathing about South Africa despite being proven wrong, including the one you mention in your response to this article.
While you mention crime incidents that happened to foreign journalist you fail to mention that their stuff was recovered and many of the criminals have been convicted already.
11 million foreign citizens visit this beautiful country, many go back home with extremely beautiful experience about this country hospitality's and its people. I am looking forward to this number reaching 20 million in the next 5 years.
@Brenda the main success of this WC for me its when it propels many of the Sub Sahara countries to want to achieve the same feat as South Africa in the next 30 - 40 years.
I am sure you mean time immemorial but if you really knew the history of FIFA and the World Cup you need go back no further than Joao Havelange of Brazil for the start of corruption. And who was his able Lieutenant? Why none other than Herr Sepp Blatter.I would think I buy and read more UK media than you and I ask you to point me towards any articles on a regular basis which are scathing of South Africa.Is it maybe that the truth in some articles is not palatable to you?in fact all I see on BBC and ITN before matches is pictures of famous ex footballers touring townships and telling tear jerking tales of poverty or current International Teams handing out all sorts of goodies to the under privileged.At the last WC in Germany I dont recall similar programmes about Hitler and how unlucky the Germans are.May I remind you of the Mbeki boast of "the best WC ever" which was on my mind as I watched England play on a cabbage patch in PE last night.Or the numerous empty seats in the Stadia despite the boasts of FIFA and ANC of a sell out.I am only aware of one person being arrested for theft from Journalists but what YOU fail to mention is that South Africa has a conviction rate of 4%. Now that says a lot about your Police Farce and Justice system.Ask the English fan who stumbled into the England dressing room after directions from your security who was handcuffed and surrounded by 14 Policemen for his Court appearance.
As for the foreign visitors.It seems in your desperation you are willing to believe anything Kortbroek tells you.He does of course include returning South Africans for a short holiday (remember more than 1 million fled after 1994) and all those traders from neighbouring States who pop in for supplies.Anyway why would you believe anything the ANC tells you about foreign visitors when they cannot even tell you how many illegals there are in your Country?
Time to get real Thapelo.If you were being judged by 1st World standards then maybe the view on your success would be viewed as somewhat different.
No point in arguing with Chris Rattue. His is an impression that South Africa or should I say Johannesburg has left on him.Had he quoted your crime stats (dumbed down as they are) would you still consider his article as ignorant? Let me ask you.Have you ever lived in a Country where residents dont have to erect 12 feet high walls topped with electric wire,have guards dogs and guns as well as private security with panic buttons around their property to keep out the criminals? The facts are that South Africa is more dangerous than most War zones but South Africans have become so immune to violent crime that they think it is normal and hide behind phrases like "crime is everywhere." Of course every Country has crime but not on the scale of South Africa so your reputation is deserved.Instead of going into denial and getting all defensive you and all other South Africans like you need to accept that your criminality is not normal and start doing something about it. You have a beautiful Country but slowly you are allowing it to be turned into another African basket case by condoning and excusing criminality and a kleptomaniac Regime.When you say the WC is a success you ignore the millions of TV viewers around the World who are aghast at your ability to ruin the spectacle with plastic trumpets.The arrogance of South Africans as evidenced by the many comments in your Newspapers towards the objection to these trumpets suggesting the WC is yours and your alone tells it's own story.Lets talk again in a few weeks when the FIFA circus and the fans have gone home.
Many thanks for your offers which I gratefully decline.I think your last 2 sentences sums it all up.It is that kind of arrogance that makes you as a Nation the butt of many a joke in European Capitals. Come 12 July I guess South Africa will be fading back into irrelevance in most Countries with memories of another African Country gone down the tubes.You just seem unwilling to make the jump into the 21st Century.
I am not sure what point you are trying to prove by comparing Germany with South Africa, as you maybe aware socio economic conditions are totally different. Germany is first world country while South Africa is an emerging country. Seeing soccer stars visiting disadvantage communities is a noble thing because it’s at these communities where young people need inspiration. If soccer stars are happy to do that who are you to question their bonafide’s.
Don’t be silly, England did not play on lousy pitch, I watched the same game, the pitch is in good condition especially for winter games, if the players did not complain I would not bother with a complain from somebody sitting at the comfort of his couch.
I have not denied state of criminality in our country, i was simply responding to the comments you made about journalist that were robbed. I am fully aware of state of criminality in this country, having said that you should know that UK crime stats have proven that UK has more cases of assault for than South Africa and British Foreign Office has stated that the likelihood of UK tourist falling victim to crime is higher in Spain and Thailand than South Africa. Crime convictions in SA are disappointing I agree, but the fact of the matter is that our tourism sectors is safe, hence it has been prospering for the past 16 years and with this WC it would be seeing better days ahead.
I don’t care what FIFA says but to expect a full house between NZ and Paraguay is ambitious from you, but the attendance at the game was respectable enough in my own opinion.
If you think i am only relying on government stats to make conclusions about state of increasing tourism sector, you are fooling yourself. FYI Tourism has far surpassed mining on contribution to total GDP. It continues to grow even though global tourism is decreasing. BTW that short holiday made my returning South Africans it is still regarded tourism activity.
Your desperation to make a point has made you to loose track of Brenda’s article, what has ANC has to do with points I have made, you simply assume that I tow ANC line because I am giving my view about WC success. I am sure we are old enough to make out points without casting aspersions on our political affiliations.
The fact of the matter is that South Africa is hosting the WC despite what doomsayers expected. I would suggest that you become happy too because the next one is also going to emerging economy Brazil.
South Africa is doing a good job of hosting the World Cup, right now, that can be said without much contest.
But that does not negate the situation here in SA, you [Brenda] speak as if the rest of Africa should be following in your footsteps - If that happened, this whole content would become a warzone.
Countries like Ghana (admittedly there are few) have lead the way in terms of developing civilised and safe societies - Socially, democratically and politically.
As a person of Ghanaian decent, in South Africa for the World Cup, I almost find this post insulting. You're "ego" in this case is indicative of the issues Archie raised - South Africans are almost immune to the harsh realities of the country they have created.
Racism is instilled
Crime is inevitable
Corruption is the status quo
You say: "...take a look around you and see what is happening in South Africa and say to yourself “Yes we can, because South Africa just did!"
Yes we can fortify our homes with electric fences, panic buttons and armed guards?
Yes we can have "car guards" who are effectively patient beggars?
Yes we can have "maids", gardeners, and "house help" (WHO JUST SO HAPPEN TO ALL BE BLACK) who just about earn the equivalent of $10 A DAY?
Yes we can have respected political figureheads who openly espouse sexist [Zuma] and fascist [Malema] views?
Seriously, I understand why your point of view is so twisted, but its time you did to.
Well Said.
Thanks for supporting a view of Africa that does not include the warzone hypocrisy that is Proudly Two Faced Hypocrisy Reconciliation South Africa.
You sincerely need to see beyond your own propaganda and stop behaving like a guppie.Never and I mean never has the British Foreign Office made a statement about victims of crime.Where did you invent that one? What the British Foreign Office is doing along with the authorities in the US,Canada,Australia,New Zealand and even Nigeria ia warning it's citizens about the high levels of criminality and poor driving standards in South Africa. You can check it on the site.It is laughable when you compare any kind of crime levels in the UK with South Africa. There are none and you are living in complete denial if you think you are safer.Your suggestion that South Africa is an "emerging" Country is more likely to be viewed as a submerging Country when considering the life expectancy rates,criminality and destruction of the infrastructure that was inherited.I am not against you hosting the World Cup but I do believe that you need to ensure the safety of visitors.Lets see if you have but up until recently the ANC regime has not been forthcoming with the truth aided and abetted by your Media through the non reporting of serious crimes.Brazil may also have high crime levels but in terms of economy it is way beyond South Africa. In fact your admission that Tourism is now your major currency earner says a lot in itself and is bang in line with most 3rd World Countries.Lastly and as regards Brenda's article the point I was making was that self praise is no praise and that when you do actually achieve something others will tell you.
Me, I'm off to the soccer - what an event!
Get a life, buddie.
My name is the consequence of that unfortunate Afrikaans custom to pass on the Mother's maiden name, legend has it my dear Mum lost a wager and I got stuck with the name. Bless her soul, she can be a blast.
To even suggest that you have started a debate is totally misleading. The vitriol you choke on can never result in a debate or dialogue (@Lara). You cut a lonely, mean and bitter old man. I suggest you pop in those dentures and take Lara for tea, you will make excellent company.
For me, I am back from a dreary game of FOOTBALL played by two "real world" (your quote) teams in a beautiful stadium in a third world country, but somehow we all had a jol and we all got back home safely. See "soccer" comes from "sokker" - that Afrikaans again. I'll stick with SOCCER for now.
Why the concern anyway? We have serious problems, we know that. But now we are having fun, we are excellent hosts to "real world" countries and to quote Brendah - we dare to dream a little.
Now move on you sanctimonious prick.
De Villiers: I doubt that is your real name, but nevertheless. Interesting thing, that concept known as 'perspective'. See from my perspective you are being the sanctimonious prick. But I don't mind dialoguing with people whom I could 'label' as sanctimonious, simply to avoid addressing their actual argument. I have no problem with changing my mind, but in order to do so, you'd need to provide me with evidence, not feel good propaganda.
It appears Black Liberation Theology has done a good job on you. Reading your posts it sounds like you been gotten yourselv a really good dose of addiction to white guilt. That is the ultimate aim of BLT, to become parasites off White Guilt. To pretend at reconciliation, and never quite really do the sincere forgiveness thing (that would mean taking too much accountability), but in doing the pretend reconciliation, you can forever play the Black Victim Liberation Theology Card, the woe is me; thanks to racist whitey. I know my hubbie used to be a member of the Black Guerrilla Family, way back in his angry Afro-American days... he finally got over his anger at whitey, and took responsibility for his part of his predicatment.
Why not deal with Archie's argument? Why do you feel so addicted to avoiding his argument with labels of 'vitriol' and 'sanctimony' etc? Do you only debate with those who crawl up your ass? Where did you learn these debating skills? Kindergarden?
It appears you don't know many realists, but I can see how a feel good propaganda addict, addicted to denial of reality, would consider a realist to be bitter; but its a misinterpretation.
Was Galileo a bitter old man, or a Prophet with a message flat earth addicts did not want to hear?
Some perspective - I would describe myself as more of a snob than sanctimonious. That name "de Villiers" is true however, lets call it the only baggage I carry. No guilt here either, far too righteous for that.
Let's get to my gripe with Arch - we have a columnist (that is not South African) that in very simple terms appeals to the rest of this godforsaken continent to pull itself up by its bootstraps and follow the example of SA, which is by no means a perfect example, but nevertheless decades ahead of the rest. Next thing, this guy launch a diatribe about FIFA corruption, crime and basically a "cut and paste job" of sensationalist headlines doing the rounds in global dailies.
What is fresh about that? Where's the dialogue or debate in that? A debate may follow when one disagree and allow for alternative ideas, what he started is no debate and does not deserve a response. Thapelo and Brendah were met with patronising, condescending barks full of innuendo and laced with cruel assumptions every time they responded. You don't play the ball in those circumstances, you play the man I am sorry.
Back to perspective - I am shit scared about the future. I can not tolerate the levels of corruption and incompetence we face. I could not find the sense in spending on the World Cup in stead of houses, schools and all those good stuff. But now we have it and I have decided to enjoy it. SA has shown to be the perfect (sometimes not) hosts. We really have succeeded and why not be proud of that? Why entertain the "Archies" right now?
Who knows what 12 July will bring - there will be a hangover, financial and socially, and Julius will be back on the scene. For me, I have my Canadian passport lined up, cause I don't like surprises and I have a beautiful son I care too much about not to plan for the future. Now you'll probably call me a hypocrite, but that's OK, just don't call me an apologist or say I suffer from guilt, cause that would be wrong.
Finally, I really do enjoy your analogies - very entertaining.
Your columnist. I ain't got any problem with any African columnist wanting to wake Africans up, I'm not sure who needs more waking up, Africa or the West. If any Soccer player or soccer official, or soccer fan, had one ounce of self respect, they would all demand that FIFA and World Cup Soccer be put on a mandatory sabbbatical, until they can clear up the corruption and sleaze and moral filth and scum associated with how it is managed. But unfortunately they are so covered in corruption filth and scum, they are like pigs in shit.
If I was the President of any country, I'd say; Thanks but No Thanks. We will be happy to bid to host FIFA, once FIFA sorts out its corrupt filth. Till then they and htier cocaine sniffing sex addicted soccer players are welcome elsewhere. I would not import Soddom and Ghomorrah, to come and rape my country. With R44 billion you could invest in long term projects, you could provide education grants for women to refrain from breeding until they had gotten an education, instead of encouraging them to spread their legs and pop out a population production of unwanted and unloved poverty stricken children on welfare. I would sponsor town hall meetings on radical honesty about race relations; lets get down to some honest sincere talk. I would bring back the death penalty and castrate any man found guilty of first degree rape.
So, as you can see, I don't share your columnist goals, and hence neither her definition for 'success'. My definition for success is closer to that of henry Thoreau's Self Sufficiency as enunciated by James Shikwati, of 'For God's Sake Please Stop the Aid'.
I dont think that South Africa has much at all, to provide Africa in leadership, unless Africa is in need of leadership in hypocrisy, greed, corruption, lying, theft, deception, avarice, hate, manipulation, robbery, rape, gang-rape, torture, ignorance, political parasitical leadership, subservience to multi-national corporate rape the planet agendas.
I think one of the most farsighted leaders ever seen in Africa was Hendrik Verwoerd, and Thomas Sankara (I am not a communist, perhaps because most communists are so despicably corrupt, and Sankara happened to be an exception to the rule; I don't support his communist views so much as his visible actions against corruption: Sankara's government included a large number of women. Improving women's status was one of Sankara's explicit goals, an unprecedented policy priority in West Africa. His government banned female circumcision, condemned polygamy, and promoted contraception. He sold most of the government fleet of Mercedes cars and made the Renault 5 (the cheapest car sold in Burkina Faso at that time) the official service car of the ministers.). Both were assassinated, no doubt with money from Interantional Capital, who objected to their resistance to corruption and their practice what they preach political leadership. Verwoerd attempted to implement a plan, which recognized Africa's unique different tribal cultures. Much could have been improved on his plan, with more equal distrubiton of land, and if more african leaders were found such as Buthelezi who supported birth control and population policy common sense, but it was visionary. If Seperate Development, and providing an opportunity for each tribe to grow at its own pace, into a Confederancy of Tribes, had not been such a threat to International Capital and Local DeBeers et al, who wanted to get rid of those pious Calvinist Afrikaners, and find some easier more pliable political candidates whom would allow them to rape South Africa's resources; then South Africa would today be a beacon of light, not just for Africa, but for the rest of the world, in how to create a political format for multicultural societies. And unlike the vision your columnist ascribes to, the Verwoerd one was not one of addiction to fake public relations propaganda and people who are shallow two-faced ignorant consumers, but would be racial and conscious tribal citizens. Unfortunately most blacks and ignorant liberals are so consumed by their misdirected anger, and lazy about research, they are not remotely interested in making anything the likes of an impartial enquiry into history. The ANC has and continues to falsify history, as it continues its march to rob and rape SA citizens, all in the name of 'freedom' and 'liberation'.
I am not sure Africa is more godforsaken than many other places. I think South Africa is more godforsaken than many parts of Africa, except perhaps its warzones. But it depends on what you mean by 'godforsaken'. If your God is Materialism, and the planet is yours to plunder; or Nature is Our Precious Home to be taken care of; or whatever? I dont consider any place where there are shopping malls upon shopping malls followed by new development upon new development of ignorant consumers, filled with CIA and Multinational Corporate Brainwashing, that has robbed them off their former self-assurance as citizens, and transformed them into psychologically and spiritually insecure 'consumers', to be 'non-godforsaken'. I'd put them near the front of the 'godforsaken' list.
I would not describe Archie's comment as a "diatribe about FIFA corruption, crime and basically a "cut and paste job" of sensationalist headlines doing the rounds in global dailies." I thought he made some very valid arguments; I don't agree with all of them, but can see his point of view. I particularly agreed with his views about Proudly South African arrogance: "It is that kind of arrogance that makes you as a Nation the butt of many a joke in European Capitals." See SA's Reputation in Europe is Cratering, among others.
I don't know what you interpret as Archie's alleged 'patronising, condescending barks full of innuendo and laced with cruel assumptions". What comment of his did you interpret as such?
De Villiers, I am confused. On the one hand, you say Africa should follow South Africa, and you disagree with Archie; on the other you say you are petrified citing, among others the same issues Archie has been citing, corruption, and incompetence. He however is willing to take the bull by the horns and say what needs to be said. You shout him down, tell him to piss off, because South Africa is a leading light for Africa. Then you say you are so petrified you are emigrating; but anyone else who cites such reasons for wanting to leave, no need shall be labeled by you as a racist. Are you sure you arn't schizophrenic, and I don't mean that nastily, because you don't seem to be able to see your hypocrisy.
It sounds like what you are saying is if you were on the Titanic, and you could see the icebergs, and the majority were organising a Fancy Dress Ball, and Archie's were shouting warnings about the icebergs, you would join the majority to denounce them as being 'bitter' for not having a fancy dress outfit and wanting to ruin the ball; because you lacked the emotional, intellectual and psychological courage, integrity, honour and maturity to stand up and be a Galileo, Martin Luther, or Archie Brown, and be willing to state reality-as-it-is, not as yoour fancy dress ball dreams it would be.
Instead of spending the days before the fancy-dress ball, and the night thereof, wanring others about the icebergs, and helping to collect supplies for life-rafts; you would be at the front of the bar, getting right royal drunk, denounciing the idiotic iceberg-conspiracy-theorists, as worthy of being made to walk the plank.
I have travelled the world (Africa, Europe, Middle East, Far East, America & Carribean), with a backpack for 14 years, in countries where I did not speak the language, and I have never been more unwelcome than in my own country, by my own fellow South African citizens.
It depends of course what you mean by 'perfect host'. If your perfect host is someone who crawls up your ass, cause they want your money, then no doubt Soccer fans will find themselves some perfect SA hosts, according to your definition. I have a far different definition to 'perfect host' than such shallow superficial.
Should the passengers of the Titanic be proud of the fact that they ignored icebergs, and instead chose to put on a fancy dress ball, and used many of the resoources in the life-rafts, as fancy dress costumes, to make the fancy dress ball a 'success'?
Or may they have been wiser had they entertained those who warned even before the date was set to arrange a ball, to alter direction of ship, and to hold training on ship safety and verify all lifeboats were in full working order to be used at moments notice?
Did you know de Villiers, that in all religions the highest scorn and derision are not for murderers, liars, and thieves, but for two faced hypocrits?
Your actions say one thing, and your words another. If you arn't a hypocrit then you clearly have adapted some interesting psychological schizophrenic denial mechanisms, where you appear either unwilling, or incapable to notice that your actions scream one thing, and your words another.
I think its right for you to plan for your family, I am happy you have a means to leave. I think it cowardly and disgusting that you use your escape mechanism, to attempt to shut down and deny a frank and open public conversation, which needs to occur, for those who are unable to leave. That is despicable.
Archie has made no valid arguments, his original posting remains a "cut and paste" job, typical of what you would call a "blog troll" - baiting and patronising. I never told him to piss off and I never suggested SA being a leading light. Shouldn't make it up as you go along.
Your final comments about me is as irrelevant as religion, since you referred to it.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic and so am I"
Sorry you interpreted it as a political science lecture. I imagine you resent some of the things I said. Some of the best friends I have, are those who cared enough to confront me, about how my actions did not match my words, to interrupt me. Hypocrisy is built into all of us, its just a matter of degree. Some of us have as our religious motive to be true to ourselves, to 'know thyself'; but finding ourselves is a long process. I have found that being around people who are willing to be blunt in their feedback to me, about gaps in my words to my actions, were the one's who were the most valuable in helping me to know myself.
I interpreted your statement of: "Now move on you sanctimonious prick.", to be you telling him to piss off. Perhaps I misinterpreted you.
I interpreted your statement of: "appeals to the rest of this godforsaken continent to pull itself up by its bootstraps and follow the example of SA, which is by no means a perfect example, but nevertheless decades ahead of the rest.", and general endorsement of the 'FIFA propaganda' of the author (my interpetation, perhaps that was not her intent), to be an endorsement that SA was for Africa a 'leading light'. If my interpretation is incorrect, my apologies.
PS: When I refer to the concept of 'religion', I generally use it in terms of Fromm's definition:
“To clarify, “religion” as I use it here does not refer to a system that has necessarily to do with a concept of God or with idols or even to a system of perceived religion, but to any group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion. A religion may be conducive to the development of destructiveness or of love, of domination or of solidarity; it may further their power to reason or paralyze it. The question is not one of religion or not? but of which kind of religion? – whether it is one that furthers human development, the unfolding of specifically human powers, or one that paralyzes human growth…. Thus, our religious attitude may be considered an aspect of our character structure, for we are what we are devoted to, and what we are devoted to is what motivates our conduct.” -- Erich Fromm, To Have or to Be?
I don't know what your brains hardware/software operating system is, your system of thought that offers you your orientation, and motivation and impetus and provides you with a focus towards which you are devoted to. I do know that if we don't know what our foundation memeplex 'religions' system of thought is, that we are what Tom Robbins and the Sufi's and Morpheus & Neo (in different words) would refer to as unconscious, operating on automatic, sheeple...; and to know your foundation memeplex 'religion' is to become conscious, and to consciously choose your foundation memeplex 'religion' is to move into the realm of human consciousness... ;-) Perhaps you read it and think its all mumbo jumbo babble... or perhaps you make an impartial enquiry.
Either way, all the best.
I guess I have withdrawn from this "discussion" with Div.The guy is so selfish and arrogant I have deemed him a lost cause.I do hope he makes it to Canada.There are quite a few SA's around particularly in the Medical field.Some have had to adjust their approach to life and I am sure Div will have his nose bloodied a few times if he is to make it.On the more interesting point of FIFA could I direct you to this article in Saturday's Daily Telegraph:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/paulkelso/100009982/fifa-bribery-case-closed-but-questions-remain/
I think it may unwittingly tell the real story of why there is a 2010 South Africa.By the way.I enjoy WWWR.
Thanks for the Telegraph Tip. Had not heard about this. Did a post on it, and I imagine you are right on the money. Thanks. Glad someone enjoys the blog! ;-) Don't know about Div, maybe some distance may help to see the bigger picture. Hope it works out for him.
You are banging your head agaisnt a brick wall. Proudly South Africans ego's include the egotistical addiction to denial of reality. Proudly South African's ego's don't love truth and reality; impartial enquiry into evidence or a dialogue on reason; and they have very little affection for critical thinking. Proudly South African ego's love sycophancy, two faced hypocrisy, arse-kreeping, and everyone is required to pretend the propaganda reality they are projecting is true. Its truely Orwellian, and they are joined by the Proudly Fake Two Faced Hypocrisy Internationals...
Thanks for attempting to dialogue and attempt for them to see reason. I been banging my head against that same brick wall for 8 years, and all they have to say to me is a diplomatic 'voetsek white ka**ir'. Unlike the old Apartheid guys, these guys aren't even able to be honest about their bigotry for reason and reality. In fact when it comes to confronting reality, Proudly South African egoists make the Apartheid bunch look like intellectual giants.
Spending R44 Billion of Taxpayers money on five white elephants and a one month party for its Proudly Fake Two Faced Hypocrisy Reconciliation South African egoists, has to rival holding a fancy dress ball on the Titanic on April 14, 1912.
I know but if we continue to ignore the reality of South Africa for the sake of the PC agenda of the West the Country will go down the tubes even quicker than predicted.The "Proudly South Africans" are so deep into denial that little do they realise that their acceptance of a kleptomaniac Regime and the crime that walks hand in hand with them will see SA become the next Zimbabwe.Some Blogs are already reporting on Facebook of evidence of a resumation of xenophobia after the WC has ended.
I couldnt agree more with you about the amount of money spent on an ego trip when the Country is sinking in a mess of poverty and a crumbling infrastructure.God help you all after 12 July.
Tourism is big sector in OECD countries, check your facts and the following countries Brazil,SA,India, China are emerging economies, whether you like it or not, please read your economics stats.
Here is the link to what FCO reported about with regard to safety of their nationals, according to them their citizens are safer here.
http://www.traveldailynews.com/images/upload/File/british-abroad-report-240809.pdf
http://www.eturbonews.com/15121/uk-foreign-office-south-africa-safer-tourists-spain-or-germany
We, South Africans and Africans, are well aware of the lingering socio-economic problems – including the much maligned and exploited crime stats – that face this continent. Personally, I am aware of Andrew Jennings crusades to expose FIFA as the biggest organised crime syndicate which embellishes the WC as the best thing to happen in any country – but with holding the potential negative financial after effects. On weekly basis, you will read stories of BnB owners, and many small business owners, who were “deceived” by fantasies of making riches during the 2010WC. So the after effects will be some that benefited and those that made a total loss.
But in the end the question that should matter the most is: Did we (SA) deliver a tournament that met and hopefully exceeded all visitors (in their entirety) expectations?
If yes, then the R44billion that was “wasted” will be recouped by increased tourism and even direct foreign investments. It may take a while but I am sure those bean counters in government and the private sector were well aware of the time line in terms of seeing real returns on investment.
In marketing there is a theory that when the markets are down it is the companies that continue to vigorously advertise and market their products that reap the benefits when the markets are on an upswing.
So I maintain, keep blowing the vuvuzelas, have a sense of national pride about hosting this mega sporting tournament and ignore the naysayers – they have all been proven wrong after all.
I get that there are people whose marketing strategies are to tell half truths, and to exploit people's ignorance and goodness, for their own parasitic financial benefit. They will use other terms to rationalise their decisions to withhold information from the public that does not fit with their story. They would prefer not to give the public the full transparent scope of information, so the public can make a fully informed decision on the matter.
I used to work for a PR agency in London, years ago, as the Bar lady; which meant I also did the silver service for all the Business Corps meetings; where management discussed their 'PR' stategies with customers, thinking the silver service lady was a dumb prole too stupid to understand. In the Bar you would also hear Incredible stuff about lying and manipulating the truth, when Advertising Fundi's have had a few drinks, and begin to discuss their work brutally honestly. Fascinating stuff.
Such advertising and 'marketing' within the general laws of competition, means that ethics, honesty and integrity are bypassed for profits and lies and half truths. Think: Hill and Knowlton, and their alleged incubator babies to enrage the public's emotions, to justify the invasion of Iraq (truth: for oil, of course). (How PR sold the war in the Persian Gulf). There are many hundreds if not thousands of other examples of the Public Relations industry selling lies, and half truths, to BS the public.
Origins of Public Relations: Engineering of Consent:
Public Relations Papa can explain. The father of 'Public Relations' was Sigmund Freud's nephew, Edward Bernays, who used Uncle Ziggy's knowledge of the human condition, as a form of corporate psyops on behalf of corporations, and later politicians. On behalf of corporations who could not get citizens to go into debt to purchase crap, the Public Relations industry conducted a PsyOps against the citizen, to transform him from an active citizen, into a psychologically insecure consumer, who consumed, to live upto the Jones's; who was no longer judged on his character and his morals, but on his material possessions and socio-economic status.
SEE: BBC documentary: Century of the Self, by Adam Curtis: I. Happiness Machines; II. The Engineering of Consent | III. There is a Policeman Inside All Our Heads: He Must Be Destroyed | IV. Eight People Sipping Wine in Kettering.
The series describes the ways public relations and politicians have utilized Sigmun Freud's psychological theories during the last 100 years for the "engineering of consent". Freud's nephew Edward Bernays, who was the first to use psychological techniques in public relations, are discussed. Bernays is considered the 'father of public relations'. It asks questions about the roots and methods of modern consumerism, representative democracy, commodification and its implications. It also questions the modern way we see ourselves, our attitudes to fashion and superficiality.
According to BBC 'Century of the Self' publicity:
To many in both politics and business, the triumph of the self is the ultimate expression of democracy, where power has finally moved to the people. Certainly the people may feel they are in charge, but are they really? The Century of the Self tells the untold and sometimes controversial story of the growth of the mass-consumer society in Britain and the United States. How was the all-consuming self created, by whom, and in whose interests?
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See also Propaganda by Edward Bernays, described by Noam Chomsky, in Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, as:
[The] American business community was also very impressed with the propaganda effort. They had a problem at that time. The country was becoming formally more democratic. A lot more people were able to vote and that sort of thing. The country was becoming wealthier and more people could participate and a lot of new immigrants were coming in, and so on.
So what do you do? It's going to be harder to run things as a private club. Therefore, obviously, you have to control what people think. There had been public relation specialists but there was never a public relations industry. There was a guy hired to make Rockefeller's image look prettier and that sort of thing. But this huge public relations industry, which is a U.S. invention and a monstrous industry, came out of the first World War. The leading figures were people in the Creel Commission. In fact, the main one, Edward Bernays, comes right out of the Creel Commission. He has a book that came out right afterwards called Propaganda......... So he wrote a book called Propaganda around 1925, and it starts off by saying he is applying the lessons of the first World War. The propaganda system of the first World War and this commission that he was part of showed, he says, it is possible to "regiment the public mind every bit as much as an army regiments their bodies." These new techniques of regimentation of minds, he said, had to be used by the intelligent minorities in order to make sure that the slobs stay on the right course. We can do it now because we have these new techniques.
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Then there is Brzezinski's The Technotronic Era:
He was concerned with how the world would be able to be controlled because of massive population growth, the common man was becoming a robotoid, that is people who act like humans but were not. Society was becoming desensitized "in an information revolution based on amusement focus, spectator spectacles (saturation coverage by television of sporting events) which provide an opiate for an increasingly purposeless mass." These were arranged to distract people from what was happening all around them.
Conceptual Excerpts from: Concourt 23-10: First Amicus: Radical Honesty Interpretation of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act; among others: C.5 Engineering of Consent: Adult Citizens to Infant Consumers & Cultural Commodification (PDF), etc.
Radical Honesty Marketing:
According to this -- i.e. Moi, Me, Myself ;-) -- Marketer, RH Marketing possesses the greatest branding secret in the history of modern marketing.