Student 4 Life!

“We do not discuss succession in the organisation because the ANC does not belong to anyone. Leaders come and go, but the organisation remains”

Premier Ace Magashule

I agree that the nation has to have control over its assets and resources. However, I do not agree that a weak economic country should usurp an underdeveloped industry. One will find my statement vague in a way, because I, do not expand on my position, either way my statement is self-explanatory. In a sense that South African economy is regarded as a developing economy and much of our industries are under the control of the private sector. And those which are under the control of the state are incapacitated and most are struggling.

The private sector is doing well, one can point out that the private health care is far better off as compared to the public health care system. Comparatively, the public service lacks capacity to deal with the complex issues affecting the society, and as a result it relies on the private sector. Clearly the two sectors complement each other very well. Even so I do not suggest that the private sector is indispensable, but common sense dictates that the liberal democracy within which these two sectors operate calls for the existence of the two. If we understand that democracy is the driving order of the society why do we then find it difficult to accept the manifestation of democracy, for example liberal democracy implies capitalism and that individualism and privatisation are the direct results of democracy. The direct implication of this system therefore would be that much of the countries resources would inevitably be under individual control.

What I suggest however is that, the private sector should be left to run these industries and government should have a strong check into the running’s of these businesses. Whilst in the meantime they (government) should construct programmes that would help grow the economy. For instance, one can only attribute the success of developed economies to the fact that they have highly developed infrastructure. From highly developed transport systems, to state of the art science and technology laboratories and telecommunications, developed industries which all contribute to the global competitiveness and prestige of their economies. Our democracy allows public dialogue and meaningful exchange of ideas, because a society is built on the views of a society as a whole. Now South African politicians and commentators alike must speak a language that is understandable and they should help construct this economy. Talk about Nationalisation is good to hear, but it is useless if it won’t contribute to the enrichment of the society as a whole. This talk should be reflective of the views of the society, those in the business sector, trade unions, broader public and politicians in office, not contrived views of a few. In essence what would this Nationalisation of mines mean, to a lay man like me, perhaps that a few in public office will occupy the positions of power in the mining industry; and which as result would mean that those within the party ranks and cadres will get first preference over ordinary masses; or perhaps that nothing will change except the colour of the executive (leadership, management) in the mining industry.

This is not the right time for the state to take control of public resources, but rather the time for the state to consolidate its institutions and work towards finding a better way of bringing about the good life to the society. This view presupposes that the government should encourage the development of human resource capacity, skills development, organisation and decisive leadership within the public sector so that it can function efficiently, effectively and economically.

He is Back…

Nothing in my view is more reprehensible than those habits of mind in the intellectual that induce avoidance, that characteristic turning away from a difficult and principled position which you know to be the right one, but which you decide not to take. You do not want to appear too political; you are afraid of seeming controversial; you need the approval of a boss or an authority figure; you want to keep a reputation for being balanced, objective, moderate; your hope is to be asked back, to consult, to be on a board or prestigious committee, and so, to remain within the responsible mainstream; someday you hope to get an honorary degree, a big prize, perhaps even an ambassadorship.

For an intellectual these habits of mind are corrupting par excellence. If anything can denature, neutralize and finally kill a passionate intellectual life, it is the internalization of such habits.

Edward Said, Reith Lectures, Part V

It is really fun to be home alone, more especially when MADAM EVE is not around. I love my privacy, and I enjoy being alone, but, since I moved in with my doll, I don’t think I cherish much of my privacy and space like I used to before; I have to admit women play a pivotal role in our lives, they spice it, they make us whole, most importantly women bring out the best in us. Yes, happy mother’s day to all women, I hope it’s not too late.

Now, I am listening to something very nice, something for grown folks like me of course, this guy has played the piano all his life, he even founded The crusaders, with Max Spinner, the Crusaders as you know, has contributed largely to the world of music especially the jazz-fusion genre. They produced one of the finest guitarists, Mr Larry Carlton. Yeah! Larry Carlton, get a copy of his soulful compilation the best of Larry Carlton. My favourite has always been Mr Joe Sample, I first heard about Joe Sample from a mentor and friend, Mr Dan Molefe, Analytical chemist and lecturer, from the University of Pretoria, this man knows his music, and I fell in love with his music instantly.

I have only two albums of his music, the first one I bought is called “old places, old faces” and the other album is called the “Joe Sample, Platinum Collection”.

Currently playing on my stereo is a song called “Black and White”. Inside the cd cover, Joe, wrote commentary notes about this song, it goes like this, “Educational! This was a milestone in my development! One white man, one black man taught me that the only thing I could depend on was myself. I vowed at the age of fifteen that I would never again have a boss man controlling my life. The black and white keys of the piano would help me fulfil that promise”

Before I forget, I am still reading the Anatomist, Mr Anthony Sampson; yes this is the man who made the Queen of England cry. I am on a chapter called the Boss from Hell, this chapter seemingly focuses on multinational corporations and those profiteering from these shady organisms. Tell you more on this later, for now let me take a sip.

I have Mr Hansa Pilsner by my side, and we are having a pleasant conversation, I could not have asked for a better companion, and as assuring as mister pilsner, the kiss of the saaz hop, it is truly refreshing. 

Those of you writing exams this semester, I wish you all the best, may your dreams come true.

Nothing makes one feel great about oneself, more than acing an examination. I guess it is a great feeling; passing does not come easy it comes with a lot of preparation, dedication and the outmost participation.

When you prepare for an examination, you must study and revise your work in the most intense manner, and while you study, don’t forget that when you started, it all began with a plan, you’ve set yourself targets, you still have a goal to achieve, make yourself proud and those around you. Dedicate all your energies towards your exam preparation. Once all the preparation and dedication is through, participate in the examination with only one thing in mind, good results.

 Remember the PDP of life, Prepare, be dedicated and participate.

O                     O

B          &         S         

A                      A

M                     M

A                      A

The B in Obama represents his origin; he is a Black American Man.

The S in Osama also represents his origin; he is a Saudi Arabian Man.

The O in Obama represents occupation, and Obama occupies the office of the president of the United States of America, the most powerful nation on earth.

The O in Osama also represents occupation, and Osama occupies the office of the President of Al Qaeda, the most powerful terrorist organisation on earth.

He he he, this is fun, check this, A, signifies their ancestry; in the Obama file it represents his African roots.

While the A, in the Osama file represents his Arabian roots.

The M which is quite obvious represents religious conviction, and that is Islam, we all know both these men are Muslim, hence the M factor.

The last letter implies astonishment, Obama is the first Black man to become president of America, and Osama is the first, Saudi Arabian fugitive to be killed by a single gunshot to the head and thrown in the sea.

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