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Risen from the dead: Muammar Gaddafi

            Muammar Gaddafi has died and risen multiple times in the last hour. According to reports coming in from Libya the former head of state was killed during a NATO raid.

Truth of the matter is there are conflicting reports on whether he has been captured or is in fact dead.

News broadcasters from across the world are showing us images of celebrating NTC fighters. I find that rather condescending considering we all know NATO is behind this. Why are you showing us NTC fighters… Show yourselves.

Until I see a body I’m inclined not to believe these reports. It’s not a high tea, if he was really dead these rebels would be parading his body in the streets of Sirte like a prize.

So the NTC says he died from wounds he sustained during the raid. I’m inclined to think if anything he was executed, lets just be real we all knew that was going to be the final outcome.

Until we receive further information… If they haven’t already thrown his body in the ocean, another Osama Bin Laden moment.

20 minutes later...

Gaddafi has been captured, it's still unclear whether he is dead. News channels across the globe are showing images of a captured Gaddafi covered in blood.

Confirmation...

Gaddafi is dead. His body dragged through the streets of Sirte.That, no man deserves. How do you beat on a corpse, we have truly lost our humanity.

After thought...

The West does not intervene unless it has political and economic benefit for them - the looting of Libya will now begin in earnest.

"I will die as a martyr at the end," - Muammar Gaddafi

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Biko's Black Consciousness

                                   Today marks the passing of Pan-Africanist Steve Bantu Biko. He believed that the emancipation of the African could only be achieved if black people stopped feeling inferior to their white counterparts. This is a mentality that had been internalised by the African after centuries of oppression and subjugation.

Today I reflect on Biko’s life and what it means to me as a young African woman. I reflect on his philosophy and whether the ideals for which he lived and was subsequently murdered for have been achieved.

It saddens me that I can not say that for which he died and many others in the black movement has been achieved.

The reality is we no longer have leaders of Biko’s stature. The remnants of apartheid are still with us, the disgusting gap between the have’s and have not’s, and economic imbalance that Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) has failed to effectively address. Inadequate housing, sanitation, service delivery and reconciliation that lives only in the minds of those who would like to pretend that South Africa is not a deeply divided society.

These truths are not only relevant in South Africa, but the entire African continent in variation. Biko once said: "We do not want to be reminded that it is we, the indigenous people, who are poor and exploited in the land of our birth. These are concepts which the Black Consciousness approach wishes to eradicate from the black man's mind before our society is driven to chaos by irresponsible people from Coca-cola and hamburger cultural backgrounds."

We have become complacent with the place we have been given in society, within Western confines of who we are as people. The black man exists to survive, feed his family and die a quiet death. That is why today, tomorrow, and the day after we should continue to reassess and reflect on who we are as a people in the 21st century. And how we reconcile with a turbulent history that has left many things broken including our identities.

"Black man, you are on your own." – Biko

Steve Bantu Biko (18 Dec 1946 – 12 Sep 1977).

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Whose liveable city do you speak of…

                                                                                                                If you are in search of a high quality of living Melbourne is the place to be, well at least according to the latest Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Survey.

The survey assessed 140 cities worldwide according to the “challenges that might be presented to an individual’s lifestyle.”

The cities that were at the top of the list are perceived to be in the “very top tier of livability, where few problems are encountered … presenting few, if any, challenges to residents’ lifestyles.”

I was rather disappointed that no African cities made it into the top ten. And at the bottom of the list were seven African cities, Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Douala (Cameroon), Tripoli (Libya), Algiers (Algeria), Lagos (Nigeria), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Harare (Zimbabwe).

I’ve lived in five African cities throughout my life, but only spanning three countries. There is no disputing that there are problems in terms of infrastructure and service delivery.

But in the same vein I have also been to Europe, the United State and Asia and nothing compares to living in an African city.

There’s a certain buzz in African cities, the people, the crowded streets and taxi’s that whiz by you without a care, much to your irritation in the moment.

The flea markets, where you can find anything from a brand new watch to morning slippers.

Fresh produce in abundance at a fraction of what it will cost you in the store. Mind you it’s not mass produced, and before “organic” became a selling point for marketers that is what we were raised on.

The list could literally go on and on...

I do wish every household on our continent had access to electricity, water, and decent sanitation. That we had access to effective transportation systems, decreased crime rates, political stability and less pollution.

That perhaps is not the reality of the African state, and it may not be ideal. But I wouldn’t trade my reality, because as far as I’m concerned our cities are still environments fit to live in and we can only work towards making them better.

Urban renewal.

Source: http://bit.ly/qQzVhT

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With all the talk of going green, revising what we eat, managing waste and thinking about the impact of our transportation on the environment, shouldn't we be thinking about adopting age-old architecture to lessen our footprint?

For centuries, African communities have used natural materials and sustainable building methods that are respectful of their natural surroundings. Their technologies are symbiotically integrated with nature, lessening the structures' impact on the environment through energy and resource efficiency...

  CLICK on title above to be taken to full article.

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Bismarck Syndrome: Africa Welcomes its 55th State

        I’ve heard the elation in Juba is electric with Bismarck Syndrome, Southern Sudan’s new capital. The nation today gained its independence from Northern Sudan.

It is hoped that this divide will bring peace between the “African” South and the predominantly “Arab” North.

This comes after over two million people were killed during a protracted civil war that began in 1983 and “ended” in 2005, with a Peace Agreement between the fractioning parties.

Omar al-Bashir who is the president of Northern Sudan, also attended the independence celebrations in the South. Apparently Southern Sudanese weren’t to happy with him attending, but ey I suppose that was his way of expressing good will to now oil rich Southern Sudan.

I know this is a significant moment, but let’s face it what’s really going to change.

Well at least two things I hope: Sudanese of African decent won’t be massacred at will anymore and they’ll have equal opportunity to better standards of living.

But in the same vein the new Sudanese government faces many challenges, like the civil war along its borders, insufficient infrastructure, and corruption amongst others.

I do however have no doubt that they will do well in creating a vibrant democracy.

My only concern is this "Bismarck Syndrome" we have in Africa. I’m all for independence and liberation, but why are we obsessed with these imaginary lines some European guy drew.

Yes, the very nature of these borders, forced “tribes” from different Kingdoms to claim allegiance to one Nation. The colonist often used divide and rule to create animosity amongst these different nations within the state, leading to the situation (and issue of tribalism) we have in many African countries today.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes most Africans have a “tribe”, “clan” or “ethnicity” that they identify with, but at the end of the day we are all Africans.

This is not me downplaying their struggles, it’s just an observation of how we continue to divide ourselves. 

Tis’ all Bismarck Syndrome.

Congratulations to Southern Sudan, independence is a birth right that so many are often denied. I do not claim to nor will I ever understand what the people of that nation had to experience or what they lost to attain it. 

"Freedom is not something that one people can bestow on another as a gift. They claim it as their own and none can keep it from them." -Kwame Nkrumah

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JUNE 16th: YOUTH DAY & THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

Channel O commissioned and released a video about two years ago titled "Young, Gifted and Black". The track had artists from different parts of Africa contributing.

I'm a few years too late, but I think the concept was great! I wasn't too impressed by the composition of the track itself, it left something wanting. But I still thought the video was pretty nice and the message it wanted to convey was still clear. It's a great thing when the continent comes together, even if it's just the small things.

So this is my shout out to all the youngsters trying to make it inna di concrete jungle.

Salute to all those who came before us and those that hold the future. Make us proud, this is your Africa.

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Foreign land grabs in Africa

           US Universities including 'reputable' institutions like Harvard and Vanderbilt that fell off the map somewhere, have reportedly been acquiring land in Africa through British hedge funds.

According to a study conducted by the Oakland Institute, these investments in African farmlands may lead to thousands of subsistence farmers being removed from their land. These acquisitions come with the promise of jobs and rural development, promises that are often not fulfilled! Leading to a situation where social problems are simply exacerbated.

It is believed that US$500 million has been invested in these acquisitions in some of the most fertile regions on the continent, with expected returns of 25%.

Interestingly in Africa Chinese business has often been accused of 'land grabbing' the most arable land in the region, when western corporations are doing the same thing ― and they are behind the most lucrative deals.

In Mozambique alone, western hedge funds are working with South African business to purchase large amounts of arable land in the country on behalf of European and US investors. The most startling part of these acquisitions is that the Mozambican government has agreed to waive taxes for 25 years. Mind you these purchases will not be creating a substantial amount of jobs or development.

Here we are faced with a situation of instant gratification, without thought about the long term implications. This is very concerning; how is it that African governments are so naive and money hungry that they would sell our lands for a few pennies. Has history taught us nothing, how blinded are we that we continue to repeat the mistakes of the past?

How was Africa taken by the imperialist? What was the most contentious issue during our liberation struggles? It was the issue of LAND!

So what I can not understand is how the very people who fought for these ideals would once more sell us out for a bottle of ‘whiskey’.

Those who speak of the second coming have been deemed radicals, high on conspiracy theories. But the truth of the matter is – the land issue amongst the African and the former coloniser is still a contentious subject to this day, and now there is a third party.

Don’t be as naïve to think that these corporations are investing in Africa in order to create development, it’s business and here the profit motive rules.

Today I can truly say that our leaders have lost the agenda, you are failing us. Open your eyes, smell the coffee, alas you leave your children with no legacy. For all those who were once worthy of my praise are slowly destroying the ideals of Africa I once had, or they are six feet under wondering if this is what they died for.

“The most piteous thing amid all this was the freed man who threw down this hoe because the world called him free. What did such a mockery of freedom mean? Not a cent of money, not an inch of land, not a mouthful of victuals – not even ownership of the rags on his back.” - W.E.B. DuBois

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Add Insult to Injury

                           I've had so many racial slurs thrown at me today. I don't even know what to say anymore or how to feel. No, it's not okay to assume people do certain things or are a certain way on the basis of their skin colour. You'd think this is something I would have learnt by now, but every time it happens I still find my blood boiling.

The first incident was this morning when I was telling someone about my trip to Jeffrey’s Bay. They asked me how it had been and I told them it was quite lovely. It wasn’t the first time I’d been to the Bay I told them, but I loved it none the less. This caucasian person then said to me "oh you've been around, you're not an ignorant township girl." I stared at him in disbelief and told him I wasn't from a township, and he uncomfortably laughed it off.

1. I don't live in a township.

2. I have never lived in a township

3. If you weren't so ignorant you would know that being a resident of a township doesn't make you "ignorant" by default.

4. Townships are an apartheid construct and people did not willing chose to live in them.

5. Not being well-travelled is not an issue of ignorance, amongst many Africans it’s an issue of finance.

6. HOW DARE YOU.

As the day proceeded I would get my afternoon dosage of narrow-mindedness – during a conversation with another lady about the illegal taxi ranks sprouting up in Port Elizabeth. This caucasian women told me it was very inconvenient to have taxi's randomly over take them, make illegal turns and pile up on the side of their suburban roads from these "illegal" taxi ranks.

She said she understood the plight of those who had to use taxis, because their (being those of suburban crop) maids and "garden-boys" (much despised apartheid terminology) used these modes of transport to get to work. To add insult to injury she went on to imply that she understood “MY” plight, because well hey being black and all I probably used a taxi.

1. My mother drove me to school everyday from the 1st grade till the 12th.

2. No actually I don't use taxis not because I'm above it, but because my mother slaved day and night so I could comfortably drive myself to where I needed to be.

3. Your "garden-boy" is my father and I’d prefer you refer to him with the respect given to someone of his age.

4. If those taxis don't wait, your "maids and garden-boys" won't have transport home after taking care of your needs and raising your children.

Yes I am upset, because people sacrificed their lives so I would be treated as an equal. People died so that I could walk proud in my own skin and not be judged on the basis of my complexion, but my character. And you know what I wouldn't change it for anything, because I come from a people who have a profound respect for humanity. Something some sections of our society have failed to learn till this day.

Ignorance is the shackle that holds back our progress.

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Swaziland: are the streets burning?

“They watch too much television.”

That’s what my friend had to say as we discussed the civil uprising that is currently taking place in Swaziland.

Perhaps it’s a bit of a flaccid analysis for what may be the fall of Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III.

However what is of interest to me is why no one or shall I rather say such a few people believe there can be a meaningful civil uprising in Southern Africa.

Today activists and citizens of Swaziland gathered in the city of Manzini for a protest which they hope will bring about regime change, from an autocracy to a multi-party constitutional democracy. According to reports protestors were beaten, fired with teargas, several journalists were arrested and then released and activists have also been arrested.

I pondered to myself, who actually protests for leadership change in Southern Africa? What are the demographics, who are these people? Is it our parents generation, many of who fought in protracted guerilla warfare against colonial regimes. Is it the urban black youth trying to survive and make it in a capitalist society or the disenfranchised youths of our regions? Hey, it could also be a combination of all three.

The truth of the matter is I wouldn’t want to draw a conclusion based on two extremes, but these are the debates I have been hearing: 1. people in Southern Africa are cowards, 2. they’re peace-loving .

As I delved into it a little deeper within myself as a Southern African, I came to the conclusion that I don’t believe that we will see the kind of uprisings that were witnessed in Northern Africa down South. And perhaps that is the problem, we simply don’t believe we can make a difference or bring about change. It would appear that I am the indifferent urban black youth, and it’s rather sad because many from my generation are seeds of Africa’s liberation struggles.

I don’t really know what’s going to happen down South.

But what I do know is the streets won’t be burning any time soon, then again I may be wrong.

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Contradictions of Black Identity

                                           During a discussion between my associates and I about the contradictions within black identity during and post-apartheid, it was evident that there were two divides on the matter. One end ( the majority) ascertained that the ‘inherent’ similarities of black identity post-apartheid were no longer linear, whilst a minority were of the opinion that there were no deep contradictions in black identity post-apartheid. During the discussion Julius Malema was used as a reference point against an average black South African to illustrate the views of the majority. The latter (minority) lent me their opinion below:

With regards to whether there is a deep contradiction between blacks today, here’s why I think such a conclusion is superficial – firstly, it is not UNREASONABLE that Julius Malema lives in a nicer house, drives a luxurious car etc. It is a consequence of the choices he made and opportunities he exploited at one point or another.

 To suggest that unequal socio economic conditions are an UNREASONABLE outcome of democracy is disingenuous. To present this unfortunate incident of democracy as evidence of DEEP CONTRADICTIONS is borderline mischievous.

I agree that there are people who use political power to advance self-interest but that could not be an indication of DEEP CONTRACTIONS. What makes them deep? How deep? What is deep?

Irrespective of materialism and status, black people still have a common identity. You cannot be ‘more’ black because you live in a squatter camp, nor can you be less black because you live in Midrand. Our values as black people are inherently still the same despite that we sometimes experiment with new beliefs and cultures.

We believe in transforming society. We believe in empowering the poor etc. We might not be doing something about it, but these are the common values and beliefs we share. We might disagree on the HOW, but should that be labeled a DEEP CONTRADICTION. I doubt it.

Our material conditions are merely a way in which we express our black identity in trying to live a “NORMAL” life within a time and space we find ourselves in. Therefore to arrive at a conclusion that there are DEEP contradictions within the black community is superficial because it seeks to dilute identity and values in materialism.

We must remember that the majority of the black middle class is only rich but not wealthy. Charles Glass’s descendent's will never be poor because their grandfather left a legacy of wealth – Castle Lager. But the same cannot be said about Mr Sushi. What is his legacy? If he can’t point to one, then how is he different from a street hawker who lives from hand to mouth?

Maybe the question is who benefits from the perception that there are sharp contradictions between blacks.

In answering the question: who benefits, we must remember that there was a time in the early days of white power when black people resisted colonialism as Zulus, Xhosas, Pedis, Sothos etc because they believed there were DEEP CONTRADICTIONS between them and they could not co-exist. In the end, everyone lost and apartheid became the rule of the day, benefiting white minority capital.

It was only until the ANC called for UNITY in 1912 that we began to see progression of systematic black resistance to domination.

We must be careful not to insist on pulling the lever when we have our heads in a guillotine.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

-With permission from the author

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Free Trade

An acquaintance of mine posed an interesting question today, he asked “seeing as African men pay roora (also known as lobola or dowry and many other things depending on where you’re from), does the father of the bride 'give away' the bride or is 'selling off' more accordant?”

As much as I would have loved to be indignant about this question, I realised that it is something many people ponder about, especially those who are not acquainted with African culture. Mind you I am by no means suggesting that Africans are one homogeneous group. But there are certain things about the way we conduct ourselves culturally that are inherently similar.

In any case, ‘give away’ and ‘selling off’ – I honestly don’t see a great difference. To ‘give away’ would imply that the woman is some kind of object owned by the father, which I guess historically speaking could be validated. The child belongs to the father (and his family), that’s just the way it is. But what kind of shit is that, how are we going to call this old age culture ‘giving away’ like the woman is some kind of… okay let’s not go there.

Then there’s the issue of ‘selling off’, ey… Maybe it’s just me, but I know all about selling goats at the market and stuff, but as far as I am concerned there is no such thing as human beings in this day and age being a commodity. Needless to say, unless we’re talking about human trafficking which is a reality, I just don’t see how this can be considered a trait of any culture especially in the 21st century.

My acquaintance did however go on to say that many Africans in this day and age still believe that they are in fact purchasing their wives. He wasn't far off.

Let me illustrate this more clearly: A man marries a woman and let’s presume he actually loves her and all of that jazz and we hope the same for her. Anyways that’s beside the point, well then his wife asks him for a divorce, in all probability on account of his infidelity (yes I am generalising you will live).

When he learns of his wife’s decision to leave him, he runs straight back to her father asking for his roora to be paid back. It’s a sad state of affairs if I do say so myself. Unfortunately that’s not how it works.

I'm not against it, nor do I justify it, nor am I neutral, more like indifferent. My understanding of this age old tradition is that (leaving the historical intricacies for another day):

in a single word roora is, well like saying “thanks”.

You decide…

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The Saint

It goes without saying that amongst many South African’s Nelson Mandela is considered to be some kind of Saint, this too can be said of many other people across the globe. So it’s indeed no surprise that the media has latched on to the former South African president getting ill with such vigour. 

Mandela is undeniably considered an iconic figure in South African history, but he is not immortal. The man is 92, simply put Madiba is old! I find it quite irritating that the media are hounding on what really is the inevitable, death is nothing new or amazing and really now one thing we no in this world without a doubt is that we all will die!

Journo’s have been deployed in his home-town and were hanging around his hospital like vultures before his discharge. I read an article in yesterday’s Star titled “Madiba’s frail sister goes to have her hearing checked.” So what? Not to appear cold, but the truth of the matter is no one cared about his families well-being until they thought he was dying. And how does a story like that even qualify to be a page 3 story, come on now… The media is sucking this situation dry and it’s actually just becoming disgusting.

In all honesty, we all know the media wasn’t camped outside Milpark Hospital because they were concerned about his well being. He’s 92 for pete’s sake, they were after what was going to be one of the biggest stories of the year if not the decade, anticipating the worst “The day Nelson Mandela died (of course not forgetting all the sensationalist hogwash they’ll add to the headline).” Given it is the 'duty' of the media to inform the public, but things should be done in a more appropriate manner and be relevant.

Mandela is unquestionably a public figure and the nation, the world want to be in the know about his condition. But when all is said and done, this is someone’s father, husband, brother, grandfather; they too are entitled to some privacy in what appears to be Madiba’s final days.

As Desmond Tutu said, “what more do you want from him?”

All men must and will die.

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Political Betrayal: The National Freedom Party

  For a minute there I’d become rather despondent to the happenings in South African politics, nothing exciting was really happening until now! This is what politics is about; another break-off political party has emerged on the South African political landscape.  

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) national chairperson Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi on Tuesday launched the new National Freedom Party (NFP) after resigning as chairperson of the IFP. According to Msibi, she was overjoyed to finally be rid of the maltreatment from the IFP dictatorship. I always find it fascinating how in the world of politics, when factions occur those who leave the ‘established’ party as it would be, always refer to their former comrades as ‘oppressive’. Considering they spent the better part of their lives in these parties brings their reasoning into question.

In any case, this development is all well and exciting, fresh to a certain extent but in actual fact it’s nothing new. It will be interesting to see whether the newly formed party survives longer than its counterparts.

It was not long ago in 2008 when the Congress of the People (COPE) was formed by former members of the ANC. Two years later and COPE is crumbling amidst an internal power struggle. I can only wonder what will set the NFP apart, if at all.

Undeniably the presence of opposition parties in any governmental system is healthy for democracy, but at some point we do get tired of having to deal with these over night parties all the time. Perhaps I’m wrong; maybe this party will do amazing things for South Africa’s democracy. But After COPE’s dismal failure I’m uncertain whether the electorate will be willing to stand behind a party that has no reputation of which to speak.

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Colour in the world of Design

Interning for a design magazine was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I was privileged to have worked with an amazing team of people, who opened my eyes to a world of architecture and design I'd never even imagined.

However, I think my most interesting observation on the job was dealing with white designers and dealers. It was interesting to see how they reacted to a black woman with dreadlocks and on most days dressed like a hippy walking into their galleries - where for instance a tiny lamp could have been in the price range of anything from R10 000- R20 000.

Anyway, they'd often look at me like I was confused, lost or something, at times struggling to greet me, for real yo? What on earth could this native possibly be doing here...

Until I told them I was a journalist from one of South Africa’s most renowned design magazines-  I'd be showered with smiles and kind greetings. Damn right, because I'm going to review your products, you better smile! But in all honesty I found it to be quite disgusting!! Societal bullshit.

A sales clerk in a gallery had the audacity to ask me how I got into the magazine. There was a glint of envy in her eye, you know the kind that comes from a place of feeling entitled. "Was there an opening or... bla bla bla", I then proceeded to tell her I got in because I'm ill like that. What kind of retarded question is that?

What irritates me is what about people of colour who don't have an education, or speak the whore of Babylons English or a title or big brand behind their names. We judge people according to their appearance, and let's just be blunt is it such a sin to have been born black? I don't feel I need to prove myself to anybody, or live by standards that were created by people who know nothing about my people, who I am or where I am from.

 Yes I'm ranting. But no people are lesser!

 If you've taken offense, I couldn't care less... this is my reality.

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Clip Jewellry

I absoluately love this simplistic and original Pick A Jewel concept by Japanese designers Katsunari and Asami Igarashi of fift design.

The jewellry consists of earrings and a necklace that are made from modest alligator clips. It’s pretty awesome, and hey I could probably make these myself! Yes they won’t be originals, but the idea is legendary nonetheless.

The clips don’t come with any jewellry, allowing you to have absolute creative freedom. Anything you can find in your daily life and clip on becomes your jewllery.

So rather than having to settle for one piece of jewellry you can create an array of original pieces yourself. I like.

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Dewani, Africa isn’t your rubbish dump.

I can still remember the day media in South Africa and across the world splashed headlines of Anni Dewani’s death across their front pages. Anni Dewani was shot and killed in a hijacking in one of Cape Town’s townships. I distinctly remember questioning the rampant crime in South Africa. I was also slightly touched that this one incident had made international news, when our own people perished on the streets of South Africa everyday, what was so special about Anni? A heartless sentiment to say the least, but no one life is more important than the other. One the other hand, being human, I too mourned with the rest of the world at the brutality of the act. It was a dramatic tale and the media did very well at carrying the sensation, the sad tale of love lost! I remember a friend of mine telling me he suspected the husband was involved, that the story just didn’t add up. Being a romantic of sorts I dismissed the very idea immediately. Oh behold, joke on me… Bereaved Shrien Dewani has become a prime suspect in the murder of his wife. Yes, given you are innocent until proven guilty and all of that human rights stuff… South African authorities have begun proceedings to extradite Dewani amidst the accusations that he hired hit-men to murder his wife. In turn he's fighting the extradition in Britain. So lets just say, hypothetically speaking, that Dewani is guilty of the crime (because we all know he's innocent until proven guilty right), my only question is why Africa? How dare he come onto African soil and have his wife murdered. We all know South Africa is synonymous for high crime rates, but how dare he come and have his dirty work done here in hope that no one will know the difference. How could this be possible when scores of people are victims of violent crime in South Africa on a daily? Indignant, how dare you… Does an innocent man fight extradition, because if you’ve done nothing wrong there’s nothing to be fearful of right? I’m just saying… Africa isn’t your rubbish dump!

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Nothing ever happens here… Millbank?

Stellenbosch University proposed a fee increase in September this year of 13-15% for the 2011 academic year. Of course as can be expected the student body was not pleased at the possibility of such an increase. “Outraged” they were, they organised a peaceful protest where they presented the university structures with a document conveying their dismay.

Boring… I stayed home.

Nothing ever happens in these parts ? They raise our fees, oh well. They teach kids who don’t understand Afrikaans in Afrikaans, oh well. Bursaries that should be used for disadvantaged students are often denied to the students that really need them, oh well.  There isn’t enough housing for students and some are forced to drive or even walk for an hour or more to get to campus, but oh well. There isn’t enough parking on campus, so traffic officials have a field day issuing us tickets, but oh well. 

Fact of the matter is, there isn’t a culture of defiance on Stellenbosch Campus, whether you complain or not very little ever changes. There are no political leaders in the student body that have the ability to begin a movement, defy the forces that be and stand up for the cause. 

We are the lost generation, at this stage in their lives the Che’s of the world were starting revolutions. But we can’t even get a couple of students to stand up for their right to education.

Millbank however is another story… Then again no one likes a rowdy bunch.