And why Julius Malema might have a point.

South Africa is full of ideological hypocrites.

The storm surrounding ANC Youth League President Julius Malema's criticism of President Jacob Zuma's appointment of "minorities" to strategic economic positions, personifies this kind of hypocrisy and dishonesty.

Malema commented last week that all the security cluster ministers in President Jacob Zuma's cabinet were black while the economics cluster ministers were appointed from minority groups. And all hell broke loose.

Ministers Nathi Mthethwa, Jeff Radebe and Siyabonga Cwele are in charge of police, justice and state security respectively while Pravin Gordhan, Rob Davies and Ebrahim Patel are the ministers of finance trade and industry and economic development.

This is what Malema said:

"Minister of police, minister of intelligence, minister of justice - they are all Africans. But in the economics cluster, it's minorities. We need to build confidence in the markets that Africans are also capable of handling strategic positions in the economic sector. Otherwise black youths will not believe that one day they could work in the strategic economic positions. The youth will think, because [Gill] Marcus is white, they (whites) are born like that; there's no way I can be like that."

You see, context is everything.

Because Malema calls it like it is, dishonest, hypocritical South Africans who thrive on political correctness will always be uncomfortable with him, the things he says and what he believes in.

The issue of race and transformation in this country are deeply-entrenched. Therefore Africans -- most Africans, will always be sensitive about the roles they play in key strategic positions in the life of their nation.

It's not about positions for positions' sake. But it's about the contributions they are asked to make in the country of their birth where they have suffered lifetime humiliation and deprivation in the hands of their oppressors. These Africans are sensitive and vigilant and are never likely to allow themselves to be relegated to positions they are suspicious about.

Hello! This is about destiny. The Africans want to shape their own destiny for themselves and their children. They never want their children to go through what they went through irrespective of the ANC's ideological definition of race.

That is where Malema is coming from.

He is not questioning the "minorities'" credentials. He is simply saying: "What about Africans? How do we explain this to our children?"

Malema is not alone in this issue, either. There's already a vibrant debate about this issue within the senior ranks of the ANC. So, to dismiss it as another of Malema's rants, is tantamount to denialism of the worst kind.

Yes, it is a bit embarrassing to a lot of people. But it remains the country's practical reality. All liberation organisations have faced this reality during the struggle.

The ANC, the PAC and even the black consciousness (BC) organisations of SASO and BPC ilk had these problems. Steve Biko had a problem because BC members from the then Natal were rejecting Indian membership of their organisations.

Denying the issue of race is like denying that tribalism exists within these liberation organisations.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the debate was erroneous and was "actually retrogressive and is against what the ANC stands for".

Wake up and smell the coffee, mate. You ‘ve got a problem in your own backyard.

Africans no longer wish to be pigeon-holed. As a former trade unionist, Mantashe will know that big companies are doing the same as far as corporate positions are concerned. They often relegate Africans to such positions as human resources. Their attitude is that these positions are insignificant enough and therefore are suited to Africans.

However, no one can question the credentials of the ministers in the economics cluster.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's stewardship of the South African Revenue Service (Sars), for nearly a decade speaks for itself.

He has received great kudos for improving revenue collection and building the Sars brand and reputation. As chair of the World Customs Organisation and his role in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's crack-down on tax havens can only be praised.

He played a big role in Codesa negotiations, which led to the country's first democratic elections in 1994.

Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel's also has a solid track record and served with distinction in many roles.

Rob Davies, the minister of trade and industry has been in this portfolio since 2005 and served in parliament since 1994. He has chaired parliament's finance and trade and industry portfolios. He is well known for his diligence and vigilance and as an energetic deputy minister.

Reserve Bank Governor-designate Gill Marcus' s record speaks for itself. She is extremely competent and will be a very good governor.

But let's face it, Africans want to shape their own destiny.

COMMENTS

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responses to this article

malema perhaps he should be contemplating the competency of the africans in crucial positions. we are constantly informed, if not for apartheid, they would have flourished. colour me sceptical, their track record is abysmal..and worsening. by mj on August 14 2009, 08:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I'm white Sipho - does that mean I'm not African? What is your definition of African Sipho? If Malema can be blunt, allow me that privelage. Is African have a flat nose, black skin, and curly hair? If so, what are Egyptians? Hhat are Tunisians? What are Algerians? What am I? My family have lived . .more here for 200 years. I'm not British. If I was I would be supporting England in the Ashes. What am I? . .less by pfp on August 14 2009, 08:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Moronic It's this kind of infantile thinking that's destroying public service in this country.Everyone mentioned in this article is an African.They just don't fit into your little box of definitions....Small narrow definitions for small narrow minds.Call it . .more it like it is...They are just not black. . .less by Noddy on August 14 2009, 08:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is a useful little distraction for racists to avoid real issues Whats next no white CEOs. Someone please educate this ..... by Albie on August 14 2009, 08:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipo's logic? The only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that Africans will only be satisfied that they shape their own future if they can fill all positions they deem necessary, which I guess is all they deem glamorous. What is the definition of these . .more Africans? Obviously from this article only Blacks. This article shows the misconception that you can only shape your future by filling positions. Stand up and do something for yourself and you will be shaping your future, not entitlement as sugessted. This is exactly the problem that plagues Africa. Take responsibility for your own life and stop blaming your own situation on others. To have kids that you don't even know about and that the tax payer has to foot the bill for , what kind of responsibility is that? I am afraid the latter is the main problem of Africa. Take charge of this and you'll be shaping your African future. . .less by shuter on August 14 2009, 08:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Malema Sipho Ngcobo. Maybe it is you that must wake up and smell the coffee. We are all Africans. Born and bred. by Kael on August 14 2009, 08:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

madness sounds like blacks want to prepare themselves, for when they the only ones left in this country,sorrry for you it will never happen. by big h on August 14 2009, 08:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

tell it like it is Julius I want to thank Moneyweb for allowing Sipho to educate moneyweb community about real South African issues. Julius is here to stay and I like his bravery of raising thorny issues that others consider nonsense and stupid. Unlike Govt and ANC, Julius . .more has no point to prove to the international investors etc. . .less by Zille's Sister on August 14 2009, 08:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why don't Black South Africans be honest with themselves? To be expected there is a huge component of racism with black on white dealings. So the term racist sits well with the black South Africans. What is becoming more and more apparent is that Black South Africans want it all and don't really need . .more or want the other minoities in the country. So here's a suggestion and a solution. Get rid of the minoities. Drop exchange controls. Let all minorities be given a passage out of SA to countries of their choice - mutually arranged by governments with all their belongings, wealth and everything they have. They become ex South Africans. Then as so eloquently put "The Africans want to shape their own destiny for themselves and their children." And they can. Free from any minority input or expertise. And South Africa can become a TRUE African country just like the rest of the continent There you are Sipho. And no more racism. The only snag is that racism will become tribalism. But I'm sure that can be handled given for example Chaka's and other great African leaders such Mugabe, Gadaffi, Amin history's on sorting out tribal differences. . .less by Politicant on August 14 2009, 08:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I would be delighted if Gill Marcus were put in charge of police and Tito Mboweni stayed as Govervor of the reserve bank by JW on August 14 2009, 08:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Julius would make a GREAT Reserve Bank Governor and Finance Minister and President at the same time.... Any other suitable candidates Sipho? Zille's Sister? by Rogi on August 14 2009, 09:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The generation thing "One generation cannot bequeath to the next generation what it has not got." Forget about this 'colour' and 'gender' thing - what we need now in order to build a great future is ' the best person for the position' - in all positions, but especially . .more teachers!!! . .less by michael on August 14 2009, 09:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

How deep does the rot sit on the inside? "The Africans want to shape their own destiny for themselves and their children." and "shake off the yoke of colonialism". What a joke! JZ bullies the NPA into not prosecuting him and then releases Shabir from jail to miraculously heal from terminal . .more illness. What does the justice system amount to if somebody goes through the whole process of being charged, convicted, appeal fails and sentenced (all on taxpayer money) and then for a parole board to relase him? Later when he recovers the court can't demand that he be sent back to jail. If this is the way "The Africans want to shape their own destiny for themselves and their children" how do they expect any foreign investors to take them seriouly. Face it- the "African way" just doesn't work. . .less by garlic astronaut on August 14 2009, 09:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

African Inferiority complex How long will people like Sipho and Julius suffer from an inferiority complex. Being equal is not enough for them - they hanker to be more than equal - could it be that they have some Vervoerd tendancies - race supremacy ? by Spade a spade on August 14 2009, 09:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

hey Sipho why are you not ceo of moneyweb?, this is just not right!!, Huh?? by soro on August 14 2009, 09:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racist. Sipho, you (and Malema) are racist. You base EVERYTHING on skin colour. Please do us a favour and get over yourself. by Silver Surfer on August 14 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

So racist its sickening are whites wanted as part of the future of the rainbow nation or are we just the cash-cow/ golden-goose that will be slaughted once the native africans have more strength/skill? This is the only reason why whites will flee the country they love and . .more contribute to their entire lives; will there ever be any inclusion or, dare I say it, thanks!? . .less by youngun on August 14 2009, 09:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What a 'black' American preacher thinks.. What it right to the end - a MUST see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuEc-nFULY8 by William Tell on August 14 2009, 09:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Vrot It is exactly about "position for position sake". Its about time that Black Africans shake off this leave Africa to Africans syndrome. Believe me the rest of the world couldn't give a hoot about it. What Julius the clown is implying is lets keep the . .more masses happy and employ incompetent idiots to run the portfolio's they are responsible for into the ground. Who does this affect? Its not to say that a "white/indian/purple" African would make a difference but at least its worth trying by getting the people with the correct competencies in charge. Look how the "Africans" have systematically destroyed a Police Force, Education System and Health System never mind the others. These systems worked for whites so why was the wheel re-invented and turned into a square when they could have been used for everyone. . .less by shakeshisspear on August 14 2009, 09:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

blacks Blacks cant do it alone! Whites cant do it alone! Indians cant do it alone! coloured cant do it alone! We all go to do it toegether! Blacks have a record of poor standards, unethical behaviour and very primitive . .more thinking, you can not and will not ever run a country on your own succesfully. If you want to kick out whites and indians, then be ready for the next zimbabwe boys, might as well start buying dollars now for the future. . .less by zeddie on August 14 2009, 10:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tito? Sipho, so you and Julias believe the current governer of the Reserve Bank is not African? by Jimmy on August 14 2009, 10:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

15 years down the line and race has never been as high on everybodys minds as it is today. It is so sad. by dissapointed on August 14 2009, 10:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Politicant And besides Mugabe, Amin en Gadaffi don't forget Rwanda, the true African way to sort out a problem. This happened only a few years ago. by Lucas on August 14 2009, 10:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leg puller Sipho.If you HONESTLY believe what you're writing (and are not doing a Bullard on us), then I think what they say AA does to the psyche of black people (worldwide) is correct. And it's seriously warped to think that it's a good idea (and creates . .more better role models for the youth - WTF?) to advance an inexperienced/inappropriate black person rather than an appropriate person for a critical government position. I would pefer my children to know that if they succeed, it's not because of their skin colour, but rather due to their hard work and intelligent application. Surely you agree with this, Sipho? Surely... . .less by Simon on August 14 2009, 10:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipho you are the weakenst link in the Moneyweb chain...a real science rocket! by Johnny V on August 14 2009, 10:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Racist twaddle Sipho-you are just trying to make black racism look good by using fancy words and quasi philosophical phrases.It is ugly and is destroying the country. You are showing your true colours. My forefathers arrived in 1679. That makes me as much an . .more African as you or anybody else. . .less by Krazy on August 14 2009, 11:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Botswana commentators talking about the rest of Africa being a disaster! look just above you You idiots... there is a country called Botswana doing exceptionally fine with Black people doing it for themselves. so white people get over yourselves, you are not . .more and never will be the saviors of Africa which is the whole point of the conversation. . .less by Meka on August 14 2009, 11:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Africans shaping their own destiny? Mfuethu, be careful what you wish for! Africans ( I suppose you mean abantu myama, because this appears the gist of your article?) have a shocking track record and I certainly would not want abantu myama to shape my destiny on their own thank . .more you. Stop embarrasing your brothers mfuethu. Start being a true African with has no colour distraction and put your intelligence to work for the good of all Africans, regardless of colour please. Awethu! . .less by Msholozi on August 14 2009, 11:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The sooner We stop talking about race, the sooner things will sort themselves out naturally. I really believe (given our history)that South Africans want to live peacefully together and help each other to prosper and succeed. Politicians create the racial hate. by Dave on August 14 2009, 11:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Non-white, but also non-black - I'm an African... Sipho's interpretation of the situation quite clearly highlights what's wrong with our country - and probably the rest of the world as well. Since 1658 we have made a concerted effort to instill a perception of racial divides between every South . .more African. When we enforce quotas etc., we constantly tell people that they are different based on skin colour. How can anyone then expect us to see each other as equal? Correcting the wrongs of the past is a noble intent, but it does, unfortunately, compromise the future's well being. But, for all the complaining we do about it, no one has presented a more credible solution to the problem. I'm pretty sure everyone acknowledges that we do need to fix things. The debate we should be having is how do we achieve that in the best interests of all in our society? The persistent bickering between black and white and white and black is not getting us anywhere. To the whites I ask, "What have you personally done to improve a black person's life?" To the blacks I ask, "What have you personally done to improve your own life?" I think that if we could ALL truly come up with a credible answer to that, then we'd have alot less racial problems. . .less by Realist on August 14 2009, 11:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

9 9 by 9 on August 14 2009, 12:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

8 8 by 8 on August 14 2009, 12:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

8 8 by 8 on August 14 2009, 12:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Flawed Argument Your argument is fundamentally flawed. We are South Africans. If you keep on segregating people according to their skin colour there will never be true unity. Plain and simple. Judge people according to their morals and ethics not their skin colour by South African on August 14 2009, 12:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Meka Wow - Botswana 1 out 53 countries in Africa - some strike rate ...A population of 1.8mil with negative growth rate ..low crime...(they have the death penalty - you know?) One of the highest HIV infection rates in the world and an avg life . .more expectancy of 35years. But then they are an African success when coming off such a low base of comparison... . .less by AJ on August 14 2009, 12:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

you really are slow learners... really Education is your REAL problem. Somehow I don't get the impression that intellect or excellence is valued (at all) among Black African Cultures. Otherwise we would not have Outcomes Based Education. Maybe then Malema wouldn't fail woodwork and . .more actually have the intelligence to be a Cabinet Minister . .less by George on August 14 2009, 12:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Delusions Political correctness is to pretend that all races and cultures are the same. They are not. Blacks have their mistakes. Whites have theirs. Blacks have their strengths. Whites have theirs. The appointments may simply reflect this state of affairs. . .more The universe is not about sameness but about differences and finding love & harmony in those differences. . .less by Reader on August 14 2009, 12:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

you all miss the point! Sipho I agree with you to an extent. All these mlungus, who start calling you racist, complex (inferiority), who question the meaning of beng African, these guys are just scraed of 'die swart gevaar'. it's not about that, you fools! I am non-black, . .more and not once do I feel offended at the definition of African in this case. You non-black? that makes you euro-African, Asia-african, but face it clunkers you're ancestors are NOT African! let me get to the point! Go read Steve Biko's writings, and you will understand!, or maybe you'll feel threatened again, because you have a peanut brain! . .less by G on August 14 2009, 12:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ideological idiots At last it has been explained! I am white which has repeatedly been pointed out to me during the past 15 years! Before that I just considered myself a male species of the human race. As a resident of S.A. for 70 years (born here - ain't . .more going anywhere) I always thought of myself as South African and resultantly connected to Africa and even married a Kenyan lady whom I just considered to be a fantastically wonderful and beautiful person - I guess I must be colour blind, since I never look at her as black - just beautiful! So it is clearly explained now that since I am white I cannot be African, I must be a racist and that I am actually colour blind - pity I wasted my time on all those landscape paintings that people love so much! Very interesting! Thanks for putting me straight on that! Without the politicians reminding me of what and who I am, I would be totally lost! May God help us all - we are all just too stupid to see the light and understand what it is that we are actually doing, but then we can't see past our next moment of self gratification, self grandisement, self adoration or even past our noses! Self destruction is our main aim and we are on the right path! Believe it! . .less by peter on August 14 2009, 12:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Being born in a stable does not make u a horse This a quote from Mugabe responding to white people who want to claim to be African. by Gwebecimele on August 14 2009, 13:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Missing the point Most of the reader responses show they that they didn't read the article but let their fears cloud their thinking. The point is about role models and identification. At a primary level, children will identify with people who look like me, speak like . .more me, are the same colour as me. Its nothing to do with racism. He is talking about archetypes - my (white) father-in-law has a black neighbour who is a maths lecturer - it makes him uneasy - it doesn't fit with his notions of the world. The facile responses to this nuanced racial issue are depressing - one can only hope the right wing bloggers of MW are not representative . .less by Nicholas on August 14 2009, 13:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

we're all south africans ""What about Africans? How do we explain this to our children?" What the presence of minority races in an overwhelmingly black govt and society explains to our children is that we live in a democratic country that accepts that minorities . .more also have a contribution to make. It's called the new South Africa, Sipho. Interpreting the presence of a non-black person in a position of power as a statement to the effect that blacks aren't up to the task is internalised racism. Raising our children to interpret every instance in which a non-black person attains high position as a slight to all blacks and a case of someone taking "their" opportunity will only breed generations of permanently disaffected South Africans. To really overcome the injustice and evil of the past, we all have to stop being a skin colour and start being South Africans Right now, I'm more concerned about our failure to educate our children than I am about the availability of prime positions for them. Without that foundation, we'll never truly shake off our past. . .less by flim on August 14 2009, 13:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Gwebecimele But it might make u the messiah! by Nicholas on August 14 2009, 13:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

OK lets be honest It's not so much that black skinned South Africans per se can't do the "clever" jobs - it is more to do with the fact that the black skinned South Africans IN THE ANC can't do those jobs - look, if we are being honest with each other and saying . .more things as they are, then, we have to admit, the ANC black leadership are, on the whole, a rather dim bunch. Let's face it. The traditional entry qualifications into the ANC was being able to necklace people, bomb supermarkets, throw stones at Caspers, enforce stayaways with thuggery ... these are not the greatest skills for running a major economy. However, the unintelligent enjoy the ANC because many jobs are traditionally reserved for the thickos, as Julius correctly pointed out, like for example the ANC Youth Leader position - a great place to "empower" those comrades who are a bit lacking in brain cells - as long as the applicants mouth is big enough to compensate for the undersized brain, the position is pretty easy to fill. Of course, other parties, like the DA for example, are more particular in their entry requirements and require intelligence as a prerequisite to getting a leadership position. Skin colour is irrelevant. Talent and competence however are vital. So if you are looking for black skinned people in clever jobs, then the DA is probably the place to watch. . .less by Sad days on August 14 2009, 13:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Yes let ANCYL run the country's finances!!!! They've managed to 'misplace' R436Million, for which they are refusing to hold anybody accountable. Viva the very literate and eloquent village idiot Malema, viva by david on August 14 2009, 13:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To Sipho "Africans want to shape our own destiny" Go to Zimbabwe. by Theseus on August 14 2009, 13:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Appointments based on skin colour leads to disaster I think Sipho should also look at companies where CEO's were appointed based on skin colour. Look at the state that the SABC, South African Airways and Eskom are in. These companies are prime examples of appointments based on race and not on . .more competency. . .less by South African on August 14 2009, 13:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

divided we fail @Gwebecimele Who you're quoting speaks volumes. Who he was quoting is also interesting - the Duke of Wellington. The Duke always denied his Irish roots, despite being born there - and that is what he said when it was pointed out to him . .more that, having been born in Ireland made him an Irishman. Based on this thinking, isn't it time we sent all the whiteys home and all the blacks back to central Africa and leave what's left to the San? When are people going to see that the only way to arrive at the place that Sipho (and many others) wants is to actually embrace difference as normal. That way, people like Nicholas's father-in-law will be able to get past their prejudices. If we continue to divide on racial lines, somebody, somewhere will always feel excluded. I don't think we should be educating our children to need a role model who looks just like them - that only enforces stereotypes. We should be educating them to emulate and aspire to excellence - whatever the race of the practitioner. . .less by flim on August 14 2009, 13:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What does it mean to be an AFrican are black people born in europe called europeans. No!!! then y should we call whites born in africa africans. whites are not africans and will never be africans. given half a chance they run back to europe and leave this continent in the hope that . .more it will fail. . .less by True African on August 14 2009, 14:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@G The only peanut brain fool here is you.Your insults speak volumes about your defunct personality.Let me explain as simply as I can,so that your tiny brain can grasp the concept.Lets take Amsley Harriot the famous black British chef.I want you to go . .more tell him he is not British and that his kids have no right to call themselves British.The fact that his ancestors came from the islands sometime in the 1800's doesn't make him Carribean.He is a black Briton.Similarly I am a white African,but still an African,with no allegiance to any other culture exept for my South African one.Black consciousness aka Steve Biko is a whole nother subject.By the way Steve Biko never, ever stood for racial clasification. . .less by Noddy on August 14 2009, 14:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

when have whites ever been wrong? proof is in the pudding - this country got to the level where it is due to white intellegence; i dont understand why our black brothers cant have faith in white ability and listen for a change instead of messing up everything they touch purely to . .more support racist thinking... dont get clever native africans, its never worked before . .less by big blind caller on August 14 2009, 14:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

No one has thought about ZUMA In all this debate about African's and blah blah blah lets take our hats off to Mr Zuma for having the courage to appoint who he felt was right for the position. That's all that matters. Sipho for someone who hated Mbeki you sure sound alot like . .more him. Trying to fan the racial flames in this country is not helping mate. Blacks whites Indians Colourds are all good at any job. but for example there are no whites to play on the wing for he bokke at this moment in time. There are also no blacks to play lock. but there are excellent blacks to play prop and wing etc. Next season there will probably be a white wing and a black scrumhalf and so it changes. Not that we all care. All we care about is that BOKKE ARE NO 1 . So it should be the same way for SA. Everyone is good enough to work in any position its maybe just you and Malema that are too usless. . .less by Senhor on August 14 2009, 14:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Missing the point! This argument has nothing to do with Race and/or color as even Malema purport it to be. There is just one thing people should have told Malema to do, and that is to try to be the first over qualified Black minister of finance or economic development . .more (what ever he chooses to be). He said he is not rushing to be in parliament, not in the the next three elections at least. Then let him acquire a PHD in economics in the mean time before going to parliament. . .less by Example on August 14 2009, 14:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@True African. Yes true but what about Obama? Is he African can we not called European Africans? May... You see if Americans applied Mr Malema's argument then he would not be allowed to be president because it would make Whites feel bad. by Senhor on August 14 2009, 14:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Gwebecimele QUOTES THE GREAT MUGABE SO JC was not a horse!!! and MUGABE is a CATHOLIC ----shocking I say!!! by SIPHO LESS on August 14 2009, 14:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What is obvious from the above is that the new South Africa does not work Blacks hate whites and vice versa. Its like the Serbs and the Croats, the Aborigines and the White Aussies, the Palestinians and the Jews, the Basque separists in Spain, the xenophobia in our townships Nationalism is alive and Mr Mandelas . .more flawed vision of a rainbow nation will die with him-sooner rather than later. . .less by SAM on August 14 2009, 15:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Meka WOW Botswana-next door to ZIMBABWe,Swaziland Angola,Zambia,DRC,Tanzania&Kenya&Nigeria(to name but a few)-All countries destroyed by black Africans doing their own thing.All now countries with the begging bowl out to the white West.What a track . .more record. . .less by AA on August 14 2009, 15:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

It does not follow that a white guy is a genius and the black guy is stupid Gents, point is we generally have more competent black people than whites and that is a fact u need to remember. That is as much as we have more competent white guys than blacks. Now u needs to read this on the basis of having competent and able . .more guys to do the job and stop this assumption that when a black person is appointed to a position it's due to their skin complexion. . .less by ntk_999 on August 14 2009, 15:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Worried Shipo, My goodness i am very concerned about our education system if this kind of Cr#p is actually coming out of a journalists' mouth, i suppose the lecturers fled to Australia or New Zealand after being highjacked and the Dean was replaced (By . .more BEE or Affirmative action) by the garbage man who decided to strike and got a straight promotion to Dean which then left Shipo with an inferior eductaion, opnion and ego. Black Africans with your backward opinon's leave no option to move forward leave and go join your successful brothers in Rwanda or Uganda or Zim or..... Remember the white man will now start blaming us for the countries mistakes we cannot rely on Apartheid excuses anymore, get up and make it happen this is a great African Country start appreciating that as it is the only home we africans(INCLUDING White Yellow, Green, Indian) have. What did you do today Shipo to improve this country? . .less by Worried Black Dude on August 14 2009, 15:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Baloney Malema pays lip service to ideas that keep the masses duped about the real issues,.. The whites ARE the last financiers in the country?,.. He is aiming the cat at the fly on the wall whilst the Nearly not so New anymore South Africa gets . .more pillaged by his mates,.. Whilst his TRUE brothers remain slum dogs,.. Lets not dither about intellectual chit chat,.. When the whites are finally gone,. as in Zim,.. there will be no place for the lower class black folks to hide,.. Their rulers will be unmasked and hungrier than ever before,. ask ol Bob,... Note again,.. Who is Malemas puppet master?,.. and the Author of this article?,.. So foolish that we all play shell games until the last shell exposed for what it is,.. Fresh Air,.. Pity the Journalism n this site is so vanguard,.. One obviously has to be quite slim to see who's Van they are Guarding,.. . .less by Butcher Block,.. on August 14 2009, 15:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tickets are stii available To all whites who always complain about the situation in this country, why dont you just follow the bunch and go to Australia or New Zealand and leave us in peace. You are not chained to this country. by Tom on August 14 2009, 15:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I think Bullard's Sunday Times article which got him into the dwang with some..... and made him a hero with others is the most appropriate reference to this article of Sipho. What really would have happenned to this country without the arrival of the colonists? Couldn't have said it better myself. by historical Imperative on August 14 2009, 16:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

So OBAMA should never be Prez of the USA. Whites conquered the US, whites built it (of course we will never stop hearing about slavery 'which built the US')....this only made up a small % of the workforce, and today US blacks from their constant guilt complex have managed to have black only . .more colleges, neighbourhoods, college funds, aid, opportunities (it's never enough for them either) and whites are always deemed racist too! (College professor....white cop). So where does it end? If blacks are really so upset by this, and it doesn't bother them that Zim was managed the same way, then pay whites (all whites/minorities in SA) their airline tickets, give them their values in their companies stock/life insurance/houses, pay for resettlement fees and help- them emigrate elsewhere. Blacks living in the US/EU/Canada etc (about the same population size as the whole of SA and more must then come back to Africa). Stop blaming slavery for their forced removal, their chiefs themselves sold most of them! Why do blacks always whine and complain/blame others about their state? They ruined IMBABWE, NOT THE WHITES. Look at economic figures. . .less by Lionel Luthor on August 14 2009, 16:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tom - you must have a very thick skin. Don't you know when you've overstayed your welcome. In the new SA don't you understand, they want the whites out. Ask all those who have had loved ones murdered - very like the border wars of the 1800's all over again Or perhaps you'll be put in the . .more pot for a nice stew! Get the message? . .less by Martin on August 14 2009, 16:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Ho ho ho. If politicians were important blacks would not be doing it! Apartheid's great sin was to destroy respect for citizens of our nation. Without respect for citizenship, for work and for the gift of talent, racism can actuallybe written about and South Africans actually read the drivel. The hard truth is that . .more we all make valuable contributions and some contribute a lot more than others. It is the empty vessels that make all the noise. You were born here, you lie here, you work here you are one of us. We will defend you from abuse by anyone - and that includes a racist government. . .less by Free the Rest on August 14 2009, 17:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Representivity. Apart from the obvious retort that Mboweni and Mbeki who, together with the not white Trevor Manuel, have been running our economy, are black, Malema should be tackling Zuma on why no whites are in the key security area. On the one hand, . .more anyone drawing racial stereotypes from the performance of ministers would, judging by Alec Irwin, Kortbroek van Skulkwyk, Ronnie Kasrils and Jeremy Cronin, conclude that all whites are retarded. On the other hand, it's up to leaders like Malema to provide role models of intelligent black leadership [ROTFL at thought of JuJube acting intelligent] for the young. . .less by Racist = 1 who disagrees with the ANC on August 14 2009, 20:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

julius malema well said politicant - hit the nail right on the head - minorities are only here at the best of the majority race group - and as sure as hell they would like to see the backsides of all of us minority types by observer on August 14 2009, 21:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

sipho who in his right mind would want to be an African - I am European in murg en been, my culture tells me so - I will never be an African because I don't behave like one, other than in the basics of being a human by observer on August 14 2009, 21:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Just you mob wait. A lecturer friend tells me that in medical school the class of doctors scores a lower average in tests when compared to the class of physiotherapists. Obviously when they write the same test which does happen on occasion. Guess what? The policy of giving previously disadvantaged individuals preference over the . .more best candidates is now resulting in the dumber kids getting into medical school. While those that still hope to help others, are the brightest around and are prepared to study their second choice subject. In a decade or two's time we're going to be treated by doctors who were not the best candidates for medical school! Now there's a scary thought. Think about it, if its possible, Julius - your kids (if you ever get round to fathering any as opposed to just siring them) are likely to be treated by doctors who weren't the sharpest knives in the drawer. . .less by Henry Higgins on August 14 2009, 23:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I say bring back the pencil test The ANC are so very determined to label and define people by their skin colour ... however it can be so confusing as to what box to put the different people into without any official guidelines. We stupidly abandoned the excellent system the . .more apartheid government had that could evaluate the correct race to label people based on their physical characteristics. If the ANC refuses to let go of this whole race thing then they really must reinstate these race classification laws. At least then we will know where we stand without any confusion ... and ANC politicians won't have to continue with the charade of pretending to be non racist. . .less by Sad days on August 15 2009, 00:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@G You are a fool!!! Mankind originates from Africa you IDIOT, so yes, our ancestors are from Africa, and, yes, on that standard, we are AFRICAN!! So GFY, and try again! by Rogi on August 15 2009, 06:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Rogi It is obvious that you do not share the thoughts of your peers, viz. Africa is the cradle to mankind, therefore yours peers must also agree that the worlds population have their roots in Africa, consequently they must all be African! Suck on that my . .more bru!!! . .less by Sipho se Roer on August 15 2009, 12:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bantuheid is here to stay We are seeing that racism is more intense than in the apartheid period. by Ed on August 15 2009, 16:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

And so it begins The new racism is coming out into the open. by Tid on August 15 2009, 18:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

THE SIMPLE TRUTH Sipho you must have brought up a hot topic judging by the responses. I for one have come to the realisation that the melanin content of my skin has nothing whatsoever to do with my bearing in life. The direction that I am heading is a very clear . .more result of the decisions (which one can control) that I have made and the upbringing (which one cannot control) I have had... simple but true, for everyone. . .less by James on August 15 2009, 20:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sipho se Roer What my peers agree with and don't is irrelevant whn it comes to facts. Whoever does not agree with the finding that Africa is the craddle of human kind is either an idiot (for eg, Sipho, Julius, you, "my peers",etc), or must provide evidence . .more proving otherwise (got any?). So GFY as well. . .less by Rogi on August 16 2009, 07:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A dream gone wrong? I wonder how this debate sits with Manuel et al. The coloured and Indian UDF/MDM and other people who thought they were fighting for non-racism and human rights, were actually "useful idiots" who have experienced 20 years of freedom only . .more to become part of a derided and soon-to-be marginalised "minority". The writing was on the wall during the xenophobic attacks last year. The minority technocrats and the non-racialists within the tripartite alliance will now have to either exert their influence (while it lasts) to end this debate, or risk finding that the only thing worse than racist and oppressive minority rule is racist and oppressive majority rule. . .less by Go on August 16 2009, 10:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Political correctness Racists and right wingers the world over have always portrayed themselves as fighting against Political Correctness when they vent their bile. SA's nativists are true to form. by Bemused on August 16 2009, 22:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

African? Being Black doesnt make you african, P****. As for Malema he is just a bald headed dipshit, that has far to much attention and media coverage. The ANC needs to put that dog down. by MIghty on August 17 2009, 08:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Malema missing the point It is almost funny to see how people like Sipho is going down the path that the Afrikaners did without realising it. Malema doesn't talk about who is best suited for the job. He talks only about not having blacks in key positions. The problem . .more with this is that he can't use past injustices as an excuse because the minorities he is in effect wanting to take out of key positions was also held back under apartheid. This is racism. He gets away with racism against whites because of previous injustices but surely it is plain for all to see that these comments are racist? First it was all previously disadvantaged people must be helped now it is all previously disadvantaged people of the right collour and right connections must get ahead. . .less by aajj on August 17 2009, 09:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

If Africans want to shape their own destiny .. why did they call for a unified non racial society. Why do they want to shape my future as well? It seems to me that apartheid is what they want, but without recognising the rights of other tribes? What was therefore wrong with the idea of them . .more developing and shaping separate states in a confederal dispensation? Honest apartheid that recognisis the history and rights of others. At least the nats allowed for that in their idiology! . .less by Bogus Liberty on August 17 2009, 09:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

SIPHO MY BOY GOOD ARTICLE TO GET YOUR RATINGS UP, BUT YOU KNOW YOU ARE TALKING CR#P. THIS IS A RAINBOW NATION. NOT YOU NOR ANY MALEMA WILL CHANGE THAT. by JAY NAIDOO on August 17 2009, 12:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Young people may not understand this, but... We don't need to be guided by racist ideologies, no matter how they are dressed up. Let's try to maximise our resources by choosing the best person for the job, no matter what their colour. Then we can be truly proud of those who have earned the . .more right to hold the top positions. Until then, we should not patronise people of any race group by appointing them to positions for which they are not best suited. . .less by Simplistic on August 17 2009, 12:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Sipho Not ur best work Sipho. First take out the minorities, then start with tribalism. Recall Riwanda?? Guess where I'm going with this. You get what u wish for, hopefully not in my lifetime. by KG on August 17 2009, 16:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Glad to be White I'm really grateful I wasn't born Black - what an incredible disadvantaged start to life that would have been. I'm definitely not an African - that would explain why I handle life so much better than 99% of Blacks. I like living . .more here - it's so easy to rise above the useless uncompetitive majority - I can make a living here with one hand tied behind my back. Imagine I found myself in China - man o man, those Chinese would outstudy, outwork and outsmart me in a heartbeat, I would probably end up on the streets with a begging bowl. Julius must get incompetent Blacks into power, I like it because I'll swim like a shark amongst them, taking nice fat bites at my leisure. Bring on the chaos Julius, so that I may prosper. . .less by Andy on August 17 2009, 18:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Motives @Go: The idea that the minority ministers have any say in the debate is laughable. It is quite likely that they were excluded- and that says a lot about the nature of this so-called debate in the first place. Also it is interesting to . .more speculate what the motives are behind this. Are these ministers blocking some misguided scheme that will drain the fiscus and wreck the economy? Is it their stance against corruption, as has been suggested in other places? Is it pure racism -remember that affirmative action and BEE, whatever your opionions thereof- are justified as righting the wrongs of the past, while this debate is openly about racial bean counting for its own sake, in the finest Apartheid tradition. . .less by Red on August 17 2009, 19:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Malema Delemma Julius Malema shoots from the hip. It is difficult to fathom what he is crowing about. His knee jerk type comments almost gives one the impression that has just woken up from a bad dream and is still cursing his demons. One wants to say. No Julius . .more wake up Apartheid is over it ended in 1994. It is now 2009. It is Ok now. Yes there are some white people in government, but its Ok. Here have some coffee and cheer up. - Unless of course he would prefer a government without any white faces, but then he is in the wrong party, and he would know that. So in trying to make sense of his vitriol, us lighter people would humbly have to ask. 1)Dear Mr Malema What skin tones would you prefer for what portfolios? - Hey that sounds like Apartheid - more coffee please. . .less by Student on August 17 2009, 19:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sipho..dear Sipho Sipho, you write well. No spelling mistakes. The grammer seems to be correct. Your sentence construction looks solid, succint and to the point. How is it that such a tortured, convoluted mind such as yours can appear so rational on paper? . .more Or did someone else write it for you..... . .less by Hiccup on August 17 2009, 21:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Shape your destiny??? The only way you are going to shape your own destiny is by making SA an experiment of your particular brand of racism and stupidity, and then having to trawl the corridors of the |United Nations looking for handouts from rich (white) countries. . .more Face it Sipho, Africa does not have a great track record in "shaping its own destiny". What makes you think you can do any better, especially with retards like Malema seemingly able to convince you that he has anything sensible to say. . .less by ohpis on August 17 2009, 21:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ostrich syndrome is dangerous Clearly there is a lot of denial about the potency and realism of the ticking race time-bomb. Slanging the writer does not remove the issue. Whether one is of native African descent, Native European, Native Asian or in between, the sooner attitudes . .more are realistic and progressive the better. A lot of the above ranting misses the point, which is "If you live in SA and you are not Native African U HAVE A PROBLEM and its a ticking BLACK bomb which is being fuelled by denialism that SA is an African country with more African Natives than any other people and where one cannot simply ignore, argue or rationalize their issues away if one intends to stay in the same space." One has to play the game that works for them too or else BOOM! If u cant be part of a solution and insist on your denialism get out of SA. . .less by Toni on August 18 2009, 01:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The wheel turns "But let's face it, Africans want to shape their own destiny." Verwoerd would have been so proud... by Timmy on August 19 2009, 09:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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