Michael Waddacor ponders SA’s low-road outlook.

This is the first of a two-part column...

JOHANNESBURG - The low road spiralling down into a dystopian nightmare is one of two extreme scenarios in store for South Africa.

This is frighteningly possible, especially if the African National Congress (ANC) gathers power exponentially with each successive general election. Given some of the scary opinions, ridiculous acts and absurd values expressed by members of the ANC and its obstreperous Yoof Leeg, one can't help drawing parallels between the ruling party's elite and their comrade north of the Limpopo in his presidential palace.

Let's not forget two crucial, but conveniently abandoned precepts Robert Mugabe espoused in 1980: "reconciliation" and "pragmatism". Nowhere else in the world today can any head of state hope to make greater mockery of these two sacrosanct principles. Despite having a few university degrees, Mugabe and his tyrannical troop believe Zimbabwe is an "emancipated democracy". The ANC continues to serenade him as a "great African liberator", which is deeply worrying because it smacks of a desire to emulate Comrade Bob.

It might not be too long before our leaders conveniently forget our intricate political negotiations of 1993 and the subsequent formation of a government of national unity a year later. Many of our elected parliamentarians cloister ambitions to rewrite our constitution and promulgate draconian laws.

When the ruling party's slow-dancing with its alliance sweethearts, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party, one senses it's capable of introducing greater censorship (including media oppression), police-state authoritarianism (meaning greater police brutality and detention without trial) and nationalisation of land, mines and businesses (meaning drastically poorer national productivity, wealth generation, innovation and job creation).

Blacklash Syndrome

The poignant sight of an inconsolable Desmond Tutu at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings stirred our nation a few years ago. Because of Tutu, many of us not only plumbed a greater depth of our common humanity, but also reminded ourselves how deeply shameful and hurtful much of our history has been since 1652. The dehumanising policies of apartheid were despicable. The resulting hurt and hatred will take generations to transmute into forgiveness and acceptance.

Many humans find it difficult to forgive. In the case of the ANC and many black folk, the onerous journey towards absolution and reconciliation makes them vulnerable to the pitfalls of self-interest, resentment, blame, vindictiveness and persecution. In their case, it could swell into an unwieldy Blacklash Syndrome epitomised by dastardly deeds to disempower and marginalise white South Africans, many of whom already feel wholly disenfranchised.

Logically, the next step on the road to perdition is to continue disintegrating white economic power. Whites still bare the brunt of the tax burden, so why not tax them further. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan recently proposed this punitive notion. While Gordhan didn't single out whites, it's axiomatic that additional taxes will mostly drain overburdened middle-class whites, many of whom could be destined to fall into the underclass.

As the ANC government's totalitarian surge gathers momentum, it'll be happy to steal additional productive farmland from hardworking farmers. Similarly, the government will seize profitable mining houses and strategic companies like Sasol, which help to secure our energy independence and sizeable inflows of export revenues. At best, it'll insist on 50:50 state-private sector partnerships, provided the regime can appoint directors and mastermind business strategies.

Rising unemployment
One illogical political intervention and one crippling statute after another, the ANC will steer South Africa progressively deeper into political and economic realms more frightening than purgatory. As unemployment approaches 60%-70% (rather than the current 25%-40%), the regime will relax education standards and allow poorly skilled teachers to run (down) our classrooms. Our already ailing state healthcare system will collapse, as will most of our education, correctional and welfare systems.

Eskom might plunder us into greater spells of darkness (assuming we can afford its stratospheric tariffs), while irreparable and abandoned Transnet locomotives will choke our vital export lines to Richards Bay, Durban and Cape Town. Many of our parastatals already are in disarray and at risk of slumping deeper into executive mismanagement and plundering.

Before long, the state coffers will slowly diminish, especially if the ruling elite can't halt the ever-expanding gravy train. Minister Trevor Manuel was smug about buying a R1.2m BMW, despite our president tasking him to reinvigorate the government's sluggish delivery programme. In a potential dystopian scenario, one can only imagine True Loverman will be more passionate about delivering a better class of ministerial wheels to his comrades. If South Africa is a bottomless pit, why didn't he extend himself by procuring something more ministerial like a Bentley or Maybach?

While Jay-Zee and his accountability-exempt Blingmeisters take chauffeur-driven rides in bulletproof cars worth more than R3m and each spend R1m a year on personal protection and a few bars on home renovations, state pensions and grants will diminish, as will poor black and white communities' hopes of having basic services, part-time employment and modest housing. If you think today's crime's petrifying, greater unemployment, poverty and resentment will make Gotham City pale into insignificance compared with our cities.

Suppressing artists

We'll see increasing poverty in our arts and on our sport fields. Not every artist is a Van Gogh or Plath, able to thrive on suicidal inclinations, so increasing individual and collective angst and depression will extinguish much of our creative spirit. For those courageous enough to muster the creative and political might, their works will be grimmer and at great risk of being destroyed by politburo thugs.

Political tyranny and economic atrophy inevitably trigger greater environmental abuse. Despite the hot air about to envelope Copenhagen, our Blingmeisters will renege on their commitments to reduce our contributions to global greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Like Eastern European factories and mines during the Cold War, our industries will be free to pollute our precious soil, water and atmosphere.

Hungry poachers will slaughter large amounts of wildlife. Food- and energy-deprived rural communities will cut down greater amounts of trees, which we need to process some of our carbon-dioxide emissions. Poorer rural folk will fell trees to use as firewood and earn meagre income from city folk who can't afford solar heating panels or Eskom tariffs.

In this scenario, we'll have written our own disquieting requiem, The Wasteland. Besides the politburo elite and a few conniving capitalists, who'll evade the regime's radar scans, we'll be impoverished, impotent and immobilised without foreign tourists arriving to read the "Welcome to Dystopia" signs rendered in all 11 official languages (assuming there's an equivalent of the D-word in Pedi).

For a more cheerful view, read about South Africa's high-road scenario next Friday.

*Michael Waddacor is a writer and music critic.

COMMENTS

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responses to this article

Drivel What a load of negative drivel. Stick to being a music critic and preferably not in SA. by Graham Bray on November 20 2009, 06:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Next week's counterpoint What you just described has happened repeatedly in almost all other "emancipated" African countries, so it is within the realm of reality. Now NEXT WEEK's positive slant will be pure fantasy! by Darwin's Sock on November 20 2009, 06:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nice scenario. Maybe you should have put the "next week" high road scenario plan statement at the front instead of the end for those who do not read to the end. If all the things you mentioned became true then SA would truly be a part of the BRIC . .more hopefuls. Because for those who take the time to look, you will find all you name in the article omnipresent in China, Brazil, Russia and in some aspects India. So for those who wanted SA to be more like China and India welcome to your nirvana. P.S its not too late to change your mind. . .less by . on November 20 2009, 06:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT MICHAEL! Zuma/ANC is simply being a true native in his own experience of the world as percieved by the African. Why should this country be any different to the other basket cases on the continent? To run a country well requires application and . .more great skills, neither of which have too much appeal the the ANCYL. So, it's down the toilet for all of us, barring the fat cats in the ANC/COSATU/SACP/ESKOM junta of course. . .less by ER on November 20 2009, 06:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mediocrity Assuming the high road is the opposite and the 'possible' road somewhere in between, not much will actually change, except that it will become abundantly clear to outsiders that South Africa has chosen mediocrity over excellence. And that's almost . .more like choosing to finish second. Nobody's interested in and everybody forgets who finished second. I fear that South Africa's unequalled entitlement culture has lead it down the wrong path, the path to mediocrity. . .less by Taxpayer on November 20 2009, 07:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The signs are there Seeing them is a problem for blinkered souls. Come and soak up the sun in Jhb by the sea! by Perth on November 20 2009, 07:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Power and Greed Well done uncle Bob up North. George Bush & Tony Blair plotting regime change in Zimbabwe, Iraq, Afghanistan through the likes of Simon Mann & Thatcher are exposed. So the African lion is looking worse for wear for the confrontation but he still . .more lives to fight another day! Tony Blair will long be remembered for blocking the arms probe in typical British hypocrisy. Viva Africa... . .less by Graham on November 20 2009, 08:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

South Africa appropriately named Agreed. While SA profesesses to be democratic, it's actions are thin on the ground. Witness its support of that Mugabe idiot. If it weren't for the ANC, he would have been long gone. Where is South Africa's support of the Zimbabwean people? The . .more truth is the ANC couldn't give a fig. It all started with that magnificent leader Thabo Mbeki. South Africa is appropriately named - a country that's going south in almost every sphere. . .less by Gerald on November 20 2009, 08:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Agree with Graham Bray Michael you will think yourself into a deep dark depression if you continue with this. The fact is South Africa has a way of surprising people e.g. look how Cosatu recently backed Godsell. Also look at the two 180 degree turns which Malema made . .more with both Prof Jansen and Nedbank. I am not disputing that we have problems but the fact is that many white South Africans have a very high standard of living. You can go and live in Switzerland or Amsterdam in a 150m flat. You won't have a domestic to look after the kids /clean the house and you wont drink as much wine and eat "braaivleis" plus the weather is C***. There are pro's and con's to everything. . .less by Sir August de Winter on November 20 2009, 08:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

miss you already... OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT STATION (GPS: S:26°07.976' E: 028°13.894') by phill on November 20 2009, 09:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Graham Bray I wholeheartedly agree. Half the problem with our country is all the negative sentiment being thrown about. We are a nation of survivors, we are different to other failed African states. by Home is where the heart is on November 20 2009, 09:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

There are many great South Africans out there Unfortunately they are not in the ANC. With mindless idiots running the show, the above scenario is very feasible. Fortunately there is hope. The DA are doing incredible things and have amazing, problem solving, dynamic people who have a . .more dream ... and they are led by a leader who is one of the world's great leaders today. All that is needed is for enough people to open their eyes and realise where the ANC are taking us and then put their energies into helping the people who are fighting for the great SA that we all deserve and believed we were getting 16 ears ago. This is the dream that stops me from abandoning hope and packing my bags. If enough butterflies join in and flap their wings, a political hurricane could happen in this country. . .less by Sad days on November 20 2009, 09:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Graham Bray and Sir August Graham you are displaying that irritating South African trait of playing the man not the ball. If you feel the article is drivel then come up with counterpoints rather then snide attempts at character assassination. Sir August if you feel that . .more Malema's recent 180 degree turns are cause for hope then you are in for a shock. The man is on a power trip and will do and say whatever it takes to achieve his aims. Not the kind of person I would want in charge. As for Cosatu backing Godsell I agree that on the face it appears hopeful but is an isolated example and has been described by some as part of a power play within the tripartite alliance. . .less by Durban Dave on November 20 2009, 10:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dystopia I clack skulls with Clicky-Ba! Excellent article...and perhaps, though hopefully not, too far from the truth. Read the low road scenario in "the Dinokeng Scenarios" for a similar type of projection The harsh fact of the matter . .more is that we do seem to be treading a well-trodden path. We don't seem to learn (or want to learn) from the lesson of African history. Ironically, most African countries are now picking themselves up, dusting themselves off and are growing nicely.They've been down that path, seen that it doesn't work and have jettisoned the ideals attached to it. Why on earth do we have to make the same mistakes? . .less by The Wolf of Kabul on November 20 2009, 10:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This will always be home... go have a barbie and enjoy the african weather. stay away from these computers and some self centered columnist. 1 is not equal to 10 by chillin on November 20 2009, 10:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I absolutely agree that the ANC is capable of this and that this could happen if voters let it happen. The ANC today is a scary alternative to the benevolent, reconciliatory ANC of 1994. What I liked best about the ANC in 1994 is that they passed such sensible laws. . .more The previous two decades of Nationalist rule were exemplified by each terrible law they passed and the manipulating of Parliament, and even when there was no politicical overtone, the laws were simply illogical. I could not relate to any of it. With the ANC in 1994 there was a breath of reason...but alas, it did not last. These days, sadly, when I read in the papers about proposed laws, actions in parliament, appointment of cadres, we have reverted to very similar attitudes to the Nationalist govt pre1994, and just as racist, for which I am as ashamed I was of the racist Nationalists pre1994. We must get the ANC out to save South Africa! . .less by Al on November 20 2009, 10:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Home is where the heart is So what makes us different? by robericom on November 20 2009, 10:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Al ANC in 94 had great sound bites, Mandela done great, Mbeki was an absolute disaster and the deliberate misinterpretation of policy in the practical application of BEE/AA led to the erosion of institutions and continuation of crony capitalism that . .more has the potential to lead to this low road scenario outlined in the authors article. Fortunately it takes a thief to catch a thief and the election of Zuma and his purge of Mbeki supporters from institutions and boardrooms will help clean up Dodge. It may not attain the ideals in next weeks high road scenario but its progress. Shoot to kill is a useful policy to protect South Africans from criminals, now only if they would grant that same policy to the Competition Commission then SA would clean up rather quickly and nicely. . .less by . on November 20 2009, 10:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC / Bob Its quite scary what some will do to hang on to power. In Zimbobwe, Bob played his last card, i.e. take the land and" give it to the people", which of course never happened. It was the white farmers that had fed the Country and earned foreign . .more exchange for the first 20 years of Independance, now - nothing. What wil the ANC do (apart fro the present destruction) if its grip on power subsides - if any opposition party can gets its house in oreder ? Helen would do a great job - but that will be a bridge too far for the average ANC supporter. . .less by Taffy Dee on November 20 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nothing to fear but fear itself... To carry out the kind of atrocities that Mad Bob and most of his African colleagues carried out, requires a functioning and competent army and police. Our police and army are so pathetic that they will strike instead of carrying out the master's . .more orders. Don't be intimidated by all the blue light brigades roaming around, pretending to protect the so called VIPs, like Malema and co. Should some madman start shooting at these VIPs, they'll run away. They remind me of the Zairean army. . .less by David on November 20 2009, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bad hair day? Did you have a bad hair day Michael? There isn't a country in the world that doesn't have it's warts and blisters. The so-called leaders ( USA, UK, France, Italy, India, China....etc etc) all have their sex scandals and share of . .more fraudulent activities. So what do you think makes SA any different? The majority of South Africans are good people. It's just a few who spoil it for the majority. Its a great pity that the majority don't get themselves heard......Who said democracy is about the people, for the people, by the people? Democracy is a place in cloud cuckoo land! Michael, rather focus on the good things about this country. You will find that they really do out-number the C***** stuff!! Hope you have a better day....Its so much more fun... . .less by Devil's Advocate on November 20 2009, 10:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Appeal from the ANC in 20 years time One of two scenarios will happen in 20 years time. The ANC will write a letter to white South Africans: "Dear White South Africans, We made a mistake. We were young and inexperienced in the ways of running a . .more country with such splendid infrastructure. We put the need to balance society ahead of the need to provide economic opportunity for all. The result is that we have black managers in every post but highly uncompetitive companies, poor educational systems and an unemployment rate that is unparalleled - even in Africa. The few black africans that made considerable weath (at the expense of the general population) through corruption, AA, BBBEE, have now lost most of it. We desparately need your skills to restore our infrastructure and advance our society. We are sorry (but now we're even hey?). Please come back home." OR "Dear White South Africans, Your failure to embrace the new south africa, is the reason our country has failed. You have plundered all our wealth and left our shores. Our inability to maintain basic power-supply, educate the population, and attract foreign investment is because of your negativity and unwillingness to support skills transfer. We urge you to come back and make a meaningful contribution to your country. Affirmative action and BEE are no longer. Please, your country needs you" . .less by Justin on November 20 2009, 10:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

FOOLS PARADISE THE CHAIRMAN HAS SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD OF CITIZENS HIS DYSTOPIAN STRATEGY. THE CEO WILL RESPOND PRETTY SOON WITH HIS OWN VERSION STRATEGY BASED ON "EVERYTHING IS ABOUT RACE IN SOUTH AFRICA" BLACK ALOOTA AND WHITE WHINGEING . .more CONTINUES... YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS PLACE . .less by CHENEYBUSH on November 20 2009, 10:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

A Definite Possibility Definitely possible scenario. Very clearly sketched out. My own calculations of this scenario is to arrive around 2018-2023. Although one should look at both extremes, but assume usually that reality more often ends up in the middle . .more rather than at the extremes. However, the problem in SA is the people. Its the insatiable appetite of the masses who have no regard for whom must fullfill their desires. There doesn't appear to be a collective spirit of - I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I HAVE. I HAVE TO CREATE MY OWN LUCK. Instead, the white people took it from me is a common perception. Whether true or not, redistributing white wealth will not make a dent in the needs of the black masses. Wealth redistribution always ends up as WEALTH DESTRUCTION. . .less by Capitalist on November 20 2009, 10:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Get a life ! If you are going to contribute. Contribute in a positive, problem solving way ! by Pragmatist on November 20 2009, 11:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Should have left a time ago This whiner should have left way back in the 80's.Packing to Perth ... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LEAVE,nobody is holding you back and take the thousands of whiners with you.No we will not starve.... by Zoro on November 20 2009, 11:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

New home How about put some of our government official in Zimbabwe for a month. A salary equal to a politician of ZIM. Lets see what they think of the situation and if this is where they want us to be. by Zodiac on November 20 2009, 11:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Durban Dave Oh its OK to character assasinate Julius Malema. Strange double standards you have. I wonder how much you have done to improve the situation. Every little bit helps and every negative comment is a step backwards.This is still by far the best country . .more in the world to live in and there are some very positive developements you just have to open up your mind and your eyes. . .less by Graham Bray on November 20 2009, 12:02 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This was all unfathomable a year ago Suddenly in the last 6 months, most of the ideas mentioned in this article have been spewed forth by our worldclass politicians who understand the concept of buying the blue collar voter. by Brian on November 20 2009, 12:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

THE FACTS ARE BRUTAL How can you deny what has been written. As a white I feel marginalised every day with the lawlesness on the roads and all the corruption stories in the media. IT IS TIME TO LEAVE, there is no future for our childern in a country where we get NOTHING . .more for our tax and still have to live in homes that look like prisons.... UK, AUSTRALIA, CANADA where ever just not where this country will be in 5 years time. . .less by Mr G on November 20 2009, 12:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Stay positive in the face of recession The harbingers of doom should quieten down. The years of plenty disintegrated into the years of famine and all of the troubles surfaced. Curb the lifestyle that we used to be able to afford, what are you crazy!?! Personally, have you had to cut . .more down on shopping and dining out? How did that make you feel? It's the same thing, just on a grander scale. The change required to change this level of thinking - understanding and growing with the change - takes time. The level of integrated thinking required to bring this all together isn't there in the current government but we owe it to the country to give the government a chance. One proviso though, Julius really needs to go to university and get a real education. . .less by M on November 20 2009, 12:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

by Graham Bray A 'Graham Bray ' on Linkedin (Just google Graham Blay) includes the SADF - Intelligence Corps as part of his education, and although includes Wits Hotel School as another alama mater, now appears to reside in Peterborough England. Is this the same . .more person! Fine to criticise from afar, quite scary if you live here! . .less by unemployed senior citizen on November 20 2009, 12:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Greenhouse gas emission? puhleeze What the heck has greenhouse gas emissions got to do with the ANC's overall incompetence? Anthropogenic climate change is the biggest scientific fraud since the flat earthers in the dark ages. There is no proof that mans CO2 . .more contribution (3% of the global flux) has any effect on the climate! SA needs to burn fossil fuels to develop and grow. . .less by Lord Max Master of iInfinity on November 20 2009, 13:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

jackp27@webmail.co.za i dont know which is scarier...this "potential" reality or the number of people who say easily believe it will happen! by jackp on November 20 2009, 13:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ unemployed senior citizen Shame you are bored. Why would I say this is the best country to live and then live in the UK. Live very happily in Johannesburg and plan to stay here and try and make a difference. In retrospect I can only think that article was written 'tongue in . .more cheek' and look forward to the high ground article next week. . .less by Graham Bray on November 20 2009, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Do you really think an article on your personal fears even if shared by many HAS ANY MERIT. The same is true for your high road. Please let these gather internet dust. They do not ADD anything to our reality testing and only drive more South Africans into cloud cuckoo land. In this country it is hard to keep your skeg in . .more the real wave of life. Anything that helps us do that has merit. So go an figure this weekend. Reflecting fact and the pattern of fact is useful - not droning on with your conclusions. RSA is an experiement in motion. Survival this month is slightly different to last month. Show it. . .less by Free the REst, please on November 20 2009, 13:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Repatriation Michael, I have one word for you and others like you 'Repatriation'. Go back to Europe, you are free to do so. Leave us be as Africans to run our continent as we feel content to do so. Your presence in our ancestral lands exacerbates the problem . .more and it has always been a problem since you set foot on it. I am initiating a campaign for relocating all whites in Africa to their native Europe, who is first?.. and please no insulting comments because you know I am right. . .less by Boere Basher on November 20 2009, 13:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

TO Boere Basher - WAKE UP Just remeber the infrstructure, companies like Sasol, Denel, Koeburg and the likes were invented by whites and built by black poeple, so we all have made an effort to get south africa to where it is no ONE person like yourself has more rights than . .more the rest of us.. GO AHEAD and live in ignorance, see how well of your children and grandchildred will be with thinking like that. America, UK Canada, and most of Europe's population live above the poverty line and get value for thier tax money, proper education and health. WAKE UP BRU this "AFRICAN SOLUTION FOR AFRICAN PROBLEM" is total BULL. Role model the leaders in the world and get it right the first time. . .less by Mr G on November 20 2009, 14:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@BOERE BASHER Moron - this is not your continent. Go back to west Africa where your ancesters oosed from in the late 1500's. When the Dutch got to the Cape you lot were still north of the Limpopo. The only people here were the San. My ancesters were living in the . .more Cape since 1886. Watch out that you don't get bashed. We did it before at Bloedrivier... . .less by SP on November 20 2009, 14:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

it is e buggard ...Boere Basher...with out us you will end up as your comrades north of Beit... where their lands are left muntu lated. by Ebagum on November 20 2009, 14:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@boere-basher "run the continent"- you lot are tooo funny,- you couldn't run a bath,( for that matter you wouldn't know what a bath was, judging by that 'interesting' odour peculiar to some of your comrades. We've tolerated your childish nonsense in our . .more country for long enough now. Julle moet nou stil bly of ons stuur julle terug Congo toe- julle kan mekaar daar op-kap en op-vreet. Read up a bit on Blood river,- it may temper your mindless bravado. . .less by Pioneer on November 20 2009, 15:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Graham Bray again Graham to character assassinate Julius he'd have to have character for me to assassinate... by Durban Dave on November 20 2009, 15:37 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Pioneer Ja jong, hulle kop nie so lekker nie, hy moet kom... dan sal ons dans! by Grif on November 20 2009, 15:53 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boere Basher My white ancestors arrived here in 1822. Show me one shred of proof that your ancestors were here before them. The only non whites here at that stage were the San people. Your people were busy running south to escape your enemies and slave traders, . .more who were often blacks. Now you follow the whites at every chance you get. . .less by MBB on November 20 2009, 15:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Your time is Up Yes,The time has come,.. Are you scared? Is your face becoming more pale? We, the rightful owners and custodians of our ancestral lands, hereby lay claim to it and those who oppose us will feel full force our might. We will appropriate with force . .more when necessary and we would let those that respect our might to go pack their belongs and go where they came from..but please leave all the accumulated wealth that you have stolen over the centuries. You robbers of humanity. You international thieves. . .less by Boere Basher on November 20 2009, 16:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Boere Basher I'll move provided you hand the place back to the Koisan and relocate back to Matabeleland. by Punked on November 20 2009, 16:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Punked - You need a history lesson Your perception and interpretation of history is clouded and distorted by your genocidal amnesia that has conveniently indoctrinated your people's mentality over the centuries. You, pale face, wiped out, raped and drove out the San nation from these . .more shores. You, pig, stole their land. Now let me teach a history lesson. I know this because I am a descendent of those people. Stop fooling yourselves white folks, your quest to indigenise yourself holds no substance. You are descendent of European rejects and misfits, that is what you are. You are no African. Hence you have no claim to this land. Go Home. . .less by Boere Basher on November 20 2009, 18:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The solution The solution is simple - don't vote for the ANC. Fools like Boere Basher, should they get their way, will ultimately reap what they sow. Unfortunately they're unaware of what it is they wish to sow. They believe that because some things . .more were taken, everything belongs to them, regardless of whether that's true or not. They believe that if someone writes a book on paper they own then the book belongs to them, not to the author. They're so shortsighted that all they can see is revenge. They're so blinded by it they don't realise that the sweetness will be shortlived as what they've "taken back" runs out with few now producing as everyone continues to believe they're entitled to handouts. I'm all for restitution, but retribution won't create anything lasting. Ultimately they'll be trying to enjoy their self-righteous smugness to drown out the horror of the continuing poverty they thought their revenge would destroy. How do I know this? Because this is exactly the idea that was turned into action in Zimbabwe and it's going to take years and lots of money and help from other countries to sort out. I'm not scared by the idea that people like Boere Basher exist, I just find it really sad that they're so keen to destroy the country in their quest for revenge. . .less by CTheB on November 20 2009, 18:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Punked Yep, it's ironic that it's ok for some to slaughter and steal land. That's no excuse for apartheid, but the hypocrisy does make one laugh. by CTheB on November 20 2009, 18:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@VTheB I for one don't want to own or enjoy anything built by white supremacy. I don't consider the so called development of this country as gains for indigenous folk. The vast of majority of our people have no access to these developments as they linger . .more in absolute poverty that they inherited from colonial and imperial domination and exacerbated by apartheid. You, white supremacists have enjoyed your so called wealth because of our people's poverty. If you think the Zimbabwe crisis is a sufficient deterrent for us to pursue what is our morally and historically obligation, you have another thing coming. It does not threaten or intimidates us at all, on the contrary it fuels and encourages our resolve and mandate. Come on you know I'm right...don't you? . .less by Boere Basher on November 20 2009, 18:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Pretty possitive stuff in the comments section till some one threw a stone The as per usual, all hell brakes lose. As an ex-Zimbo, I've seen this all before. I am a proud South African, but I worry every day about the direction this country is taken. If it ultimately is hijacked by some power crazies in the ANC, . .more it will go the same way as Zim, no doubt. It will just be a bigger train smash. To illustrate, Zimbos used to laugh at the "povo" Zambians in the 80's. I remember women crossing the Kariba wall every morning to enter Zimbabwe to buy bread. They had a bakery on the Zambezi side, but no electricity, a few km from the hydro power station. That was then. Now Zambia is prosperous and the joke, if you can call it that, is on Zim. They have suddenly became the "povos", and now flood over our border into SA. Will the wheels turn yet again? Let's hope not. . .less by ex Zimbo Mukiwa on November 20 2009, 19:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boere Basher You really are ignorant and you write such Cr*p. I bet you drive a fancy European/Japanese car or catch a white man's bus. Where do you take your children when they are sick? A white trained doctor or a witchdoctor to throw bones and hand out some . .more muti. What a jerk. Where are your children educated? A township school or an ex Model C school? Do you enjoy using the white man's computer? . .less by MBB on November 20 2009, 20:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

....anyone got a cut thoat razor? ....Not sure I'lll still be around next week after that Michael. Is the rain getting you down? Shove Revolver on and play it loud. By the way...I love the comments telling us to go to Europe and leave the Africans to B***** the place up by . .more themselves. Not a chance chaps.....you need us to show you how it should be done. . .less by David Bullard on November 20 2009, 21:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

pessimist who the duck is this doomsday pessimist??? Do i have to listen to this C***? NO!!! by sudanstud on November 20 2009, 21:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Boere Basher ... hey! you sold out to the Chinese Who u gonna blame in a 50yrs ... you such a CLEVA you??? Everyone built this country, only the ANC leadership sold-out their own peepals dreams!!! The PDA middle-class must stop wimping out, get some b@lls & rise up against this corrupt . .more institution... show the world that you want SA to work & stop blaming 'Da Whites' . .less by Lin Ga Ring on November 20 2009, 23:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

so you have a problem with pessimism? Funny how 'non' pessimist get so outraged when confronted with a reality check, goes to show their absolute immaturity. If you read this article, you think to yourself , 'this is possible' but how can I change it. If not, then do your best to . .more protect yourself and your family from what lies ahead. If we need a civil war, then lets do it, let us gather intelligence, opritives, available armements and become the resitance, if it solves anything, I still remember my military training in the army, and so does 90% of white people who were forced to. So if it gets to that, and I hope it never does, then I will take up arms and fight. . .less by Rustic on November 20 2009, 23:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Blacks and whites do not mix what with the racist BEE policy which is simply a tax on whites BEE is also the pursuit of the Zimbabwe graveyard. You cannot get fired because you are black. You get a jpob because you are black and vote anc. How absolutely African is this utter nonsense? agree SA is going to the black hole which is Africa and . .more fast too. Get your money out and if you are white you better leave now as the murders are not getting less and soon they will come to your door with guns and chase you off your property. Sad but true as that is what they do in Africa. . .less by The DA are also useless as oppostion on November 21 2009, 01:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

brighter days ahead people like this moron are not needed in this country, why dont you also go to Australia, the land flowing with milk and honey??? we need positive people in this country, people who see the problem and be part of a solution. being a prophet of doom . .more will not change or bring about positive sentiments.Michael, you are a FALSE PROPHET, optimistic and God fearing South Africans will reject this doom you are trying to spread with contempt. Being part of the solution is going out to the same people you are critisizing and offer help, go to the private sector and encourage them to promote (and not ignore) Black proffesionals to senior positions. THIS COUNTRY WILL BE BLESSED, IN JESUS NAME. . .less by african on November 21 2009, 08:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

brighter days ahead Yes, Give the senior job to a black "professional" then get a white consultant to do the job. Been there, done that. by MBB on November 21 2009, 09:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Africa is Africa Again I am surprised both by the depth of despair and the naivety on the contributors. The reality is that this is Africa, it is inhabited mostly by black people who operate in a certain way and will always do so it is genetic. No amount of self . .more hate, blaming whites/indians is going to change this. It is cheaper and less hassle for the wealthy countries of the world to exploit the black man's greed, competence and desire to be something other than black than to physically colonize Africa. Hence the black people are in charge all over Africa. Non black people might have been born here but in the black peoples mind they will never belong, no matter how hard they try or sacrifice. On the plus side, black people need non blacks to operate - this leads to opportunity for those with a work ethic, skills and ability. The time of non back jobs are over, non black people have to employ themselves, this is easier than it looks. Yes, Africa is dangerous but this must be weighed against the returns, lifestyle and ease to achieve. People who have a problem with this must consider relocating to places in line with their comfort level, those that do not stay by all means but stop the whinging - you can not have your cake and eat it. . .less by Andrew on November 21 2009, 10:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ african HALLELUJAHHHHHHHH-----BRUTHAAAA---YEAHHH ! ! ! ! by jesse jackson on November 21 2009, 13:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Issues If you know what the problems are going to be then by all means, take the ultimate leap and come up with solutions. Once done, implement them. by Nicolas K on November 21 2009, 13:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Andrew-Africa is Africa Have to agree with pretty well everything you say,---except...your last para. If we eliminate the hatred, frustration,anger and the desire for revenge that rightfully consumes the civilized white/European who has to watch the mindless, savage, . .more pillage of everything that he has built up with blood, and brains;...then,...I still say... Why the hell should we abandon this world leading product/country of our forefathers and ours to a bunch of grunting, barking creatures who would reduce it to a desert of madness in nano-seconds. Let them go instead. Lifes too short to play silly buggers with these things. . .less by tired of being p.c. on November 21 2009, 19:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

try this angle for once.. http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/ by JWise on November 22 2009, 01:08 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Boere Basher Your beloved leaders have you exactly where they want you. Africa continuosly smoke screens incompetence and theft with "black consciousness" and nationalism. They steal and plunder THEIR OWN and do not subject themselves to the lifestyle enjoyed by . .more their masses. Only pursuing own self - interests, whilst claiming it is for the benefit of all. Same thing here in SA so far. Just keep the masses stupid. Either you are dumber then your English reveals, or you are one of the beneficiaries. The fact that you are using a PC and internet is a contradiction to your claim "I do not enoy anything built by white supremacy". You are a liar. Yet, you speak freely in other's names of how they don't want to do the same. When I see you living in a shack, I'll believe you that you stand by your opinions with no exceptions. But, it's always easier to play with other people's futures, then your own. . .less by Rogi on November 22 2009, 08:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The author seems confused. Blacks regard this as their country (even though it was originally occupied by the bushmen), which is why Mugabe is a freedom fighting hero. The fight was not against apartheid discrimination (any tribe who wanted it were offered independence), but to take back the whole country. by ST on November 22 2009, 17:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANC's careless attitude towards the suffering of Zimbabweans is a disgrace, but it is consistent with the way they treated the SA public during the freedom struggle. by TU on November 22 2009, 19:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tax payers are treated unfairly! Apart from paying such exhorbitant taxes taxpayers are still expected to fund education in the form of school fees - yet the elite politicians prefer putting their kids in private schools. Yeah, whats good for the tax payers aren't good enough for . .more those who reap the coffers! . .less by Wounded on November 23 2009, 09:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Boere Basher I am a non white person (non-caucasian is the correct term), but I agree with the whites on most issues raised here. If you are so smug about telling the whites to go back to Europe where they belong, how do you feel when they arrive back there, . .more they return the favour by telling all the blacks in Europe togo back to Africa starting maybe with those Black football players who earn those massive salaries and drive nice Italian white man sport cars, nice houses on the Frence Riviera etc..... Do you think your black brothers will want totocme to Africa?? and maybe extend the same rule to African Americans, I am sure Oprah will be thrilled to come back to her roots???? . .less by Moneyweb Reader on November 23 2009, 16:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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