This blog deals with political and social issues in South Africa, mostly from the perspective of Constitutional Law. Written by Pierre de Vos
“Looking back, I think we have triumphantly avoided being triumphalist. There is no officially commanded art. Artists may be poor but they are free. Freedom of artistic creativity is expressly guaranteed in the constitution, as is freedom of artistic expression. Ours is an admirably open and democratic society. It artists are afraid, it is that they might be regarded by their colleagues and critics as being too politically correct. We take this freedom for granted, which is as it should be. The range and diversity of themes and forms of expression are unlimited; Leading public figures are mimicked and mocked and frequently, if not always, join in the laughter. I feel proud of the maturity of our nation. We are in a strange position. No group is in charge; no section exercises cultural hegemony. The old establishment has lost its hauteur, but no confident and powerful new establishment has emerged to replace it.” – Justice Albie Sachs, Sunday Times, 15 October 2000
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Hey Pierre,
I’d actually be very interested to hear more of your thoughts on this….what would a Zuma presidency be like?
Most (white) people seem to believe that if Zuma were to become president we would automatically find ourselves emulating Zimbabwe, which I don’t find particularly logical at all…. So, in your view, what could we expect from a President Zuma? Would there be improvement in some areas? And what would be the major causes for concern?
Many (white) people fear Mr Zuma because he is a populist, is uneducated and asks for his machine gun at the drop of a hat. He is not my favourite politician, not for the above reasons, but because he is corrupt and because he is a patriarch and because he has surrounded himself with some skelms. But unlike the incumbent he has a heart, cares about ordinary people and is quite likable. I don’t think he will change much because the powerful vested interests of white and black capital and elites won’t let him. But because of his fight with the NPA he will try and destroy them and will thus harm the independence of the judiciary.
The question is what will happen if he and Mbeki fights it out in December and those who lose refuse to accept this. Then we have an ANC civil war on our hands which will be disastrous for South Africa. We need the ANC….
I don’t know – you know…
“Mshini Wam” – Bring me my machine gun.
Now – you don’t use a machine gun to plough the earth with so you can plant food…
It would appear that a machine gun has but one use. To Kill.
Now according to the Constitution:
16,2a & B….
What would you say to that Pierre
Lekota said it was unwise for people who sang the song calling for a machine gun.
Lekota had strong words for those creating divisions within the party for personal gain and those abusing liberation symbols.
“We took a decision to suspend the armed struggle and later abandoned it. You cannot come today if you are normal and say ‘letha umshini wami’ what do you want to do with that?”