Mzoo Spot

It was a a hectic week in terms of race relations in the country. Mr Irvin Khoza of the Local Organising Committee (2010 World Cup) gave a press briefing where he indicated that he told an unknown journalist that he is behaving like a kaffir. This apparently after the journalist asked whether there was some infighting in the LOC. Then there was an unfortunate incident at the Johannesburg Noord Taxi rank where it is believed some taxi drivers tore a young woman's mini skirt. These criminals did not approve of the young woman's attire. Towards the end of the week a group calling themselves a Forum of Black Journalists held an off the record briefing with Mr Jacob Zuma (Pres of the ANC). The briefing was controversial, because white journalists were not allowed.

I appeared in court at about 9am as a witness of the state. The state prosecutor asked easy question, and I think it was a good thing, because it boosted my confidence. After the state prosecutor, the defence lawyer started his cross examination. He indicated his surprise at the print outs that I brought, as they were only introduced to him that morning. Actually the print outs were only for my reference, but the court found them useful! I had a long time at the witness stand with the defence lawyer. I was not really sure of his line of questioning at times. All in all, I did not deviate from my testimony. It was an interesting experience. The state prosecutor thought I handled it pretty well given that it was my first time!

I am now in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape preparing my testimony as a witness in a court case in the Lady Frere Magistrate Court. This is the first time I will appear in a court, but I am not really nervous because my testimony is purely based on a report that my organisation prepared. So I did no wrong. I do not know the details of the case. I will be here in Q'town until Tuesday.