Mzoo Spot

It is likely that in April we might go to the polls to elect a new crop of leaders who will represent us in parliament for the next five years. For some this will be the first time. Those of us who have been voting since 1994, there is a sense of de javu . But this vote is interesting in more ways than one, not least because this time around there is COPE. This new baby on the block is threatening the ANC. My vote 1994 had to go the ANC, I mean there was no question about it. In 1999 I did the same. This was Thabo Mbeki’s first term. After this we gave the guy an even bigger majority. It is the second term that we saw so many wrong things, even his own party saw a lot wrong in Mbeki (suddenly)! Our few years of democracy have taught me that through my vote it is possible to curb certain tendencies. This time I will not be voting ANC. I am open to suggestions. I am taking a position that it will be a great disservice to ourselves if we all vote one party. We will not get what we want e...

My understanding of the US politics is below par. Ever since that country decided to wage war with Iraq my respect for it plummeted to the lowest ebb. The inauguration of Obama this week into the White House captured my interest, and made me want to follow the US politics with keen interest. As Obama and US big day arrives, Israel and Palestine were once more at each other’s throats, in this never ending war in the Middle East. This was as if to say to Obama: in case you did not know, we are one of your biggest challenges! By this time the body count was close to 1000. Obama has to fix the mess that is Iraq. He must also sort out Afghanistan. Whilst at it, he must close Guantanamo Bay. Maybe he must eschew the belligerence of his predecessor by unleashing his true humanity in solving sticky world problems. A great deal is expected out of the man; climate change negotiators that will converge in Copenhagen will very much like to hear what position will the US take on climate chang...

2008 was a year with mixed fortunes for some of us; it started well only to end with a credit crunch. Food went up, petrol and life in general was not easy. But we soldiered on. Now it is 2009, we are hoping for a fruitful year. It is also the year for the national elections, and for the first time the ANC will face a serious (I think) opposition from COPE. I don’t think however COPE will take a significant chunk of voters from the ANC.   Here in Port Alfred, the ANC took its charm offensive to the revellers at the beach! I had a lovely time with friends this December. Facebook has also made it easy these days to hook up with friends. I hooked up with Nostras (iigirls) in East London. I also met the Pres. I predict that there will be more Nostra hook ups this, and possibly marriages and Nostra children! The weather on 1 Jan 2009 was a complete disappointment. It rained heavily and was accompanied by thunder and lightning. It dampened the mood completely. But fun was had nonethele...