BLACK Monday left people potentially more divided on the subject of farm murders than ever before, although our vox pop (question to random people, page 5) seemed to indicate that people of all races were concerned about the deaths of farmers and farm workers. Nevertheless, according to comments of Facebook pages, not everyone was sympathetic. Some even went as far as to suggest that this was genocide and that “white” farmers were simply getting their comeuppance. This sort of comment is not helpful and promotes radicalisation of elements both in the farming community as well as the likes of Black First Land First (BLF) and the EFF. People, this is not a racial issue, and should not become one. “No farmers, no food, no future” is a catchphrase that should be borne in mind when making provocative statements. But primarily, these are real people with real families who are being brutalised by thugs, rapists and murderers and, if anyone supports them, in any way, then they are equally to blame for the atrocities.
THIS evening is the launch of Shaw Park resident, Eve Clayton’s new novel, Thwala at the National English Literature Monument in Grahamstown, 5.30pm for 6pm. We wish Clayton good luck and offer our best wishes for a successful launch.
AND, celebrating the 500-year anniversary of Martin Luther’s declaration against the excesses of the then Catholic Church, the Christian Men’s Association breakfast will be held, as usual, this Saturday morning at the Celebration Centre venue on Albany Road.
ON to national events, minister Bathabile Dlamini has done it again. Having had a considerable time to rectify the problem of paying social grants through the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa), she has failed in her task. She was ordered by parliament for her officials to “sit through the night” with South African Post Office (Sapo) management to hammer out an agreement. Dlamini and Sapo CEO Mark Banks were given until 6pm yesterday to come out with a solution to the issuing of over 12 million grants once the current, illegal, extended contract with Cash Paymaster Services terminates in four months’ time. Dlamini said it was “pat riarchy” that led parliament to rather believe Bank’s version of events rather than hers. But, after all this time, I think it was just common sense.
SOUTH African Football Association (Safa) boss Danny Jordaan has denied allegations by former ANC MP Jennifer Ferguson that he raped her 24 years ago. In a statement released by Jordaan’s lawyer ‚ Mamodupi Mulaudzi‚ on Wednesday‚ he said he had kept quiet on the matter because of his “empathy ” with the victims of gender-based violence. There are far too many reports of men in power using sex as a weapon against young women to be ignored, and it must be brought into the open so that no woman has to suffer such abuse again. Yet, it is also now easier to see that this could lead to women falsely claiming rape or sexual abuse in order to progress up the corporate ladder. What a world we live in when murders can be justified on the basis of occupation, and that women are expected to sleep with their bosses in order to get ahead in business.
GREETINGS to everyone enjoying a birthday in the coming week, may the year ahead bring only happy and healthy times or all, especially, Bryant Letley, Peter de la Rey, Kaylene Hilpert, Oliver Skipper, Amorette Oosthuizen, Joy Coster, Jannie Badenhorst, Jason Prince, Nicolene Rieger, Helga Adams, Geraldine Heim, Penny Kavagias, Isabeau Schoombie, Doreen Tee, Mary Hechter, Bryan Smith, Warren Solz, Mary-Ann Gailey, Candice Bradfield, Cybil Wheelwright, Jurie Grant, Neil Doyle, Yma van Zyl, Beryl Kemp, Jamie Edwards, Juliet Chishe, William Whitham, Bridgette McNelis, Janie Butt, husband and wife team – Andy and Darice Nicholas, Stephne Evans, Linda Wedderburn, Cliff Kemp, Brian Fargaher, Connor Bessinger, Moira Schnehage, Norah Bennett, Chris Louw, Johan Roos, Declan Joubert, Jean McCowen, Gaz Worral, and Anne Muir.
BEST wishes and continued success to the following businesses or organisations who are celebrating another milestone, especially Lunch Box (Alexandria), The Workshop (Bathurst), Kowie Crossing Guest House, Debonairs, A1 Pre-Owned Vehicles, PA Floral Art Group and the PA Round Table No 197.
LAST week the fuel price did increase as predicted, but only by a few cents. Before too long the fuel price will increase again as the dollar pulls away from the rand, and our currency loses ground on international markets. Worse, it appears Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba’s mid-term speech did nothing to inspire and will rather hasten another downgrade by ratings agencies. This, in turn, will have a very negative impact on growth and tug significantly on the fiscal purse strings. As we go to press and with last year’s figures in brackets to compare against, the Rand was trading at R14.14/$ (R13.43), R18.81/£ (R16.47) and R16.45/ to the euro (R14.88). Gold was trading at $1276.68 per fine ounce ($1 296.19), Platinum at $925 per fine ounce ($996.80) and Brent Crude Oil at $61.51 per barrel ($ 47.89).
SPECIAL thoughts and prayers are with all those folk who are not well, who are having or have already had tests, operations and treatments. “Sterkte” to Roy Potter, Andrew de Vries, Dot Fetherstonhaugh, and Howard Dredge.
SINCERE condolences to the family and friends of Marie Crous who passed way recently. May wonderful memories of time spent together bring comfort to you in your sadness. A funeral service will be held on Friday November 3 at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Port Alfred at 11am.
SO sorry to hear of the death of Naude Steyn, who passed away on Tuesday October 31. Our condolences to his family and friends.
OUR heartiest congratulations and very good wishes for the future to everyone celebrating a wedding anniversary in the week ahead, especially Patrick and Jeanine Kenny, Barry and Anne Hartley, Richard and Carla Hill.
THOUGHT for the week: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for”.
BEST regards as always,
The Team
