The ANC: Why is everybody afraid?

The Sunday Times this weekend quoted Dr. Farouk Meer, the brother of the recently departed struggle stalwart Comrade Fatima Meer bemoaning the state of affairs in our country both politically and in government. Dr. Meer was reported as expressing disquiet about, amongst others, "a young man who appears to be leading the country into disaster".

According to the newspaper this was an indirect reference to the President of the ANC Youth League, Julius Malema. Since there was no direct naming of him it would be dicey to engage in guessing and supposition games regarding an individual. Suffice to say this country need more men and women of honour like Dr. Meer. In fact the African National Congress need more and more men and women of honour who values this country and who are willing to wake up to the reality that we just might, in our haste to get rid of one Thabo Mbeki, made a monumental mistake in some of the people we replaced Mbeki with.

Since we handed over the mandate to lead this country and the ANC (in the case of those of us who are members) things have literally gone hay way. But one fundamental aspect that Dr. Meer and everybody else seem to be quiet about is this culture of fear that is gripping the ANC. Nowadays people are afraid to talk in my organization. Sycophancy has escalated to new highs. You either agree or you go "hungry", so goes the saying.

We, as a country has become a laughing stock of the world because of the behaviour of some in the leadership of the organization and this country. What happened to the bold cadres and young lions in the movement who stood firm against grenades and guns and sang "a ya sava amagwala - the cowards are scared". What happened to us after we defeated the might of apartheid? Did we suddenly become wimps and cowards just because the "thieves" and "enemies" have the same skin colour as us and are members of our own organization? Why is everybody allowing Julius to stand on public podiums and insult our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Forget the dithering of Comrade Zuma. I am talking about you and me, ordinary members of the ANC and members of society on whose ballots these people are trampling.

Why is everybody afraid and what are we REALLY afraid of? Or rather is it that we envy these leaders who insult everybody and loot public resources in our names. Can we afford this blind loyalty that has beset us such that the state coffers should rather be bled dry by a clique who seems to think their turn to loot has arrived and they are justified in their conduct? Where are the honourable members of society and the ANC in all this? Are we not complicit or are we caught in a time warp such that we feel that criticizing our own is treasonous? Do we even think of the future of our children and do we even understand the extent of our complicity in this unfortunate episode playing out in this country.

I am appalled and I must say that we owe it to this country, ourselves, the leaders themselves and future generations to stand up and be counted (without necessarily being a faction or confrontational). As a professional, and taking into account historical factors like the high level of illiteracy in our communities, I think the responsibility lies chiefly with us to stop being indifferent to things happening around us in our name and rise and challenge these foreign tendencies.

Intertwined with the above phenomenon is the Orwellian culture that is firmly taking roots in the ANC and the country in general. This new culture presupposes that there are members of the ANC and society that are more equal than others and are therefore entitled to behave in an abominable manner simply because of the offices that they hold.

Examples abound of members of the ANC and society who are getting away with murder on a daily basis. Why, I ask, are we all quiet? What are we afraid of? After I wrote recently about the bling culture in the ANC and the looting of public resources in the name of the poor I received a lot of feedback with some commending me for my "bravery" and I was appalled that in a democracy my speaking out was labelled as bravery.

What are we scared of? Why are we losing our voices at such a critical juncture in the history of our country and one of the mightiest liberation movements in the world, the ANC? Are we aware that we are being complicit not only in the plundering of state resources but also the raping of our proud history and legacy?

Please let's stand up and remind those that we honoured by putting them in leadership that if there is a favour done by one for the other it is us, the ordinary people, who did them the favour and not the other way round. Let us make it clear that leadership comes with responsibility to behave in an exemplary and upright manner and that our kids look up to them for role models and they need proper and respectable ones.

Let us stand up and remind those that we honoured by leadership positions in the ANC that we are entitled to remind them that when we elected them to the positions we did not sign over a blank cheque to them to suddenly become more equal than all of us. As Dr. Meer is quoted as saying we need to "restore the pride of our liberation movement," and our country I dare add. Where is this fear of our own coming from and why is it that suddenly membership of senior structures of the ANC and government entitles certain individuals to become untouchables? Was this what the Tambos, Sisulus and Moses Mabhidas of our country sacrificed their lives for?

Most importantly what would they think of our silence and paralysis induced by unfounded fear of individuals, if they were to rise from their resting places tomorrow? What is it that has us so scared of the very people we elected to lead us? A new cadre both in the ANC and in society in general is urgently needed in this country. A cadre that will stand up to leadership and remind it why and how they got to be where they are. One that will not be afraid to be labelled "counterrevolutionaries" and all sorts of names that have recently appeared in our political landscape.

The country and the ANC needs a new dawn that will entail, amongst other things, a reawakening of the culture of accountability, robust engagement and debate without fear of being labelled. Or else we are doomed and history will judge us all very harshly.

Dinga Nkhwashu is a Practising Attorney and Consultant

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What happened to us after we defeated the might of apartheid? Did we suddenly become wimps and cowards just because the "thieves" and "enemies" have the same skin colour as us and are members of our own organization? Why is everybody allowing Julius to stand on public podiums and insult our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Forget the dithering of Comrade Zuma. I am talking about you and me, ordinary members of the ANC and members of society on whose ballots these people are trampling."

Dinga Nkhwashu

 

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responses to this article

Well said Dinga Nkhwashu, and about time, although responsibility for the devastating misue of power is primarily within the anc itself, & its ridiculous spintalk. The anc has allowed, encouraged, styles of leadership, from local onwards, fundamentally undemocratic, manipulating, threatening own members perceived as not . .more bowing & scrapeing to current ' lines'. When questioned we are 'instructed' that 'this is just how politics works!' Indeed it has become so. Those who dare sing another song, are invariably sidelined, out of contention. The stalinist antics within the anc are most to blame, but so are many of the exiled leaders, and a whole bunch of local, regional, provincial & national thugs. And, by definition, the centre cannot hold, things fall apart... . .less by gab oke on March 16 2010, 03:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I think I see the problem here You have written an articulate intelligent piece. You are a black skinned professional who I am assuming is running a successful career due to your own dedication and hard work. You want your leaders to be the same. You are appalled at Zuma and Julius and . .more the animal farm madness that has taken over the ANC. So, and here is the crucial point, why do you insist on still being a member of the ANC? If you voted for the ANC last election then YOU are part of the problem. YOU voted these idiots into power. It is only when people like you realise that voting in a democracy means voting for the party that offers the best ideas and leaders, that we stand a chance of getting out of this mess. The ANC has lost the plot. In your own words, they are making us the laughing stock of the world. Well stop voting for them then. It is that easy. Why do you feel some misguided loyalty to support a party that is failing terribly at it's job. We have an opposition leader that has all the attributes that you wish to see in the ANC. Why isn't she getting your vote. I am actually very interested to know what your answer is, because this blind loyalty to a party that is steering the good ship SA directly towards an iceberg is extremely frustrating, not to mention dangerous. . .less by Sad Days on March 16 2010, 06:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

ANC-PF Dinga asks: "What are we afraid of?" The brave ANC has a history of eliminating opponents. Starting with the 'People's War'. Ask the IFP, PAC, BC, Azapo. Their own they sorted out at Quatro. So, be afraid of the ANC-PF . .more Brownshirts. The writing has been on the wall for a while. Stare in to the Pit! . .less by mike on March 16 2010, 06:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANC: Why is everybody afraid? I support you my brother (100%) by Fikile on March 16 2010, 07:05 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Born South African I wonder whether Nkhwashu is a born South African - "sava" as a translation for "scared" tells me otherwise - did he/she/it have a sizeable input when "we" fought apartheid - from somewhere else in Africa I'll wager by gilbert on March 16 2010, 07:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Bravo, Mr. Nkhwashu! I wish that there were more people like you! Sometimes (with respect to Sad Days) one can do more to change an organisation like the ANC by working from within, but in this case I have my doubts. You see to clearly, and speak too plainly, so the ANC . .more leadership may well consider you too big a danger to them to leave alone. But pleae, do continue to speak out - you are not alone. . .less by Dr. Angelo Lambiris on March 16 2010, 07:34 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The anc why is everybody afraid An American black professor wrote: a white man believes he was voted by the people so that he can sevrve the people. a Black man believes he was voted by the people so that he can be served by those people? by Madevu on March 16 2010, 07:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

CAREERISM IS THE PROBLEM There are a lot of people who are now in politics for one reason only and that is to lineup their already over flowing pockets.These are the people we entrusted with our votes i.e people who are suppossed to raise these kind of issues on the so . .more called"right platforms". The problem is that they don't want to be on the wrong side of the so called or self proclaimed "king makers" because if they do so they stand to loose their positions.I want to repeat , if you create a monster just to deal with somebody that you perceive to be an obstacle,rest assured that as soon as it is done, it will come home to bite you.Machiavelli puts it nicely when he says " THE PRINCE SHOULD BE CAREFUL ABOUT PEOPLE WHO PUT HIM TO POWER BECAUSE THEY MAY END UP HAVING UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS AND HE MAY ULTIMATELY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THEM" . .less by LUCKY NKHWASHU on March 16 2010, 07:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@SAD DAYS If you are a man of principles you don't run away from your family just because you are having some setbacks, you need to be bold and deal with issues and that is the culture of the ANC i know.To be quite honest the DA is not without its own problems and . .more so far its not an alternative to the ANC ,let alone the fact that we don't have a credible opposition in SA. . .less by LUCKY NKHWASHU on March 16 2010, 08:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why are we afraid Yo, Gilbert I think your view of S.A is limited to KZN and probably GP. If you look at Dinga's surname you will discover that he is South African to the bone. The surname Nkwashu is of the Vatsonga/Shangaan of South Africa. In Xitsonga the last two . .more letters of sa-va is pronounced such instead of sa-vha as in other South African languages. If Limpopo is "somewhere in Africa", I take it the people of that province will gladly accept the compliment from a "European or should I say American called Gilbert". It is disgusting to hear a fellow African speak down to other Africans be it black Afrikaaners or white Afrikaaners. . .less by Tman on March 16 2010, 08:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

dinga voters know the anc is corrupt from top to bottom they will still vote for them so why all this talk this is what you voted for the saying goes you voted for the black man to serve him and not the other way round remember this . .more africa . .less by ivan on March 16 2010, 08:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@BORN SOUTH AFRICAN I think you should also ask the same question about these young boys who are busy destroying the ANC or maybe you want to remind us about ANIMAL FARM IN QUATRO where the likes of you i.e if you had any meaningful contribution yourself were terrorising . .more your own. . .less by LUCKY NKHWASHU on March 16 2010, 08:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why afraid? What has been happenning over the years since 1994 is that as the comrades become more confident and more powerful they began to ostrcise those that criticise them.Ift then looks like a favour to be appointed to a government post as thse posts are now . .more reserved for close comrades.As a member of the ANC this tedency is very worrying.When in office and do not give tenders to well connected comrades then they then accuse you of starving themas they feel entitled to line thier pockets with people`s monies.I hope this is a passing phase which must come to an ens immediately. . .less by Thanyani on March 16 2010, 09:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Eish! Eish! by Koos on March 16 2010, 09:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Envy will make you Grey The author of this peice is envying Julis for his is not educated yet he lives middle class life, do not blame Julius but your colonialist who did not introduce you to secret of capitalism that education makes you good servant not the master and Julius . .more learnted that power lies in politics and economics since he is black he can get economic power he opted for the latter and he excellent without educatin of your master so nobody is afraid but we are saluting Julius for reminding economic captains that their time at the top is numbered as black economic revolution is taking shape. . .less by Malema Supporter on March 16 2010, 09:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Discpline cadres used platform inside the movement not blogs Dinga Nkhwashu go and Join Cope it is for Black professional then you do not have to insult our Youth president on the blogs, ANC NEC calls for stop of public spat , yet you claim to be true disciplined cadre but here you defy the words of wiseman in . .more authority voted by member, shame on you go and tell your handlers their motives has been exposed and you medium of communication does not even reach half a million voters cry baby we salute Cdr Julius for he dares what you never did when you think you intellect made you, I am saying the blood of our brothers paved way for you to practice as such do not fight own brother but fight system that produce you to see you unedcuated brother as fool. . .less by Malema supporter on March 16 2010, 09:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Malema supporter You need help. No doubt who the FOOL is here. by mike on March 16 2010, 10:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Spot the ANC YL members! How easy it is to spot the ANC YL adherents! "Malema Supporter" gives the game away with his ungrammatical, illiterate, uneducated diatribe in which there is not one coherent thought or logically sound premise. This really says it all, doesn't it? by Dr. Angelo Lambiris on March 16 2010, 11:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why are people afraid. If a cabinet minister can be rebuked and insulted for simply assuring the investors that nationalisation of mines is not a policy of government; what then do you expect? Freedom of speech is dead under water in this country, unless you sing songs of . .more praise to those inpower. I agree with Dinga that history will judge us harshly. . .less by dave nkoana, polokwane on March 16 2010, 11:47 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

workers And of course the real workers of this country black and white just keep working harder for less and less while the politicians (not all) continue on their parasitic get rich quick schemes.sis on you big bullies. "You cannot legislate the poor into . .more freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for,that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it." ~~~~ Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 . .less by rt on March 16 2010, 11:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

There is a Stirring Thank you, sir. I have stated repeatedly on blogs that ONLY the black intelligentsia can save South Africa. They are so honourable that they would not choose politics - our loss. by old, female on March 16 2010, 11:58 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tipping point was Mbeki "Suffice to say this country need more men and women of honour like Dr. Meer. In fact the African National Congress need more and more men and women of honour who values this country and who are willing to wake up to the reality that we just might, in our . .more haste to get rid of one Thabo Mbeki, made a monumental mistake in some of the people we replaced Mbeki with." While Zuma, Malema are a huge problem, do not forget that Mbeki was a problem as well. The ANC of 1994 was a honourable party with great ideals led by great men and women. And they should have done great things. By now South Africa should have been a very different country to what it is. If the ANC of 1994 had endured, I have little doubt that SA today would have been a far far better place than it is and that we would have experienced the full realisation of the rainbow nation that began then. In my opinion the rot started under Mbeki who surrepticiously brought in very different values than those of the Mandela era. And of course the tipping point was the arms deal when the ANC sold their soul and the good of the country for some money to fight an election. And the ANC politicians saw then how easy it was to get their hands on easy money. . .less by Alto on March 16 2010, 12:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwashu A true African. A brave and honest South African. Be strong Dinga. More South Africans should follow your exmple. by Robert Sobukwe on March 16 2010, 12:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Nice Article Nice to see we still have some sane educated black people in this country. Unfortunately you will now be called a anti-revolutionary and a white puppet. Anyone who disagree's with the current ANC is called white puppets, racist, anti-revolutionary, dark . .more forces, apartheid spy's etc etc etc. These people who support Malema are racists, brainless, illiterate, hooligans, low on morals and values and they are taking the country down the gutter with them. You have many supporters Dinga. We hope that one day intellectuals like yourself will win back our country from these morons. . .less by The Patriot on March 16 2010, 12:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwashu A thought provoking, truthful and brave arrice. Well done Dinga. Justice must prevail. by Carl Wille on March 16 2010, 12:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwashu A thought provoking, truthful and brave article. Well done Dinga. Justice must prevail. by Carl Wille on March 16 2010, 12:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Why is everyone afraid ? Touche! The fear is probably a mixture of misplaced respect regardless if earned or not, cultural taboos and a lack of understanding of the consequences. by Willie on March 16 2010, 12:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwashu My learned friend. My brave fellow professional. Let's stop the thugs. Let's stop the abuse. Let's stop the rape and pillage. Let's hold the upper class and their political and corporate lackeys accountable to us: the citizens of the Republic of South . .more Africa. . .less by Che on March 16 2010, 12:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwasu I support you my brother. Now I can rest in peace. by Steve Biko on March 16 2010, 12:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga - the brave and true warrior My people from across the border are watching you. They support you. Let us know if you need any help? by Samora on March 16 2010, 12:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwasu I did not die in vain. Thank you Dinga. by Ruth First on March 16 2010, 13:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Attorney Nkhwasu I support you. Please help find those people responsible for my death. by Chris Hani on March 16 2010, 13:04 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

My fellow lawyer and learned friend I am proud of you. Justice and accountability must prevail. We need to confront the unfinished business of the TRC. by Bram Fischer on March 16 2010, 13:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga Nkhwashu Dankie Dinga. Ek is trots op jou. Kan ek help? by De La Rey on March 16 2010, 13:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Meneer Nkhwasu Jy is n man na aan my hart. Meer mense, veral geleerdes, moet jou voorbeeld volg. by Beyers Naude on March 16 2010, 13:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga for President Wow! I have not read anything so well articulated and clear-sighted. Thank you - I hope you find satisfaction for your frustrations in your discussions with the ANC. I'll venture NOT, because they have been allowed too much freedom to 'do as . .more and when they please'. They are entrenched in the belief that their 'subjects' must grovel. (It is a disease in most of Africa - I do not wish to be negative, but few if any, African countries are 'democratically' run - even if they started out that way ). You aren't perhaps interested in politics? We need people like you up there, please. . .less by Nkunzi's Pasture on March 16 2010, 13:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boer It is not about race. Nor tribe. Nor culture. It is about class. Do not be fooled by divisive, corrupt and self serving politicians and their sponsors. Let us join hands and hold the upper class and their corporate and political lackeys accountable. . .more Justice must prevail. Help ons. Asseblief? . .less by Cal Wille on March 16 2010, 13:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boer It is not about race. Nor tribe. Nor culture. It is about class. Do not be fooled by divisive, corrupt and self serving politicians and their sponsors. Let us join hands and hold the upper class and their corporate and political lackeys accountable. . .more Justice must prevail. Help ons. Asseblief? . .less by Carl Wille on March 16 2010, 13:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

This is the TRUTH! Can this be the ANC's daily prayer as from today? by Molefeng Isaac Riba on March 16 2010, 13:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Lucky Nkhwashu The corruption and waste of tax payers money by the ANC is not a matter of family principles but of national importance. Why the DA is not an alternative to the likes of yourself is that all this will come to an end and that is not in your or any ANC . .more supporter's imterest because now you will have to compete on merit and not the colour of your skin. Beware, that once Zimbabwe has rid itself of the Mugabe coeterie they will become an alternative destination for investment to SA. . .less by Mike on March 16 2010, 13:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The more important question to ask is .... ... why you are afraid of voting for an opposition party. LUCKY NKHWASHU correctly defines the problem: ANC supporters see themselves as 'family'. Loyalty is therefore the root of your problem. One should NEVER be loyal to any political . .more party. Seeing the ANC as 'family', and voting them into government on that basis, has the same, inherent problem as employing family members in your business: its harder to fire them when they stuff up. . .less by Saffer on March 16 2010, 14:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@MOVIE BEFORE OUR EYES It is unbelievable how degenerate these pork bellied polititians have become. Zimbabwe used to be the joke for failing to sort out its domestic problems in twenty years. Now the joke is on us.Nigerians used to admire us for the orderly change of . .more administration. Now the joke is on us .In the Congo crony capitalists used to go to the bank and check their bank balances,if it reflected additional zeroes, it was time to throw another party to celebrate the good life. Now the joke is on us CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY . .less by INSULTANT on March 16 2010, 14:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dialectial Materialism let us deepen internal democracy and other components of dialectical materialism so that we can rightfully profess hegemonic views in order to shape the society our forebearer purported to achieve A luta continua by Khwaet Frank on March 16 2010, 14:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

We made a terrible mistake The whites made a terrible mistake when at the Referendum, we voted to include the blacks in the political process in SA.Because the Coloreds and Indians had demonstrated their abilities and goodwill in the tri-cameral parliament, we thought that blacks . .more had also reached a sufficiently developed state so as to be fairly seamlessly included.We were wrong.The gulf is enormous and unbridgeable.The blacks are intent on galloping bushwards to their comfort zone and nothing will stop them short of a civil war. The ANC are incapable of reform, not least because they were never any better than what they are at present. Mandela was simply a great example of the rehabilitating qualities of the Apartheid Prisons system. . .less by Guymullins on March 16 2010, 14:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

HOOR HOOR Good article . This is not just an ANC problem. Lawlessness has become an epidemic in our Country. Parents are afraid to discipline their children , that's why we have spoilt brats getting drunk and clubbing in their early teens and teenage gangs . .more terrorising ordinary citizens. . .less by sc on March 16 2010, 14:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Boer You and Malema , two sides of the same coin! by Noddy on March 16 2010, 14:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Guy Mullins You are wrong Guy. It is not about race. Nor tribe. Nor culture. It is about class. Do not be fooled by divisive, corrupt and self serving politicians and their undisclosed sponsors. Let us join hands and hold the upper class and their corporate and . .more political lackeys accountable. Justice must prevail. Help us. Please? . .less by Carl Wille on March 16 2010, 14:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Malema Supporter Try and see beyond your nose. It is people like YOU who insult black people. It is people like YOU who infers that a black person is not capable of a thought on his own. If, behind every black person's opinion that you disagree with, there is a 'master', . .more do you have have any idea what you are saying about about black people in general? That they're weak? Stupid? Obedient? Join the dots of your twisted logic my friend. If it were not such a desperately sad situation, it would be funny to see how you are insulting yourself. @Mr Nkhwashu - Thank you, Sir. . .less by Bruce on March 16 2010, 14:43 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Calling a spade a spade..... In my opinion this article by Dinga Nkhwashu qualifies to be a preface to a presidential State Of The Nation address. It neither, ducks, blames, shifts, nor obfuscates the root of all the rottenness that SA is now swiftly being driven into. It . .more also draws almost unanimous postings of support on this webpage. Even the usual nutter element are fewer or tamer. Truth needs no walking stick - we all recognise it when we hear it. Interestingly, even though the writer is variously, black, educated & of some class, he avoids all the usual & emotive racist, tribal, academic, class, status, etcetera excuse fodder. We all know the problem - and he articulates it humbly, honestly, bravely. He calls the spade, well,.... a spade! I find the post by "old female" particularly poignant:- "I have stated repeatedly on blogs that ONLY the black intelligentsia can save South Africa. They are so honourable that they would not choose politics - our loss". She has a valid point. Let us support more of the likes of Dinga Nkhwashu who poke their noses above the parapet in SA's particular political jungle. Confronting our problems with candid honesty is always a good place to re-launch. A timely breath of fresh air for Southern Africa. Breathe it in deeply.... A Chikurubi Graduate :) . .less by John Austin, London on March 16 2010, 15:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

what is wrong with you "voted to power, Boer" Peddeling your racist slurs will help no-one, anyone with this opinion and who can still use the word k....r without a massive pang of regret and shame should be condemned to live in volkstats with the rest of the racist swine. i cant believe that there . .more are "boers" who can still beleiev this. you let down your kind . .less by Gareth on March 16 2010, 15:42 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

thank you there is still hope? by sonja on March 16 2010, 16:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

LOVELY but you miss the point.... get on with it.. sort your C*** out... your organization... not mine mind you.... is literally self imploding.. but the people are too thick to even realise... ask a . .more question : what idiot put someone in power who should be in a jail cell.. what idiot thinks that there youth should act like your organizations youth league.. the truth is when hard questions are asked... its you and your crowd that goes running for cover. . .less by eddie on March 16 2010, 16:28 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@LUCKY NKHWASHU A man of principle also admonishes his family when they act incorrectly, and if they engage in unacceptable behaviour and do not heed calls to desist he disciplines them. LOVE WITHOUT DISCIPLINE, ISN'T! So discipline your ANC . .more family, Lucky, so that they may see the error of their ways. Do this by not voting for them till they have returned to the true path. Withhold your vote, or vote for an opposition party, but do not carry on with your ANC family as if nothing has happened. Zanu-PF supporters kept voting for their party long after it had become rotten, and look what has happened to their country; they are reaping the disaster they voted for. Let that not happen here through our neglect to discipline those we love. . .less by mpho on March 16 2010, 16:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Cry the beloved country As long as intelligent Africans like Dinga can see the problem but perpetuate it by continuing to vote for this party of racial nationalism and corruption we will not progress. by The man in the street on March 16 2010, 17:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Are we scared much has been said, basically i concurs with Nkwashu, literally we have a foreign culture within the structures of our movement (ANC). Most cadres call it loyal but i certainly disagree, loyalty and patronage speaks different language. Most of our cadres . .more fully saccumbed to patronage for their survival. The culture of robust engagement and debates with structures is gone down the drain. Complicency is a way to go for many of our comrades. . .less by Bennito on March 16 2010, 17:17 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boer-you racist, half witted piece of sh!t I am a white South African and I am so ashamed of people like you. Don't worry, there are enough reasonable and intelligent people in this country both black and white and we will prevail! The Malema's and people like you are the same and you desrve each . .more other. . .less by Fred on March 16 2010, 17:18 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Absolute power corrupts absolutely This may be the answer to your "why is everyone afraid" question. by The man in the street on March 16 2010, 17:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Boer-Julius is manipulating people like you, he wants the rasict comments so that he can drive a wedge between all of the people of this country. He wants white racists like you to start using the K work again. I am white and I am ashamed of people like you. by Fred on March 16 2010, 17:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

sure broer much has been said, basically i concurs with Nkwashu, literally we have a foreign culture within the structures of our movement (ANC). Most cadres call it loyal but i certainly disagree, loyalty and patronage speaks different language. Most of our cadres . .more fully saccumbed to patronage for their survival. The culture of robust engagement and debates within structures of the ANC has gone down the drain. Complicency is a way to go for many of our comrades. . .less by bennito on March 16 2010, 17:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Great article I really enjoyed this article. Although I am but a lowly ANC member (with no aspirations for leadership) I have been dismayed at how fellow cadres never say anything critical of the current leadership! by David Watson on March 16 2010, 17:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

VOTED TO POWER by boer LOVELY by eddie Boer & Eddie - your posts are unhelpful, undignified & unlovely (and unwanted). Consider this: Dinga's article & Eddie's posting make a lot of similar points. Eddie's is blunt, crude, angry & arrogant. Dinga's is humble but direct, honest & . .more forthrite but not offensive. Boer's filthy tongue should really be muzzled in public (aren't there laws against that sort of language in public in SA?). If you two & Dinga were out selling the same product but each using your own personal style as already demonstrated, which one of you would be more likely to sell more product (or any)? Boer & Eddie, if you really wanted somebody to listen to you (say a wife, mom, granpa, boss, uncle, neighbour, etc), would you use the same style & tone? .....and if you would use it on them, is it necessary to also inflict it on everybody else - most if not all of whom are complete strangers to you? Also, whilst on Dinga's theme & article, is it necessary for us to accept it from you & say nothing? Dinga says above:- "Why is everybody allowing Julius to stand on public podiums and insult our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters". Yes you could switch the name "Julius" with "Boer" & "Eddie" too! Now go and sit on the naughty step until you both apologise & promise to behave better next time you are in public. The Chikurubi Kid :) . .less by John Austin, LONDON on March 16 2010, 18:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Malema Supporter If being uneducated is the key to riches, you should have more money than Bill Gates. by Jeff on March 16 2010, 19:30 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Lucky Nkhwashu If your family turn from being principled honest people to being corrupt thugs and thieves, then it is time for honest family members to leave the family and disown them. The ANC who struggled for freedom are not the ANC whos are in government today. Move . .more on and cut your losses: change is the only constant. . .less by Jeff on March 16 2010, 19:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Great Article Dear Mr Nkhwashu. I am in awe of this article! This kind of thinking is worth fighting for!! by Greg on March 16 2010, 19:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Final Thought Why has no-one thrown a shoe at Malema yet? Or at least interviewed him with a banana instead of a mic? by Greg on March 16 2010, 19:45 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sycophants!! The sycophants are out in force today -- an ordinary, unremarkable and mild-mannered questioning of the ANC and Malema brought cries of august admiration from the politically correct, whose search for the correct type of leader continues apace. This, . .more after all, is now Africa. . .less by JVR on March 16 2010, 21:09 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The best protest against this most P******* corrupt lot called a government is ... Cause complete chaos over the world cup. Block the streets, disobey FIFA regulations, anything that brings the country to a standstill. Let the world know how terrible the ANC have been as regards good governance keeping corruption murder rape aids . .more unptrotected sex illegitimate children sex whenever with whoever under reasonable control. Let the world know how embarrassing it is for many of us to have zuma as president and malema as his right hand man and successor. BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. . .less by Stop the 2010 World Cup on March 16 2010, 21:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Boer Your type is what the DA fought against, using the K word is utterly disgusting, hurtful, not only to the black people but to all the white people who have self respect. The DA could not gain seats and rise against the Nats because of the way you . .more guys kept on weighting small political constituencies the same as large constituencies where the liberals resided. Damn sly and cunning!!!! Your racial slur is like a drop of red dye that has tainted the whole page. I am reporting you to the server, your post should not have been allowed. You and people of your ilk should be banished to Oranje volkstaat. Buzz off and let Educated people debate the issues. Any racist is clearly a bit short of grey matter and has no EQ score!!!!!!!!!!!! . .less by didi on March 17 2010, 00:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Sycophants?? by JVR JVR, what planet are you on (or have you been messing with your medication)? The (mostly) sane responses you read above to Dinga Nkhwashu's article are not the dribblings of sycophants.... just ordinary people in SA affirming support & . .more approval to a bit of journalistic sense. What makes his article very remarkable is that he accurately articulates what you will never hear from the paid-up sycophants nor their masters. It seems you have difficulty in telling the difference? Perhaps try re-reading the article & all the postings. Tjeeerrs, Die Tjikurubi Tjappie :) :) . .less by John Austin, LONDON on March 17 2010, 00:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga I am an Afrikaner and I salute you! As Boer,ek skaam my vir jou! by jsb on March 17 2010, 01:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Truth about Democracy One absolute truth about democracy: You get what you vote for. If you choose to vote for corrupt "family" you will get a corrupt system. This is the problem with liberation movements in politics - anyone who opposes it or witholds their vote . .more is seen as a traitor or "counter revolutionary" not only by the manipulating outsiders but also inherently as a deep rooted feeling even 16 years down the line when the rogues have infiltrated and hijacked the movement. Is this what Hector Petersen and the other kids died for? So that the Malemas can line their pockets without giving counter value simply because they manouvered themselves into positions of power? Would Hector's mother today still vote for the ANC? If so, why? Because she believed in and supported this madness or because not voting for the ANC per se would be regarded as letting the movement down? Build a memorial for the ANC and give it all the credit it deserves for its role in defeating Apartheid, but move on. It is terminally ill and cannot be fixed from the inside. It was used as a springboard by the rogues who play on the emotions of the previousely disadvantaged. Dinga can cry in his soup as much as he wants - at best he will be tolerated, at worst ostracised but it will not change the current direction and momentum of the ANC - too many easy millions waiting . .less by Fidel on March 17 2010, 10:44 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga How refreshing to hear the views of an educated Black man who is not afraid to tell the truth. But you will be called a counter-revolutionary/ white puppet / dog etc by the yobs that support Malema and Zuma. It is so sad. they will vote ANC until they are . .more dying of cholera/AIDS/TB/starvation, Just like the millions of Zimbabweans who voted for ZanuPF till they died. You can be president of this country any day. You have my vote! . .less by Mikey on March 20 2010, 21:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Dinga @boer: Go take a running jump into the freakin Atlantic ocean! This country can do without the likes of you. You insult all us, the white people of this great nation. @Dinga: go brother! you are on the right track, i will help were i can (if my . .more white skin don't hinder me) People should stand up and make their voices heard! Our nation will prevail in the end, we should just believe. The imbeciles will be driven out of leadership positions by the intellectuals!! . .less by AntiBoer Mentality on March 24 2010, 20:54 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Boer You insult the word Boer, my husband, brothers and neighbours are all Farmers (Boere) and certainly do not share your unintelligent drivel, and actually would prefer you to abstain from using the word boer, because we are certain you have never boer/farm . .more a thing in yor life,except suffering from verbal diarrhea,and that makes you certainly no boer, no that makes you a very sick human being in need of urgent pshychiatric care . .less by Boere meisie on June 08 2010, 08:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Mr. Dinga Sir ,you can count on the support of most boere,if you want to enter the political circus, We certainly respect your opinions and intellect,the values you obviously believe in and we thank you for sharing that with us, We maybe only a minority . .more group- the boere - but I am convinced that many of the majority feels the same way,judging the comments by our workers . .less by Boere meisie on June 08 2010, 08:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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