South African Convention Movement, Barack Obama, what's next?
posted by Paul
It's been a political week for South Africa and the USA alike. Aside from yesterday's US elections, on Saturday Mosiuoa Lekota, our ex-Minister of Defence, announced the formation of a new political party, arguably the only party with a real ability to topple the ruling ANC's supremacy.The formation of this new party could be the best thing for our democracy, and if Lekota is to be believed, its roots are fixed in strengthening our economy, building a nation free from the past, upholding our constitution, and keeping the values held dear by our beloved former president Nelson Mandela.
There's a long road ahead for both the SACM and Barack Obama - so we wait with bated breath to see what the South African Convention Movement, Mosiuoa Lekota, and Barack Obama have in store for us. Watch this space. ;)
6 Comments:
Yes, it looks like 2009 is going to be an exciting year for the world.
So the photo says 'The long Road ahead' most apt!!
because of all the USA news, what was happening in SA didn't make our news but it's certainly very interesting and encouraging !
Can anyone tell me what the conditions are in SA? Someone told me(not a good source) they are "Deteriorating"? Is that true?and if so in what way is that happening? Thanks for any answers.
Hi jepfla33,
I'm not sure that I'd say "deteriorating". As far as violent crime is concerned - there are always bad elements, and yes, crime is a problem in certain parts of South Africa.
Cape Town is different to cities like Johannesburg and Durban in this regard. While I can't say that crime is not a problem here, it certainly is far far less of an issue.
I'm fortunate that I'm not directly affected by crime. It's not a big feature in my life, though I can appreciate that for many, especially in poorer areas, it certainly is.
With respect to the government - as mentioned in the article, I believe that the "split" in the ANC and the formation of a new political party is the best thing that could have happened. I believe there is corruption inside the ANC, though this isn't unlike any other government. A large part of the reason for the split in the ANC is over corruption. I don't think it's better or worse than before - what I can say is that many corrupt polititians are being surfaced and brought to justice.
The cost of living is up, food is expensive, petrol is expensive - though I believe this is a world-wide trend.
Our exchange rate is VERY (like as in VERY) preferable for tourism, so for many visitors we're still an extremely affordable country to visit. It's however not so easy for us to go touring the world... our currency is fluctuating, and at the moment 10ZAR = 1USD.
I hope this gives you a better perspective on South Africa. I'm still very happy to be here and am certainly not considering leaving any time soon. Do read our blog, this is Cape Town, this is our life. :)
best wishes
Paul
Good luck to you in SA. I hope you truly achieve positive change. I hate to be such a skeptic here in the US, but Obama is, after all, a politician.
Hi Perry,
Heh - yes, point taken. Obama is still a politician. Give him 2 years, and let's see what the man can do.
Best wishes!
Paul.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home