Hi there, Â Some of my fondest memories came on that memorable day at Ellis Park in 1995 for the Rugby World Cup final. From my pal Zweli Mncube teaching a bus-load how to sing Shosholoza through to Madiba in a Bok jersey through to Japie Mulder’s flying tackle when Jonah Lomu looked try-bound and … Read more
It’s not really surprising that Turkey’s out of touch leader has banned Twitter and Facebook. Social media is a politician’s worst nightmare. It gives frustrated citizens the ability to publish their opinions and shine searchlights into areas where darkness ruled. South Africa’s increasingly unpopular President Jacob Zuma is starting to feel the sharp edge of … Read more
From the SA Press Association: The United Democratic Movement on Thursday accused the ANC and its affiliates of waging an aggressive and concerted campaign to undermine trust in the public protector. “The UDM is outraged at the sustained attack on the public protector by the various offshoots of the ANC,” UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said … Read more
For ages various economic commentators have been warning that South African consumer spending is going to come under pressure, and it seems like this is happening at last, according to Ernst & Young. There’s been every reason to anticipate weakness in consumer spending and, by association, in retail sales. Interest rates have started to rise … Read more
We were bemused by the Stats SA report claiming the economy created 507 000 new jobs last year. That implies almost 5% growth in employment when the economy expanded under 2%. A conclusion which only makes sense to the innumerate. And politicians, including President Jacob Zuma, who has been trumpeting the joyful news at every … Read more
From the SA Press Association: The ANC is planning to take legal action against the DA over a text message about President Jacob Zuma, the party said today. “We are actively taking this matter up by opening a charge of defamation and malicious conduct,” African National Congress spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement. “We … Read more
From SAPA The ANC will not apologise for the findings of the Nkandla report, its secretary general said on Thursday. “If there is a need for an apology, it can’t be the ANC. If need be, it can be from the president or it may be by the relevant ministers,” Gwede Mantashe told reporters in … Read more
If anyone knows how to nip a reputational crisis in the bud, it is communications strategist Clive Simpkins.  A consultant to CEOs and executive teams of blue chip companies, he has worked in advertising, has written speeches for late ANC first lady Mrs Adelaide Tambo and advised at least four heads of State. Two prominent South … Read more
From The Presidency: The Presidency has noted the release of the final report of the Public Protector today, 19 March 2014, into the security upgrades at the Nkandla private residence of President Jacob Zuma. One of the key successes of our democracy is the Constitution with its important features such as the institutions supporting and … Read more
By Ed Cropley PRETORIA (Reuters) – A South African anti-corruption watchdog unveils a report today on a $21 million state-funded “security upgrade” to President Jacob Zuma’s private home that a newspaper says included a swimming pool and cattle enclosure. If Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s long-awaited findings concur with leaked excerpts in the Mail and Guardian daily, they could … Read more