Alec Hogg: It’s a crazy world, but still doesn’t mean SA should keep friends like these

From a local perspective, about the only good thing about Venezuela's latest stage-managed election earlier this month is that there has been no repeat of Pretoria's congratulatory message of five years ago (see above). SA's unlamented former president's applause came despite Venezuela's official data showing $300bn in oil revenues since 2006 unaccounted for, presumed lost to corruption.

Also read: Alec Hogg: Adrian Gardiner's lessons for all

Venezuela's political governance has descended into absurdity. The main opposition party refused to participate in the election, claiming voting was rigged. So, even with hyperinflation, economic chaos and widespread poverty, Nicolas Maduro's Socialist Party congratulated itself on winning 91% of the Parliamentary seats.

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