South Africa a Failed State

South Africa a Failed State

Zwelinzima Vavi, the expelled Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary, said South Africa had not implemented the freedom charter goals and was the most unequal place on earth, fast becoming a failed state. Vavi while addressing a meeting ahead of the public holiday on May 1 said issued of corruption and accountability need to be addressed.

In the 21 years of democracy, South Africa was fast becoming a failed state and Vavi said its citizens would head off to other countries in search of a better life. The public holiday on May 1 is a celebration of workers day and Vavi said the workers have little to celebrate under the difficult and strenuous conditions.

The ousted leader referred to Cosatu as a “sweetheart federation.” Cosatu has no independence and remains in constant turmoil. Vavi indicated that a real threat existed from intimidation, dirty money and smear campaigns by people in power if threatened. When questions were raised about the President of South Africa, Vavi declined to comment.

Workers According to Vavi remained divided and would hold separate May day rallies. The African National Congress (ANC) are directly to blame for the splintering between workers and youth. The youth movement of South Africa is fractured. Today South Africa has no accountability and moving toward a kleptocratic movement. Despite attempts to block the action from marching, the planned march in Durban, KwaZulu Natal would go ahead and nine unions were participating. Vavi urged other unions to join the march and said workers had the right to freedom.

Cosatu, the ANC youth league and the South African Communist Party (SACP) had a pact with President Zuma. Together the multilateral Alliance undertook to support the ANC party to gain votes to keep the deeply flawed Zuma in the highest position of South Africa, all in exchange seats in government. The plotters relationship soured and a fall-out followed that can be traced back to the ousted President Thabo Mbeki.

The government of South Africa and the unions have a distinct conflict of interest and should operate as separate organizations. Cosatu is nothing more than a convenient electoral cannon for the ANC. The growing social crisis coupled with the political insight of Cosatu, linked to government policies is undemocratic. The ANC are not the strong and might political party of the past, and cloaked with weakness, following the expulsions of Julius Malema, Numsa and Vavi indicate a possible realignment of leftist forces against the party.

The Freedom Charter has not been implemented by either the ANC or Cosatu and with over 20 million people under the local chiefs who control the land, culture, economy and politics, there will not be a shift in the inequality. Until the government and Cosatu distance the politics from the expensive mess of the traditional House of Leaders, no freedom charter progression will happen. The current state of affairs can be attributed to both the activities of Cosatu and the ANC government.

Vavi flippantly confirms the lack of accountability and corruption by the ANC government of South Africa. The failings to provide fundamental human rights stack up against the culprits, the ANC government and tripartite alliance. The plundering continues and the irrational, foolish actions over the past 21 years force South Africa into a dark and destructive country.

Article published on the Guardian LV 

Read more at http://guardianlv.com/2015/05/south-africa-a-failed-state/#6SO0QbyoktY8YyT4.99

South Africa Whites Only Oppression Is a Great Injustice

South Africa Whites Only Oppression Is a Great Injustice

South Africa is a country known for deliberate acts of violence, yet the oppression directed at whites only is a great injustice. There is no end to the racial hatred actions and slow genocide of the white minority group. Genocide is a nasty word, and the meaning is the deliberate killing of a particular ethnic group or a large nation of people. The white minority group of South Africa have been victims of attacks for years. Not only are lives threatened, there are the continual implementation of new laws plotting to destroy the whites in South Africa.

Officially there will be no more bursaries for white only students. Discriminatory bursaries bequeathed to white only students violate the Constitution of South Africa, the Western Cape High Court declared. Several bequeaths stipulated that white only students may qualify for bursaries. The courts found this to be racist and not constitutional. Equality and prevention of unfair discrimination must be considered according to Universities benefiting from the funds bequeathed. Several universities do not associate itself with bursaries or loans that unfairly discriminate against individuals.

The Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) implemented to address restrictions existing within South Africa for black individuals to participate equitably in the economy is a mess. The BEE implementation is unconstitutional and racist. The BEE legislation is to secure the riches of South Africa for the majority. BEE perceives a person who has a job, a house, a car and a tertiary education as a previously advantaged person. The entire BEE legislation is about white and black and reverse apartheid. The status of BEE is often updated to ensure that whites have difficulty in obtaining work, eliminated from the economy and be placed in a disadvantaged position.

There are simply not enough white people in South Africa to take from and make a meaningful difference.The government presumes that if all white-owned assets were moved to the majority of South Africa, it would eliminate poverty. There are not enough white-owned assets in South Africa to defuse the poverty problem. Politicians use color to gain votes instead of solving problems of poverty. Only a small percentage of blacks have benefited from BEE deals and the majority still live in poverty and worse conditions than under the Apartheid government. The African National Congress (ANC) government are introducing laws to eliminate whites in the workplace, stop bursaries, donations, and force the minority into obliteration.

The attempt to destroy the spirit of the white minority group does not end with changing laws and implementing acts that discriminate against the minor group. Perhaps it is the horrific murders that silently claim the lives of innocent victims. Genocide is wrong and to kill people based on what ancestors did is immoral.

Farmers, the people that feed the nation, are brutally murdered because they are white. The murders are never without acts of heartless actions, like rape of elderly people, children and torturing the victims before killing. Barbaric acts against the minority have not stopped, and international groups carefully consider awareness of the slow genocide.

Article published on the GuardianLV - read the entire story -

Read more at http://guardianlv.com/2015/04/south-africa-whites-only-oppression-is-a-great-injustice/#32LBYb71bIBvhKoG.99

South Africa the Controversial Zulu King

South Africa, the controversial Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini was installed as the eighth monarch of the Zulus. After the death of his father in 1968, Zwelithini feared an assassination attack and went into hiding for three years and returned to South Africa in 1971. The Zulu king has six wives and 27 children. The Zulu nation is the largest ethnic group in South Africa.

The king is known for extravagance, and the royal household expenditure is managed by the Royal Household Trust. Expenditure by the king and family are not public and a carefully guarded secret. Toward the end of 2014 local South African media reported that the King had splurged the ZAR54 million allocated for the year and seeking additional funding to meet other requirements. The report detailed expenditure on the King’s palaces, stipends for his six wives, traveling and education. The education bill covers tuition, private schools and boarding for some of the King’s children.

King Goodwill Zwelithini is no stranger to controversial statements. Speaking at a meeting during January 2012, Zwelithini said, “same-sex marriages were rotten.” The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) condemned the remarks, and President Jacob Zuma reprimanded the king for making this statement. After an uproar, the Royal Zulu Household said the King’s comments were incorrectly interpreted and that the King did not condemn same-sex marriages but raised a concern about the state of ethical deterioration in South Africa.

Perhaps the controversial statement the King made in March 2015 was by far the worst. The King said foreigners should go back to their country. The king acknowledged that African countries had helped the African National Congress (ANC) during the liberation struggle and that it should not be an excuse to create situations where locals are inconvenienced. A week later, President Jacob Zuma’s son advocated the King’s call for foreigners to leave South Africa.

Xenophobia attacks rocketed across South Africa, and several people lost lives through unnecessary violence. The government set up refugee camps and assisted with the repatriation of foreigners leaving South Africa. African countries condemned the attacks and eventually the government deployed the Army to help quell the violence.
At a meeting last week, the King denied the statement and again said it was a misrepresentation. The king called for peace and asked the South Africans to protect the foreigners.

The king’s speech was derogatory and words of incitement. President Zuma and the ANC government have laid the blame for xenophobic attacks everywhere expect at the real source the Zulu King. The political importance of the king is evident to the ANC government party.

A black Friday protest in Malawi by human activists forced South African shops to close down in protest of the recent xenophobic attacks. The aim of the protest was to illustrate the cold-blooded attacks against foreigners in South Africa.

Nigeria and South Africa are the two main powerhouses in Africa and as a result of the recent xenophobia attacks, tensions between the countries are brewing. The Nigerian Senate are calling for an investigation of King Zwelithini’s remarks by the International Criminal Court. It is believed that the remarks made by the King incited the recent violence in South Africa. Civil rights groups and social network activists are horrified by the graphic images of foreigners being attacked in a savage manner. The ANC government are criticized for the manner in which they dealt with the attacks and the lack of sincerity surrounding the attacks.

Most African countries condemn the outbreak of attacks. Somalians, Zimbabweans and Ethiopians foreigners were among those attacked during the xenophobia rage. Africans are outraged by the shameful and senseless violence. Have the South African Zulus gone completely insane ganging up on fellow Africans, butchering, burning and stealing.

Ethiopia was one of the first African countries to assist the ANC during the liberation period and offered support and protection. Africans across the continent are annoyed that the ANC government have forgotten the history and the fight against Apartheid. Africans are questioning if the violence reflects a failed system under a corrupt government controlled by whites.

The SAHRC are investigating the remarks made by King Zwelithini and have received a serious of violent threats. SAHRC have implemented stronger security measures in the wake of threats to burn down the offices. The group sending threatening messages want the SAHRC to stop investigating the King.

Africa and the rest of the world are angry with South Africa, and this does distress the tourism business. Jobs will be lost, diplomatic relationships can turn sour. Economy growth can be disturbed. After all of this, who will get the blame, Jan van Riebeeck, apartheid and whites will ultimately be the target of blame. Somebody must take the responsibility, it is not the Zulu King, it is not the son of President Jacob Zuma and it is not the ANC government.

ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON THE PUBLIC SLATE - 

http://thepublicslate.com/2015/04/south-africa-the-controversial-zulu-king/

Breast Cancer Awareness Action

Breast cancer awareness is not only essential, it can prevent serious problems if detected early. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, and early detection can reduce a lifetime risk.

Performing simple breast self-examination tests once a month can avert a danger and help diagnose breast cancer. A simple test that can be done by either standing in front of a mirror and detecting any change in the size of the breast, nipple discharge or dimpling. Another method of testing is on a bed, with a pillow under the left shoulder, and placing the left hand on the head. Using the right hand to make circular motions, and pressing firmly over the entire breast area, under the arms and up to the shoulder bone, repeat the exercise on left breast. This simple test can be done in the bath, by raising one arm and using the free hand and keeping it flat and soapy to perform firm circular motions over the entire breast area, under arms and up to the shoulder bone.

A balanced lifestyle can reduce the risk of being diagnosed with not only breast cancer but any cancer. Simple, smart choices and embracing a balanced lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Eating healthy, ensuring food is safe,  staying physically active and avoid Carcinogens, (cancer causing agents) all contribute to lowering the risk of cancer. Equally important to pay attention to any symptoms or signs that may become present. Medical attention should be sought if any health warning signs appear. Tenderness or lumps in or near the breast and underarm area should not be ignored as this may be an indication of breast cancer.  Any enlargement of pores in the skin and changes in the skin texture are signs that further tests may be necessitated. Remember not all lumps are cancerous and should be investigated as a precautionary measure.

There are many signs that can help to detect early breast cancer. Women should become familiar with symptoms such as changes in the size or shape of the breast, swelling, shrinkage of the breast or nipple leakages, nipple changes and any signs of skin becoming red or swollen.

Breast pain may not be an indication that breast cancer is the cause. Breast pain can be associated with fluctuation of hormones, side effects of birth control pills or infertility treatment. Stress and breast cysts may also be a cause of tenderness and pain in the breast area and not necessarily breast cancer.

Women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram test done once a month. A mammogram is the x-ray procedure. During the x-ray, the breast is exposed to a small amount of iodizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. A qualified specialist will examine the x-ray for any suspicious areas. A mammogram will often expose a breast lump. A visible cluster of microcalcifications is also detected in the mammogram. Breast cancer can cause conditions such as cysts, fatty cells, specks, and lumps, and if the mammogram detects any abnormalities, further tests will be recommended. Additional tests will be performed such as an ultrasound or MRI. Moreover, if the mass is solid, it might be necessary to undergo a biopsy procedure when cells are removed from a suspicious area to check for any sign of cancer.

Frequent new reports are regularly updated by scientists on the health benefits associated with eating more fruits and vegetables. It is a worthwhile goal to eat a variety of different colors of fruits and vegetables daily. A healthy diet, reducing fats, and red meat have proven benefits. Exercise and emotional wellbeing are important. A healthy lifestyle is a better way to avoid dread diseases and breast cancer.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is difficult and in addition to dealing with the emotional impact, the information could be overwhelming. Breast cancer can be cured and treated. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.

Article posted on The Public Slate - here is the link

• http://thepublicslate.com/2015/04/breast-cancer-awareness-action/

  
  

South Africa Violence and Destruction Is the Norm

 South Africa has developed the attitude of addressing problems by retaliating with violence and destruction that has become the norm. After weeks of demolishing historical statues representing an era of South African history, xenophobia attacks turn the tense situation into an alarming calamity among the citizens. What is next the union building and all colonial billings built before and during the apartheid era?

The rainbow nation of South Africa, is a superficial mixture of critical, white European, Indians, and Africans caught up in a romance without debating the fundamental issues. Under Mandela, who was loved and adored by the majority of South Africa, the emphasis was on reconciliation and ignoring the effects of the racial divide. Twenty-one years later the human rights debate swings into protest with students demanding change in a destructive manner. It is a critical issue and ignored for years that has tilted South Africa into a serious plight of destruction. Violence does not produce realistic solutions. Although the young activists believe their profound destructive behavior is the only way to challenge a system that has no democratic values. Spurred on to demolish historical statues by a political party incites more anger and division between communities.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) a political party of South Africa, wants change and do not consider serious debate and recommendations for a peaceful transition. The activists registered in higher learning institutions behave in a demoralizing manner causing chaos without considering the detrimental effect on society. Racial tension and hatred are evident among protests and inflame calamity that springs from destruction.

Threatened and demoralized by the destruction and removal of statues by the majority groups within the rainbow nation, the minority groups who are now divided into English and Afrikaans become weary of continuing onslaughts against the history of South Africa.

Will these current outbursts by the young blow into a dangerous situation similar to the 1976 Soweto riots. The Soweto protests started by schoolchildren with the introduction of the Afrikaans language as the medium of instruction in schools. Reports confirm the death of 176 children during this time although the figure is estimated to be as high as 700.

The action of destruction by the students is setting a precedence for future generations to follow. With no intervention by government, the students claim victory based on illegal terms. During the past weeks, the turmoil caused has been disappointing for citizens that expected the leading party the African National Congress (ANC) to intervene in an appropriate manner.

Calamity and chaos have become the norm in South Africa. Racial tension and hatred among the different ethnic groups grows and entirely destroys the trifling reconciliation that has happened over the past 21 years.

ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON THE PUBLIC SLATE - READ THE ENTIRE STORY 

http://thepublicslate.com/2015/04/south-africa-violence-and-destruction-is-the-norm/

By Laura Oneale