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Kevin Rack

South Africa
News24 User

Why didn't Obama come to SA?

by Kevin Rack
2009-07-16 12:20

Why did Obama not come to South Africa? By Obama not visiting Africa's biggest economy is a strong indication of the bad governance of the ruling junta.

If you live in the past you will stay there. The are a couple of revolutions before a democracy becomes entrenched in a society. You have the overthrow of a dictatorial regime by militants/revolutionaries.

The militants/revolutionaries mentalities are militant and counter to democracy. You then have a second revolution when (ANC) the militants/revolutionaries have mismanaged the country and kick out by angry people.

It is far easier to win your freedom than maintain it.

As history dictates South Africa will become a failed state like Zimbabwe. This process is occurring already.

- The ANC has filled all positions with party loyalists who are militants have no management skills. The only requirement is loyalty.

- There are service delivery strikes occurring everyday - why they still vote ANC?

- The ANC rhetoric is mired in the past and blames the West - see any similarities yet?

- The flight of capital and educated people.

- The increase in lawlessness as the government leads in example here.

- Keeping the masses poorly educated for use as a political tool.

The most worrying aspect is the use of paramilitaries (The MK) to solve political disputes. Look north as a pattern of the future. It does not need to be like this, all it requires is one visionary with strong leadership.

Not a strong leader without vision. Zuma will change the constitution and be another Mugabe.

Time to keep the packed bags by the front door in case a true great leader does not show up.

Kevin Rack

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Peekay 7/16/2009 12:31:02 PM
Good article, to the point. A question I ask myself every day aswell, why on earth did the retards vote for the ANC in the first place????And if you were the president of the mightiest country in the world, would you want to visit a thug like Jacob Zuma?? I think not.

Juan @author 7/16/2009 12:31:58 PM
Yes!!! AGAIN you mention INDESPUTABLE FACTS!! BUT all the uneducated masses need is a 'viva!' and 'mshimiwam!' shout and then they are happy. Throw in a yellow tshirt and they DONT see hunger, cold, crime, corruption, etc anymore. FACT!!! Who cares about crime if our 'kings' and menesta's have big houses and security guards??

Sinudeity @Author 7/16/2009 12:32:54 PM
"Time to keep the packed bags by the front door" - Nah, Id rather stay and fight. The "French ANC revolution" is going to be marvelous. Let them eat cake.

Ghwappie 7/16/2009 12:34:20 PM
Kevin, Kevin... If everybody in SA thought like you we would be in deep, deep doo-doo. Stop hitting us with these negative vibes, bru! Instead of sitting on your ass sulking, and complaining, get off it and do something positive! Or, as you have obviously made your mind up, take your bags and emigrate to Australia. Then at least the average IQ of both countries will improve. If you catch my drift...

Leigh 7/16/2009 12:34:25 PM
Dude - seriously. This stance is becoming old. Dont just pack your bags and leave them at the door. Open the door and leave. Dont let the door hit you on the way out. This country will never survive with pessimists like you around.

Linds 7/16/2009 12:35:58 PM
SA is already seen as a superpower playing the big brother role by other African states. Obama did not want to fuel this perception as much as he didn't go to the country of his father's birth - Kenya. That would seem too sentimental. On the other point about SA, I have few words for you: go play with other persimistic kids!

Frank 7/16/2009 12:36:03 PM
Good thing he didnt come, his luggage would have been nicked at OR Tambo, JSZ would have tried to marry his wife & the rest of teh ANC cadres would be eating on his expense bill for 2 years after he left.

lilian 7/16/2009 12:36:09 PM
Obama didn't come to SA because he only knows how the country is doing by the actions of our UN ambassador of the last few years. What did he do? Vote in favour of the Burma junta, in favour of Mugabe, in favour of any dictator the UN wanted to sanction. That is what our seat on the UN did for our profile. Besides who in America cares about SA. Most of them don't even know where it is. We may think we are big shots on the world stage but in reality we are a small emgerging market. Obama's subtle message won't be taken much notice of by this government. They don't even take notice of their own people.

Kuas 7/16/2009 12:36:27 PM
Kevin you sound like a lost canon. South Africa does not need Obama to endorse it, nor does it need American or donations money. SA is a self-sustaining economy with a wealth of mineral resources, and I dare you none of the multinational conglomerates here are going to pull out of SA. They are just making too much money here to do that, I hope you know what I am talking about, and there is an untapped market here in terms of financing that many so desperately want to have access to and thats the working class. You sound like the bunch who think SA owe them, SA does not owe you anything, if you want to emigrate you are welcome to do so. We will never be like Zim, and for your information, we have been through the worse in the form of apartheid, and there can be no worse in SA than apartheid..ask any black person...

Ian 7/16/2009 12:36:38 PM
Two things: Was there a need for Obama to visit SA? Why don't you leave SA if you have such big issues!

fern 7/16/2009 12:37:35 PM
Kavin - why don't you stick to your mechanics job or something. Cos you know nothing about politics.

Bra fat 7/16/2009 12:39:11 PM
He only visit oil rich countries and he is doing that for interest of americans.Here in SA we got nothing to offer to american.Be in mind that oil is what G Bush was hunting and obama still carry on with the mandate.

Simphiwe 7/16/2009 12:39:21 PM
you may aswell leave. have you never read or listerned to any news lately or were you busy packing or making candles. Hillary Clinton on todays news said america will be working together with South africa and brazil to help struggeling countries, she went further to say america wants to further strengthen relations with South africa. @ the G8 summit Obama implied that he will be in South africa next year. you must remember that America is no longer a super nation Bush made sure of that, China is the new favourite, Leave Politics alone, just enjoy the fact that South africa is finally trying to move away from the apartheid stigma that was and still is heavely intrenched in all of us. total freedom will be experienced by our grandchildren not us who can still remember the taste and burn of teargas.

dan 7/16/2009 12:43:58 PM
why don't you write about the up coming Tri-nations match Broo? and leave politics to political analyst, cause you really don't make any sense oh by the way he's coming to SA next year Broo.If you can tell us the reasons why he didn't come to SA I think you can Also tell us why he did not visit Kenya.

lenora 7/16/2009 12:44:15 PM
Who said we need Obama here? We have own Obama! Who cares about Obama not visiting SA. I think Obama mentioned something very important on his speech, he said AFRICA need AFRICANS to sort out the CONTINENT 's future. The fact is he was in AFRICAN CONTINENT which SA is part of it. Grow up man!!!

Sinudeity 7/16/2009 12:45:12 PM
Nah, when Obama was a senator, he visited South Africa. He requested visits with Mbeki, JZ, and a couple of other ANC bigwigs, guess what, nobody pitched up. I think Obama is merely showing the same respect, we gave him, back.

Mandy 7/16/2009 12:45:49 PM
Never a truer word written. But Kevin old boy, now you are in the kak. Wait for all the racist remarks and brain-dead comments that's going to get posted. This is going to be fun. You just made my day. Good luck.

Juan 7/16/2009 12:46:45 PM
I think the president of THE FREE WORLD has better things to do with his time than to hang out with uneducated aids-spreading criminal scum.

fern 7/16/2009 12:47:48 PM
Indisputable facts... your calling a democratically elected government a junta. Next time you're having a braai in a nice neighbourhood, a few drinks from the worlds biggest brewery (sab) and a world renowed climate. whilst other freeze or are oppressed by their own governments both in africa and abroad. you should take a hard look at yourself. fewl

Sinudeity @lenora 7/16/2009 12:48:07 PM
"AFRICA need AFRICANS to sort out the CONTINENT's future" - Exactly, and Im an African.

Bryan 7/16/2009 12:49:04 PM
Obama is an even bigger thug than any of SA's politicians. He is an angry and out of control student of Saul Alinsky, who is purposefully destroying the American economy so that he can rebuild it according to his twisted beliefs. Look at his energy, health, cap and trade and foreign policies - a raving Marxist! I detest him, and the American people are starting to realize they voted in a monster - look at his poll ratings. You should count yourself lucky that he never visited. Watch FOX NEWS and educate yourself!

George Nowak 7/16/2009 12:51:04 PM
Perhaps it's simpler than all of the above political answers, it's personal. When Barack Obama was an aspiring presidential candidate, he requested face time with the ANC and other government and leading figures. ANC was not interested at all, too busy with the Polokwane machinations. Archbishop Tutu gave him the time of day. Who's sorry now?

Rabble Rouser 7/16/2009 12:53:03 PM
A very prejudiced point of view. I don't like the ANC but your speculation and conjecture is unreasonable and unfair. Obama obviously has a busy schedule and is probably selective in his state visits. Apparently he has accepted an invitation to the opening of the 2010 FIFA world cup in SA.

@Ghwappie 7/16/2009 12:54:08 PM
I did do something positive - I voted DA, I dont watch SABC and I dont feel sorry for supporters of the ruling party complaining. its an oxymoron or whatever you want to call it, Vote ANC and complain later, strike, rampage etc. You are reaping what you sowed! Open your eyes and see how the ruling party has lied, cheated, stolen and walked over the people who vote for them. Golden rule - take care of yourself cause the government doesnt care...

Bongi 7/16/2009 12:56:42 PM
Agghh shame, I feel for you. Youa are so wrong, it's not even funny. Do us all progressive South Africans a favour - you and your ilk - LEAVE!!!

nick 7/16/2009 12:57:30 PM
We all know things are slipping but, this article is so negative its crazy

Media Phantom 7/16/2009 12:57:38 PM
@Kevin, If you do not want to be here please do us all a big favour leave now and stop complaining like a little girl about our beautiful 'Young developing' country ... Hey don't forget your sheep shears, mate ;)

DEE 7/16/2009 1:00:37 PM
peekay and juan, you are tool boxes in denial,,,, get informed broooo's

Simphiwe@juan 7/16/2009 1:02:05 PM
Juan you always say its the uneducated masses who voted for ANC, a great majority of the people who voted for ANC are blacks, who you will remember were deprived of any rights until 1994. It is people like you that are holding the country back,its people like you who are making sure that we (blacks) remember why the ANC is in power, cos until we change FW Deklerk will remain the last white President of the republic and that you are also killing any chances of Helen Zille of ever becoming president, America Has Black president I hear also That Britain might find itself with a black Prime minister,Together we all can make SA a very strong Nation, we are the greener pastures now. you see Zimbabwe as a disaster area, but a lot of south african whites are setting up businesses there, cos they see Zimbabwe as an opportunity,

Dangerous 7/16/2009 1:02:40 PM
Maybe it is simply to dangerous

samsam 7/16/2009 1:03:45 PM
Those who are not happy with ANC must go to the BUSH we will meet you there. Ooooh ya its nice to deal with a person who was in power 'cause he doesnt know how to cope, Dis Lekke lekke maaaan, jaa goooed

Sasha @ Bryan 7/16/2009 1:06:33 PM
Obama a raving Marxist? Hmm. When was the last time you had a look at most of the demands being made by the tripartite alliance? The raving Marxists are already here hon..

mlungisi 7/16/2009 1:07:17 PM
SA and Zim. Two different states and will never be the same. You can pray hard it will not happen. SA is the best, democracy is alive and kicking your ****. You'll always moan if you are in the loosers side.

Sinudeity @CTK 7/16/2009 1:07:42 PM
BTW, the DA has created 8,000 new jobs in Cape Town. Hows the ANC doing? 500,000 to go still?

Devils_Advocate 7/16/2009 1:08:45 PM
"Time to keep the packed bags by the front door ...." I got a better idea Kevin, why don't just do us all a favor and GET OUT, you letting the cold wind blow in. We do not need such high levels of negativity around here. We could do well with one less "Whinger" in SA. Aus has lots of space for people like you, hamba!

Greg 7/16/2009 1:08:58 PM
Kevin. I am a white guy, and although some of what you are saying may be true, I know we are going to be okay. Your a typical BOX (in Afrikaans) who cant let go of the past. Always looking for problems instead of the positive and solutions.

Anon 7/16/2009 1:10:08 PM
Kevin, First and foremost, Obama is not some GOD people worship. I personally couldn't care less whether he lands on SA soil or not. The world has many critical issues than Obama visiting SA. I would like to believe that President Jacob Zuma is the most enviable man at the moment because He is free to Practice his traditional values and beliefs (even if his values are not so popular). I can bet most man would love to have open relationships with more than 1 partner without the fear of being victimised, hence I think most man and statesman would kill to be in his position. I am not going to speculate as to why Obama didn't come to SA because it does not benefit anyone expect the small Political Oligoarch. As for the reasons you think led to Obama not coming to SA i think yo are talking a whole of Bull. President Zuma has only been in office for about 3 months and so far He has done great. He is busy cleaning up the Mess left by Mbeki and his Cope allies.So, please do your research first before you embarras yourself.

Louis 7/16/2009 1:10:17 PM
The war has already started. Read this.
http://praag.co.za/content/view/5220/403/

Devils_Advocate 7/16/2009 1:10:39 PM
I forgot one last thing Kevin, Obama is not God, so what if he didn't come here? Are we gonna die? Fact of the matter is that he is still part of the same US system.

El Classico 7/16/2009 1:12:03 PM
@Kevin
Obama did not visit Austrailia as well...

Humphrey 7/16/2009 1:15:13 PM
People with such negative views as yours are not needed.Take your bags and see if you can find a better place and then stay there...

Telstar 7/16/2009 1:16:07 PM
We can air our views. People have right to strike. We can vote for the party of our own choice. I think we're better off thn most people. You naturally voted for the party of your choice and lost. Who would you vote for if you were black?

Melo 7/16/2009 1:16:27 PM
You are so misinformed, Libya is the cnontinent's biggest economy and if SA is so bad what are you still doing here? They say if you cannot handle the heat just get lost. Suze Orman has just bought a house in Northcliff because unlike you she can see the potential and hey the list is endless!

Poloyatonki 7/16/2009 1:18:00 PM
Kevin - the only person that can answer you idiotic question is Obama himself.... Crap Article

PeterM 7/16/2009 1:19:36 PM
Kevin you and everyone who thinks like you are a waiste of precious oxygen.

I will give a ligt to the airport, and please buy a single trip ticket.

kamawa 7/16/2009 1:20:15 PM
For your info,America is in economic shambles as we speak it was destroyed by an intellect,running after oil and now Obama is sorting out his mess and also running after oil in ghana that has recently been discovered.There is nothing America can offer us right now.it seems like for letters to be published on this forum just needs the following letters.ANC,Corruption and Masses being called stupid and they are published much to the amusement of the same ANC bashers who complain and moan day in day out calling the Pres and masses names.im sure most even dream abt drowning the Pres and masses in the sea.

SJ 7/16/2009 1:21:01 PM
Why did he not visit Botswana, Angola, Namibia, Kenya, DRC, Mozambique, Zambia, Lesotho, Egypt, etc - Please man - why are you still here, if you need constant validation? Are you a twit?

Louwey 7/16/2009 1:21:05 PM
Perhaps the Powers That Be decided it best if President Obama not visit SA, since the whole world media follow his every move. If he came to SA, the world might realize how unprepared we are for next years FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. By not coming it provides our government a bit more time to get their act together...

Sinudeity @samsam 7/16/2009 1:21:14 PM
Which Bush sammie? And what fighting utensils must I bring with?

ju@kevin 7/16/2009 1:21:50 PM
Poor Article,The president and foreign minister are out of the country.Zuma had a meeting with Obama at G8.What miracle do think Obama will bring. He visited ghana and there was no miracle.

Sinudeity @mlungisi 7/16/2009 1:22:02 PM
Go have a look how 'high' South Africa ranks in the democracy scale in Africa. Botswana beats the crap out of us.

Barend 7/16/2009 1:24:33 PM
I quote "if you live in the past you will stay there" from your article. I agree with various points you made in your article but to pack and leave is not the only solution. A lot of people who left wants to come back! Vote for a party that can be a good opposition, and give it time, eyes open as has happened in Zim, and that should be an example of how not to govern - mismanagement happened in the past too, and we are all still here ;-)

SimonP 7/16/2009 1:25:35 PM
@Kuas, dont need donations? Why was Zuma at the G8+5 with his begging bowl?

Dangerous 7/16/2009 1:26:04 PM
@samsam The last time w met at the Bush, many of your brothers never made it. Please come up with a better comment

Have a safe trip 7/16/2009 1:27:52 PM
nah nah nah nah hey hey hey goodbye. I qoute "It is far easier to win your freedom than maintain it" Kevin. Brother, it took us more than 100 to win it and its only been 15 years trying to maintain it. Boy we are making mistakes but learning. We got another 85 years to master it then we'll take over Austrilia and the US hehehe

kate@kaus 7/16/2009 1:28:21 PM
bulldust. why is that the last 2 presidents are never in the country? always abroad begging for money and money and money. read the news papers, maybe it will help you next time...

biko 7/16/2009 1:28:33 PM
shame on you kevin!! true south africans dont think like u do, and as for those who r planning to leave SA time is running out dont mis ur plane!!

SimonP 7/16/2009 1:28:44 PM
@lenora "he said AFRICA need AFRICANS to sort out the CONTINENT 's future" yes he did but you have to realise is what he was really saying was "but not in "the African way" which has to one disaster after another.

Sinudeity @ju 7/16/2009 1:31:14 PM
What are you saying? That zuma/obama magic is simply a myth? Thought so.

Careful 7/16/2009 1:31:44 PM
cant we for once stop being Blacks and Whites and just be South African for the total advancement of our beloved country's aspirations, i am getting tired of whites not having faith ( always dissing) and blacks always encouraging whites to leave, we need one another and the sooner we become a united SOUTH AFRICA then we shall prosper, and the last time i checked the only biological difference we have is skin pigmentation, so stop all this racial slurs and come up with positive outlook and inputs. I LOVE YOU ALL "we live and we die" what's the purpose of your passion towards SOUTH AFRICA?

remember to remember 7/16/2009 1:31:50 PM
I dont like obama and thats a fact.reason being he is sorrounded by whites.who have injected money behind his compaing and obvious.he has to return the favour back in the form of diplomacy in those countries that the whites are interested in minerals. unfotunatley africa is one of those continets.as for south africa bee/bbbee is our way of reclaiming our minerals.if any youth out there lets keep on revitalising bee and affirmative action. and remeber many died for us to have a better future today.

BLACKsoWHAT!@George Nowak & Juan & Sinudeity 7/16/2009 1:32:03 PM
He's a politician not a scorned wife, if it suits him and his "free world's" interest to visit RSA he'll be here.

AJ@Author 7/16/2009 1:32:10 PM
If you saw Haarlem, you saw SA - no difference - crime, corruption, gangsters, poverty, rape, incompetence, fraud, etc. but others have more problems to solve.
But even if so - be positive, love & laugh - you make your own life. O yes - and don't judge.

Len 7/16/2009 1:33:52 PM
Obama cannot be expected to have visited South Africa, especially considering our geographical position. To suggest that his lack of a visit has anything to do with our policies is demented to say the least. Why did he not go to Australia, Japan, New Zealand?
Fact is, he has committed to coming to the world cup and did meet Jacob Zuma despite a earlier snub.
I think you seriously need to have your head read.
He only visited one country in Africa, and did not even visit the land of his birth. Come of it, get over yourself. I like Obama, but stop making him into something he is not.

Myself 7/16/2009 1:34:01 PM
Shut up Peekay, it's either you pack your bags and go where racists like yourself stay "Orania". After all if a great leader yoou are talking about is a white man/woman, then forget because never again shall this country be governed by a pink skinned individual.Even your Ex-Leader Terreblanch was convinced that he will never be ruled by an African and where is he now. You guys are such damn racist, crime affects us all whether black or white. Even if a Person of your skin colour can be a president as long as the majority of the population are still unemployed crime will always be amongst us.Better do your part to fight crime or get used to it.

LION 7/16/2009 1:34:31 PM
Kevin, I wonder who needs a person like u with all the negative attitude, pack your bags and go u coward, this country will never be like Zim. we dont need Obama's approval to deal with our problems, we survived the worst system. Apartheid from the pits of hell.

Chairman 7/16/2009 1:34:48 PM
Kevin,One,Obama can not visit all African countries at the same time.Two,He is coming next year for the 2010 SWC and of course meet JZ and others.THREE,He did mention S.A in his speech,praising the S.A democratic elections.What more do you want?

Bra Tso 7/16/2009 1:35:33 PM
What are you smoking broer, must be some good stuff.Africa for the Africans.

CTheB 7/16/2009 1:38:52 PM
Or perhaps Obama had an agenda when visiting Africa that required him to visit certain countries, but not all. No, that couldn't be it. A statesman from another country not visiting SA while in Africa must be a statement about the country. One could come up with a "reason" for him to visit pretty much every country in Africa, but he didn't. Instead of asking why he didn't, perhaps you should be asking why he should.

Zwide 7/16/2009 1:39:31 PM
There is nothing wrong about ANC, or Zuma. You can only blame Government for not providing infrastructure and as far as I know infrastructure in SA is Good. for any other matter blame people themselves, they are lazy, drink too much, want to enjoy life without working. There is no free lunch. SA has a brighter future without all of you negetive people. I HAVE SEEN CHANGES IN MY LIFE IN THE NEW SA. IF YOU CANNOT STAND THE COMPETITION, BYE! FOR YEARS OUR FATHERS HAVE BEEN REMOVING HATS FOR WHITES, AND GEUSS WHAT TODAY A WHITE MAN IS REPORTING TO ME. Finaly, Obama has a right to choose which country he wants to visit, and the future of SA is in those SA's who want to make it a better place, for those who are packing, they should live fast so that others can replace them. DO NOT TALK JUST DO IT, SOMEONE IS WAITING FOR YOUR POSITION AND PERHAPS HE/SHE CAN DO A BETTER JOB THAN YOU WITHOUT COMPLAINING!!!!!!!!!

Themba 7/16/2009 1:40:01 PM
@Sinudeity
So what?
There are 1 million people in botswana, the death penalty and a lineage to the presidency. There has not been a change of political parties there in a while and Bushmen had to go to court to demand their rights.
Yes, something to aspire to.

Robert Ndungane 7/16/2009 1:40:10 PM
As far as i am aware NIgeria is currently the biggest economy in Africa, and not South Africa.

Halfwise 7/16/2009 1:41:49 PM
Juan - really ha ha ha ha you cracked me ha ha ha ha.... Fak Obama man we dont need him here, we have everything we need.

J 7/16/2009 1:41:57 PM
Kevin, SMS Obama and find out.....you can sms.

SimonP 7/16/2009 1:42:36 PM
@Anon "President Zuma has only been in office for about 3 months and so far He has done great". Please list the great things he has done so far, please note not what he has PROMISED but what he actually DONE.

SimonP 7/16/2009 1:44:52 PM
@samsam, those who disagree with the ANC should be taken to the bush and killed? Is that how communism works? Still waiting for you to prove Im a racist, liar and uneducated.

Wisdom 7/16/2009 1:45:43 PM
Why should he?? What makes our country so special, we don't even want DalaiLama here!

zhannoff@honestblogs 7/16/2009 1:47:14 PM
This is total hogwash! The itinerary of the US President is very meticulously programmed. It is certainly not fashioned around the loony daydreams such as Kevin's. President Obama has already indicated that he will be coming for the 2010 World Cup. Why should he be expected to make another trip between now and then? Kevin is the kind of South Africa basher we must eradicate. Most unpatriotic!!

worried 7/16/2009 1:49:33 PM
Problem is you didn't understand the relevance of Obama coming to Africa Kevin. Its was for understanding Africans and seeing where African Americans came from as he regards himself one. It is relevant to International relations and not the Economy. he'll make a trip to S.A one day when he needs to sort out African economic issues. Read newspapers, watch the news and listen to him when he talks about why he is travelling to all these places before you show all News24 readers your lack of knowledge. Otherwise good point about ANC, a little irrelevant in the Obama case though mate!

jacques 7/16/2009 1:50:05 PM
Kev, give me a call, I will pay for your ticket out of here.

El Classico 7/16/2009 1:50:50 PM
@Kevin
The unemployment queue in Aus is waiting for you. So are the 10000 Aussies infested with swine flu. Go, hamba, voetsek..

Poloyatonki 7/16/2009 1:52:03 PM
Sinudeity – (the DA has created 8,000 new jobs in Cape Town) what jobs are you talking about, I live here in Cape Town and I see people loosing jobs everyday. (i dont hear about it on the news.) Don’t shit please.

dustin 7/16/2009 1:52:12 PM
he's just noticing a pattern - and the reaction of some of you probably means deep down you see it too, but can't accept it...

Kuas @SimonP 7/16/2009 1:52:31 PM
@SimonP, you such an idiot!! did you listen/read the G-8 closing statement. They mentioned it as investement in the agricultural sector to offset the subsidies in the developed countries, as they are unwilling to change that policy. so their best bet is that the developing economies farmers will be able to compete with the developed countries if the yield costs are low, thats is through the package they have put together. if you listened very well, and went through that statement you would realised that they stopped short of calling for developing economies to subsidise their farms. but i doubt you know what you talking about. thats the thing being able to write comments in such forums does not make you literate..

Jacques 7/16/2009 1:54:17 PM
@Have a safe trip, I don't think we'll want to take over the "US of A" in a 100 years, the way that country is over industrialised, there will be nothing left. (Maybe a couple of inbred hooligans, so unless your a qualified dentist, there will be absolutely nothing to do)

Willem 7/16/2009 1:56:48 PM
Kevin, you're an idiot. If history already dictates that SA will become a failed state, and if we could just look north to see what the future holds, why do you waste time writing a fatalistic, prejudiced little number like this? Better get packing and get the hell out, bro. Like the Thai elephants during the tsunami - they didn't just turn toward the mountain, they ran up it.

Wayne 7/16/2009 2:00:24 PM
In 94 you bought all the tinned goods and bottled water because the war was comming. Before and after every election you say the end is near. Do us all a favour and head for the airport and you can take all your friends with you ie SimonP, Sinudeity, Juan and for good measure CTK. You all deserve each other. You live in the past when everything worked but was only for 6 Million people. ar$eh0le

Francois Bruce 7/16/2009 2:01:55 PM
Kevin - that may be one of the worst articles I have ever read. If you are going to contribute to online News Forums, please learn how to write an article with the correct grammar and spelling. It reads like a a 6 year old wrote it. "Keeping the masses poorly educated for use as a political tool", well judging by your article you must be one of the "masses".

Abel 7/16/2009 2:03:13 PM
Kevin, you are a racist. It smacks of that 80s liberal idealogy. i dont understand you at all. Zuma is a humble man with great ideals. We can all learn from him.

kentse 7/16/2009 2:04:34 PM
Its a pity we still have people like Kevin who are still hoping for the day the white man took back their "vaderland". Wake up, it is never going to happen. NEVER!!!!! EVER!!!! we will put the ANC back in government over and over and over again until another black party emerges. Deal with that!

Conscience 7/16/2009 2:09:06 PM
Kaus, actually you are wrong. South Africa does receive aid - financial aid in the forms of loans and other. Without it the government will have very little money. How else do you think the government can afford to build all these stadia, Gautrain and expand the roads? It's through loans granted by the World bank or other countries (such as the USA) that assists them. SA also needs trade partners. Without markets for our export goods, we are as good as nothing. If we can't sell goods to customers, we don't get in any foreign money. So please think again. We are only self sustainable if we actually sell our goods to foreign countries...

LucyW 7/16/2009 2:09:14 PM
Obama was not scheduled to come to SA the countries he went to needs the attention.However I do agree on the "Why do they still vote ANC part"...and to those who made comments about apartheid please apartheid is still here people just reversed you can stand on your head until you are blue its still very much alive.Until all those apartheid traumatised people gets out of politics it will still prevail and trust me im no white person speasking here, just someone who is tired of hearing about apartheid and looking forward to the day where democracy is practised in the true sense of the word and people stop looking at the pass but focus all their energy on the future and work as one unit with one vision.

mbali 7/16/2009 2:09:39 PM
seriously Kevin and all those people who are supporting his ridculous article, you are all singing sad song which is so played out now!!!!
i am so tired of people like you pointing out the negative thing about SA, or even the ruling party..maybe you should remember the good this country has in comparison to the rest of Africa, or even some European countries as well...the Con-fed Cup was held here were SA played well, 2010 is going to be held here, the wonderful new infrastructure that we are building...the democratic country we live in, and the government that allows for that democracy yes it has its problem...but so do all other countries...have you mayber forgotten about a man named George W Bush, and "weapons of mass destruction" which if u were living under a rock were never found and killed many of his own people over in Irag...oh can i also mention the Recessio...but hey why would you pay attention to that cause i mean its America they are allowed to have a stupid president like Bush, and incompetent government...
and you know what i totally agree with Gwhappie, Keving and all his followers please do us all a favour PICK UP YOUR BAGS FROM THE DOOR AND LEAVE...please just go to Australia and become a nuisance there, and leave the rest of us who are trying to better this country and more importantly who see the potential and beauty of SA...

JohnP 7/16/2009 2:12:32 PM
Couldn't care less if he comes here or not.Haven't seen him do much either besides free a couple of terrorists,buy a dog and kill a fly.

Thokozani 7/16/2009 2:13:14 PM
Do we really have to se the worst on everything?, do we really have to always question the everything? By the way Obama is coming for the 2010 world cup.

SimonP 7/16/2009 2:13:48 PM
@samsam, I just had "fedup" define racism for me, he believes it is "disagreeing with black people". Is that what you define it as aswell. It may answer alot of the questions you fail to answer.

Poloyatonki 7/16/2009 2:19:15 PM
Really guys, one thing is certain…you guys don’t hate each other like this in real life. I bet you. Maybe some of you are sitting next to each other (Black guy and White guy) planning together have to post crap on this forum. And for those who don’t understand how things work here, never ever take anything you read here serious. Please.

Bzuky 7/16/2009 2:20:02 PM
Why can't you just pack your bags and go to Australia? We don't need people like you. We want people who are willing to work reconciling our nature not destroy it. We need optimists. God to Australia and maybe you will be much happier and have all good things to say about your people. You will do us a huge favour by taking the first flinght out of SA (Oops! maybe your lugge may be stolen!!!)

fern @ dustin 7/16/2009 2:21:14 PM
I you had listened to Obama's speech you would have known he was full of praise for SA. Rendering this article USELESS anti-sa propaganda. I do hope you leave.

Jet@dustin 7/16/2009 2:23:10 PM
Hey Dust(b)in, you can follow him too to Aus if you don't like the 'pattern'...

KayBee 7/16/2009 2:24:24 PM
Kevin stop moaning like a pregnant goat. If your not happy LEAVE our beautiful country. Join your buddies in Aus, don't know if you'll be able to survive cos they're coming back. Obama is not GOD.

Big Brother 7/16/2009 2:24:35 PM
Obama was here before he was elected president we missed his time of visitation. They played his documentary lasy week on SABC 2 it looks like we all missed that tooooooooo.Ha ha ha ha

Mogotsi Mpshane 7/16/2009 2:25:00 PM
Yawn. Another ANC bashing article. The writer talk about good governance but the USA is not governing their finacial mess, that has destabilised the world economies, well.Yawn

BRUIN OU 7/16/2009 2:25:21 PM
Bra on your point "It is far easier to win your freedom than maintain it." If you call what our people went tru for our freedom easy than you must think again,you got it all wrong bra.

2ls 7/16/2009 2:25:46 PM
Go to HELL KEVIN!!!!

zola4 7/16/2009 2:26:20 PM
If you have negative issues regarding our country y dont u go? go well, go shell.I will help you get visa to london and pay for every expenses on you way there.Enjoy ur holiday and Never come back!

TI 7/16/2009 2:27:15 PM
I am black and keep telling black south africans this, but since they have never experianced it before they dont even care to forcast it

Willie 7/16/2009 2:27:22 PM
It is amazing how everyone keeps on throwing insults at each other. Don,t you guys think that the most important part of our lives is now to stand together and to show the world just how great South Africa can and will be if we all do our part and work together for the future of our children and their children. Instead of complaining and harping on the negatives of the past, and what you now see as negative. Let us use this energy to plow positive action into this nation to become successful. We do not need an Obama here to make us successful, but we need each and every South African who is willing to do his or her part. It can only get better.

Marshall 7/16/2009 2:28:37 PM
President, Jacob Zuma, has question marks over his character. An Obama visit at this stage might be seen as a premature endorsement. His decision to go to Ghana over any other African nation (e.g. Kenya) was strategic. Not a random selection like many of you allude to. It is the only nation in Africa at the moment where stability and political maturity is being displayed. Good governance is the main thrust of Mr Obama’s Africa policy; get the politics right and development will follow. Jacob Zuma has some work to do and commitments to meet before he can expect Obama's endorsement. That my friends is the answer. No racial undertones or subjective bather required like many of you are resigned to using.

Wisdom @ PoloyPetrol 7/16/2009 2:29:08 PM
You live with your head up your @ss, you did not even know about the rail transport in CT!

Paul 7/16/2009 2:29:11 PM
When will you people learn? It's not being pessimistic by saying SA is doomed, it is FACT! The ANC has had nearly 15 years to make good on it's promises of a better, unified nation yet all they can do is create smokescreens apparently showing everyone how great they are! When will the honest working civilian actually have a say in all of this? Why is it always the likes of the "monkey's" in parliament who benefit from being in power? Shouldn't the peole who put them there start seeing some results for entrusting them with "our" nation? Let's face it, Zuma, Malema and his troop of idiots do not have the mental capacity to see SA right! Just look at the mentalitybehind some of the statements they have made! Obama does not want to come and visit SA because he does not understand clicks and grunts! WAKE UP! What SA needs is a leader that will unify the people and base things on merit! Not stupid BEE schemes which serve no purpose! Where have all our skilled workers gone? OVERSEAS! Why? Because they are no appreciated in SA, which is exactly how Zim started! Be warned when SA starts gaining momentum on it's downward path like Zim it will fall harder because SA has never seen the atrocities that went on in Zim! So viva Zuma, go get your achine gun but, please trip and accidentally discharge it on your cabinet!

FuziJuzi 7/16/2009 2:29:27 PM
Too many letter ‘M’s in the article if you ask me...

Ntate 7/16/2009 2:30:51 PM
Kevin my friend call me on 0822310271, I will hook you up with a ticket to the promised land cos obviously your forebearers did not quite have GPS when they landed. This aint that promised you were promised. Get out

Mau 7/16/2009 2:31:15 PM
KUAS KWAS! What a misguided understanding of economics and especially that of South Africa. When you say we've been through the worst in Apartheid, you are clearly talking from a very narrow-minded perspective. Saying that we can do without investment because we have minerals...
I wonder how many people in SA actually has that same idiotic stance. It sound very very much like what Bob would say.

We've been through the worst of abuse - says the next dictator! Its the African story. Sad man!!

GKT Insight 7/16/2009 2:31:28 PM
Agree with article. In addition, I think Obama has the inside track on Zuma. He knows Zuma is as guilty as sin! He also knows that the judicial system in SA will never be able to get a conviction. Furthermore, Obama knows that by coming to SA, the Zuma propaganda machine will milk the visit for all its worth. Obama will be seen to be endorsing Zuma! Who in his right mind wants his picture taken with Zuma? No self respecting man of integrity like an Obama, thats for sure. Why would he want to visit SA anyways? No good reason to be honest. Good for you Obama. SA is on its way to becoming just another African banana republic runs by chimps!

mxo 7/16/2009 2:32:35 PM
@Kevin
stop drinking the cheap stuff bru it will make hallucinate and start rumbling like you are. Come I have a bottle of JW Blue to share If you are so desparate to meet Obama simply imigrate to the USA. Me I will wait for him. He will be at Soccer City for the FIFA WC openning ceremony. Barack my broer see you next year

Frank @ Halfwise 7/16/2009 2:32:37 PM
Yes Halfwise/Halfmoron we do not need Obama, "Fak" him like you say - just tell illiterate showerhead to stop begging for money from him like at the G8 less than a week ago. And no neither Nigeria or Libya are the biggest economies in Africa.

GKT Insight 7/16/2009 2:34:05 PM
Has anyone noticed that no world leader of the developed 1st world countries ever has their picture taken with Zuma? Why? Because they know he is a corrupt politician, a criminal of the highest order!

zinhlez 7/16/2009 2:34:57 PM
Kevin Rack is sitting, seeing & losing the benefit of Apartheid. As victiom of Apaidheid,I understand where you come from, the gravey train, you are scared to be challeged by people you oppressed them. Do not worry, as much as you continue hating us, we forgive, we reconcile you - that is we are. Why do you talk about Iraq destroyed by Bush, how many orphan died because of you father & grandfathers. I will only listen & respect you once you or your friends come & stay in Hotels, blacks locations, informal settlement which were created by your fore parents.Where is boermaag with Tereblanche Why did he not visit his place of birth, his first schools, his first neighbours etc. He is Denying People from Kenya. SA does need people who are shy of their identity.

Jeremy 7/16/2009 2:37:13 PM
Coming soon .......... Barack Obama. He goes where he's needed and we should be glad he's not here yet. (That means our country is not in as bad shape as other countries). The ANC is corrupt ja ja ja, but show me an honest politician. Really!

piet 7/16/2009 2:39:25 PM
Kevin, go back to the rack you tosser. what a crap and stupid article. Guess your crap isnt published often now is it?
Obama has been invited to the opening of the world cup and has accepted so if you think its because of your views that he didnt come now then you are so screwed up, mate. Africa is a big place. Do you expect Obama to visit every country in 1 trip you nincampoop? Climb back down your hole of negativity and stay there you asshole...

Gerhard 7/16/2009 2:51:13 PM
South Africa is not that important in the affairs of the Northern Hemisphere countries...apart from a stagnant economy and high crime, what does SA have to offer Obama?

thato 7/16/2009 2:51:39 PM
if you dont like RSA and dont want to help..leave!!! RSA has not deterioted,we just have statistics about it which we never had during the apartheid.if you want hendrik verwoard back join orania. we are tired of you pessimists whinning at every chance. trust me RSA was never better..well maybe for you the elite now that you intergrated in the society

modupi 7/16/2009 2:51:53 PM
You better take your H1N1 back home

lekabisto 7/16/2009 2:53:55 PM
Come now Kevin the government rejected the Dalai Lama when he was requested to come here by Madiba himself, u think he would wanna take that chance of being rekected himself ?????

Bundyman 7/16/2009 2:55:12 PM
Ask yourself this...what has Ghana got that we don't have....OIL !!!!which they they have not started pumping yet and they need an refinery....

Sinudeity @Poloyatonki 7/16/2009 2:55:58 PM
Polo, just because you are ignorant, doesnt mean its not real. 8,000 new jobs by a big foreign investment. You probably as well, missed the big deal, end of last year, to create 12,000 new RDP homes in CT. Just because the Soweto sun doesnt report on these things, they do happen.

Brenda 7/16/2009 2:56:16 PM
Maybe he was not invited to come or maybe he did not want to come. Who really cares. What would he have done here anyway.

nsizwa 7/16/2009 2:56:39 PM
Kevin-It simply shows that you don`t have faith in yourself.SA is the better place to live

Marcus 7/16/2009 2:56:52 PM
The decision by Obama not to visit Africa's biggest economy is not based on who is the president of SA or ruling party, it was simply based on protocol. Therefore all US presidents visits are planned by the State department not by the president. Maybe Kevin should ask himself who many powerful presidents of G8 and other developed world have visited SA since 1994,(USA is not an exception).

Chris 7/16/2009 2:57:14 PM
Obama met South African leaders (including Zuma I think but stand corrected) at the G8 summit earlier in the week. Why would he have to come all the way to SA for more talks...some realism here please!

rds 7/16/2009 2:57:24 PM
LOLOL.. why not just pick up the packed bag and take the next flight to... to... um.. to... uh....

lys 7/16/2009 2:59:45 PM
don't just pack your bags and keep them by the front door, take them and leave. we don't you here

stephen 7/16/2009 3:00:29 PM
Kevin, why dont you go to hell? This is not about Obama, its about your views regarding the ANC. SA is not that bad compared to other countries in Africa in terms of corruption and poor governance, we are practicing democratic principles which many countries fail to endorse. So Kevin, you can keep your hatred comments to yourself because ANC will rule Til Christ comes back.

john 7/16/2009 3:01:46 PM
Good article...but....as one sees from the responses our beloved South Africa is oh so so divided and polarised! The fact of the matter is that SA is a new democracy and that it'll take time to find 'it's feet'.The fact of the matter is also that SA has an endemic culture of corruption,violence and bad governance.So..... it's my guess that SA will suffer the indignation of 'running the gauntlet' of yet another failed state.An AFRICAN one.BUT..... if the voter is in need of a REAL future for their children and their grandchildren,they should vote out the bad guys.History tells us that voting can be the answer.What is not the answer is the DIABOLICAL poor leadership in our country's politics.Similar to that of the previous white regime.What SA needs is transparancy and accountability.My bet(and I am not going to Australia for saying this) is that THAT will not happen.Why??? It's in the culture..it's in the DNA.... it's there to stay!!!!Lastly..... I might move to Zimbabwe.In this country the general person is NON violent... at least I'll be safer.Pamberi ne Zimbabwe!!!!!!!!!!!

Peru Govender 7/16/2009 3:07:15 PM
I have guest from London and after listening to their stories - I say to all you grumpy , negative , idiotic thinking individuals who believe that our beloved SA is doomed because of the ANC - GFYS and leave - We dont care - we love this country especially after the white mentality rule was crushed - The DA can and will do nothing for the majority - they only cater for complainers - SA will never become another weak country because the white colonalist could not eat our hearts - they just stole the material wealth. SA with the ANC will make a better life for all and an equal life for all - the rest .....

Anon 7/16/2009 3:07:18 PM
I am wondering y its always race that comes in to everything but it becomes very clear when you read the newspapers eg. Department of Health in KZN R6Billion over budget, Renivations for the King's house R45 million and the best of all the country now has to start loaning money from other countries cause we dont have any left after the government/Officials etc have squandered it all so now tell me how great our country is and IMO every government official whether Zuma or the bottom feeders are all thieving bastards that waste all the tax payers (The Minority who pay tax) money and it goes into their pockets and now everyone wonders y the country is in a state like it is

WildHope 7/16/2009 3:07:44 PM
I know that my African black brothers and sisters are fierce loyal to their culture and beliefs, so too their conviction when it comes to their respective political parties. However what I find disturbing is the fact that they voted for Jacob Zuma as ANC president. I had such high hopes that they would see through the façade called JZ but alas the masses chose to act like sheep and follow ANC even if it is leading them straight in the arms of corruption. I respect their loyalty to the ANC, as I do everyone elses choice but for goodness sake you can’t have the “blind leading the blind”. JZ is clearly not the presidential seat worth. As for President Obama visiting SA…..it would be a catastrophe…..Such a well educated man conversing with the likes of…………how embarrassing!

Adrian F. 7/16/2009 3:08:02 PM
Oh, come on. Obama didn't come here because he can't be everywhere at once! Every time he visits a country, people everywhere else start moaning, "Why didn't he visit uuuuuus?". Jeez, he's only been in office for five months, and he has problems at home! He can't spend all his time flying around.

Frank de Sales 7/16/2009 3:08:06 PM
What a load of rubbish! I suppose Bush visited SA because he approved of the 'junta'? Get a clue, fool. Obama has indicated that he'll be here next year.

mazwi 7/16/2009 3:08:56 PM
Kevin, the best place for you is fishing in Alaska, sardines are waiting for you just migrate and we can donate the ticket. stop this nuisance, you a bull looking for a cow amongst horses.

VG 7/16/2009 3:10:06 PM
Sjoe, I've raed a lot of s*** on here, but this letter takes the cake! you put two and two together and got seventeen, Kev - ever try your hand at alchemy?
In addition to all the rebuttals others have provided to your ridiculous allegations, let me add: Zuma and Obama met at the G8 conference held this month in Italy and reportedly discussed a variety of issues. Why he would be expected to follow this up with a journey to SA when he is allegedly coming for the WC2010 defies comprehension...

Nyiks 7/16/2009 3:14:42 PM
seeing that you know what this beloved country will turn like, why don't you move to Australia or somethin?, or is it a case of make believe?

brian 7/16/2009 3:15:09 PM
The decision was purely on protocol, The first african country that Obama visited was Egypt..Tell me the last time Egypt held an election??? How long has Mubarak been in power?

Bugs 7/16/2009 3:15:30 PM
@Ghwappie, i agree with you, why must people be so negative, all they do is complain and sit on their fat a$$e$ waiting for handouts. Go out and make a difference, show the goverment we still have faith, that will empower them to think differently of their fellow comrades and would make them realise that we are here to support them and help them make the change. No matter what the history is, in the words of the nest ever music icon, we can "make that change" Peace out fellow bretheren.

aubrey masina 7/16/2009 3:20:04 PM
what a stupid article!

lerez 7/16/2009 3:20:36 PM
the guy is from central africa so leave the poor guy alone,He is not God anyway he just human being

LucyW 7/16/2009 3:23:21 PM
WildHope well said I agree with you 100%.The man needs serious education everytime he makes a speech with those tinted glasses it freaks me out.He does not even know the basics of how to address a crowd and how to pronounce certain words.Sometimes I wonder if he even prepares himself before he makes a speech its really a bad reflection on the country!!!Apart from the rest of his negative make up.

Z 7/16/2009 3:24:24 PM
The truth hurts. The blacks will never admit they are an inferior nation. They cant make anything rather break it or better steal it. What has the ANC govt done right yet ? Steal taxpayers money . The uneducated masses cant handle being civilised , they should live in the bush

Andrew 7/16/2009 3:29:01 PM
Okay so KayPee got the message now..........anyone want to ad more?

Tyler 7/16/2009 3:31:28 PM
The masses will get their next meal off the back of a UN food truck and still vote ANC. If you want to measure the stupidity in South Africa, look no further than the election results; the percentages for parties and stupidity are spot on!

andrew kelly 7/16/2009 3:32:31 PM
Good story, we in the west don't care what happens in south africa, you have no oil for our V8's

Sakie 7/16/2009 3:33:01 PM
Sorry South Africans we dont have Oil.
Americans love countries with oil.
Ghana has a large oil reserve to exploite.
Iraq-Iran-Kuwait-Saudi-Nigeria !!!!

LucyW 7/16/2009 3:33:36 PM
WildHope well said I agree with you 100%.The man needs serious education everytime he makes a speech with those tinted glasses it freaks me out.He does not even know the basics of how to address a crowd and how to pronounce certain words.Sometimes I wonder if he even prepares himself before he makes a speech its really a bad reflection on the country!!!Apart from the rest of his negative make up.

Kuas@Mau 7/16/2009 3:33:58 PM
@Mau @Mau. do you understand written english. my comment said none of the foreign companies is going to pull out of SA, to put it in simple English for you. And I repeat none of them will pull out. you seem not to know South Africa very well. We have some of the biggest companies in the world here for your information...SASOL is one of them that can benefit substantially if agrics production was at acceptable levels. thats the difference between me and you. i know whats farming and I know how investement is made in such a market. Do you understand SA economy dude?

YASHCON 7/16/2009 3:34:52 PM
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...I dont want to be negative about my country but you're right- everything's going to shit. Oh and Marshall's post was the only one that made sense...it was a strategic move- If Obama starts mingling with all the world's idiots surely then he will be seen as an idiot??

Andrew 7/16/2009 3:37:54 PM
Pathetically pessimistic

Master D 7/16/2009 3:37:56 PM
Its concerning to reado f insulting and disparaging remarks from racists who attack anybody that supports the ANC. Its incorrect to blanketly assume that all ANC supporters are uneducated people who dont know what they want and who are subject to ANC Propaganda. There are many ANC supporters like myself , who are educated, self aware and have political savvy and choose the ANC because it is a party that promotes people's values and programmes. Some of these racist comments are infuriating and will fuel Black anger

Concerned citizen 7/16/2009 3:39:52 PM
@Kuas, Well said, we've been through the worst in the form of apartheid. This crime thing is a concern for everyone, but you just can't compare crime to what apartheid did to black people. My father whos is only sixty is crippled because of apartheid, one look at him reminds me that black people will always survive, no matter what some people may think!

Freedom Ndlovu 7/16/2009 3:39:53 PM
The truth is that pessimists like Kevin will not find jobs in Australia and Europe simply because those economies are in the rocks. All Africa ever wanted was Africa for Africans. If you go back to where you came from we will not follow you. You can have your proper democracies in peace. Please leave and make my dream come true...

Freedom Ndlovu 7/16/2009 3:39:55 PM
The truth is that pessimists like Kevin will not find jobs in Australia and Europe simply because those economies are in the rocks. All Africa ever wanted was Africa for Africans. If you go back to where you came from we will not follow you. You can have your proper democracies in peace. Please leave and make my dream come true...

@kevin 7/16/2009 3:42:01 PM
Who is Obama, we need no aid from Obama, he went to Ghana because they are poor, and for USA Ghana presents an opportunity for investing unlike our South African economy that is already on track and is getting congested. we dont need Obama

shavhi 7/16/2009 3:45:37 PM
Yu such a racist. SA is doing well and yu need to leave our country and go oversee.

Barrack Obama 7/16/2009 3:47:17 PM
I am told that you debate the reasons why I have not visited your country. Perhaps the reason is the way you responded to a certain Kevin Rack who was instructed by my Embassy to test a future visit by me. Judging by the poor debate I have come to the conclusion that there is no real reason why anybody would want to visit that part of the African continent unless of course the whole nation have a change of attitude. Please get on with your lives. The President.

Lu 7/16/2009 3:48:13 PM
Man dont just pack your bags. Gime a call and I gladly pay all your expenses and flight ticket to get you out of SA. I just fed with all you "klakouse" who is doing nothing to make SA a better place but just moan. You can choose any country you want to go, even Zim, and I'll escourt uou to the nearest airport. Fed-up!!!

Clare 7/16/2009 3:48:48 PM
Firstly, a junta is a political group who has taken power by FORCE. We have a democratically elected government not a junta. Secondly, much as I admire Obama, we don't need him to come here to give us validation. Let him sort out the US's problems and we'll sort out our own.

Adrian 7/16/2009 3:49:09 PM
hey guys...lets cool it, we know that this guy has got issues beyond redemption. But the more we give him attention the more he gets a turn on...

Chief 7/16/2009 3:49:46 PM
On the serios side guys, lets pray for this country. the apartheid regime and its atrocities was enough, we don't need a Zimbabwe situation by all means. Lets ask for the intervention on the Almighty. Africa seems cursed but on inspection we have very selfish leaders who know nothing of sacrifices. they think about themselves and will use any method available to get what they want. Shuuuu

Sinudeity @Z 7/16/2009 3:49:49 PM
Go jump into ocean Z. IGNORANT people are inferior, like you calling other people inferior. Its people like you, black and white, thats tearing SA apart.

SimonP 7/16/2009 3:50:49 PM
@Kuas, typical ANC, I point out you are incorrect so your response starts with "you idiot" FACT SA receives international aid however you want to dress it up it is a FACT. So before you start calling names (very mature of you) get your (not ANC BS) facts right.

Sadam Husain 7/16/2009 3:52:29 PM
Kevin SA does not need retards like you. Please accept a way ticket to hell from me and join the retard class of 09. The quickest way to here would be to hang yourself with a thread on a Tomato tree!

e 7/16/2009 3:52:30 PM
I am very dissapointed with this article but not suprised given the way some mentalities and attitudes. President is a man of order and will visit south africa according the plan programme. Why did he not visit Kenya ? This has nothing to do with Zuma or the ANC. South does not need people like you who write stupid articles with an intention to instigate diffrences and division than to unite. People who become south africans when it suites them. Americans are proud of thier country even at a time Bush was messing up. I will always stay true to my country and proud of it. Do not confuse the ideas you have in your head with the reality you live in. Your ideas may be good even excellent but they will useless ideas unless they spring and interweave with the reality you live in. I LOVE MY COUNTRY

Joe Jackson 7/16/2009 3:55:00 PM
America would love to send Obama to South Africa - but we need to keep him because his approval ratings are going DOWN fast. I belive America was duped in voting for him.

Kuas 7/16/2009 4:01:00 PM
@Z @Z what a u talking about? you definately miss apartheid!! You are a denialist of the highest order! You talking nonsense because you dont know SA boy! SARS was non-functional pre-94.i bet you never even finished matric dude!! i stand to be corrected!! you must be a mechanic in some backyard business!! Maybe your lack of education makes you to think that black people are inferior to you, oops mechanic boy!

Frank 7/16/2009 4:04:06 PM
@ Z. If blacks are inferior, how come all of the ones commenting on this forum use better punctuation and basic English grammar than you do?

sicelo 7/16/2009 4:08:16 PM
Pathetic Man . Pathetic .Just another diq stirring up sh1t with all negative people about the country .Tsek man

Adrian 7/16/2009 4:08:32 PM
Kevin, stupid article and unfounded claims.

Point Blank 7/16/2009 4:08:37 PM
To our fellow black commenters, if a whitey writes a load of crap like this please direct your anger at the author and not the entire white race. Reading some of the whitey's comments here clearly show that not all of us support this view. Thanks!

Nomawethu Mali 7/16/2009 4:11:12 PM
I am really disgusted by the way you talk about your own damn country. If South Africa is that bad my question to you all is that why are you all still here?Why don't you go and seek refuge in other countries where you think its much better than

Expo 7/16/2009 4:13:44 PM
Kuas you are an idiot. 90% of funding for AIDS projetcs in South Africa comes from the US. Stop thinking that SA is this big nation that can take care of itself. You must be one of those who vote ANC and then strike the foloowing day.

Logan 7/16/2009 4:14:58 PM
@Z: You strike me as one of those pissed off white dudes who can't handle being told what to do by a black person because,yes you've guessed, you feel inferior.Must suck being you...I suppose other countries with white governments don't have any of your mentioned problem.If you believe that then you are also very deluded...move to another planet idiot

Urs 7/16/2009 4:17:06 PM
Kevin, please don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out...Where you off to by the way?

Josh 7/16/2009 4:18:44 PM
Hi..I don't know if i am at the right place,but i have a problem with my girlfreind..We have been going out for 4 years now and we were madly in love until two weeks ago when she started acting all funny towards me and lately she is ignoring me and avoiding the phone calls.I think she is having an afair..Please tell me what to do as i can't live without her.

varo 7/16/2009 4:20:10 PM
obama by not vissiting south africa just shows that he feels because of zumas alegations he will judge our country i think south africans shouldnt wory about america and from today im not a obama follower any more i think it just shows that he is after wealt for his country no wonder he want to make peace whit the east he wants the oil like the rest cause he knows trading that side its eazier south africa dont just sign etc.......

RORO 7/16/2009 4:27:26 PM
Kev, my man stop wasting our time with thoughtless S****

Jean 7/16/2009 4:27:37 PM
Obama did'nt come to South Africa because he met Zuma in Italy at the G8 summit before his visit to Africa. Does that answer your question, idiot.

Norman @ Bryan 7/16/2009 4:30:17 PM
"Watch FOX NEWS and educate yourself!"
Hehehehe, that's not the best place to educate yourself boet...
May as well educate yourself on african issues with SABC!

Kao 7/16/2009 4:31:08 PM
SA already in deep shit. why make a fuzz about it lol .

Kao 7/16/2009 4:31:08 PM
SA already in deep shit. why make a fuzz about it lol .

Faith 7/16/2009 4:34:15 PM
Kevin is smoking his socks and probably more than that. He got bored and started something he knew would have people like us hopping up and down. Why? Are we bored? We know the reality and really we don't need people like Kevin to even spend so much time entertaining his stupid email. Z, the ANC government did a lot for the black people of this country, unless you think black people did and still do not deserve to be free - then we are talking about a different matter all together.

kentse 7/16/2009 4:35:47 PM
@Z you say all those nasty things about blacks but you are still here in their land and enjoying sunny SA. What are u? black or white? eishh you have problems my friend but don't worry your grandfather Verwoerd is smiling at you in his grave. Bravo you made someone happy. You can scream and call us names as much as you like but get one thing straight your Verwoerd descendants (you) will never rule SA again. Swallow that! There are more Zumas in line to rule SA. Maybe you should ask Kevin for a lift to the airport when he takes his packed bags from the door to whatever destination he is going.

Thembani Mbinda 7/16/2009 4:37:22 PM
take note of Obama's ideological firmness, SA is the last country that got its freedom and Ghana first leader Nkrumah who is the founder father of a liberatory philosdphy (Pan africanism) which helped to galvinise and Mobilise the continent against colonial powers and thanks for obama not to start in sa

Thabo 7/16/2009 4:44:37 PM
what leader in their right mind would visit the ANC or Robert Mugabe - both are peas in a pod - lunatic fringe corrupt governance bringing poverty and hopelessness where there once was peace and happiness.

Lindiwm 7/16/2009 4:47:30 PM
Who cares about Obama's where about! We don't need Obama's endorsement anymore. He must focus on fixing the US economy and all the mess his predecessor made instead of comng and waste our president's time...

mp 7/16/2009 4:48:15 PM
jeez dude...stop snorting those lines and start smoking some of the good stuff instead

A believer 7/16/2009 4:49:36 PM
All I have to add this this interesting topic is this;

666

jen 7/16/2009 4:51:11 PM
what kevin says about the pattern is sadly true. I hope SA doesnt turn go the way of zim, and have not yet packed my bags, but am very glad to have a foreign passport.

@Kuas 12:36 pm 7/16/2009 4:58:19 PM
Kuas, clearly you don't talk to a lot of black people. I talk to about 100 everyday & they say all the same things: Apartheid was terrible, the goverment was cruel but at least there was proper service delivery and the quality of life was better! That's from the horse's mouth so perhaps you should get your facts straight kuas.

Mr Drew 7/16/2009 5:00:55 PM
It isn't jsut Obama giving us a skip. Medvedev went to Nigeria, Angola and Namibia last month, no SA. I suppose that goes to show that both Russia and USA really don't give a tinker's damn abount this country. Perhaps we should stop fighting with one another and try and make ourselves relevant again. JZ at the G8 is an embaressment, he is clearly a token African, expect Egypt to take the UN Sec Council seat and represent Africa. Our gov is clearly more interested in other things than global politics

LEE 7/16/2009 5:05:41 PM
YOU SUCK BOY, WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFIE, YOU RACIST...

bobby 7/16/2009 5:05:46 PM
please get lost its our country just go away people like you are immature and irritating

ZN 7/16/2009 5:16:19 PM
South Africans seem to ignore Africa's history and believe that some how it will all be different here. Short sighted people make messy red spots on the highway.

nick 7/16/2009 5:20:58 PM
He didn't come to SA because he wants to come next year. Now why would you kill two birds with one stone?!?!!

WTF 7/16/2009 5:24:46 PM
Your article can't be taken seriously if you can't even string together a coherent sentence.

Mapula 7/16/2009 5:27:40 PM
Kevin, your reference to the uneducated masses is a stupid reference, that is why you wrote such a crappy article, pleazeee get a life and migrate. it will be great for our country, not all black people are uneducated, i have actually seen more white people who occupied positions because of apartheid and dont even possess a matric qualificattion. shut up!!!

patriot 7/16/2009 5:29:02 PM
I'm so sick of whining .If you don't like it, get out and go make everyone miserable somewhere else. I'll take your spot in the morning traffic. Cheers!

Mike 7/16/2009 5:41:23 PM
You people who criticize Kevin are so stupid. Let me give you the following scenario: Lets say you go to the spar to buy tomatoes, and every time the tomatoes are "frot", do you not have the right to go to the manager and tell him that the tomatoes are always bad? Well of course you do. And the manager doesn't turn around and tell you to go to Pick 'n pay, which might be further away OR might not even be in your area. SO STOP TELLING SOMEONE, WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO MOAN ABOUT SAFETY IN THEIR OWN HOME,MOAN ABOUT THE CRIME AND VIOLENCE , -THAT THEY MUST GO.
Wanting something to change for the better, so that you CAN stay in your own country, means voicing your opinion about it,if you think that is "negative" then don't ever complain again if you get bad service at a restaurant or supermarket or garage. THE service is BAD, and instead of saying "get out" every time someone complains, rather agree with them and maybe we can all change it for the better.

Mashudu 7/16/2009 5:41:42 PM
Some of things I like About SA is People hv the Right to Express the way the Feel about anything..People like you Kevin Should hv Gone before the Election..We dnt need Losers and Low Self esteem People like you in this Country. If you think SA is Going down the Drain rather pack your Bags and Leave this Country ASAP..

Dave 7/16/2009 5:46:57 PM
When South Africans get over their popularity expectations being the 'rainbow nation' and 'strongest economy in Africa' and and and .. then they will listen to Obama and get over the 'colonial victim stance' and carry on building. The self important teenage years are over - time to become an adult nation. We big people now.
Africa has a shocking history of leadership. That is why half of Africa is here in SA. I dont think you can argue with Kevin's comments. But negativity wont win us anything. We got through 94. Now we have to survive 'the' party. But naivity will cost you your future.
Wees wys!

Lucky Ralawe 7/16/2009 5:47:01 PM
It seems the author is merely indulging the serial whingers. Obama has been to SA before, early in 2000 or so. I could also ask why he did not go to Botswana, the most stable democracy in Southern Africa. There was also a specific reason he chose Ghana, which included the fact that his wife's ancestry is traceble to Ghana.

Thambolenyoka 7/16/2009 6:13:34 PM
Mshiniwam mshiniwam ... VIVA AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS VIVA... pansi nganibelungu .. when u dont like the ruling governement please fill free to leave i am sure u have dual citizenship .. BYE BYE.. maungafuni yekela

darthpuppy 7/16/2009 6:17:27 PM
What an idiotic article. Kevin you are obviously not capable of logical thinking based on evidence. Kev, I dont buy slow cars, but im not buying a ferari. This is Conclusive proof that feraris must be slow.

Why Obama "aint come" :-) 7/16/2009 6:18:07 PM
better recognise Kevin, RSA is in your face with heaters old boy. Burning your behind till you catch a fever. Go on cry about it, why don cha. We are happy here. You aren't, so go jump in a lake!

Mogotsi 7/16/2009 6:18:12 PM
YAWN. Another ANC bashing article. someone said america is the leader of the Free world its more like the leader of a global military dictatorship. Another day, another whinge, another boring article. YAWN

mina 7/16/2009 6:21:11 PM
@Brian Fox News is a propaganda tool used by the right wing REPUBLICAN party the likes of Sean Hannity and Bill O'reily,Glen Beck thats not news and they will always be negative and biased against Obama

Brotherfromanothermother 7/16/2009 6:27:13 PM
Kevin, you're my man! @have a safe trip: Your spelling says to me that it will take you a 1000 years and you will still be an illiterate twat!

Noc 7/16/2009 6:37:58 PM
@Bugs & Ghwappie - You know, the author did get off his @ss and did something.. he said what the majority is thinking. It's called activism, and if you'd like to call is pessimism, then maybe a pessimist is an experienced optimist. I was all positive and patriotic before, but now is the time for me to stop expecting miracles from idiot thugs in government, and be more realistic. To the point, factual & good article. Does it sting you lame-@sses who only insult, BRU?

Ndweleni 7/16/2009 6:55:25 PM
There is a saying that goes by "If you change the way you at things,the things you look at change"so kevin we don't need people like you in this country anymore,we voted for ANC to take mzansi forward with its slogan alive with possibilties,why don't you just follwow your brothers in austalia and stop talking nonsense withyour mouth.we really don't need people who think backwards or just because the people who are ruling this country are blacks,we are tired of this,we are tired of people like you who have always negative things about south africa,we don't need obama to that extend,we have our mandela..so y obama...JUST PACK UR BAGS AND FOLLOW UR BROTHERS IN AUSTRALIA,AND LEAVE MZANSI ALONE AND ALIVE WITH POSSIBILTIES..MZANSI FOR LIFE,PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN

Hnie 7/16/2009 6:55:59 PM
My family has been in the Western Cape much longer than any black person, except the Khoisan. Who give any of you the right to tell us to leave. Why don't YOU leave and crawl back to darkest Africa.

abracadabra 7/16/2009 6:56:07 PM
children politicians no matter which country they represent will blow smoke up your arses and you will be happy,who cares if OBAMA,OR OSAMA pitch up,this article is a load of trod wollip,time to go for a dump its a lot more stimulating

Cool 7/16/2009 6:57:28 PM
This is stupid, immature, ignorant and pathetic. It can only come from a nine year old with no ability to analyse, read, think or reason. Go back to school!

Orapeleng oa Dipone 7/16/2009 6:59:06 PM
And then there is PEE KAY, JUAN@author, SINUDEITY@Author et al. If you think Bantu Education was bad, then their Apartheid upbringing was terrible. The miserable souls' sheltered lives have been exposed for what it has been, a sham, and now they can't survive in the real world by thinking clearly for themselves except to agree to any crap said by whichever racist. In any event I can't blame them for during Apartheid their racist "leaders" THOUGHT for them! They ONLY had to do as told. Can the editor ban such fools from commenting, or at least add to your restrictions: COMMENTS MUST BE WELL THOUGHT OUT AND ADD VALUE TO THE DISCUSSION, OTHERWISE CRAP WILL BE THROWN TO THE DUSTBIN. I humbly plead!

Seb 7/16/2009 7:08:04 PM
Oh poor dear Kevin, do you even like SA. There aint one ounce of patriotism left in you. You really have missed the picture and cant see any amazing deeds that SA is up to. We may have problems at home but your skewed rhetoric doesnt help anyone, let alone trying to solve the problems we have to deal with.

norman 7/16/2009 7:08:37 PM
I wander if devils advocate knows God, if we all turn to God you would not be reading this lot of crap each one of you are dotting down

Johan 7/16/2009 7:24:49 PM
@Z: Right on. But it will take the world a couple more years, when the last black country fails as well, to realise that. Colonised to success, liberated to failure. The dreams of an inferior people.

Doc 7/16/2009 7:59:38 PM
What a load of drivel !!! Zim, Zim , Zim. Another white racist mouthing off and embarrassing the rest of us who are trying to make a difference in this great country of ours.
Jeez you guys are pathetic !!!!

Doc 7/16/2009 7:59:42 PM
What a load of drivel !!! Zim, Zim , Zim. Another racist mouthing off and embarrassing the rest of us who are trying to make a difference in this great country of ours.
Jeez you guys are pathetic !!!!

Mario 7/16/2009 8:15:31 PM
Kevin has an opinion and what is wrong with to have an opinion? Before you spit on him show your arguments why we should love ANC government? Well, they did many positive things. Things like ... Well, many things... It is a typical mixture of incompetence and corruption.

brad 7/16/2009 8:29:02 PM
What an absolutely rubbish letter. Kevin if you want to get your point across please use coherent sentences. Don't know how anyone can agree or disagree with the author when its impossible to read what he's trying to say. I can just pick up jumbled afro-pessimistic keywords with the odd 'just like Zimbabwe' thrown in. An appeal to News24 editors: please cant you ban any article that the phrase 'just like zimbabwe', its getting extremely tiring now.

Francois Tellall 7/16/2009 8:39:55 PM
Actually my dear friends, you all miss the point.
By NOT visiting South Africa clearly indicates that he is doing great business (behind the scenes) with the ANC thugs.
He is hiding that.
He doesn't want to blow his lovely little behind the scenes business.
Lots of underground talking going on between South Africa and the weezly little Orks ... trust me.

Hannes 7/16/2009 9:18:42 PM
Kevin I salute and support you, we will pack our bags but believe me we’re not going without a fight. Look at service delivery in this country that already adds to a disaster, the incompetence of the government to address the main issues: crime, educations, and other social systems. I'm working in other African countries and we are going down to their level. The ANC don't want to uplift the country and its people but want to bring us down to their level. Your comments may sound negative but it is the truth and the people of South Africa need to wake up before it’s to late. Look at all the ongoing corruption, the police commissioner, the legal chief and all the other staff, Correctional services and other government departments. You send e-mails to the people in charge of customs etc. but you will not get any reply from them because they don’t even switch their computers on. We can keep on writing but only we can make a difference. Get people that can do the job not the old MK’s like you said. There are capable people in this country doesn’t matter skin color to run and make a success of this country.

Hugo 7/16/2009 9:21:35 PM
Maybe Obama thought all of Africa is one country where all African Americans live.

fraud 7/16/2009 9:32:17 PM
Congratulations! You got the attention you so desperately needed. It must really hurt you every time you see a school being built, a clinic being build, tuition fees being paid by gov for poor (yet clever) kids, gautrain gaining momentum, more roads being built, expansion of the middle class, etc. All of these things indicate that even if we'll end up like Zim, it won't happen in our lifetime. This must really piss u off! Knowing that you'll never get to see your predictions becoming a reality. I'm sorry man...I really am.

Paul Grant 7/16/2009 10:12:51 PM
Good on you Kev, some will say "the same old" however we need to keep at it an not let go. The whole of SA must be anal about the current situation, we must be like little chihauhuas constantly snapping at their heels. Do not let some white ANC supporters discourage all of us from speaking out. Those of you oyut there with this "positive' attitude need to wake up and realise things will not get better, what reasons or indications do they have that they think things will get better. As you mentioned the uneducated are kept uneducated.
KEEP IT UP!!

ayanda 7/16/2009 10:15:28 PM
I really do not wanna say anything butall I wanna say is fi we still have poeple like Kevin in the country we will never go forward why skhuld you say thiongs like that because there is a lot that the past govrment did but we never said that ohhh.. no do not refresh the wounds dude we want to go foward and forget about the past

Derek 7/16/2009 10:15:39 PM
@Kuas
Apartheid may be gone but discrimination isn't.

Mike 7/16/2009 10:31:45 PM
Good article mate, you just need to dot your I's and cross your tee's correctly. Otherwise, spot on!

Louis 7/16/2009 10:43:00 PM
Maybe because he will more than likely be here for the World Cup, and maybe he is still pissed off because everyone gave him th cold sholder when he did visit South Africa in August 2006. But a visit is not that important. Listen to his message: good governance, proper process, seperation between party and state, don't crawl up the Chinese's behinds for favours, don't sell your mineral rights to corrupt Russians (Chancellor House), and the list goes on.

Zwivhuya 7/16/2009 11:02:12 PM
Firstly, I think Kevin, don't bother keeping the packed bags at the door. Just sommer take them and bounce now. Secondly, I think it's cheap tactics to use Obama's name to sell your article in which you discuss other personal agendas (it worked by the way, I fell for it). Thirdly, I don't think you have a credible reason to explain Obama's non-show in South Africa - were you there when they discussed the travel plans and their reasons for going where they went? Fourthly, if you want to know why the people who are striking still vote for ANC, maybe you should go to their strikes and ask them yourself (it seems pretty simple to me). And lastly, your article is of very poor quality - half sentences, missing pronouns, and so on. I ask myself how in the world it got published to begin with, let alone the content.

shaun 7/17/2009 12:03:41 AM
We have the power to prevent a melt down of democracy in sa!! and thats what is happening..just read this news sight and u will see that when government doesnt do its job properly they get slammed.. it just takes time for the message to filter all the way down to the masses

ExpAt 7/17/2009 1:22:22 AM
Reading all these comments keeps re-affirming my decision to leave two years ago.Everytime I get homesick I just come to this comment list for a "catch a wakeup". By the way , 3-4million whites left and dropping fast ...Banana republic is almost complete

Cori 7/17/2009 1:44:54 AM
Ha ha it is so funny. Why do people always get told go to Australia. I think it is so funny. Does going to Australia somehow make us fall into a different category of people I ask? Funny you know because Australia is nice and I love Africa. I do not see Australians telling Australians why don't they go to Europe if they do not like the politics. There is lively debate here everyday and nobody gets huffy about it. True healthy democracy! Get a life people. The world is small and we all need each other. Australia is no grander than anybody else but it is definitely safer and better run. This does not stop me from loving my Africa where I am born. Africa must stop feeling sorry for itself and grow up. There is a whole world out there.

jonty 7/17/2009 1:58:12 AM
Read 1984 by George Orwell...I rest my case...Once you stop blaming (that goes for black and white!!!!) and get of your bums and work, SA will be a better place. The only way to heal the past is to make sure it never ever happens again.In all fairness during the liberation movement shouting and burning down schools with the slogan liberasion before education was popably not the right mindset. If the french revolution is anything to go by you are only really free if you are educated...We sit with the highest rate of iliteracy Read 1984 by George Orwell...I rest my case...Once you stop blaming (that goes for black and white!!!!) and get of your bums and work, SA will be a better place. The only way to heal the past is to make sure it never ever happens again. In all fairness during the liberation movement shouting and burning down schools with the slogan liberation before education was probably not the right mindset. If the French revolution is anything to go by you are only really free if you are educated...We sit with the highest rate of illiteracy of about 35%, Argentina is sitting with 5%. Improve education for the masses that’s empowerment and will be supported by all (the whites as well)

Tim 7/17/2009 2:07:43 AM
Kevin go back to your cave. Our PEOPLE and Constitution will not allow for another Zimbabwe. Sure our government hasn't got a halo over there heads but they aren't doing a bad job in many aspects of the country. Im also guessing that you haven't traveled or lived much outside of SA. As you have a very one sided view. Come back and talk once you have lived abroad then we will take some notice of your comments.

DD 7/17/2009 2:22:34 AM
Is the author trying deliberately trying to sound like a nutcase? Why did I waste my time reading this? Why are there idiots agreeing with this?

These are the questions which plague me.

j.barries 7/17/2009 3:15:46 AM
you people who disagree,can't you see what the truth is!things are not gettin better because of resent voting! open your eyes ,things did not change. its easy to say something, but another to see it threw!remember where there is smoke there is fire! zuma was never convicted,so for all practical reasons he still under suspesion,but he rules the country. ain't democrazy wonderful! hail stupidity!

dogmad69 7/17/2009 5:00:49 AM
@NYIKS & Co - you guys have your heads buried so deep in the sand you just cannot see what is happening in SA. NYIKS - you probably are still there becasue you have nowhere to go dude. I left 12 years ago - and recently moved to Australia. Let me tell you a little secret - this place is like SA used to be before the racist afrikaners ruined it and SA will never be the same again under the current black rule. Just look at any country in Africa - they are all stuffed - I have visited several and lived in a few and they are all the same mess. However, I do agee that the whingers should put up or shut up - leave if you are not happy like I did. It is so nice to go to bed at night and not worry about my car disappearing or my house being broken into. I feel safe all the time can you say the same...???

Mos 7/17/2009 6:22:04 AM
Ha ha,nobody can be this stupid, Kevin is just making these idiotic statements to get a reaction.

Mzansi 7/17/2009 6:23:43 AM
@mxo you cracked me up, bru! I agree these people have to stop drinking the cheao stuff and smoking the hard stuff coupled with that stay up late - makes you crazy, bru! Look at what @Z wrote at 3:24 he had gone bananas bru! Hope he's recovered now!

nav 7/17/2009 6:37:04 AM
Kevin, "Brain", do you have one? Did you speak to Obama to verify that his main reason for not visiting SA is because of bad governance? Yeah right...just another conspiricy theorist. Anyway, US has no moral standing to point fingers at amybody regarding governance, corruption in the US is a way of life they sanitise it by calling it LOBBYING. Kevin, don't threthen to leave, listen to your US pals, JUST DO IT!

EDZZ 7/17/2009 7:01:05 AM
You are so misinformed and have no political savvy.Who made overtures to Iran and North Korea?Are they democratic by your standarda?Who backed the most expensive campaign in Americas history?You must understand that America has its own agenda regardless of who is in the driving seat.Obama is not a savior,funny how you derile black people with your inuendo then turn around and put one on a pedestal.You are confused.

Kickass 7/17/2009 7:09:42 AM
You are all wrong....HE HAS HIS PRIDE....AND CAUSE HE WON'T DANCE ON THE STAGE LIKE A FOOL!!!

Gary 7/17/2009 7:28:21 AM
After having been broken into twice in teh last 2 weeks I have to agree with Kevin...

This country is going to the pits

Mphatjie Monareng 7/17/2009 7:43:49 AM
Obama has personally confirmed that he will be attending the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. When he was asked during the recent G8 Summit in Italy about speculations that he is coming to South Africa next year, he confirmed this, saying: "that's my goal".

EDZZ 7/17/2009 7:50:00 AM
ANON-dont just open your mouth,think first.You say now we need to borrow money,do you know the extent of the foreign debt that hallowed apartheid regime left?or you just assume because of your skin coulor you know everything?Why do you think there are trade confrences?Or you have not heard of the global economy?If its all dark and gloomy here,why are the expats trekking back here?the new credit plan in the US is being modelled on which one?Get rid of your elitist attitude ,pea brain!

cc 7/17/2009 7:51:06 AM
Kevin, good article, my man.

dustin 7/17/2009 7:51:26 AM
guys, wikipedia, democracy...

i'm not really sure how i can make a difference to this country - perhaps someone can enlighten me?

it's not a race thing, its about this country being run into the ground... but as long as its not a 'white' party screwing up its cool?

here's the plan guys - instead of spending money building all these wonderful things, lets educate our people - soccer's fun and all, but wouldn't you prefer it if everyone could read and write (and perhaps then understand democracy)?

Kevin Rack 7/17/2009 7:51:49 AM
This about mentalities not colour. All those that have brought race to this table are racist themselves and are basing their judgement on their mentality. Revolutionaries of all nations have made the same mistakes and have turned their back on those they are there to represent. If we protest one day against bad service delivery and the next day still vote for the same party we making the same mistakes other post revolutionary societies have made. Judging by the racist remarks and virulent attacks we have a lot of militants who should leave democracy to democrats.
Obama is a visionary and not a populist like JZ. Obama will go down in history as one of the greatest thinkers and orators of our time.
Time to keep the packed bags by the front door in case a true great leader does not show up. This is up to us as a society to keep our politicians honest. By voting for the same party year after year we give consent and do not allow change. The educated classes are generally the first to leave and judging by how many Zimbabwean doctors, nurses and teachers are abroad the PATTERN is there.
The biggest point is there is nothing wrong been a mechanic drinking Klippies and smoking majat and voicing ones opinion no matter how bad the spelling.
Should I start on broo Julius Malema and his loveley Mercedes. Hey Julius what about the poor you keep talking about.

Nhlanhla 7/17/2009 7:53:59 AM
Juan

"7/16/2009 12:46:45 PM
I think the president of THE FREE WORLD has better things to do with his time than to hang out with uneducated aids-spreading criminal scum." . the person who wrote this is stupid. who said Zuma has Aids? are you sure that girl who alept with ZXuma had aids. the whole thing was just made up man. get a llife.

@Themba 7/17/2009 7:58:40 AM
Get your facts straight. We have 1.8 Million in Botswana. We have one of the lowest murder and crime rates on the continent, courtesy of the fact that the victim has more rights than the criminal here, and yes, we do have the death penalty, and it works. We may noit be perfect, but we are a sight better than your country. FYI, the Bushman want to "bake their cake and eat it". They want to live their nomadic lifestyle and want the government to provide them with health care, education, food, etc. You either accept progress and go with the flow, or you stay in the past. Why must my tax $'s pay for them when they contribute nothing to our economy? Catch a wake up my friend, even here, we can see that our Southern neighbour is going the same way as our Northern neighbour did. It's really sad. At least here we don't get shot for a pair of takkies, life is still relatively safe here. Yes we do have crime, but what country doesn't.

Bored 7/17/2009 7:59:46 AM
Ah gawd how bored is everyone with word racisim. Blacks are black, whites are white and coloureds are coloured there is nothing we can do to change it. If we are supposed to be 'all getting along' why when filling out forms do we have to indicate our colour? I am in the process of buying a new car and have become quite annoyed when the financial institutes ask me what colour I am - does it really matter? But I do have to agree with the author on some points - everyone strikes and cries about not havvng houses, general services and the price of everything yet they continue to vote ANC pushing the country further into deep sh*t. How many rape trails or fruad trials do there have to be for the majority population of this country to realise that they are voting for thieves and people who are only out for a new merc or big mansion? I love my country and have no intention of leaving. I, like most of the minority, will struggle through together in the hopes that one day this country will be brought back to the amazing country it once was with everyone obeying the rules and regulations of the country. A pipe dream I wonder?

Why?? 7/17/2009 8:03:30 AM
Why should Obama have come to SA? How would that have changed the corruption, gread, theft, rape and general disaray of this country? Why would we want the world leaders to witness first hand the choas that is our country. Why would we want a world leader to sit down with our president? Why? And Obama is not the be all and end all - he is the first black US president - and so??

Bob 7/17/2009 8:11:37 AM
@Peru Govender 'white mentality rule was crushed'??? - are you stupid or something?? How much better off are you now that there is black rule? How expensive is your morgage, food bill, electricity bill, petrol bill and all other bills? Sky high and out of reach for some. All becuase of greedy, thieving black rule. How many were promised houses if they voted ANC and how many of them have got them?? My maid tells me she was better off before 1994 because she could afford things - now she has to scrimp and scratch for every cent. How many once prosperous farms have been destroyed and are waste lands since land reforms? How the crime has risen since 1994. How many more beggers do there have to be at the traffice lights and intersections for you to realise that this country is being thrashed. Take your blinkers off and take a good and honest look at the state of our country. And like a comment before the DA has already created 8000 jobs since the elections in CT - how many has fraudster JZ created out of the 50 000 promised? Wake up and smell the decay my friend before you get sucked into the black pit

nhlanhla 7/17/2009 8:17:47 AM
When did Libya and Nigeria go SA in economy. as far as I know SA had the strongest economy in the world and thhey were 27th in the world and they had the 17th biggest stock exchange in the world. people pls do your research before commenting. Libya is no.9 and Nigeria is no.3 in Africa. I dnt want to get in to sport but I can make a good example of the factthat we had better economy than all African countries. never mind the currencies, the fact that Botwana's Pula is stronger than the rand doesn't make Botswana richer than SA. yoh! I hope that ll bring some light to those confused people.

NotCoolKevin 7/17/2009 8:19:32 AM
Seriously Kevin, I can't believe I just wasted 2 minutes of my life reading your views. But at the end of the day, they are just that, your views and not mine. You need to crawl out of your hole, and start living man. Don't depress yourself and others thinking that there is no good future for this country. There is a revolution happening, the masses of this country will soon realise they have the power to overthrow the "militants" as you call them.

Liesel Ahrens 7/17/2009 8:34:12 AM
You forgot to include the low standard of education on your list. But then your inability to string a simple sentence together and poor grammar says it all.

Russell 7/17/2009 8:35:20 AM
A man is known by the company he keeps.

Bonga 7/17/2009 8:42:57 AM
This article shows ignorance. Bad losers can only agree with this article and if you are not happy by how SA is bieng run you are most welcome to leave.

kamawa 7/17/2009 8:45:56 AM
@Z,you must be a fool to still be having such a mentality to date.were have you been all this time?.look around you and measure your intellect with the blacks that are around you unless you are staying in a man hole somewhere in the old transaal or OFS,then you will really see yourself as a better civilised person than the baboons around that bush.you are certaintly not clever or civilised than me thats for sure or even my grandpa.next time stick to the topic.

John 7/17/2009 8:58:56 AM
Your article is tather negative and for sure we all have a bitter taste to some degree for the present and the way we see the future. North of our borders are to been seen as loosing the fabric of growth, but hey we who are still in SA and those who have returned have to forge the sword to make it a better place. Fly the flag, just make sure it's the right way up.

The Economist 7/17/2009 9:12:51 AM
http://www.economist.com/images/20000513/20000513issuecov.jpg

Leslie Mashishi 7/17/2009 9:15:10 AM
Kevin, I am not surprised that we still have negative people like you in this country. People like you will never go away. But one thing we must tell you is that South Africa is a wonderful country to live in. It is a democratic country. Whether you like it or not. If you think South Africa is going down the drain, what the hell are you waiting for? Leave our country and go to America or Australia. Seemingly, there are many people in those countries who still think that Africa is a jungle. Unfortunately for you, the likes of Obama and Clinton do not think like you. They know what South Africa is capable of. President Jacob Zuma made an impression at the G8 Summit. He led voices of the South. And please stop insulting the intelligence of the electorate. Ignorant people cannot be in a position to distinguish the bad from the good. Only people who are clear about what they want will elect a good government. We know what we want. That is why we elected the current government. You don't know what you want, leave us alone. Anyway we do not Obama in South Africa. We need Mandela, Mbeki, Zuma, Motlanthe, Manuel, Gordhan, Sisulu and the 40 million plus of our population. All of us are great people irrespective of race and sex.

James 7/17/2009 9:16:09 AM
Thumbs up!
African people are scared of Obama, they would rather he not visit us again. The last time he was here nobody paid him any mind. Why the hell should he come back? For those of you that think he is coming in 2010, well you must also believe in the tooth fairy.
They would rather believe in the false lies the ANC tells them, in the hope that someday things will be better. That is not going to happen, the sooner you face it the better off you are. Do you all know the story about a frog sitting in a slowly boiling pot of water? That is you!
Why do you all assume when someone wants to leave this country they are heading straight for Australia? It just shows how narrow minded you are! There are also countries like the UK, Canada and even America.
This is a free country, why would you dislike people that when to immigrate and have a better future for them and their children? Is it because people like you can`t afford or never will get an opportunity to leave this country that you are so piss bitter?
Thanks Kevin!

The Economist 7/17/2009 9:50:11 AM
Do you guys ever read the news. Another gem:
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/Politics/1057/1820c25dfbbf441cbf519865d0cc7483/16-07-2009%2010-07/Minister_blings_up_luxury_cars

Tshepo 7/17/2009 9:50:50 AM
I dont care,who visit SA and who is not doing,Anyway who is Oboma to us and after his visit what is he going to change in the country we are leaving.we must all accept that blacks are ruling the country and is a metter of you take it or leave the country like others did.

@James 7/17/2009 9:50:58 AM
I love S.A and I hate the negative remarks people are always making about it. I can afford to immigrate and I have all the CORRECT credentials (Post grad degree, dad with citizenship in Canada to name just two) as well. I'm choosing not to go. So get your arrogant, ignorant behind up off the chair and do something positive otherwise Australia beckons, the likes of Canada is too sophisticated for you.

BIG DADDY 7/17/2009 9:58:44 AM
ur article sucks so what even if he doesn't visit, who gives a rats ass his not god 4 heaven sakes.WHEN OUR FOUR FATHER'S fought 4 the liberation of this country they were not asked for any management skills. like malema said we demand change,if there is a change which needs to be done why not.if u don't like our country no one is holding u up u free 2 live. when u've desided 2 live let me knw i will organise visa 4 u within 30min to go and stay 2 ur obama's country.u typical white man.

James @ Linds 7/17/2009 10:03:18 AM
The fact that SA is the superpower of Africa just shows you how useless Africa is.

Faith 7/17/2009 10:04:14 AM
RSA is a land of opportunity and those that have the drive to succeed, by whatever means possible, because, lets face it corruption is everywhere. Why is so bad when its in Africa. Dont get me wrong, I am not condoning it. It is bad, but its happens everywhere. When a black person does something out of the "ordinary", even walking bear feet in a shopping mall, it raises eyebrows, but when a white person does it no one gives a damn, its okay.Come on something is wrong with this picture. Who is going to write a movie about Ananias Mathe, but someone deemed it fit to make a movie about Andre Stander! Colour plays a role. We have a mighty long way to go. Just look at our soccer games and rugby games, now there is a true reflection of how far we have progressed as a rainbow nation. But there is hope, with time and effort, there is hope. We don't need the Kevin's to dash that hope. @Z and those who agree with you, man was created in the image and likeness of God and God says in scripture: "How can you say you love Me when you hate what I stand for? You can't love God (that's if you go to church at all) and hate what He stands for.

phyllis 7/17/2009 10:13:52 AM
I am a white South African born here & want to stay (cant go anywhere anyway). Have never been interested in politic's but seeing the country go downhill the last 10 years has made perk up & take notice. Our President Zuma may just surprise you. For some reason I have faith he will put things right, hope my gut feeling is correct.

BIG Chicken 7/17/2009 10:15:26 AM
Would YOU want to come to a country with such a bad crime record, and where the police are also perpetrators? I sure as hell wouldn't, even WITH all my fancy body guards!

Dave 7/17/2009 10:19:19 AM
Some of the replies calling the author racist/ stupid/ pessimistic etc are perfect examples of why Africa will never get its act together.

Dave 7/17/2009 10:27:23 AM
Some of the replies calling the author racist/ stupid/ pessimistic etc are perfect examples of why Africa will never get its act together.

garyh 7/17/2009 10:29:50 AM
I understand where this article comes from. However, this forum seems at times to be a festering sore that needs serious attention. Instead of encouraging honest debate, it seems like a game of tit for tat, wherin the haters throw rocks at each other, and this even gets the non haters riled up and hating. Under all this shit, I believe black & whites all have the same aspirations and dreams, but we have a bad history that does not lend itself to trust or a sense of one. There are some good minds here, why do we not get constructive and start to share perceptions and views with supporting non attacking arguments, so we can understand each other. Should we not do this, than this forum is really only perpetuating our differences and serving little purpose. When we understand how and why people and things are the way they are, hatred and prejudice can no longer exist!

Faith 7/17/2009 10:34:12 AM
Interesting. Having read almost all the comments thus far, I can't help but notice that there is more reaction to comments than the article itself. I have read it again. Leave out the heading: could there be truth in what Kevin is saying? Im black by the way.
Did anyone notice Barrack Obama's comments. Was Kevin's article a racist article at all. I have been silenced.

Blixum 7/17/2009 10:40:53 AM
Excellent article Kevin. I can understand your frustrations. Nevertheless, to all those who keep on telling those with a different (not PC) opinion, to emigrate: I will stay in this country forever, even if it is just to keep on irritating you.

Eddy 7/17/2009 10:56:50 AM
I would be worried if OB did visit one he is the leader of all idiots.2 he saved us tax payers another huge party.

Faith 7/17/2009 11:02:37 AM
By the way, who is Kevin Rack and where is he? In Sydney already?

Faith 7/17/2009 11:08:20 AM
Senior Partner in Virgina Law Firm. Indeed there are different phases of a revolution that leads to a stable democracy and Kevin is correct. But we do not like it when the attack is close to home, do we? We will defend until the cows come home even when our children are wrong, thus spoiling the child into believing that they are doing something commendable and right until we are directly affected and by the it is already too late. In as much as I do not agree with the tone, it made me think.

Taetjo 7/17/2009 11:18:06 AM
How does Obama not visiting SA show that our country is ruled by idiots? HOW is the big question.

rahmed 7/17/2009 11:44:45 AM
A really uncalled for negative article. I an currently in the Uk on secondment with an option to remain here, get UK citizenship en blah-blah-blah the rest, BUT NO THANK YOU as soon as my contract ends I will move back to SA with my 2 teenage kids as I realised that I don't want my kids to grow up here in the UK and become like these horrible disrespectful kids. Yes SA has its problems but so do all other countries - there is hope for SA as there are so many great and stunning people in SA - I did not vote for JZ and the ANC, but will give them a chance to move forward. SA has survived a lot in the past and will in the future....

GladLad 7/17/2009 11:49:55 AM
hey kevin thats a bunch o crap I just read,
U a giant-size,complete,total nincompoop yo.K'mon man just leave,just go in peace, anybod/anything holding ya? Ef that man.

Tazz aka ANC Loyalist 7/17/2009 12:02:50 PM
Kevin why dont u pac u'r bags & go 2 America coz we don't nid people like u here who have a negative atitude. For the record Kevin our democracy is still young & growing, we nided a person who has the ANC vision 2 lid this country not a person whose got his own agendas.The ANC Maniefestos states the programmes that must be folowed by those in power not to manupulate people to turn against each other like Mbeki did & the mess that we are in its his mess the new govment is still new and learning the new things that have to be done.

GladLad 7/17/2009 12:06:24 PM
Blixum if u irritate me over and over again will u blame me if I come back at ya,however I do that,will ya?

Kay 7/17/2009 12:11:45 PM
lol! Kevin come out whereever you are!! Answer to all these comments. Your pathetically unresearched article made me laugh. Zim went down but how many SA compaies are clambering to be there rigth now? I actually really don't get whingin south africans. If really this place sux as you say, simply move wo ehreever and lets comare the quality of life. Sned us a postcard! Bet a wlife with no maid and gardner and garden to speak of woudl do you good ha?! PLEASE reply to your artcle, I am really interested to hear why you haven't gone overseas already! lol! Gosh. Ignorance makes me laugh!

andile botman 7/17/2009 12:13:57 PM
I don't care whether Obama does or doesn't want to come to RSA, his visit will not have any positive impact on our economy or bring any solution to any of our problems and as for the appointment of our MPs who are appointed only through thier militant experience ,i am angry , mad and ashamed of been a South African , if families were separated , blood was shed , children were orphaned and carreers were ruined for us to be lead by nothing but selfish leaders then Sobukwe,Biko,Thambo,Mashinini,Chief Albert luthuli, Gorven Mbeki's etc souls are not in peace. This barbarians of high lumpency always quote in thier manifestos that eradication of unemployement and poverty is thier first priority , there is a hudge number of the youth that is unemployed with qualifications that are reasonable enough for them to be in our country's gorvernance but instead they saw it best that they bring on board a bunch of stuborn and hadrheaded troops and X-corns.I wont hesitate in saying that SA is gorvened by agents of opression than they claim that they are victims of , we are lead by propagandists and the most strategic puppets of capitalism

reknaw@taetjo 7/17/2009 12:15:58 PM
hey potato,your right there is no association with his visit and the goverment been idiots,give you that,besides your question,they are idiots that is a fact,but no association with OLDBUMA,anyway also agree with some of the comments ie- if you do not like it leave,i suppose if this is what you hear from your ex minister of safety and security been the sheep that follow you will use this statement,i did not like and still do not like what is happening in SA,its abnormal you need to get out to experience this,oh and i have left the country,so i agree if you feel that your family are in danger move them out of the hot zone,to me thats commom sense not moaning about your enviroment,any way good luck to all of you,i promote SA as a great country but also say it like it is,

Kay 7/17/2009 12:17:02 PM
lol! Kevin come out whereever you are!! Answer to all these comments. Your pathetically unresearched article made me laugh. Zim went down but how many SA compaies are clambering to be there rigth now? I actually really don't get whingin south africans. If really this place sux as you say, simply move wo ehreever and lets comare the quality of life. Sned us a postcard! Bet a wlife with no maid and gardner and garden to speak of woudl do you good ha?! PLEASE reply to your artcle, I am really interested to hear why you haven't gone overseas already! lol! Gosh. Ignorance makes me laugh!

Capital Q 7/17/2009 12:27:30 PM
You also failed to mention that our higher education minister is the leader of the communist party. Does it then not make sense that he will try implement his communist ideologies in our education system? How can we even allow a communist party a seat in a democracy. It doesn't make sense (and don't even come with the excuse of 'that's how progressive our democracy is'). Its crazy talk!!

Hope @ Faith 7/17/2009 12:33:11 PM
Faith - I have read all the comments and yes you're right. You the only one who makes sense. Not one wants to admit that the are so wrong especially those with the racist comments are the worst ones - the are so racist themselves and it's those ignorant ones that gives our country a bad name. I'm a non-white by the way and still struggle for the hope of a better life. Those who have it - well done to you but don't forget about the people that don't.

TEE 7/17/2009 12:39:52 PM
you are obviosly a bitter, angry someone and now you are using this Obama siuation to push your agenda, this has nothing to do with it stupid. get a life or pack your bacgs and live you idiot. we've had that before SA is going to another Zim and right now it sounds like a scratch record.

Margaret M 7/17/2009 12:55:39 PM
Kevin, you are probably the most pessimistic person I've ever heard. Some of your comments have some truth in them, but you are looking through a glass darkly. Comments like yours add absolutely nothing to our nation. If you really feel this way, why are you still here? Obama has his own reasons for not coming here. I think Linds was right about that. We don't actually know these reasons, so we are just guessing. In any case, there's no reason why Obama should come here, just to make us feel important. I believe South Africa has a God-given destiny, and it doesn't include any of your negatives.

Mark 7/17/2009 12:58:13 PM
Good article Kevin. Unfortunately it's true. We're already showing all the signs of a corrupt babana republic where the corrupt government is scooping off all the cream and leaving nothing for the "peasants". Just look at our own minister of communication's two new BMW's at the cost of R2.4 million! This while our country is suffering. Let them eat cake.....

Belinda 7/17/2009 2:17:00 PM
South Africa is a great land and it is blessed with many diverse and beautiful people. This country is worthing living for. So Kevie boy I suggest you and your mates pack up and go live with the other successful people in Europe, Oz, Uk and USA.
You know the snow white, morbidly depressed, infertile, non creative, swine flu infested robots who spout quotations and sound like they are to the manner born, in the mean time they a bunch of closet slaves dancing to a bloody awful beat, if I may add.
Hurry your plane is waiting.

Di 7/17/2009 2:23:15 PM
It is people like you we don't need in our country. Why don't you join the rest of the cowards and get out of SA!!

Urs@Hnie 7/17/2009 2:58:17 PM
Hnie, boet, you've got it wrong. No one is telling you to go anywhere. If the author (Kevin) has nothing good to say and no intentions of contributing anything, and as he points out, his bags are already packed and at the door, then he doesn't need any of our permission to bugger off. The country will be no poorer for losing another person who has no intention of doing anything to make it better...only complain about what is not right.

Tshililo 7/17/2009 2:58:25 PM
Kevin is unpatriotic and a serious joke. If I were him, I would have left Mzansi already and stop making unsubstantiated and unfounded allegations. He is one of those few angry Whites South Africans who cannot accept a government lead by a Black President.He must just stop sloganeering and leave the Repuplic because people like him have no place really in Mzansi. Go well Kevin.

Jack 7/17/2009 3:06:59 PM
Obama didn't visit SA,because he didn't visit any other country in Africa exept Ghana.And the message is simple.Ghana is the only country in Africa which tried to show some signs of democracy and political tolerance (but for how long?)
To all these black racist :don't chase the whites away,one day you will beg them to stay. Simply there will be nobody to steal from.

LOL@ Belinda 7/17/2009 3:35:13 PM
Shame Belinda - you're such a racist. You totally missed the point.
It's people like you who give this country a bad name.
Sis man....

Malus 7/17/2009 3:53:41 PM
I feel like say eish eish eish... Kevin your so stupid... we dont care if you were to leave without saying goodby... we dont care... some of you white, you not white, say yellowish people think you are all that... i think SA or Africa will be much better without you guys....

mlungisi 7/17/2009 4:08:35 PM
for all of you who think like Kevin, GO TO HELL!!!! THIS IS MY COUNTRY I LOVE IT AND I WILL ALWAYS VOTE FOR THE ANC.

NDILE 7/17/2009 4:12:31 PM
Can we please have peace. stop the hate and negativity.

neo 7/18/2009 9:23:13 AM
Mike you example of Spar and Pick n Pay is biased. kevin is a 'bad' customer who will complain that the tomatoes are 'frot' even when they aren't. We do not need such a customer. Pick n pay can have him

neville 7/18/2009 9:30:10 AM
great to see the many reactions. democracy is there. i feel sorry for oz but not for my home.

Bryan@Norman 7/18/2009 9:39:49 AM
Norman, I agree that Fox News has a conservative viewpoint, but please don't tell me that CNN, MSNBC, CBC, ABC, CBS, NBS, major newspapers and magazines (too numerous to mention), don't have a political slant favouring the far left. That is why people believe that Bush and/or Palin are the devil. The left treat conservatives with extreme hostility and rudeness, almost never to be recipricated with the same level of rudeness on Fox News. I respect a gentleman like Sean Hannity, and his contempories at left leaning networks are often filthy little creatures that mock Sarah Palins daughter (even the 14 year old) with sexual innuendo, fantasize about Palin herself, and mock her Downes Syndrome child. FACT! The tapes don't lie. Fox does not stoop to that level. That tells me something about their character. Anyway, it is very difficult to get through to the liberal drones out there who think socialist policies are the way to go, and their ilk cannot name ONE such country that has been successful (Cuba, North Korea, USSR, East Germany)???? - I saw for myself the difference between East and West Berlin when the wall came down. I love destroying lefties in debates on Obama's policies, which are failures. The two most meaningless words in the dictionary are "Obama said....". He is desperate to get his socialist health care through before the Autumn recess, because after that his plunging popularity will leave him with no credibility at all. I don't have the time to go into detail on all Obama's disastrous policies, but I challenge you - debate me! Pick a topic, lets say his health care plan which is THE current hotspot. You seem like a reasonable guy, and I promise not to be rude or insulting like some people commenting. So, study up on the subject, unless of course you already have in-depth knowlege (other than "Obama said"), and then inform me as to what is great about Obama's health plan - EDUCATE ME!

Finally, Sasha, you are right, but one more leftie, especially a big strong powerful one, is one too many!

Mpondo 7/18/2009 12:34:01 PM
@Careful, I wish all South Africans regardless of their skin pigmentation should think as you do. We all need one another!
To KEVIN- You have a basic right to freedom of speech just as any ordinary South African.
However, I do not think SA should be worried that Pres Obama did not visit. Pres. Obama has a schedule to follow, and as an American Pres he is very keen to visit countries that have oil as it is clear that USA is addicted. But I am happy this time on friendly basis, and that is how we wish things to be done globally.
SA has proven worldwide that they can sort their own mess, make no mistake we have mess however we are a grown up democratic country that has been shown up by the recall of Ex Pres TM, by the elite ANC. He never resorted to bloodshed instead he left the seat peacefully.
And to add to that no other country got involved in that except us. So we have power to demolish and power to build.
Again Pres Obama has told Africans during his visit that we must be at the forefront to solve our issues.
I am bit nervous and wonder which African leader would stand up and unite whole of Africa as this will help us not to have eyes to USA for all the issues. Yes not even one country can be total independent, trade--you need other partners. This union of Africa will help Africans to have broad market base.
Please, while USA is advanced it is clear that what they do, other countries can be able to do, off course with their help but not with total dependence on them. They have challenges in their country as we do. The question is WHAT CAN OUR LEADERS DO TO ENSURE THAT THE EDUCATED PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTRY DO NOT FLEE TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN SEARCH OF BETTER SALARIES? We must invest on these people because that will help us bridge the gap between poor and rich. Why can we not do as USA Madonna’s do?
Let us think of going to space or moon, have our NASA and explore things instead of crying when USA Pres of the day does not visit us. Again this thing of saying people who were born in SA, they must pack bags and go is totally wrong, we all belong to SA. Remember it was not easy when Noah built an Ark. So, I feel very bad when younger generation of 21st century, are being subjugated to this painful hate we show over the internet, let us discuss here, this is where we will be knowledgeable, this is not platform of racist remarks.

Mpondo

democrafix 7/19/2009 4:15:36 PM
Obama is a pragmatist. You don't become the first black president of the USA without knowing how to work the system. He was a senator first. He is securing ties with India and China as first priorities. His African agenda is candid and he has already spelled out the failure of leadership in Africa.Wait for the whiners on this one!

Howard Higgins 7/19/2009 9:29:34 PM
I would just like to add my few cents.
I read most of the comments good and bad....Mpondo,yours stand head and shoulders above the rest.Thanks for your positive remarks.There is only ONE S.A

Sharon 7/20/2009 7:58:29 AM
Who cares why Obama didn't come to SA. what exactly can he do??? Is he Merlin in disguise?? Come on people, he is not a freakin prophet, he is a human AMERICAN being! Why didn't we make such a fuss when Bush didn't come here?? Who the hell cares!

Hannes 7/20/2009 12:31:55 PM
Kevin for president!

BH 7/20/2009 1:56:33 PM
Mpondo you are openminded...........share it with your fellow country man!!!!!!!!!!!!

tom1 to Mpondo 7/20/2009 4:44:23 PM
Mpondo, like your thinking, if we all thought this way and were positive we could move forward together.

@Mpondo 7/21/2009 9:36:00 AM
Mpondo my friend, we should try and get you to go and speak to all the narrow minded supporters of ALL parties! Don't know how much good it will do as they seem to love bashing one another and living in the past! You are thinking about the future and not living in the past which is what everyone should start doing...that is the key to SA's survival and rejuvenation! WE ALL NEED TO MOVE ON AND FORGET WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST! HISTORY IS THERE TO REMIND US, YES, IT HURTS but, it cannot harm us if we just accept it and try to rectify it whilst moving forward. Mandela must be a sad man because his visiono a rainbow nation is not going to dawn upon us anytime soon the way everyone is carrying on...
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