Johannesburg

Wednesday

11°C
26°C

7 day forecasts

South Africa | World | Africa | Entertainment | Science & Technology

Opinion | Columnists

News | Markets | Personal Finance | Opinion

News | Rugby | Cricket | Soccer | Golf

Galleries | Videos | Slideshows

Haiti Quake | 2010 SWC | SA Politics | Zimbabwe | Aids Focus

Letters | Your Story | Columns

News24 User

'Democracy is flawed'

2009-04-24 11:30

Dear Editor,

A thought recently came to mind concerning democracy, something that South Africa is so proud of, yet quite lacking in it's implementation.

Being allowed to make two marks on two pieces of paper every five years and then hoping you are in the majority is not exactly what I would call "having your say" or "giving your input".

Is democracy not essentially flawed at the core? My understanding of the term is that it allows for people from different walks of life, who may or may not have different opinions on matters, to have equal say in the way the country is governed.

My question, though, is why do you have these different groups in the first place? Don't say race, we are supposed to be a lot more mature than that by now. Why do these groups have different opinions?

And most importantly, does it not come down at the end of the day to what is right and wrong? If anything, it would seem that democracy allows for an organisation that might be completely incompetent, to win by a landslide, because the majority of the voters like them.

Maybe democracy was invented because dictators were (and are) mostly inhumane. But in my mind, issues regarding right and wrong should not get decided upon democratically.

In my opinion, democracy is just about as dangerous as a dictatorship. Instead of having to obey one person, you now have to obey the majority, whether their policies are right or wrong.

In a perfect world, we would not have had to have a democracy. In my opinion, democracy exists because of the constant fight between right and wrong. And with this I am not saying that any one political party is completely right and the other completely wrong.

We are equally responsible for the continuity of this war of disagreement. What we need are sound moral values, not just the opportunity to raise our opinion.

We need our leaders (and ourselves) to have the ability to distinguish properly between right and wrong, not just the ability to choose our leaders.

Hugo Malan

Get published on MyNews24 by sending your letter, story or column to us
Send us your news photos

Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.

Comments have been closed for this article.

Warren 4/24/2009 11:42:50 AM

Democracy as a system of government has its pros and cons, like any other system. There are many arguments that can be made both for and against it, and it will also work better for certain populations than for others. Keep in mind that not all countries believe democracy is the best choice, but it has proven to work very well in the long term (meaning a lot longer than a mere 15 years).

Kuifkop 4/24/2009 11:44:23 AM

This is exactly why we need a strong opposition. It is to prevent the ruling party from forcing their believes on us..twee koppe is beter as een

LRob 4/24/2009 11:44:34 AM

You are attempting to apply logic to people. Although people can be logical and reasoned, emotion seems to rule the day more often than not. This is the only logical reason I can see as to why the "popular" vote carries more weight than the reasonable vote.

Juan 4/24/2009 11:46:12 AM

where the populous are EDUCATED and literate and can THINK for themselves, debate issues and THEN make an informed decision. In SA 'democracy' is about dancing ability. Even tho it's kind-of funny, no dance move has ever hanged rapists, no fancy dance move has ever braught water pipes, no dance move has ever faught violent crime, but unfortunately ONLY the minority seems to be intelligent enough to understand this.

lloyd macklin 4/24/2009 11:46:39 AM

democracy give you the opportunity of selecting your own dictator.

VLS 4/24/2009 11:46:44 AM

I understand your point Hugo but you forget that the notion of who is right or wrong is in itself subjective. Who is to say that the majority i wrong and the minority is right (by the way I voted DA)? I don't think democracy presupposes itself to be perfect, can you think of any perfect system? In theory the majority should dictate the way in whcih they want to be governed and on that score democracy is alright.

Geoff 4/24/2009 11:47:37 AM

That is exactly why we need a justiciable constitution and bill of rights!

Stephen 4/24/2009 11:50:12 AM

A very well written article

T 4/24/2009 11:50:25 AM

Very much agree with you.Once again one has to be very careful otherwise your words get twisted and before you know it one or two of the groups call you a racist.The point being this,what one person sees as a good moral, another will disagree because that person might not be of their group. So right and wrong is out the window,it seems like people refuse to believe something if its not suggested by their group.Makes you worry about how parents raise their children.

Baker 4/24/2009 11:50:44 AM

Democracy does not mean choosing between right or wrong, or limiting yourself to voting once in a while. Its about allowing the people of a nation to balance their interests against each other and importantly, provides a mechanism whereby you have the right to actively push for your own interests. If you choose to only vote and ignore all the other mechanisms of democracy (local activism, the media, strikes, etc.) you are obviously not going to reap the rewards! Get involved, stop moaning

Mr Right 4/24/2009 11:50:44 AM

The flaw in our model and akin to an analogy in a team where the striker scores 6 goals and yet the team loses...the striker feels great and feels nothing for the loss of the team...the danger in our democracy is that the mandate from the majority is cut to a size that suits the striker regardless of outcome...my point is that if the leader of that elected majority is a concern the minority must accept is regardless and that's a mini dictatorship and potential autocracy...

how else? 4/24/2009 11:50:57 AM

Although I am not an ANC supporter, I submit to the fact that they have won the election. Do you have any better solutions to how all people would be able to have their say other than through this process? I don't like the outcome either, bbut I have no better suggestions and accept our fate - the only other option is an autocracy, civil war, etc.

baker 4/24/2009 11:51:13 AM

Continue moaning, that is also your democratic right

Gareth 4/24/2009 11:51:20 AM

I recently returned from Argentina, where they have a democratically elected populist government. Millions recieve handouts from the government and do not work. The government uses taxpayers money to fund this. So the dumb old middle class goes to work every day to make money to pay taxes so that the government can buy votes from the poor so that they can stay in power. Sound familiar? I agree our concept of democracy needs to evolve. Our current democracy is flawed.

Max 4/24/2009 11:51:45 AM

There is something called the Bill of Rights in SA + the constitution, which in essence also means no majority has an absolute right over other people in this country. Democracy prevailed when the US elected George Bush, so I hope your paranoia is not about Zuma. M

Ima 4/24/2009 11:52:07 AM

Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Maybe we should have a referendum on that? The same with morals. Who decides? If the answer is that it is norms and standards agreed to by society at large then I believe the tribe has spoken.

Phinah 4/24/2009 11:52:09 AM

Is really not that bad, yet representative democracy is actually bad. With so many Acts e.g. Floor Crossing, no wonder full democracy wil never exist.

mlungisi 4/24/2009 11:53:38 AM

The issue of morality is just something that goes behind any human being imagination. It is only God that can judge people on this regard. What we need mostly on our leaders is high political will to serve and deliver our people. Regarding political affiliation. I really do not understand why one associate themselves with an organization that once served under apartheid government[the DA]. The fact they were in parl during apartheid shows that we people should distance ourselves from such party.

Dave 4/24/2009 11:54:57 AM

Mr Malan, Democracy ONLY works in countries or societies where ALL the people who can vote have roughly the same cultural background, are at least reasonably well educated, have roughly the same expectations, and have respect for the fact that other people even though holding different opinions to their own, are also striving for the same things in life. To call the government system in South Africa a democracy is a total misnomer - it is simply rule by mob, under a different name.

KOBUS 4/24/2009 11:55:05 AM

Read some Plato. He had this whole discussion 2500 years ago already... Go read his Republic, or a summary of it, at least.

Lebo 4/24/2009 11:55:51 AM

According to you, it seems as though only people that have a formal education have the ability to make "right" decisions. it is this kind of thinking which is slowly bringing our fellowmen to the conclusion that non-ANC political parties will never rule because of this kind of oppresion

Excalibur 4/24/2009 11:58:44 AM

The ugly fact is, around the world, democracy is flawed when people would rather suffer under a tribal/traditional leader than prosper under a genuine leader. Look at Bosnia, Serbia, most of Africa, even the United States. In the US some people would rather have George Bush than vote Democrat. In South Africa it is the same. Of course, right and wrong is in the eye of the beholder (or the voter). The people have voted - now MAKE SURE THEY DELIVER!!!. If not, KICK THEM OUT IN 5 YEARS TIME!

Johan 4/24/2009 12:00:32 PM

Never underestimate the power of a group of stupid people. We do not have a democracy. At best a socialist government under the cover of democracy. Personally it looks more like an Idiotcracy.

mzo 4/24/2009 12:00:38 PM

Of course it is bad if the society is unequal as in South Africa.Our democracy is evil becuase of greedy ANC leaders as well as previous regime including land thief Mr De klerk.So if we analyse this issue please let's do it in an unbiased manner.Our democracy is fake and based on class that was created by leaders across the board.That's why crime is rife because of greed.

BD 4/24/2009 12:00:56 PM

I just had a look at the turnout countrywide. The Average is under 75%!!!! That means 25% of the country did not vote. I suggest those 25% go sit in a corner and shut up if you have something to say, you had your chance. This for me could have made a difference. Hugo, everything is not black and white, right and wrong, there is a grey and a opinion. You don't have the answers to everything, we can only do our best with what we have.

Ant 4/24/2009 12:02:05 PM

South Africa today is the equivalent of adding China and Australia together into one country, and then letting the majority decide how the country should be run. The values of the different groups in SA are just too diverse for a single, democratic system to cater equitably for us all. SA should have been divided into two or three countries in 1994. Even if it meant all non-ANC supporters had to pack up and move to the Republic of the Western Cape to enjoy modern values and policies.

Thando 4/24/2009 12:03:03 PM

everyone had a chance to choose a leader who will represent him/her beter, if the majority chose Zuma as their leader just accept that and respect our decision only loosers who are for ever complaining even if they had chance to make a defferents.

SAS 4/24/2009 12:09:05 PM

Yes, I agree with you that democracy is not the wonderfull, enlightened system that we thought it might be in SA. BUT, South Africa is a very young democracy. I mean we are not near to the party politics of America for instance. It is going to take time for SA, to get to a place where we have a strong opposition party to whichever party is in the lead. Remember the ANC has lost votes in direct parralel with the amount of extra EDUCATED and/or Middleclass voters...

Muzi 4/24/2009 12:09:36 PM

I have read all ur comments so far & have cum to the conclusion that u r racist. Period!

zane 4/24/2009 12:10:17 PM

I think it was churchhill that said" Democracy is not perfect but its better than the rest"

Deon de Wet-Roos 4/24/2009 12:11:16 PM

Hey Hugo how long has it taken you to realize that democracy doesn't work? There is only one credo to live by namely: "Live free or die". Anything else is just a lustreless exscuse for existence.

psycobabble 4/24/2009 12:12:45 PM

with a multi -party democratic one party state,who needs a govt?

Piet Strydom 4/24/2009 12:12:50 PM

once remarked that the best argument against democracy is 5 minutes in the company of the average voter. problems for the world started when Absolute Truth was rejected, and relative truth became the norm. Using relative truth, who can condemn people flying jet airliners into buildings? They were just working according to relative truth acceptable in their frame of reference.

Andrew 4/24/2009 12:13:04 PM

Of course democracy is flawed. You got a better idea? Maybe the group of people with the bigger guns should rule? Oh right! That's what happens when democracy fails. Like in WW2, or in Zimbabwe. Or N Korea, or Congo, or Bolivia etc. There is no better plan than this one. If you do have a better plan, start a political party, and if the masses like your idea, you can implement it!

M 4/24/2009 12:13:15 PM

A democracy only works when most people can think for themselves&critically evaluate what they want&who will be best to give it to them. Democracy is thus a good form of "controlling" a country with the alternative being unrest/war/etc. But as soon as people become biased through manipulation which is easily achieved if a large part of the country lives in desperation, democracy becomes flawed. We see this today. The ANC still wins even though it doesn't deliver because people are desperate

Real Thug 4/24/2009 12:13:41 PM

only if the settlers move back to london & perth.

FOTA 4/24/2009 12:14:28 PM

When it catches the car it does not know what to do with it. In SA democracy has won. The ANC has got the most votes and has some grand plans. I question their ability to implement them. They had a 2/3 majority last time - have they really delivered. I don't know - they have not where I live, but may well have elsewhere. The ANC must turn their promises into reality. The voters will not be patient forever. They are NOT stupid. Then watch the Western Cape. If the DA deliver, watch out in 5 years!

keith 4/24/2009 12:15:25 PM

The "majority rule" is often described as a characteristic feature of democracy, but without responsible government it is possible for the rights of a minority to be abused by the "tyranny of the majority". (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy)

jd 4/24/2009 12:15:34 PM

If you think 2+2=4, but everyone else insists 2+2=5, are you still wrong? The mistake that people make is thinking of themselves as protagonists. some one needs to be the bad guy.

M 4/24/2009 12:16:09 PM

You prove my point that a popular stance doesn't make it the correct stance and those taking the stance wise/knowledgeable. Even though your party (ANC) is winning you still can't put to table a solid argument. That is why you need a leader who knows more than you do and JZ isn't the man for the job because anyone with an education and real-life experience can out-wit that man (excl Malema of course)

Nobody 4/24/2009 12:16:20 PM

Democracy is nothing but the tyranny of the masses

Kuifkop 4/24/2009 12:16:34 PM

I guess the 25% that did not vote, were all sitting on the streetcorners, waiting for a "piece job"?

Eben 4/24/2009 12:17:21 PM

Some bright spark once said: "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding on what's for dinner."

Zomba 4/24/2009 12:18:39 PM

In a democracy, people who are chosen are accountable to those who chose them. In a democracy people who choose will leave with the consequences of their choice, good or bad. Until a better system is brought forward, I will defend democracy to the death.

M 4/24/2009 12:19:25 PM

I like the way you think, lets make the Western Cape independent from SA, let the DA rule it and see how the economy booms, poverty is alleviated etc (waaaaay more houses built for the poor etc) But alas the ANC would never allow for this, because this would prove that they aren't the best to govern which most straight-thinking, informed people already know.

E van Hout 4/24/2009 12:23:04 PM

I fully understand your frustrations but you must wake up to reality. SA is becoming a third world African country and there is nothing that can be done about it now. If you don?t want to live in a third world country in the future my advice is that you should move from Africa if you can. If you cannot, make the Western Cape your home where there is the possibility, albeit a very slight one, that it may one day secede from SA and become independent. Good lu

M 4/24/2009 12:23:47 PM

Yes, but then I don't want to hear that I have to help the poor masses that are just not becoming less in numbers. I don't want to hear that I have to fork out more money for upgrades because some govt institution misappropriated money. Let those that voted for them fork out the extra money for it, YOU chose them! Let them "enjoy" the public health care system while we do our own thing. YOU need to take responsibility for your vote (with the few pros and the many cons)

Nicole 4/24/2009 12:25:33 PM

You are so far off about the DA, google helen Zille please and see especially the article on wikipedia about her life during apartheid, she was fighting for you people, she broke the real story of how Biko was killed, she had to go into hiding from the NP government. She was not in parliament you fool, she was risking her life you ungrateful little man and all you can do is insult her and call her a racist. Get your facts straight before judging and crying foul.

Outrack 4/24/2009 12:26:16 PM

Democracy is an idealistic concept where the most popular opinion wins, not the best. The idea of giving everyone the chance to voice their opinion on an equal level is nice, but the problem is that some could be considered more equal than others, and the weak are easily influenced by shallow promises and a great sales pitch. Voltaire said it best - better to serve a single lion than a dozen rats.

Kal-El 4/24/2009 12:27:17 PM

No Lebo, what he is saying, is that only educated people have the ability, insight, foresight to choose a leader based on characteristics and requirements a real leader requires. In SA, the masses vote for the ANC because of loyalty and because they *like* JZ. Those are hardly criteria necessary for good governance.

Louis 4/24/2009 12:28:41 PM

A constitution defines the rules of engagement for a system of governance. That system can be democratic or not. Political will, uphodling constitutional institutions, the rule of law, accountbility, equitable treatement and equality are all things needed necessary for a succesful state (there are other factors). Participating in a democracy is more than just voting. What have you done recently to convince some else that your party is the right choice?

Black Beauty 4/24/2009 12:30:22 PM

This is exactly the kind of attitude that reminds me that my forefathers were enslaved in their own home, and as a result, I have an obligation, through the power of vote, to liberate myself and future black generation to come. No black persons in her/his rightfull mind will ever vote for any party that does not respresents the black struggle. If I have to fight black domination which do not deliver to its promises, I will definately take my cross to another black party.

Robert 4/24/2009 12:31:42 PM

Ah... democracy, that's where everyone gets what the majority deserve!

Sonny 4/24/2009 12:31:56 PM

"I really do not understand why one associate themselves with an organization that once served under apartheid government[the DA]" Get real please, was Helen Suzman a part of that lot? You are so ignorant!

DA kom niks van kla nie 4/24/2009 12:32:45 PM

The best arguement against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter. Just looking at your spelling tells me that you are one of those loosers who demanded a western education, even though it clearly made no defferents. I do however think that Mr Zuma( I do not call him Mister for sarcastic reasons, but because I honour is position), is intelligent enough to realise that he has all eyes on him, that he doesn't dare put a foot wrong. I am optimistic about SA under his rule

aka aka 4/24/2009 12:32:50 PM

You guys must just go and smoke your socks. Democracy is your system and now you ridicule it because your clowns failed to win the elections? You guys are as pathetic as your so called leaders.

Excalibur 4/24/2009 12:33:21 PM

Elections are for the voters and signify 5 years of policy execution and the general upliftment of the country. I SERIOUSLY hope that the rhetoric is now behind us and the parties that have been entrusted with the survival of South Africa take it seriously. This was not a game of soccer that ends with the final whistle, with losers and winners. Everyone needs to win. If the wealthy lose, then there is no tax money for the poor to win. Patronage and populism should have ended at 9pm on Wednesday.

jim 4/24/2009 12:35:01 PM

"Values are incommensurate and that is why cultures will clash" (Edmund Burke). South Africa has been the largest social science experiment into cultural relativism in the history of mankind. The promise of Mandelatopia was the bait..we fell for it!Game Over!

Daisey 4/24/2009 12:36:00 PM

Learn to spell- Thando.....!

MM 4/24/2009 12:36:19 PM

The US in deed voted GWB in not once but twice. However before his 8 years was up, the Dems won the interim vote (house and senate) which stopped him in his tracks. The people spoke with their vote. A 2/3 majority rule in a democracy takes away checks and balances!

Justin 4/24/2009 12:36:30 PM

This is why we have the constitution. In essence, the majority are still not really supposed to be deciding what is right or wrong, but are rather supposed to consider the constitution.

Brother 4/24/2009 12:37:12 PM

I love Democracy. Demos and Cratos. Derived from Greek that means governance by the people. Although I hate the ANC and didn?t vote for them I shall pay my Taxes and obey the Laws of this country. I know the ANC is not the best this country has to offer, but I will move on and survive. How long? I cant say, but one thing is for sure, governments will come and go, but Democracy shall reign forever. Give it time, the uneducated masses shall become educated and with that, a new era shall emerge, and with it, a Great Country!

PHILA 4/24/2009 12:37:54 PM

I doubt that. You're disgusted because the party that you thought would win didn't. Let me remind you that as long as Black people are a majority in this country the DA will never be the ruling party. We suffered a lot under Apartheid and it will take generations to FORGET that. We will even tell our children born after 1994 about how we suffered in our motherland and advise them NEVER,EVER vote anything other than the ANC.

Roy 4/24/2009 12:38:05 PM

I agree absolutely with this article, the majority are incapable of choosing right from wrong. Intelligence is rare, the masses who decide on who rules are of average intelligence at best and therefore consistently make bad choices. We should have a weighted voting system instead. An example would be that those who finance the government (the 6 or so million tax-payers in SA), get more say as to who runs the government and spends their hard-earned money. V.A.Y.E - Vote As You Earn.

Carrot 4/24/2009 12:38:32 PM

...simply because the voting is rigged. Stories of people in Soweto voting twice, stories of folk not registered voting, stories of people using deceaseds passports to vote abound. Whats with voting in pencil? The corrupt ANC regime has corrupted democracy in SA with a sham election. FACT!

Aki 4/24/2009 12:38:39 PM

Are you suggesting an establishment of a Volkstaat?

Topdog 4/24/2009 12:38:44 PM

People are being told to stop complaining and accept facts. WHY? If nobody was complaining, on this site, in the media, sport, politics etc. How would you know that there are people not accepting of any situation. Who said there is a specific time to complain, to start- or stop complaining. Go on guys, complain, raise your issues. If nobody did, you wouldn't be able to upset those in the back on the brain queue.

Brownsuit 4/24/2009 12:39:13 PM

of fascisim...

Mzekezeke 4/24/2009 12:39:16 PM

I agree with you, politicians must be held accountable and then democracy works. If you're able to fire non-performing politicians, we're in a real democracy. Democracy is about delivering on your promises & having the will to step down if you can't. Also, in a democracy you must accept the will of the majority even if you don't like the leader. You acn only hope he'll be fired if he does not perform.

Neuk 4/24/2009 12:39:27 PM

That is the most ridiculous argument I have ever heard! How can you say that just because the DA served under apartheid, you can't support them! When will people learn that just because a party was good (or bad) at one stage, they are not necessarily bad (or good) now! Blind faith is ridiculous in concept and execution, there is mroe to a party than their name and what they did or didn't do 15 years ago...

Real black 4/24/2009 12:39:31 PM

Do u envy JZ dancing skills, every time u mention it. We have the groove. We wont mind teaching u some moves, do not be shy just come, to our victory celebration tonight. U still all ANC members are uneducated? Shame on u! We may be uneducated but we know how to choose a good leader. We are still busy with TManuel he will be fine next election.

Piet 4/24/2009 12:39:34 PM

"Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."

Tabudi Mpe 4/24/2009 12:39:38 PM

May I suggest a good read for people on this forum. the name of the book is is "For Whites Only", by Charl Cilliers.

TB 4/24/2009 12:40:23 PM

A system should be implemented wherby a person must write a test to qualify for voting. Everything else that is dangerous or require a certain skill requires some form of test or training, why not voting? That will also force the government to supply better education to all, because if they don't their supporters would not be able to vote for them!

Carlien 4/24/2009 12:41:13 PM

Work on your spelling, sweetie...

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 12:41:36 PM

That's the crux of the matter. People won't even agree on what good moral values are. These things are not absolute, not intrinsic to humanity. They are arrived at by a process, and that process will involve trying things and seeing what benefits and what does not benefit a particular society.

Doorboot 4/24/2009 12:42:11 PM

Under appartheid we had the tyrany of the minority over the majority, now we have the tyrany of the majority over the minority. Still a tyrany... That is what democracy brings in Africa. As long as people make decisions in ignorance or abject fear then their decisions are questionable and should be scrutinised. But in this country bad decisions are the order of the day.

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 12:43:06 PM

I'd agree that we should be moving beyond racial considerations, however it's not quite that simple - because of this country's past. Generations of people were disenfranchised and frozen out of the formal economy. That cannot simply be washed away - not it's effects nor it's memory.

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 12:44:47 PM

You'd still need laws and a constitution operating at an overall level. The system you are proposing is not unlike the USA where the states have some autonomy but there are blanket laws that effect all states equally.

Zola 4/24/2009 12:45:58 PM

The result of this election tells a story to Juan et al. which illustrates quite clearly that the white mans future in positions of leadership in SA is over. There is still a long way to go before the history of oppression can be laid to rest in this country. Only a revolutionary impartial leader (without any affiliation to the apartheid past) can challenge the power and momentum of the ANC. Zille, Buthulezi- time to go. We need a new inspiring figure to reunite us. A new Mandela! Where are u?

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 12:45:58 PM

Democracy and socialism are not mutually exclusive. It's democratic if the people can chose socialism (which they have) and can vote it out again (which they can).

Ivan 4/24/2009 12:46:34 PM

I feel that South Africa needs a well educated man that can lead us on the right path not a man who didn't even pass matric, has been in court for years with Fraud cases, i mean what type of country are we to support a man who can dance on a stage and win votes!!! I would let other country presidents step in and sit him down and they should let South Africa know if this man has the ability to run a country. Everyone is saying the same thing but what can we do????

eugine 4/24/2009 12:47:14 PM

As long it suites a certain group in our society then its hailed as the best policy but when the tables are turned then we must look for alternatives. Some of you in this forum keep refering to the miseducation of the majority but they forget that the opportunity to have education was dinied by your fore-fathers. Dont worry it will take the masses 100 years to start voting on issues and not on emotions. viva democrazy

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 12:47:57 PM

Sure. But Churchill also observed that democracy is the worst possible system - until you consider the alternatives.

Bob 4/24/2009 12:49:52 PM

The irony of this 'democracy' is that a large part of the funding (taxpayers) comes from the base that did not 'elect' it. It IS inappropriate to say that you can't vote if you don't add 'money' value to the state, but it is somewhat irksome to go out to work and pay large amounts of tax every month and have limited representation on how that money should be spent. It would be an entirely different situation if the govt were using the money wisely.

VG 4/24/2009 12:51:34 PM

Good grife, the official results haven't even been announced yet and already we're subjected to "democracy allows for an organisation that might be completely incompetent, to win by a landslide, because the majority of the voters like them." What you seem to be saying is you're right, "they" are wrong.Careful you dont trip over that ego on your way out the country...

Bob 4/24/2009 12:54:30 PM

Love the wolves and sheep

Kyle Logan 4/24/2009 12:54:43 PM

There a wonderfull quote unfortunately I dont know who originally said it "democracy is like 3 wolves and a sheep voting on what they are going to have for supper" think that sums up SA democracy pretty well.

LJE 4/24/2009 12:55:00 PM

He said that everybody goes to vote and those who have the most votes are the majority and decide what to do with the country. The farm worker thought about this for a while and asked the farmer: "But what if the majority is wrong?"

Ruba 4/24/2009 12:56:02 PM

funny how people feel that democracy is not working if things are not going their way, as much as you wrote a long article, how about ideas that are better than democracy? you seem to bash democracy without coming up with better ideas.

noctus 4/24/2009 12:56:05 PM

Tell me why a nuclear physicist, or doctors vote counts the same as a paupers? We cater for the weakest and most inferior with democracy, the people with more knowledge and more experience should have more wieght attached to their votes... then you will see everybody aspire to become beter...not more mediocre...

PHILA 4/24/2009 12:56:10 PM

I hope I have heard the LAST from you until 2014 if you'll still be alive. As for the "EDUCATED" Juan, really how can you expect the majority of the population to be as "educated" as you are when you repeatedly voted a Government that deprived them their basic right,EDUCATION? Your SELFISHNESS of not allowing people equal opportunities has exploded on your face, so you MUST and WILL suffer the consequences of your EVIL doings till the SON of MAN comes back.

Pogiso 4/24/2009 12:57:03 PM

It is so unfortunate that our democratic system does not allow us to fully excercise the right to vote for the party of our choice, but it has come to the level where the leader of a party is equivalent to the party. Therefore it becomes hard or impossible to vote for a party instead of it's leader. You may endorse party policies regardless of how incompetent the leader may be. My vote was for ANC but 'cause is not credible enough, I voted COPE. And I beleive many of us did the same.

Tass 4/24/2009 12:58:02 PM

GO an ask DF Malan which System is the right one and Please don't for get to HF Verwoerd.Minority Will never accept anything right done for Majority.

Stevengo 4/24/2009 12:58:31 PM

The debate is about whether democracy is wrong or right. I do not think we should even waste our time answering that question. What we should rather be saying does this sstem work for us South Africans or not. If the answer is not then what is the alternative. Perhaps the fundumental quest we should be asking ourselves is why ask this question in the first place. The people choice is the ANC. Is this choice that bad for us such that we should be concerned as citicens. I do not think so.

Da -Ivan 4/24/2009 12:59:16 PM

I am behind this 200% as said on the news most voting stations were backed up for hours as most of the voters were uneducated - reading and writing. Why should these people decide every ones rights for this country! And i agree with Ant i think it was, let the Western Cape be run independently from South Africa and see in years to come what a waist land everything will be. More numbers does not mean the better vote i'm sorry to say.

Robert 4/24/2009 12:59:29 PM

I'm all for a dictatorship... only problem is humanity. Power corrupts and then absolute power corrupts absolutely. What we need to do is find someone that is incorruptible. But then again, pigs might fly too...

FOTA 4/24/2009 1:04:22 PM

Seriously, do you believe your own drivel?. Get over it big boy and move on. Do you seriously believe that a few double votes or forged IDs can affect an election of 12 million votes, where 1 party has 80% of them. I think you forgot your medication this morning. And before you start, I don't support the ANC, just good common sense ....

MK 4/24/2009 1:06:12 PM

To Ant vs Lion, It would not help to advance irational arguements like you are trying to do. The first thing you need to accept is that in democracy there are winners and losers. So you go for it, knowing that there is chance you will not make it. Secondly I think that waht drives emotions is this kind of critiscm which is not onlt recknless but also undermines the will of the people. I personally voted fro the ANC because of Zille and people like you. We need to move beyond this realm

PH 4/24/2009 1:08:27 PM

How important is democracy - apparently important enough for millions of people to lay down their lives fighting for it whether it be World War II or independence struggles from ancient Greece, America, modern day Africa etc. A true democracy is where every person is equal regardless.

JM 4/24/2009 1:08:49 PM

I think its hilarious, 67% of the country endorse the likes of Winnie Mandela? Julius Malema? Gwede Mantashe, Blade Mzimbi? Manto Tshabalela? Jeff Radebe? And recently Carl Niehuis? And Jacob ZUma. These are our heroes, this is what we aspire to. I thought, now, no one would vote ANC. I have intelligent friends who were sober when the voted ANC this week. Puzzling. Nice one SA, keeping it real.

stevengo 4/24/2009 1:10:37 PM

To Roy Dream on.

Piet Strydom 4/24/2009 1:11:32 PM

The alternative is to accept Absolute Truth, and live your live according to that. Then it doesn't matter what political system you use, everybody will be well off. It is not the system, it is the people in the system, and the evil in the people in the system that is the problem.

Nationalist 4/24/2009 1:13:31 PM

I thought after elections you will all come up with positive and constructive comments, I guess I was wrong if there are people who think they are better than others. Why do ignorant people like Jaun see mistake when 'uneducated' Zuma take the throne. JZ had been deputy before and noone raised education requirement. You should respect our President he is yours too.

M. K. Gandhi 4/24/2009 1:13:55 PM

Evolution of democracy is not possible if we are not prepared to hear the other side.

Tsotsi 4/24/2009 1:16:35 PM

Ten people cross a river through the water and one uses the bridge. Who is the smartest?!

Papa 4/24/2009 1:18:52 PM

Ivan, are you on pot or smoking your socks? What has educaion has to do with the will of the people? Why was education not so important when he went to Robben Island? You mean to tell us that apartheid enforcers arrested him for dancing and singing? Was it at a karaoke bar? Why do we need other countries' president to tell us what to do and what to believe? Stop smoking that stuff, it is not good for your health(mental). ZUMA is your President already, live with it or go hang! NP ruled 48 yrs!

Juan 4/24/2009 1:19:31 PM

Ya well, call me what you like..but one day your kids will get theire next meal off the back of a U.N food truck... then you'll remember what I said... too late then..

Thokozani 4/24/2009 1:20:26 PM

Eat your heart out, My ANC, My Vision, My Future or you prefer , Together we can do more. Stop whining and follow the policies of the ANC. Whether people like it or not, prepare yourselves for the next 30/40 even 50 years or so ANC will be in government. It's not because we being sympathetic to someone. ANC has strong policies even adopted by other small parties.

Educated4sure 4/24/2009 1:23:08 PM

i am always watching yo comments s they "sometimes" make sence, but there is onething u keep on mentioning every day i.e education.....how do u define an educated person? u do not sounds educated to me i must say, u might have those peace of papers in all colours but that alone dus not make u educated....and i m also not sure if education come solely from school...if not then i guess it will b safe 4u to undermine people by refering them s being uneducated caz u end up sounding uneducated

Jon 4/24/2009 1:26:38 PM

Democracy = MOB RULE

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 1:26:58 PM

Good education doesn't equate to good governance. Vorster was an advocate. Verwoerd had a doctorate from Stellenbosch. And, of course, no man rules alone. One of the attributes of a good leader, it seems to me, is to surround himself with capable lieutenants.

Larry 4/24/2009 1:29:16 PM

Democracy without proper checks and balances is a form of dictatorship. The Ruling party will not put those checks and balances into place, as they will lose some of their power. Basically, in Africa the traditional strong man wins and keeps power by using his strenght and the national fiscus to keep him and his cronies on top.

Andrew 4/24/2009 1:29:47 PM

The DA winning the Western Cape will be a great example a few years down the line of how a province can organise itself properly, when those in power know what to do, and have the ability and drive to put their plans into practice. Next elections you will see the ANC lose a lot more...the more educated this country becomes the less power the ANC will retain...smart peeople can see through Zuma and his lies.

Xolani 4/24/2009 1:29:55 PM

The t-shirt story was funny the first two times you mentioned it, now it just plain boring to say the least -- come up with something better please ... ANC won free and fair. Accept results and stop blaming people's intellect levels as if you are Einstein or something. You are also relatively unknown to except in News24 forums. We take your word for it that you have a degree, a decent job, an old RSA flag ... truth of the matter is you could be lying to us ! so with that Juan Dear Sir, ZIP it !!

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 1:30:54 PM

That little story describes most democracies. There is not one democratic system that meets the aspirations and wants of all citizens.

JP Strauss 4/24/2009 1:31:20 PM

Democracy is the brainchild of the philosopher, Plato. It is a noble ideal, but the harsh reality is that if your countrymen consist mostly of the semi-schooled rabble, you are leaving yourself open to horrible atrocities. it is perfectly legal in a democracy for the people to vote themselves money from the treasury, or that nice vineyard in Stellenbosch.

M 4/24/2009 1:32:13 PM

That's exactly the problem. But not only with democracy. A dictator might also think the majority would be wrong&hence he/she would have to force his/her opinion on the people. The ANC knows this. Once the peoples eyes open&they can no longer trick them, they will start a dictatorship. For now it works very well for them, the top leaders all earn lots of money&have a finger in every pie. I just wonder if JZ gets a bigger salary,will he be able to pay for his kid tuition now?

Topdog 4/24/2009 1:33:41 PM

Get use to it. There will be many millions watching every move and reminding you and your government what they are (not) doing is wrong and / or insufficient. If you think you want us to leave the country now, just wait, your ears will still ring, never mind the one braincell.

capri 4/24/2009 1:33:52 PM

Right and wrong is a matter of opinion, it's different for every individual, that is why we have to use democracy to decide what is right or wrong. It does not mean we will have the most correct solution, but we will have a fair solution as most people are supporting it.

M 4/24/2009 1:34:09 PM

Funny how you group Zille with Apartheid. It's very easy, but it obviously lacks substance and is based on racial bias. So much for being a free, caring, multi-racial, loving, nation. Go tell that to a tourist who might believe you.

Zero Tolerance 4/24/2009 1:37:38 PM

If it is to be implemented, ONLY those with a matriculation degree and proof that they pay tax, should have a say in the development of the country....Juan u took the words out of my mouth! Its total bullshit that if there is a larger majority, with no common sense/logic or formal education, can decide on how the educated people that actually help drive the country, live and who they are governed by.Total Farce! Can't wait to see if JZ will EVER get to meet a 1st world leader!They Ridicule Him!:D

ttt 4/24/2009 1:38:48 PM

Trust me, JZ knows this and so his plan unfolds. I can still find another country to move to with my skills, can you? And I doubt the ANC membas can pull an "economic miracle" like the German people did after WW2. What greats would they aspire to if they never have experienced greatness?

SimonP 4/24/2009 1:43:47 PM

What are the stats on illiteracy rates in SA today and what were they 15 years ago? That is what your ANC has done for the education of the masses. Its gone backwards just like your thinking.

Bee Bee 4/24/2009 1:49:17 PM

If people knew anything about economics, history and politics they would be able to make wise decisions about the future of this country. It is not a place for emotions. History repeats itself, economics teaches you about how to be prosperous and politics is a shrewd game. You need to know about all of these things before you can make an informed decisions. Why kill your future because you can't get over the past? Make these subjects compulsory at schools!

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 1:52:43 PM

The absolute truth? Que? What particular ideology are you espousing here. And I note that your post quoting Churchill was not the whole truth. I am guessing that you're alluding to the bible - a book with a long history of being used and misused to justify various systems, usually oppressive systems.

Paul 4/24/2009 1:58:05 PM

WC can run as a seperate entity from the rest of SA and let the proof lie in the pudding in years to come. I am packing my bags already...

Gareth 4/24/2009 2:00:49 PM

If you can't see how flawed democracy is then you don't have any logic! I have heard stories of some people choosing their political party based on what they receive at the election rally. How can those people have the same say as someone who is actually interested in what the parties stand for? I agree that there aren't any systems currently better than democracy but that doesn't mean democracy is the best answer. Weighted votes based on something like tax payments or education would be better

Byron 4/24/2009 2:03:02 PM

The basis behind democracy is that the majority rules, which is correct relating to issues that are not critical to human welfare. However, just as in our very own Company Act, minority protection is required. This is where the constitution comes in. To argue that there are no absolute moral values is delusional. I believe there are certain absolute values that apply ALL e.g.Do not murder...other minor cultural clashes should be decided by democracy.

irv 4/24/2009 2:03:54 PM

Ivan what makes you an educated person, because of your colour...I don't think so. because you can surf the net.I work overseas,employed because of my skills and education.I can tell you with pride that I am more educated than you. If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen.You give white people a bad name. Not most of them a like you.If you are more educated why not look for a job overseas.

Warren G 4/24/2009 2:04:16 PM

When democracy was started as a system of government, the only people that were allowed to vote were tax payers or land holders. While this may not be entirely fair, a minimum amount of education should be required to be eligible to vote. That's why the minimum voting age is set at 18. It's assumed that by then you will have attained enough knowledge to make a reasonable decision. Too much political awareness, not enough political knowledge.

Duzi 4/24/2009 2:05:08 PM

Is it really necessary to rub your victory in someone with an apposing view's face? Don't you think that's a bit childish and immature? I do have a serious question for you though: If it is ever proved that the leadership in the ANC is corrupt and that they have not delivered on their promises, will you continue to vote for them regardless? So in other words, do you vote for a party (i.e. a name) or do you vote for what it stands for?

pb 4/24/2009 2:05:44 PM

The current government is depriving everybody of a proper education. LOL

Dan's an idiot 4/24/2009 2:06:27 PM

Of democratically elected self destruction now complete.

M 4/24/2009 2:06:31 PM

Very true. As humans we are fallible. Dictators come and go, so do regimes. We all hope it is for the best and in the end we have no choice but to give JZ a chance (those that didn't vote for him).

So what 4/24/2009 2:08:59 PM

Helloooooo, your government is still depriving you of your basic rights, EDUCATION? Burnt down schools, thousands of unfilled teacher positions, no books, no pens, no papers etc. I think the only people suffering any consequences are the majority poor people, because they think the government will give them what was promised, houses, water, toilets, basic foods. It has been 15 years since the NP ruled. What exactly has the ANC done for you in past 15 years, please advise?

greenspan 4/24/2009 2:09:06 PM

Why would the ANC want to provide good education for the people of this country? If they did, undoubtedly, more people would vote for other political parties as opposed exercising their devotion to their liberation movement due to blind loyalty, so quite understandably they don't. This is an example of the dangers of the unchecked power that the ANC possesses(I'm sure we can think of other examples). Any midly educated person, who is interested, can see that the ANC's election manifesto is full

M 4/24/2009 2:09:44 PM

True. But people also have to acknowledge their responsibility. You vote in a leader and he doesn't perform, get rid of him. But from the comments of ANC supporters here, they will vote for the ANC no matter what. That's where the problem lies.And we know from Zim how long people vote for the same person (until they all have to eat grasshoppers from the field or die of starvation)

garyh 4/24/2009 2:12:22 PM

Phila, please do not have children. If you poison them with the fact that they should vote ANC no matter what, then you are setting them up for failure. We all need to move on, Apartheid was a disgusting travesty, but it ended and if you continue to bring it up, you are simply prolonging the pain and damged it caused to our society. Think a bit, hopefully you are very young and will still mature!

Stryder 4/24/2009 2:13:22 PM

Democracy in South Africa is like four wolves a nd two sheep voting on what is for supper.

Brandy 4/24/2009 2:13:42 PM

So they shouldn't be allowed to vote becoz they are uneducated?you don't really wanna go there now do you?The rights they are deciding are also theirs remember?Educated people get degrees and diplomas and not a license to look down on others.Did you even read that nonsense before you posted it?Come now,being an educated person that you are you surely can do better.Illiteracy doesn't equal to stupidity.No one should be deprived of their rights becoz they aren't educated,it is simply WRONG.

PH 4/24/2009 2:13:48 PM

Look it up it's been around since the 1920's!

Anonymous 4/24/2009 2:15:25 PM

Everything comes down to education. If we look at the distribution of the votes, you'll quickly realise that the majority of the people that have voted for the ANC has the same level of education or worse than the leader of the ANC (meaning standard 3). For this reason, they really don't understand what's going on in this country or the rest of the world. They don't have the knowledge to make "informed" decisions. The ANC will never spend money on education in this country, because that's how they'll stay in power.

greenspan 4/24/2009 2:15:44 PM

of contradictions and thus unrealisable even though "It sounds great". One option to balance democracy in a country like ours would be to allow only tax payers to vote. This would be fair as tax payers could decide what government will be able to spend their money instead of the non-taxpayer majority. This, however, goes against everything that a democracy stands for so regardless of fairness will probably not ever be implemented anywhere. But it would be nice. Anyone who wanted to vote could jus

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 2:16:18 PM

Has it's attractions. However it errs in concluding that those with more money or more letters behind their name are somehow wiser. And it could lead to a system in which the super rich, by virtue of the weight attached to their votes, contrive a system that suits them to the detriment of all others.

greenspan 4/24/2009 2:16:53 PM

t becom. a taxpayer! I don't know, let's hope our country makes it!

SA Citizen 4/24/2009 2:17:10 PM

Albert Einstein once said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It seems our sheep are hoping to see different results from the same leaders .... good luck with that but I wouldn't bet on it.

Big Bad Bob 4/24/2009 2:21:07 PM

While you're at it, start thinking how you're going to explain to all those women whose voting power you have removed or diminished.

realistic white guy 4/24/2009 2:25:43 PM

Stuff you mate. If only the educated and qualified people vote, then next thing you know, there are no more squatter camps. Everyone is rich, everyone has a job, every has access to health, education, power, high standard of living. Stuff that. How am I gonna be a "rich priveleged white" if everyone is as rich and comfortable as me? ha ha ha

garyh 4/24/2009 2:27:02 PM

ANC supporters, well done, you won. However, let me assure you that we will remain vocal should the Gov not perform as promised. I sincerely hope that you too will hold them accountable to all, and I hope that you are all honest enough to have a zero tolerance when it comes to corruption and cronyism within goverment. Please, demand the best from them for all of SA. Should the ANC perform well, I will be the 1st to praise them!

blah 4/24/2009 2:34:25 PM

For example: Remember the time the majority of people voted for the ANC and threw away the last chance this country had at recovering from the bad management it has had to endure.

Kyle Logan 4/24/2009 2:40:38 PM

First off I wasnt old enough to vote back then, so how could I have changed the system? Secondly if you actuall studie what happend you'd know you're comment shows that you are one of the uneducated we talk about... rather not comment, that way you wont show you ignorance!

garyh 4/24/2009 2:42:51 PM

I am interested to hear from all ANC supporters. IF Zuma and the ANC do stuff up as predicted by many, if he tolerates corruption and cronyism and non delivery etc, this will lead to our further demise, what will you guys do about it in the near future and also during the next election, keeping in mind that I am refering to the ANC and not just Zuma? please answer honestly?

KOBUS 4/24/2009 2:47:16 PM

Big Bad Bob, Piet is not talking about any specific "Absolute Truth", but rather about the distinction between a consensus theory of truth (whatever is agreed upon by most people, is true) as opposed to a correspondence theory of truth (absolute truth or objective truth) or a coherence theory of truth (if it makes logical sense, it's true). The last two are "absolute" while the first, which Piet asserts we (most people) use today, is "relative". All cleared up now? Do you get it?

JuniorK 4/24/2009 2:52:25 PM

What amazez me is that those who didn't have their way with the elctions suddenly beleive that democracy is not working. Some decades ago when the government they "democratically" elected instituted appartheid they didn't have a problem with it and didn't call them corrupt and imoral as they were killing and disenfranchising innocent people. That party ran the country until the majority put a govt of their choice into power and suddenly that majority of the population is ignorant and stupid.

Tshenolo 4/24/2009 2:57:09 PM

Where are you chief?

Zola 4/24/2009 2:59:56 PM

Haha...Your children will be echoing the same rhetoric spewed out by their father and most likey their grandfather and wondering why they are so alone in this world. You bring back visions of Terreblanche and his oratory before the 1994 elections driven by fear and anxiety. Go and join him in his cave and the less sinister of us will get on with making this country work. Loser

M 4/24/2009 3:00:42 PM

Yes it's morally wrong (and this exactly got us in the mess the first time round) but if I take an uneducated person and gave him a million bucks and told him he can do whatever he wants with it, he would 9/10 times waste it and wind up even worse. I.e. he wouldn't be able to handle this money. A vote can be pretty powerful too like the million bucks,but few know how to use it.An inherent flaw.

JuniorK 4/24/2009 3:01:05 PM

You can't suddenly say there is a cultural diferrence and as such we should have different countries. We all have different cultures because we descend from different cultural backgrounds, whether white or black. What is certain though is that we all want to see our country succeed and become the best it can ever be and that is what we should be looking at as our springboard. In short we should be responsible citizens who work with their govt to achieve our collective goals.

Zola 4/24/2009 3:25:16 PM

M. You have just proven that an education does not help if you are inherently thick.

M 4/24/2009 3:30:31 PM

And your reasoning? Please enlighten me and don't cut and paste from what I have said. Be original for a change.

Sam 4/24/2009 3:42:06 PM

Democracy works beautifully in the CIVILIZED World (Europe, America, Japan, India, etc) but it is COMPLETELY wasted on Africans!

pb 4/24/2009 3:48:54 PM

Democracy is not the African way. Tribalism is. Just like Europe was 1000 years ago.

The Voice 4/24/2009 3:49:59 PM

I disagree with you. Having those papers does make you educated (depending on how you got them), but it does not make you intelligent. The way Juan expresses himself shows some education (he did present some facts in the past that would not be known by the average person, because he read or heard it somewhere - education), but little intelligence. You can only make people angry by expressing yourself in such a way. No good can come from it.

Tim 4/24/2009 4:09:15 PM

EVERYBODY else can handle democracy, except AFRICA. WHY?

Thapelo 4/24/2009 4:09:53 PM

for your info the DA won't be able to enact or pass its own laws & policies in the Western Cape. South Africa is not a federal country and hence the monetary and security policies will be controlled from Pretoria. Ask the IFP what happened in KZN post 1994 when they were in control. So nothing better will happen in the Western Cape.

Thapelo 4/24/2009 4:13:01 PM

positive words, thanks. we need people like you to keep the govt in check, not just complaining.

Thapelo 4/24/2009 4:15:05 PM

your 2nd comment is flawed, but let me answer you: we (ANC Branches) will recall Zuma anytime if he step out of line

Excalibur 4/24/2009 4:24:07 PM

What you have just aaid is that the ANC will go out of it's way to ensure that the DA fail in Cape Town. That is why Consitutional Change no 17 was passed a week ago allowing central government to remove municipal powers. Silly me - I thought it was to stop corruption. Now you say, in print, that it is to make sure "nothing better will happen in the Western Cape". Is this official ANC policy or just you not thinking properly?????

J 4/24/2009 4:26:09 PM

This 'article' reeks of bad loser syndrome. Just because the party you endorse didn't win, doesn't make the system flawed. I didn't vote ANC, but I respect the will of the majority of SAffas. Complete arrogance to suggest that the 'masses' are 'uneducated' and vote blindly. People vote in their own self-interest. Why would someone who lives in a township vote for a party (eg DA) thats only recently elected a leader who speaks lame isiXhosa and wants to abolish AA/ BEE?

inside news24

Wildfire!

There are few more terrifying things than a runaway wildfire.
Grab your poker face

The Montecasino Poker Champs Tournament is not for the faint-hearted.
'It's cystic fibrosis'

Finding out your baby has a life-threatening condition changes your life.
Porsche 911 Turbo S

390 kW, 3.3 seconds, 315 km/h and a whole lot more... Can you handle it?
Simply sinful

Roasted oranges, mascarpone and dark chocolate.
Festival Funnies

Boob 'n band jokes and hangover humour: overheard at Up the Creek.
10 drug mule facts

Drug mules run life-threatening risks. Why and how do they do it?
Who's who?

It's going to be a zoo when fans descend for the 2010 WC. Know your nations.

Latest comment in MyNews24

Sit says... This goes to the " COMRADE MAN" tell us what is the alliance tend to do with president J.Z. It is well understood that he is not alliance but individual. The fact is stand still if the house is full of "whatever " I dont want to write the because at the moment I dont have correct word that I have now will sound as an insult. The point is the community is made out of people if people are respectful we will refer to them as respectful community. Thabo Mbeki was recalled, with nothing but series of bad record J.Z must all step down if the alliance is loyal to party not individual. The person who seemed know nothing is you maybe you are just one of them. Read the article...

Cpt:	19-24°C	Pta:	15-29°C
Jhb:	11-26°C	Bloem:	18-31°C
Dbn:	24-33°C	PE:	21-26°C
7 day forecasts...

Melrose - 08:11:41 AM Traffic lights not working at Melrose Boulevard More traffic reports...

Here are the winning Lotto numbers from the Saturday, February 6 draw.

6 16 29 31 37 48 bonus 3

Lotto plus: 10 16 26 29 33 41 bonus 28

SMS the word Lotto to 31222 to get lotto numbers sent directly to your phone. The service costs just R10 per month.

More lotto numbers...