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On the spot...
06/05/2008 11:19
This is the article of the month. Sello you hit the nail of the head. Bravo!!!!!!! Let the wounds heal and things will improve in time. - speed |
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Pretty racist
06/05/2008 11:20
This is such a racist column I have no idea where to begin! Suffice it to say that division is there simply because people like you, think in that very narrow fashion. Yes, people differ but it is in that diversity that this country has strength. - Paul |
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???
06/05/2008 11:22
You clearly have no idea what you are blabbering on about. Are ALL Americans White? Are ALL Europeans White? Get real and get with the program and stop wasting everyones time with your silly propoganda!! - deMoerin |
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Yes, but...
06/05/2008 11:22
You say inequalities can't be restored in 20 years time. Well then it's quite strange that ANC ministers got themselves BMW's, Mansions and private jets within 10 years after the fall of apartheid, huh? It is quite strange that despite the promise of "a better life for all!" a large chunk of our population still live in squatter camps! The past can be blamed for a lot of things, but a PRESENT GOVERNMENT unable to pull finger is JUST AS BAD, if not worse! - Juan |
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Good observations
06/05/2008 11:24
Sello my man. Let me tell you, not many people will agree with you, some will even put more lables on you. All I can say is that I love people who open their eyes and ears about their surroundings, make an observation and have some sort of opinion. It might not be a perfect one, but at least you care enough to see that something is wrong and needs to change. This is exactly the kind critical thinking and hopefully working solutions. Right on my man! - Ndumiso |
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Spot on
06/05/2008 11:25
An Excellent artical bud - legion |
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Mammoth task
06/05/2008 11:25
I agree that the ruling party will never have the support of the minority if they continue to look only after their own interests and not everyone's interests as a whole. Yes it is a mammoth task, but it can be done IF:
-proper planning takes place(dont wait for electricity to run out)
-proper people for the job(regardless of race)
-accountability(if a minister cannot do his job-fire him/her)
-sensitivity for luangage and culture(Pta/Tshwane)
-crime control etc...
- Ray |
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Since when do black people own africa?
06/05/2008 11:33
I AM AN AFRICAN. AND I AM WHITE. You can be either white or black, but if you are from Africa, you are an African. As soon as we learn to share everything African as Africans (regardless of skin color) we can focus on building a wonderful nation together! - Openyoureyes |
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Hope
06/05/2008 11:33
Thanks Sello, I truly appreciate your view and I am grateful for your attitude. It is going to take a lot of patience and time from both sides to fix this. By moaning and always focussing on the negative (from both black and white) will achieve nothing. We should find a way to constructively work together and try to find a solution. To sit down and honestly discuss the real issues and worries behind both camps. How can we do that and also ignore the racist's voices on this column.
Ian - Amazed |
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What must a whitey do
06/05/2008 11:34
I see the point you're trying to make, but I can't help feel it's a like over generalising to the extent it's part of the problem. There's so many agenda's and opinions in SA, to start any sentence with "Whites are like this" or "Black people are like that" doesn't go anywhere near finding a solution it only fuels the fire.
As a Whitey, I really don't know what's expected of me. I still have to feed my family. What am I supposed to do? Lie down and wait for the government to fix everything? lol - Mike T |
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?????
06/05/2008 11:36
Assuming that you are correct my dear Sello, where do we start? In my opinion, the division is just getting bigger. As a whitey, I can tell you honestly that the majority of my fellow whiteys are more than happy to live on equal terms with our fellow black South Africans, but they are g@tvol for being blamed for the wrongs of the past, like the main shows from Mr Qwelane.. Where does it stop? It creates just another vicious cycle of a new type of racism. Eish, this country is in need of a leader. - Questions galore |
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A little more conversation .......
06/05/2008 11:37
Sello, A good "pan-determined" point of view, meaning seeing things from both sides unlike self-determined - seeing only from one's point of view. Of course there are differences in approach due to upbringing in the family/race line which are fine! If these we the only things that had to be understood between the two I dont see that great a problem. Continuous Violence and corruption on such a grand scale is what I dont get and the ongoing justifications for it by long time black run countries. - shirley |
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Taking off the blinkers
06/05/2008 11:38
Extremely well put Sello. All we need is more understanding from both races, that would improve the situation considerably. - Adrian |
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SPOT ON!!!! To Paul and Demoerin...
06/05/2008 11:39
...where is the article racist???? I'm white and I dont see any racism?? The comment "White people in their nature are not the imbizo type of people" are spot on..Sello, please tell that to the ministers who cant understand it. - jannie |
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Wounds
06/05/2008 11:39
I am delighted in the fact that, in a hundred years from now, everyone who was wounded, as well as the ones who inficted the wounds, will be dead and eventually there will be no more K_K excuses to use. Everyone pays taxes and it is up to OUR government to use it wisely and to the benefit of all, especially those with more needs. - UKBoertjie |
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Pointless
06/05/2008 11:39
I am sorry Sello but I fail to see the point of this.Surely an effective govt can see pass racial divides, and address issues that are common with ALL RACES(last time i checked S.A. had 4 and not 2 major races).Problems like crime,unemployment affects all.If they get that right,the rest will fall into place and we can all sit around the fire and sing Kumbaya... - nWo |
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Great article
06/05/2008 11:41
Loved it and I agree that unless people start realising that SA has unique problems and that cultures differ, will we be able to move forward. But I do agree with Ray that ruling this country succesfully can only be done IF leadership take stewerdship of what they're doing and realise that the word minister means to serve the people. And to serve doesn't mean enriching yourself. Here's hoping for someone to stand up and say I'll be that leader. - Sue - Sue |
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Mooi Gedaan
06/05/2008 11:42
You have taken the wind out of my sails. With articles like this we can bridge gaps. I am one of those country leaving Boertjies, which has the views you are talking about. I just never thought there was black people which saw it all so clearly.
I heard a talk on radio where someone suggested we listen less to politics on tv and talk amongst ourselves. This is exactly the kind of articles which could start the talking process that could heal this country.
It has made my day, thanks.
- Charl Erasmus |
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I think I speak for a lot of white people here....
06/05/2008 11:43
We agree that things need to be done to get blacks on track with jobs ,education,living standards ETC , I dont think any white person will disagree with this. How ever what we would disagree is the ANC ruling strategies here are a few. CRIMEANC ELITE ENRICHING THEMSELVS>OPEN BORDERS to name a few. If i did not pay thousends on all kinds of taxes I would not mind these things , but indrectly the ANS is stealing from me !! - charlie |
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Hope 2
06/05/2008 11:45
I really think there is a huge opportunity here with all the natural resources to become a very prosperous country. Why don't we take 30 years instead of 20 and involve both camps to fix the bugger-ups of the past. But it might take both camps to acknowledge each other and drop the agression that is so close to the surface. I would really like to sit down with you in an informal way and have a good discussion on possible solutions. We need more of your attitude.
Ian - Amazed |
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Hypocrite
06/05/2008 11:45
"This country will never have a president who will leave office a popular man who will have made everyone happy." Judging by most of your comments I never take you seriously, I see you seem to be sexist as well. Waste of time. - Leigh |
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Very Honest Article
06/05/2008 11:47
SA will not be built in a day.We will stay and build our country, whoso feels like leaving then they must.Each country has it's own problems.But still with corruption the Government has done fairly much.We must remember that during Apartheit there was no exposure,so corruption could possibly have been worse.Its a tough Job to do with resistance to change from fellow citezens.We need to be patriotic about our country despite. - Agree |
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Rationality
06/05/2008 11:47
If people were "hypothetically" moral and rational beings, being outspoken about your feelings and ideas would be encouraged, as only then can solutions be created. Lack of intelligence, lack of foresight, and immaturity will cause conflict amongst differing minds, the difference then transferred onto the basis of skin colour, as we see in SA. One president is enough thanks. Maybe employ rational, moral and just ministers perhaps?? I don't know, but lets rather justify what the ANC does in prac. - Grant |
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A Little more conversation
06/05/2008 11:47
My Friend, you cannot be more right. My only fear is when is everything going to boil over and white and black wiping each other from the face of the earth. Maybe the salvation lies in our children and time. - Dudley Futcher |
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Well said
06/05/2008 11:48
At least I can still see eye to eye with people like you, never mind our upbringings. - A white man |
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Hier kom K*K, lets go....
06/05/2008 11:49
I have never had a better job in my life and I love my country but I am white. I feel sick to the pit of my stomach by the negativity of the people in this country? Blacks will never forgive us for what our parents did. I suffer , my kids suffer and for what ? With your best wishes I will be leaving with the rest of my generation - good luck with this place - you can have it !!! - Chopstick |
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Ho boy!
06/05/2008 11:49
I have never read an article much truer. Okay, well, the other countries have only one race to rule comment was a bit stupid. But no where near as stupid as comments that followed from openyoureyes, Juan(Yawn, demoerin and Paul. There is nothing racist about this article.
- niels |
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Black and White alike
06/05/2008 11:51
...must learn to converse and even more so; listen to each other. i am convinced that we are all concerned about the rising cost of living for one. as far as corruption is concerned Sello, whether you are black or white, corruption is corruption. otherwise a good article, thank you - charmaine |
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100% spot on
06/05/2008 11:51
Well done Sello. Lets understand and accept our differences. This must happen before we move on. To deMoerin, there may be different races in America / Europe - but the differences in culture are not the same as here. - greggo |
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Well put
06/05/2008 11:52
Sello, a very important point,well put and you too have aproblem of not being able to satisfy all who read it. Unfortunately, this government (note, not black government, just government) is totally incompetent and incapable of serving anyone other than themselves and a select few. Alas the road forward will be hard, my friend!!! - Sean |
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Once again graet piece Sello,
06/05/2008 11:59
the sad part is that some ppl are so so entrenched in their views that light will never come their way. - tshepo |
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Right Spirit
06/05/2008 12:01
Sello. I do not agree with everything you wrote but clearly this was written in the right spirit. Someone accepting we are all differnt and need to be sensitive to that. The challange is not to use our differnces as an excuse but to keep trying to find one another and unleash the potential this diversity can bring. - JRS |
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Sello!!
06/05/2008 12:01
As a whitey I agree with most of the things you said. The distinct difference in the cultures is exactly responsible for the communication problems in SA. BUT, if we will just accept that we are different and will forever be and work with what we do have in common - and there is a LOT - the struggles will be 80% solved. - TB |
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White/black
06/05/2008 12:02
Sello, I wholeheartedly agree with you.What Ray et al fail to realise is that the ANC govt. will always put its supporters first. thats how democracy works; people vote for the party that best represents their interests. unfortunately, black n white interests tend to be diametrically opposed. - VG |
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2 presidents
06/05/2008 12:02
Sello - excellent article. I believe a solution is to have power sharing at the top. A white and a black president, each having a 50% say in all decisions. Like Mandela and De Klerk. What do you think? - Jacques |
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the story of two economies
06/05/2008 12:02
Come now white okes. Sello is right and you know that so stop going on about propaganda and all that other BS. South Africa has two economies. The second economy as we know, features mostly black people. Our deputy president and president have been emphasising that the gap between the two economies needs to bridged. It's an economic fact of this young democracy of ours. There is a long way to go before that gap is totally bridged. Race can not be avoided when we talk of inequality in SA, it just cannot. Fact: Black people suffer the most from grinding poverty and the rising cost of living. - Bra Darkie |
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nice read
06/05/2008 12:06
Don't know why you upset the first few commentators (is that the right word?) so much. As a white south african I thought your observations to be spot on, and not racist in the least. And in my personal opinion, the ANC government has done a handsome job of reconcilliation thus far. It's difficult pleasing the masses while still thinking of minority (even if previously advantaged) groups. Great read! - Andrew |
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not a bad article....
06/05/2008 12:07
despite the flawed generalisations and the horrible use of the word "rule". We do not understand each other, and it is my opinion that that particular word, "rule" is the cause of it. Democratic governments do not "rule". They are the servants of the electorate, answerable to the electorate. When the electorate does not hold them accountable, corruption and tyranny creep in. That lack of accountability is, seemingly, what some of us do not understand, whiteys and coconuts alike. - mallencolly |
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I am amazed
06/05/2008 12:09
I think the white population is like 8% of the total with scores more moving every day, in a few years they will be less than 5% yet they still cause all the problems for black people, they are like a small pebble in your shoe, nothing significant, but cause u pain when u want to go forward, The black goverment must stop pandering to them (doubt they doing it anyway)and concentrate on the masses who put them in power. - Mike |
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Similarities and not differences
06/05/2008 12:11
A lot of what you have said is true BUT there are a lot of common goals. All races want basically the same thing, no corruption, no crime, proper services etc. There are options for government to focus on for ALL citizens. It is apparent that they have other agendas and allegiances more important than the people! - Birdman |
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Siyabonga baba...
06/05/2008 12:12
Its true Baba, Unfortuntely the majority will rule, and the ruling party is concerned about the majority which constitutes the poor - and the poor are africans. SA might be two continents but that does not make it european. SA is an african country and anyone who lives in SA must accept that...because an african culture will always dominate..Kunzima ukuba umlungu lapha emzansi - sss |
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extra-genius??
06/05/2008 12:12
We don't need an extra-genius president we just need someone that has common sense for starters. Also one can't help feeling distant from government, when government is distancing itself from a portion of its citizens.(AA, BEE, farm murders, brain drain etc etc ) - Rune |
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Right or wrong or going forward
06/05/2008 12:13
1) Sello I don't agree with all your points but I understand your bases for them, therefore, good work. 2) Okay, all my fellow white mates reading this, hands up if you've ever wanted to attend an African festival, hands up, hands up all of you that never called the government incompitent. Ja I thought I would see any, seeing as I can't even raise my own hand here. It's a fact, we are different in our culture with much mure European influences, than African. 3) Now, let's start working as 1 - Danny |
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Rainbow Nation
06/05/2008 12:13
If both blacks and whites can accept that we're both African and all terminals to death one president can manage rule us equally. - Bethuel Kgampe |
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Spot on
06/05/2008 12:16
Sello, I haven?t responded to this forum/ blogg for some time now as the normal blubbering?s with racist rhetoric from both sides of the dived was actually scarily and sickeningly boring. However this must be the most rational piece of writing and offers a very simple observation and possibly because of its simplicity is actually a place where we can say ok this is were we start. Now that we have identified a possible true issue of ruling this country how do we go about implementing it? Good on you mate I hope that this is the first step to an effective government that meats all the people in this beautiful lands needs. Well done!!!!! - Gary |
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Crime the problem
06/05/2008 12:17
Sello, I agree with you. However, I believe crime is the main problem obstructing harmony between white and black, rich and poor. There is so much goodwill between our nations' people in the working environment, sport and other spheres where people come together for a common cause. Crime handicaps those who want to build a future in difficult circumstances, and so we all loose. Our government and people need to address this issue with a stronger resolve. - Sickof Crime |
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More different than the same
06/05/2008 12:18
Your right, not only do we look different we act differently we think differently and we live differently..If were honest I dont see how we will ever get along. We defenately need a strong, smart, wise leader to join our continents - B |
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No problem
06/05/2008 12:18
I never had any problem, with a black government. I do have a problem with government who lead their people by the nose, and as soon as you I make a comment, I'm being called a racist. Why! It is every citizen responsibility to uphold their government, to the promises they gave, doesn?t matter who they are. It is also my right, as is with everyone else to say what I want. - padkos |
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Mandela...
06/05/2008 12:19
What about Nelson Mandela? He left a popular man. Both races respected him! To respect the current government is exactly the same as respecting criminals. People must be really stupid not to realise that our country gets run by criminals!!! - JB |
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JZ
06/05/2008 12:23
i just read that Jacob Zuma said in a press conference that the ANC will rule until Jesus comes back to earth. wow what an amazing future president we have in store for us. i thought someone who has 6 wives, 28 children, on trial for rape and corruption and who cheats on his wives with HIV positive women, doesnt believe in any GOD. sounds like a democracy to me :):):) - mp3's mentor |
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Sello you are...
06/05/2008 12:23
a clever man! - Jusjazz |
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juan shut up!
06/05/2008 12:23
Sello i think you have the correct sentiment here. It's going to take long to fix things Juan, my father had his firstbrand new Merc in 1972, he was 31 and had lots more thereafter and he was certainly not a gov minister. He was a genius, that's all and very black. My mother bought clothes on appro simply because of apartheid. Gov ministers are not the first rich blacks, check with your older brothers they are probably the ones who used to stick their tongues out of jealousy and bad manners! - dini |
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there is a future!
06/05/2008 12:34
Sello writes from the heart - and the head. He makes many valid points and he makes them well! Two things depress me...those respondents who refuse to see the essential truths of what Sello is saying and label him a racist - and the failure of the article to suggest a way forward. I work at a university and I see a a lack of bitterness, much common ground and a belief in this country's future among all the students I work with. They give me a lot of hope! - jeremy |
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Our Beautifull Country.
06/05/2008 12:35
What a great article!Being the only white, nogal an Afrikaner woman, at my work,I work with fantastic, capable Black and Indian colleagues. Last year,we went on strike because of bad working conditions.We stood together and won. I've learned to listen and appreciate other cultures.My children have friends of all colours. They're colourblind. Apartheid caused massive damage and a colourfixation.When we respect each other's cultures and fears,wounds can heal.Then we can prosper together. - Lize Freislich |
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So true
06/05/2008 12:35
What Sello said is so true and that is exactly where the problem lies. I believe if our government is also equally divided into two groups which work together, both parties may be satisfied. The government as it is led and ruled generally (one sided) by black people will not understand and grasp the needs of white people. We must forget race and understand that we are all South Africans born here with a purpose to make it better for our children. - Vision |
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Your SA only has Black & White?
06/05/2008 12:36
Sello, being neither truly white, nor truly black but somewhere in between, I have to wonder if you would like to clarify on which side of the line you place the so-called "Coloureds" (Hate that name) and Indians? To the Blacks we are too white to be black and to the Whites we are too black to be white, so what are we? Do you think it's encouraging that in a discussion like this you would just blatantly ignore us as the minority and only address the other serious contenders to your throne? - Solar |
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Agree (1)
06/05/2008 12:39
Don't know about the rest of you but the last time I checked I was from the human race. Let's just remember that the present govt has taken over a govt that was just as corrupt, only less conspicuous: ex-ministers nice holiday homes along Garden Route etc., if that's not corrupt then I don't know. This govt is also fixing the mess up of the previous ones exclusionary policies - it is now including every South African as a citizen. Let's face it, we are worlds apart... - Meme |
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why does this government talk crap to us
06/05/2008 12:39
i hear eskom has stopped load shedding because load shedding is causing more damage to their power stations than not having load shedding. And the reasons thaey gave us for this was such a load of nonsense now we know the truth. What kind of idiots are working for eskom that could not tell that load shedding would be bad for the power stations?????? - terence |
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Agreed in general
06/05/2008 12:41
wirth what you say Sello, a refreshing balanced point of view. However as a citizen, the things that irritate me about giovernment are not race-based, it is simply, corruption, theft and laziness, and rewarding poor effort. Surely these traits would be despised by black and white alike?!? - AJ |
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What europeans?
06/05/2008 12:46
What european influence.When I travelled there I didnt see anybody Braai, hunt, fish ,eating biltong or beskuit.Make potjie or drinking klippies and coke.My culture is as much european as Thabo is white.When the English empire colapsed they adopted the Afrikaners culture.Those who didnt adopted american popular culture just like alot of blacks who dont even speak a native langauge anymore. - shane |
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Observations
06/05/2008 12:46
Good observations, Sello. As expected, there are are accusations of racism already, despite the fact that you explored both sides of the coin. Goes to show that even if you were to undress yourself in public and flog yourself, someone will complain that the punishment is not enough.
do not worry yourself about those, and take comfort that your article is balanced - LvH |
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Mandela
06/05/2008 12:48
His popularity increased when he retired. Before then, he was called all manner of names and accused of hardly ever being home. He was even accused of associating with ghadhafi, Arafat, etc.
What a short memory we have. - L van Heerden |
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Overall a well-balanced point of view
06/05/2008 12:51
... which is a lot more than we can say for some respondents here. Sello, I'd love to debate a few aspects of your piece with you, should it be possible, as it's evident that you are a civil person not prone to hysterics. And as an aside, it's persons like Paul up above who at times make me ashamed of being white. Sello, please ignore him, you deserve better. - Jaco |
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Challenge
06/05/2008 12:51
Put yourself on the shoes of another South Africa. Before you blubber on, imagine how you would react to the same insults and comments if you were on the other side of the fence. Ask yourself how would you feel with your experience to have an insensitive clod call you names. Ooops!!! - L |
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Two worlds
06/05/2008 12:55
A vey interesting perspective with much merit!! Maybe we tend to ignore cultural diversity & focus too much on racial diversity. Sello's correct in saying that more conversation & communication is needed. With our diversity, the sky is the limit if we learn to work together towards a shared vision for SA. - Philosopher |
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Apology to News24 users and Owners
06/05/2008 12:58
I would like to apologise to every South African (white or black) that I have insulted and unfairly labelled a racist. I love you and love this country and sometimes my passion is because of these feelings. I think if we all met somewhere and chatted, more could be achieved than the innuendos and insults we dish out to each other. - Len van Heerden |
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I agree!
06/05/2008 12:58
I agree with almost everything in your article, exept: a lot of white and black people understand each other. One of my best friends is Tswana, we understand each other better than me and some white friends and her and some black friends. And Africa belongs to Africans, by Africans I mean everyone (of all races) calling this continent home! - chantelle |
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The other thing....
06/05/2008 12:59
that some of us do not understand is how a political party can believe that someone can be sworn in as a member of Parliament without having stood in an election (read "Motlanthe: ANC waiting for word"). I think Sello, that while you are definitely on the right rack re communication and understanding, there is a serious lack of understanding of Democracy. Perhaps looking at the "white" and "cocnut opinions in that light may give you a better understanding of the frustrations of "white" people. - mallencolly |
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True
06/05/2008 12:59
Most of what you say are true. We are still learning to understand each other. But we will get there and live together in peace.
But I have to say that if I was black, corruption would still have been wrong. The colour of my skin doesn't change that.
Also, white South Africans are just as mush Africans as you are, don't refer to blacks as Africans but white people you just call white. - Hennie |
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Double Standards
06/05/2008 13:01
WTF?!? While I can obviously see the differences in need for different groups in SA, I dont see why the shared needs (between black and white, I guess) cannot be addressed. Dont things like sanitation, employment, safety and security, affect everyone? Sure, the gov. should not focus on any agendas that only favour one group, but the shared interests are obvious. I think so anyway. - ramone |
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Solar
06/05/2008 13:01
In terms of our constitution, Black people refers to Africans, Coloureds and Indians. It is not reserved for one of the groups. I do not like colour references because they are lazy. So, you will notice that I say black/white/coloured people because it is merely an adjective and not an identity. - L van Heerden |
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Forget it!
06/05/2008 13:03
Politics that is, working in a totally non racial work environment I can see how black and white can live side by side quite happily. Let the ones who want to leave, those who stay are the ones who want to live side by side, stop reading the papers and start talking to the people next to you. - Point Blank |
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Why am I South African
06/05/2008 13:05
South Africa is my place of birth. I have travelled the world and each time I land in the country I rejoice and feel a sign of relief. We have problems, but I see myself as responsible in sorting those out. I despise corruption and fraud, but do not assume someone's colour makes them prone and do not endlessly criticise my country even when I notice flaws. I see myself in those flaws and I need to help correct them. - L van Heerden |
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Good Skhalo
06/05/2008 13:05
Good article Sello even though not everyone will agree with you. I have come to realise that most of the news24 users are clouded with guilt in that they cannot think rationally. I don?t think people like Juan think before they decide to respond. Juan man, please try it with reverse. - CB |
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Well worded
06/05/2008 13:08
A balance can be achieved with a leader who doesn't try and please everyone but looks after the wellbeing of each and everyone of us. A leader who serves and protects all his people. An honest leader that we all respect. Do you think we have that currently? Is it an impossible task? - John Camp |
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The Future
06/05/2008 13:11
I read a lot of encouraging responses to Sello's article from forward thinking, rational South Africans of all cultures. Inspiring work Sello, maybe you should run for President. - Sean |
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Not just about culture.
06/05/2008 13:19
I fail to see how the government knowingly running the country to entrench their own power and wealth, willingly ignoring those who voted for them can be characterised as anything other than corrupt and incompetent. People expected quick balancing of the "account" because that's what was promised. There's no question that there's a culture clash, but the government seems more interested in treating symptoms and making it look like they're doing something than actually dealing with root causes. - Craig |
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To Charmaine
06/05/2008 13:20
You never told me which pub I would find you in...
- niels |
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Ja well.
06/05/2008 13:23
L van Heerden?s comment about Sello flocking himself gave me a chuckle. It has always been in my mind that because SA has both black and white citizens we must adopt a zebra as our national emblem. But then again I think, should this happen people from both races will start counting the stripes on the Zebra and if the numbers do not correspond one will hear complains coming from all directions. If the Zebra had more white stripes the black people will label that as racism and if more black stripes the white people will label that as reverse racism. Shheeww what a colourful nation we have. Always complaining. - CB |
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Sello
06/05/2008 13:26
Most of the times I do not understand, or agree with you, but you have taken the wind out of my sails. You have dared to go where the brave do not go. Congratulations. With such an attitude and such vision, there is hope for us.
My heartfelt sorrow goes witth those who do not understand this true account of things in South Africa and the varied people who live in it. - Alicia |
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Very well Put
06/05/2008 13:28
Sello - that was a very well written, well-balanced article and while I may not always agree with you - I very much agree with the points in this letter. PS. All you negavtive commenters - there was no racism whatsoever in this letter - you are creating problems where there are none! - stack |
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GIST OF SA PROBLEM
06/05/2008 13:28
Really, a briliant article capturing the core of the SA problem. - Agree |
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nations
06/05/2008 13:28
Why the hell in the world,do people think that there are only two nations in this country.like blake and white. What the heck? people need to open up and realise that there is more nations in this country than just black and white. The problem in this whole thing is Equility. Yes there was problems of the rule of the white eara. But what about the eara that is happening now. Does it look like it is any better.Oh I guess that the other nations just rolled off the world and don't exist - redcoller |
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rubbish
06/05/2008 13:28
the day the government, black or white, in Africa do something for the people instead of themselves is th eday we will agree. SA has never been in such dire straits no matter what crap excuses you try and defend them with. This government is incompetent which ever way you look at it to both black and white. Stop defending them, they are stealing your childrens future right in front of your ignorant face. - bob |
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there is a future!
06/05/2008 13:30
Obama's speech on race
I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren
- The most |
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Sorry Sello...
06/05/2008 13:33
You neglected to mention the many "black diamonds" and government officials who have benefitted from ne BEE and AA deals to the detriment of the still impoverished masses,and have also therefore become estranged from their brethren.Hey LvH,how are you coping with "roughing it" without the golf and gym memberships? Must be tough eh? You have had a lot to say about whites having "prospered" from the past,while you have also obviously enjoyed more benefits from it than most. - The Truth |
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@CB
06/05/2008 13:34
And then to cap it all, CB, your analogy left out one crucial issue... is a Zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes? Hence, a new wave of racial comment is spawned. To those positive South Africans, pat yourself on the back - to the naysayers... go hump yourselves!!! - Sean |
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Our European inlfuence
06/05/2008 13:40
Yeah they don't braai, eat biltong, etc. Same as we're not celebrating the tomato festival or have an afternoon siesta. And I know Europeans to come here and hunt. The influence I'm talking about is our way of thinking, doing things, seeing things, thinking about things. We are of European heritage, just check your history mate. We are more European than African in that. What is your point of view on Lebola and toy-toy. Suddenly it's a lot more European than what you thought, hey Shane? - Danny |
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The Truth
06/05/2008 13:42
Tough going, bru, but I survive. I have worked for everything that I have. No apartheid benefits, I am afraid. I received a foreign scholarship and used it to get an education.
I think Sello did mention the rat rate of trying to get as rich as quickly as possible.
Sean, my hand is already on my back. Peace!!! - Lvh |
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almost there
06/05/2008 13:43
yes, agree that we are different, but there is much more tying us together than seperating us. it really doesn't matter what colour you are everybody needs jobs, shelter, electricity, decent roads, an operational justice system etc. government should start focusing on that. - mm |
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Viva
06/05/2008 13:50
.... L van Heerden,my next president - Thusla |
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My dear fellow, Sello
06/05/2008 13:51
Your article sums up the problem very well. However, you surely understand that the black people have the power now and the white people are secondary in the mix. This is clear from the way that the country is governed right now. The current regime will support black needs as a priority since they owe it to the majority of the voters who voted for them. Do you have a solution on how this can be balanced?. If not, the whites in the country are doomed. - Stormin |
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CB
06/05/2008 13:51
Flogging and flocking yourself does make me wonder which the audience would prefer to see :) - L van Heerden |
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Just chill out fellow African's
06/05/2008 13:52
I don't believe Sello is proposing solutions just a point of view so chill out. Many of the comments here's condemning him highlight the exact point he is trying to make everyone is very polarised. It's time we start proposing solutions without putting it in black and white e.g. privileged vs. the less privileged (black or white). - Dave |
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Thusla
06/05/2008 13:53
I am too smart to be a president. Try something with better rewards and better appreciation like Secretary General of SACP. Now, that is a title I would wear with a grin, especially if the black bag is still around with all that money. - L van Heerden |
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to Niels
06/05/2008 13:54
:-) dont frequent the pubs, but when i do it'll be a Baron. and that made me smile...thanx - charmaine |
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Great article, but?
06/05/2008 13:56
Sello, what a great piece of writing this is. By far and away the most rational and thought provoking piece I have read on these forums in a long while. While I agree with you in principle my problem is this. As you say, it is becoming increasingly evident that Africans and Europeans do think differently. Yet this continent persists, rather stubbornly in my opinion, in trying to get things done while maintaining it?s uniquely African identity. Surely one must concede that this approach, while honourable, has done nothing but leave us decades behind the rest of the world. The African approach is not working, surely its time to start embracing European principles if this continent is to be truly competitive in the international arena. Please don?t get me wrong, I?m not saying adopt European principles at the total expense of African principles. I?m merely suggesting we start realistically considering the best way forward irrespective of whose principles we ultimately adopt. - anon |
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While we're balancing the score card!!
06/05/2008 13:56
I would like to propose that we have a truth and reconcilliation thing for the criminals 'cause I want all my furniture, money and other belongings that were stolen from me, returned from whichever township it was moved to. I worked long a hard for that the money to buy that and it was just snatched away from me. How about making up for that!! I am scarred and deeply wounded will somebody please pass a tissue - life is sooooo unfair!!! - Karen |
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Stormin
06/05/2008 13:57
Any suggestions, Stormin? - Lvh |
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Well done
06/05/2008 13:58
Great artical. Nice to read something consrtructive. Instead of all the other drivel that is put on this site. And to hell with all the negative responses, this artical did not need them. - Gary Clark |
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A little more conversation ....
06/05/2008 14:01
I have not read through all the comments about your column, Sello, so I may be repeating the view of others. I thought your article was good, although it generalises a little. You can't lump all Whites and all Blacks into a specific role. Also, this is not the only country where there are two races. Just think, USA has had this problem for years and even they can't get it right! I think what you need to say is that ALL people are different, and not make it a Black/White issue. - Dee |
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S'true
06/05/2008 14:01
Well written, well said, SO TRUE...I love the African chaos, the utter disregard for western style rules and regulations, time with no boundries, public holidays galore and the four Inguni's grazing the sidewalk lawn infront of my house in Richards Bay every other day...UP ESKOM...VIVA ZULULAND...VIVA SOUTH AFRICA!!! - Wit Ou |
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Jacques
06/05/2008 14:05
I am curious regarding your solution. Why do you think it would solve the race problem if we simply had a black and white leader? What of coloured and Indian people, not to mention Jews, Greeks and english people? Surely, one cannot assume that we all identify with someone because of their race. I do not identify with neither Zuma nor Zille - Lvh |
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Now only if....
06/05/2008 14:09
News24 starts publishing more articles like this we may get somewhere. Amazes me how much shit they put on to encourage racial hatred debate instead of publishing "do good" articles which black and whites can learn that little more from each other. Makes we wonder if they'll actually post this comment since I've just dished them. - Win |
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