Three Times I Walked Down Roeland, Interaction and Sounds.

 Three Times I Walked Down Roeland, Interaction and Sounds.

By Qotoyi Xolani 

Photograph: Roeland st. Courtesy: Maryam Adhikarie. (2019). Retrieved from [www.bookreviewsandthings.com].

Roeland is a historic and vibrant street located in Cape Town, South Africa. Just between the busy District Six and the City centre, this street is rich in cultural heritage and modern significance. It is home to landmarks such as the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the iconic Book Lounge, a popular spot for literature enthusiasts. Roeland Street also intersects with diverse aspects of city life, from educational institutions to local businesses, and offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary urban energy.

Photograpg : CPUT Roeland Street Campus, Google 2024.

I started my walk right next to the engen garage, facing the CPUT faculty in the street. 

My roommate attends there, he is always talking about Roeland Street with pride. I think he loves the fact that they are separated from everyone else who goes to District 6 main campus. 

As I was walking down the street, the first person I interacted with was an unhoused looking person, a woman, a white woman. She had her eyebrows drawn up as If she was Dracula. At the very same spot there was yet another unhoused person, they had me in between of them. The woman approached me, somehow she scared me, I am almost not afraid of anything but I felt chills everytime she took a step towards me. She said “Can I have a R2 please?”  I politely said I don't have one, I didn't. She couldn't hear me so she approached yet again I nearly ran. 

Photograph: Harold Cressy High School

As I walked past Harold Cressy High School, what I heard were sounds of laughter and joy from the scholars, the kind of joy that you cannot simply find walking on campus of a university. It reminded me of my high-school years and how far I have come and the friends that I left behind. Which kind of reminded me that despite the hardships, I am in a privileged position. 

Opposite or just ahead of HCHS, there is the Western Cape Archives and Records Service, which is fascinating to me when I got to think about it, first of all the name of the place is also written in Xhosa, “ooVimba boGcino-mpepha be Phondo Lwentsona Koloni” which obviously highlighted inclusion, unity and oneness as it is also written in Afrikaans. 

However even deeper for me, the is a much easier way of writing archives in Xhosa but it was written in that form, as a “word bender” myself, it meant something more to which I cannot describe. And yes, I also thought about the secrets, truths and discovery that is hidden in or places in those buildings. 

Photograph : Random Roeland angle

The next time I Walked Down at Roeland I was with two of my brothers, they were job seeking. We were next to The Book Lounge when one security approached us, he asked what we were looking for and he started giving us all the advice and places we can go to that may be accepting CV's. It was a blessing. “ This must be a sign from the ancestors that you will be getting a job today guys “ I said.

Photograph : The Book Lounge

The third time would be when we were wasted when we walked inside a bar called Roeland Liquor when an older guy told us if we could offer him one bag of Marijuana he could get us free booze, unfortunately we did not have any Marijuana with us. 

Seems like I will always be approached walking in that street, haha. 

“Of course I knew that Cape Town is world class city but when I saw them shooting these movies, I was blown away.  From all the equipment and everything. It was fascinating to me, obviously it became a norm after as they shoot often. ” This is Pumelela, a Cape Peninsula University Student telling me about the first time he saw a movie being shot.

Here are thoughts of Sonwabile about this strert “As a journalism student, living in Roeland Street was an eye opening experience due to the vibrant landscape of the street, the landmarks (CPUT campus, city Varsity, parliament, SAHRA, THE CHURCH) experiencing news broadcasting live, TV adverts , Protests, seeing politicians, and the army brought a sense of gravitas to what I was getting myself into.”

In terms of architecture, I love how there are buildings that still resemble architecture from the past and modern architecture as well. it simple represents the saying "You can't really know where you're going until you know where you have been.” These powerful words by the legendary Maya Angelou .

Unlike In the inner city where there's noise, At Roeland I Could walk and hear birds singing, I could hear myself think. 

Acting Presidents Paul Mashatile and Angie Motshekga: Ensuring Continuity During Presidential Visits

 

Acting Presidents Paul Mashatile and Angie Motshekga: Ensuring Continuity During Presidential Visits

By Qotoyi Xolani 

Photo : twitter/X - @thepresidencyZA

When President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on crucial diplomatic visits to Angola and Zimbabwe, the appointments of Paul Mashatile and Angie Motshekga as acting presidents were pivotal in ensuring the continuity of government functions. This article explores the roles of these acting presidents, their qualifications, and the significance of their appointments during these high-profile visits.

President Ramaphosa’s Substitutes

During President Cyril Ramaphosa’s overseas engagements, appointing acting presidents was essential to maintain the seamless operation of the South African government. The appointments of Paul Mashatile and Angie Motshekga reflected both their extensive experience and their capability to manage state affairs in the president's absence.

The Visit to Angola and Paul Mashatile’s Role

Photo: twitter/X - @PMashatile

On August the 8th 2024, President Ramaphosa visited Angola to bolster economic and diplomatic relations. During this visit, Paul Mashatile was appointed as acting president. As the Deputy President of South Africa, Mashatile's extensive experience in government made him a suitable choice for this role. His previous positions, including Minister of Arts and Culture and Premier of Gauteng, demonstrated his ability to handle complex national issues effectively.

Mashatile's role was crucial in ensuring that government operations continued smoothly while President Ramaphosa was abroad. His appointment highlighted the trust placed in his leadership capabilities, ensuring that South Africa's executive branch remained stable during this period.

Transition to Angie Motshekga and the Visit to Zimbabwe

Photo : twitter/X - @thepresidencyZA

Following the visit to Angola, President Ramaphosa travelled to Zimbabwe Yesterday, the 17th of August 2024. For this second leg of the trip, Angie Motshekga was appointed as acting president. Motshekga, known for her role as the Minister of Basic Education, was chosen due to her extensive experience in managing significant portfolios within the government.

Motshekga’s track record in educational reforms and her leadership skills made her a reliable choice to oversee national affairs during President Ramaphosa’s absence. Her appointment emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring continuity and effective management at the highest levels.

The Importance of Acting Presidents

Even for a brief period, the role of an acting president is vital in maintaining the stability and functionality of the government. Acting presidents like Mashatile and Motshekga are entrusted with significant responsibilities, ensuring that the executive branch continues to operate smoothly and address any pressing national issues.

Their appointments also reflect the government's preparedness for any situation that may require immediate executive leadership. By selecting experienced and capable individuals, South Africa ensures that its governance remains robust and uninterrupted, regardless of the president’s location.

The Evolution of South Africa’s Political Arena: From ANC Supremacy to New Political Forces.

The Evolution of South Africa’s Political Arena: From ANC Supremacy to New Political Forces.

By Qotoyi Xolani 

Houses of Parliament in Cape Town. Photo: Wikipedia user PhilippN (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1994 marked the end of apartheid in South Africa which opened a pathway to a multiparty democracy. With this analysis we are going to compare major parties like the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance with minor parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters and others. 

Although there were already multipparties existing before the end of apartheid which included the Bantustan parties, progressive Federal Party, United Democratic Front, Inkatha, PAC, ANC and the National Party which all together represented different needs and interests.  

Post apartheid we saw the African National Congress holding pole position for year with new main opposition parties almost every decade. 

The African National Congress is the main liberator of South Africa from the apartheid regime, I say main because there are other parties that played their role in the struggle against oppression. ANC, has focused mainly in reducing racial inequalities, symbolising change and Nation building specifically under the late Nelson Mandela. 

The ANC for many year held the Power in influencing policy making in parliament, South African democracy is that of the the people. The people elect the government they want to see and the most elected party becomes the one that holds the main influence in parliament and the ANC has enjoyed that privilege for over 20 years. 

However over the year the ruling parties has faced harsh criticism from its opposition parties with criticism suggesting that the party leaders were/are hands deep in corruption, in cahoots with the private sector to keep the status quo unchanged and keeping the economy in the hands of the minority and not being able to keep the party together as its main opponents are parties that left the ANC to start their own organisations.

 Especially of lately as it lost many votes having to form a coalition with the Democratic Alliance and other small parties to form a government of national unity.

Who is The DA? It is a party merged from the Democratic Party and the New National Party, it is the centre of the right wing policies in this country. From 2004 to 2009 this party saw a huge achievement and what marked the party to be the future of South African politics as it gained significantly higher votes than previous years and made Helen Zille the mayor of Cape Town. 

The DA was growing and looked like it focused more in Cities and Metropolitans. Under Mmusi Maimane the party bridged untouched territories as it made its way to middle class South Africans and preaching inclusion, although Mainmane today in 2024 under his own new party BOSA claims that the former party that he represented did not care about all South Africans in his Tell All Book published this year, “Dare To Believe, Why I Could Not Stay in The DA” just before the elections. 

Post Maimane the Democratic Alliance continued to build and secured major municipalities. They focus mainly in efficient service delivery and economic opportunities. Despite all this success, there are many issues that this party has failed to sort out even in the Western Cape that they governed from 2009. Issues such as crime, service delivery as there are still townships in Cape Town that do not have flushing toilets to this day and people walk over sewage and are being robbed in daylight. 

However, the DA is now the main opposition party in South Africa and is now in the government of national unity with the ANC as mentioned above. 

Here is a major left wing party in the Economic Freedom Fighters, formed by Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu after their explosion from the African National Congress. According Malema, as the youth league of the ANC they wanted to incorporate left wing ideas into the ANC. The EFF champions the land question, economic freedom for the black majority and nationalisation of major industries. 

However, one of the regular political commentators and activist Advocate Ike Khumalo claims that the EFF nationalisation plan is a way for them to try and get in on deals that the Economic Elite has closed for everyone else in the money game of corruption. Khumalo says this on Podcast with Penuel on the Penuel Show. 

The party critiques the ANC for failing to address economic inequalities and corruption, positioning itself as a force for radical change. The EFF's emphasis on social justice and economic reform resonates with many disillusioned voters, distinguishing it sharply from more moderate political alternatives.

EFF and Malema had been critiqued and accused of being a dictatorship party due to the leaders persona that he displays. People claim that he does not allow other party Members to speak. Andile Mgxitama, Black Land First party leader who people think share similar goals were asking the earlier to rejoin the EFF despite not see eye to eye with Julius. 

Mgxitama who has now joined the MK party another left wing, led by former South African president Jacob Zuma. Andile Mgxitama speaks before the elections on the likle hood of coalition between the leftwing parties; EFF, MK and the ANC or the DA and the ANC and how terrifying that looks likes on Andile Mpofu Walsh's podcast.

The MK in its first year of existence has faced A lot of controversy, despite all that after the election the party became the third lagers party in the country overtaking the EFF. 

The EFF has went from third all its existence just behind the DA, gaining a lot of momentum before these elections. Having the leaders and party believing that they could actually overtake the DA however with the introduction of the Mkhonto weSizwe parties they bit the dust to both the DA and MK with a new party Patriotic Alliance wich focused on exiting foreign nationals from the country. A party on its debut that also enjoyed controversy and got rewarded for it by gaining a minister’s office in the department of arts and culture.

In conclusion, South Africa's political landscape has undergone profound changes since the end of apartheid in 1994, with major and minor parties playing pivotal roles in shaping governance. The ANC, having been the leading force in dismantling apartheid and spearheading nation-building, has faced significant scrutiny over issues of corruption and ineffective governance. This scrutiny has led to shifts in voter support and the rise of new political forces.

 The DA, which has grown from its center-right roots to become a formidable opposition, focuses on urban governance and service delivery, although it also struggles with unresolved challenges in its municipalities. The emergence of the EFF, MK, and Patriotic Alliance underscores a significant shift toward radical and reformist agendas, driven by dissatisfaction with the status quo. These parties advocate for economic justice, land reform, and more inclusive governance. The dynamic interplay between these political entities reflects the ongoing evolution of South African democracy, highlighting the nation’s continuous quest for equitable and effective governance. As these parties navigate their roles, they will profoundly influence South Africa’s political and socio-economic future.

A Tale of Two Cities, and Maybe Even More

 A Tale of Two Cities, and Maybe Even More

By Xolani Qotoyi

images from the respective model's Instagram pages.

The recent controversy surrounding a Miss South Africa contestant, Chidinma Adetshina, has sparked heated debates online, highlighting deep-seated issues around identity, xenophobia, and representation. Adetshina, born to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, has been accused of fraud and identity theft during her registration for the contest, raising questions about the legitimacy of her participation.

What began as a mere complaint quickly escalated into a broader discussion fueled by longstanding online feuds between South Africans and Nigerians, touching on everything from sports to music and beyond. The debates have revolved around xenophobia, Afrophobia, colorism, and double standards, with comparisons being drawn to another contestant, Sherry Wang, who also faced controversy. Wang, of Chinese descent, became the subject of debate due to questions about her cultural heritage and eligibility. With her parents originally from China, her participation ignited discussions about diversity and representation in South African beauty contests.

While Wang faced some scrutiny, the backlash against Adetshina was far more severe, raising important questions about societal biases in South Africa. Are South Africans more lenient towards lighter-skinned foreigners, and does this reflect broader societal prejudices? The disparity in the intensity of the criticism suggests a possible double standard in how foreign nationals are perceived and treated in the country.

In the wake of the controversy, Chidinma Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant and has since joined a Nigerian beauty pageant. Meanwhile, Sherry Wang was eliminated from the competition. The title of Miss South Africa 2024 was eventually won by Mia Le Roux, who made history as the country's first deaf pageant winner, representing the disabled community, including the excluded. 

Jooste Leaves Stones Unturned

 Jooste Leaves Stones Unturned

Getty Images

By Xolani Qotoyi

Published on March 25, 2024

Markus Jooste, the former CEO of Steinhoff International, was found dead under mysterious circumstances just a day before he was scheduled to surrender to the Hawks. Jooste’s death, ruled a suicide, leaves many unanswered questions about the biggest corporate fraud scandal in South Africa’s history.

Jooste was fined R475 million by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for accounting violations at Steinhoff International. The company, a global retailer with a presence in Europe, Australasia, the United States, and Africa, had over 40 local brands in more than 30 countries. Steinhoff was known for providing affordable household goods and general merchandise.

Jooste’s Legacy at Steinhoff

Jooste’s tenure as CEO marked a period of significant growth for Steinhoff International, propelling the company to become the second-largest household goods retailer in Europe. Under his leadership, Steinhoff expanded its reach into Africa and became a major player in the retail sector.

In 2014, Steinhoff acquired Pepkor Holdings for over $5.7 billion, integrating it into their portfolio. Pepkor, with its extensive retail footprint in Southern Africa, operated 5,900 stores and employed 50,000 people across nine African countries and Brazil. The acquisition included prominent South African brands such as Pep, Capfin, BUCO, and Ackermans.

However, the scandal erupted in December 2017 when auditors refused to sign off on the company’s financial statements. Jooste abruptly resigned as CEO, and the board acknowledged “accounting irregularities” that triggered a major investigation. The fallout was severe, resulting in a 98% loss in Steinhoff’s share value and a staggering R200 billion hit to shareholders, including the Government Employees Pension Fund.

The collapse of Steinhoff had dire consequences for pension funds, eroding retirement savings for many individuals. Jooste, who had joined Steinhoff in 1988 and played a key role in its international expansion, saw his empire unravel.

The Downfall

Jooste’s downfall is often linked to conflicts with business partner Andreas Seifert. Disagreements between Seifert and Steinhoff led European regulators, journalists, and law enforcement to uncover exaggerated profit and asset values, as well as undisclosed deals. Deloitte LLP requested an internal investigation before approving Steinhoff’s 2017 financial statements. Despite Seifert’s departure from the company, he continued to pursue legal challenges against Steinhoff, which included delaying rescue plans for the company’s European businesses.

Ethical Violations and Media Access

The Steinhoff saga raised serious ethical concerns. The company’s refusal to publicly disclose a 7,000-page PwC report, opting instead for a brief 11-page overview, highlighted a disregard for transparency. Media outlets like Amabhungane and Financial Mail struggled to access the full report, with Steinhoff citing confidentiality and legal privilege.

Jacques van Wyk, an activist on ethical business conduct, criticized the company’s obstructionist stance. He argued that Steinhoff’s actions undermined journalistic efforts to investigate corporate crimes and emphasized the need for robust ethical frameworks within corporate entities.

The media’s pursuit of the PwC report is rooted in the constitutional right to access information necessary for protecting or exercising rights. The Steinhoff scandal, which has severely impacted ordinary South Africans and pensioners, underscores the importance of transparency.

Current Legal Challenges

Steinhoff is currently facing investigations and legal actions from various bodies, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the Financial Services Board (FSB), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). The company is also involved in class action lawsuits in Germany and the Netherlands, and its executives have appeared before South Africa’s Parliament’s oversight committee on finance and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).

Recommendation

To prevent such scandals, companies should invest in officers responsible for ensuring ethical behavior among employees and stakeholders. These officers should conduct regular reviews and enforce board oversight and transparency to maintain integrity and accountability.

UDM Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa Reflects: 'It's Like Selling All Your Prized Possessions to Feed the Family'

UDM Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa Reflects: 'It's Like Selling All Your Prized Possessions to Feed the Family'

By Xolani Qotoyi

published on 20 July, 2024

Following the announcement of R150 billion being extracted from the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA) by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2024 budget speech, UDM member Nqabayomzi Kwankwa has expressed significant concerns.

In his speech, Minister Godongwana revealed that R150 billion will be transferred from the GFECRA to the national treasury. This move aims to reduce debt servicing costs by R33 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period. 

For the 2024-25 financial year, the budget allocates R6 of every R10 collected to education, healthcare, social protection, community development, and other aspects of the social wage bill. This allocation is intended to address long-standing issues, such as the lack of funding for school sports. The government plans to invest R35.9 billion into the arts, culture, sports, and recreation sector, aiming to boost school sports, preserve cultural heritage, and promote diversity.

Minister Godongwana also emphasized the importance of public servants' contributions. Over R18 trillion will be allocated to increase public servants' salaries by 7.5% over the next four years. Additionally, social transfers will rise from R283.4 billion in the previous fiscal year to R331.5 billion by 2026-27.

Amid rising costs for basic and social services, declining economic growth, and high borrowing costs, municipalities are struggling financially. Consequently, funds raised nationally will be divided among national, provincial, and local governments, with 48% allocated to the national level, 42.2% to the provincial level, and 9.8% to local governments.

Reactions to the Budget Speech

Minister of Health Joe Phaahla expressed satisfaction with the budget, noting the substantial funds allocated to the department. "That R1.6 billion is not only for doctors but will also fund the entire range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists," Phaahla said.

Tax Commissioner Edward Kieswetter reflected on the state of the economy, stating, "The economy is stuck." Despite some improvements in the numbers, Kieswetter highlighted ongoing challenges with Eskom and Transnet, which are not performing optimally.

UDM Parliament member Nqabayomzi Kwankwa criticized several aspects of the budget. He labeled the R100 increase in social grants as a tactic by the ruling ANC to sway voters ahead of the national elections. Kwankwa remarked, "It’s like selling all your prized possessions to feed the family. The increase is a strategic move, with R90 now and R10 in October, aiming to secure votes."

Kwankwa also criticized Minister Godongwana's strategies as outdated, claiming they echo proposals made over 14 years ago by former President Thabo Mbeki.

The pressing question remains: Will these election-driven tactics effectively address South Africa's challenges? Are the proposed interventions sufficient, or does the rise of numerous political parties indicate a need for a change in governance?