Ive just spent a little time in South Africa and what a trip it was . Magnificent on the one hand , the game reserves , just after the rains, green and lush, the big five grazing there a few feet from our jeep Amazing! Hot air ballooning over the watering holes at sunrise which was almost a religious experience, our guide allowing us to smell the sweet air and listen to the silence high in the air and then saying ' welcome to my world' the tackiness of Sun City, a tawdry poor version of Vegas. The sheer magnificence of Table Mountain and the majesty of the azure sea of the Cape and the Cape of Good Hope. On the other hand is the grinding poverty of the shacks and shanty towns which spread outside the airports and lowlands where people live in corrugated sheds without even running water The awfulness of township tours which i found to be mawkish. I was voted down but its my opinion and im sticking to it. The rest is a different story .
I saw a country desperately trying to fulfil the promise of the post apartheid promise. where both black and white can live and work together as equals. A country of riches for sure and high new ideals but with a flawed [ in my opinion] modus operandi for doing it. This , bloggers as you can see is a purely personal view . I saw the native Africans taking their place in the commercial world , totally unprepared for it. I hear rumours of the disappointment and disilusionment and even anger of the young people. The education system having failed them as it doesnt work. They worked hard but the fundamentally flawed education system, ihas left the young ill prepared,having left school, looking to go to university without the slightest chance of getting in because the level of education hasnt been good enough . They are angry bloggers and they are right. The result is that these young people are unprepared for the demands of the modern South Africa. The whites are frustrated and sit back , watching the country slip slowly backward. I think it will take at least 3 generations for there to be a parity. Can the country wait or will the situation deteriorate like Zimbabwe without Mugabe.
I found both black and white to be really trying to make it work. Both unfailingly polite and charming. One with the benefit of life experience and education the other like babes in the wood.
Whats the answer? Only time i think but my question is does South Africa have that time?
Ive just spent a little time in South Africa and what a trip it was . Magnificent on the one hand , the game reserves , just after the rains, green and lush, the big five grazing there a few feet from our jeep Amazing! Hot air ballooning over the watering holes at sunrise which was almost a religious experience, our guide allowing us to smell the sweet air and listen to the silence high in the air and then saying ' welcome to my world' the tackiness of Sun City, a tawdry poor version of Vegas. The sheer magnificence of Table Mountain and the majesty of the azure sea of the Cape and the Cape of Good Hope. On the other hand is the grinding poverty of the shacks and shanty towns which spread outside the airports and lowlands where people live in corrugated sheds without even running water The awfulness of township tours which i found to be mawkish. I was voted down but its my opinion and im sticking to it. The rest is a different story .
I saw a country desperately trying to fulfil the promise of the post apartheid promise. where both black and white can live and work together as equals. A country of riches for sure and high new ideals but with a flawed [ in my opinion] modus operandi for doing it. This , bloggers as you can see is a purely personal view . I saw the native Africans taking their place in the commercial world , totally unprepared for it. I hear rumours of the disappointment and disilusionment and even anger of the young people. The education system having failed them as it doesnt work. They worked hard but the fundamentally flawed education system, ihas left the young ill prepared,having left school, looking to go to university without the slightest chance of getting in because the level of education hasnt been good enough . They are angry bloggers and they are right. The result is that these young people are unprepared for the demands of the modern South Africa. The whites are frustrated and sit back , watching the country slip slowly backward. I think it will take at least 3 generations for there to be a parity. Can the country wait or will the situation deteriorate like Zimbabwe without Mugabe.
I found both black and white to be really trying to make it work. Both unfailingly polite and charming. One with the benefit of life experience and education the other like babes in the wood.
Whats the answer? Only time i think but my question is does South Africa have that time?
@ Empress9 Glad to know you experienced both sides of Africa. Unfortunately this is true in some of the African regions. Here in South Africa, we also have differences with our neighboring countries in Africa. In any continent there probably are many differences in the countries too. My wish for the world is peace based on a universal law of humanity.
@ Empress9
Glad to know you experienced both sides of Africa. Unfortunately this is true in some of the African regions. Here in South Africa, we also have differences with our neighboring countries in Africa. In any continent there probably are many differences in the countries too. My wish for the world is peace based on a universal law of humanity.
It is not what you do once in a while.
It is what you do day in and day out that makes a difference.
Thanks for the giraffe pic. Africa is magnificent, and tragic, and promising all at the same time. I was a Peace Corps Vol in the Congo for 2 years. The kids I taught were fluent in a few languages. The villagers were resourceful, inventive,kind, and generous.The government was corrupt and ran on bribes, which seemed to make life difficult for everyone.
Thanks for the giraffe pic. Africa is magnificent, and tragic, and promising all at the same time. I was a Peace Corps Vol in the Congo for 2 years. The kids I taught were fluent in a few languages. The villagers were resourceful, inventive,kind, and generous.The government was corrupt and ran on bribes, which seemed to make life difficult for everyone.
I have family that moved to the States about 30years ago and started a new life. They love the States but come back to visit SA too and Africa remains in your blood.
We have many people that started a new life here in SA from Germany, France, Austria, Netherlands, UK and others. And we have more moving here on a regular basis which does indicate an extreme positive point of view. In business we host from all over the world and many times the media has scared them so, but when they arrive, they all want to return and actually do so.
Belonging to the German network in SA, it is always a wonderful conversation as to why they moved here permanently given the way the world sees us. I am one of only three South Africans in the group which I trust will increase substantially.
Sadly though, a lot of the news that reaches the rest of the world is not always accurate about SA although some is, but does not get the correct coverage. My family and friends all over the world share information about what is in the news about the other's place of residence or country. With this detail we communicate about fact, fiction or pure untruths and myths.
Suffice to say though that we can be a very strong country, however, neither the pre-apartheid nor the post-apartheid governments have done it correctly. Therefor the frustrations that you have picked up from many South Africans irrespective of colour or position. My belief of history is that it is there to learn from it but I am often disturbed that it is repeated in so many ways ... internationally and not only in Africa. We have a lady in Cape Town that is fighting high and low to do the basics right which should have been done from day one in SA. Search for Helen Zille and see what she is doing for the Western Cape. If two parents can not agree on the same principles of teaching and setting an example for their children ... the same applies when a country's leaders can not stand together ... How does one expect a mutual agreement based hereon? I recently read about a new group, I'm South African Neutral. This is a good thought to unite people irrespective of history, present or future I think.
And as in all continents there are some places you stay clear of due to petty theft or violence. We moved from Johannesburg outskirts to Cape Town in 1995 as my ex-husband was promoted at the time. He has returned to Johannesburg recently and is very happy there. My children and I prefer to stay in Cape Town and it is a world apart from Johannesburg indeed.
With reference to education. Unfortunately many children still do not attend school to this day. Education has though always been available throughout the centuries in SA even in the apartheid years. But so too, many just did not attend school during that time either and there was no school fees nor any payments required for books, stationery etc.
I leave you with a Chinese Proverb:
"He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself."
My country and a beautiful one indeed.
I have family that moved to the States about 30years ago and started a new life. They love the States but come back to visit SA too and Africa remains in your blood.
We have many people that started a new life here in SA from Germany, France, Austria, Netherlands, UK and others. And we have more moving here on a regular basis which does indicate an extreme positive point of view. In business we host from all over the world and many times the media has scared them so, but when they arrive, they all want to return and actually do so.
Belonging to the German network in SA, it is always a wonderful conversation as to why they moved here permanently given the way the world sees us. I am one of only three South Africans in the group which I trust will increase substantially.
Sadly though, a lot of the news that reaches the rest of the world is not always accurate about SA although some is, but does not get the correct coverage. My family and friends all over the world share information about what is in the news about the other's place of residence or country. With this detail we communicate about fact, fiction or pure untruths and myths.
Suffice to say though that we can be a very strong country, however, neither the pre-apartheid nor the post-apartheid governments have done it correctly. Therefor the frustrations that you have picked up from many South Africans irrespective of colour or position. My belief of history is that it is there to learn from it but I am often disturbed that it is repeated in so many ways ... internationally and not only in Africa. We have a lady in Cape Town that is fighting high and low to do the basics right which should have been done from day one in SA. Search for Helen Zille and see what she is doing for the Western Cape. If two parents can not agree on the same principles of teaching and setting an example for their children ... the same applies when a country's leaders can not stand together ... How does one expect a mutual agreement based hereon? I recently read about a new group, I'm South African Neutral. This is a good thought to unite people irrespective of history, present or future I think.
And as in all continents there are some places you stay clear of due to petty theft or violence. We moved from Johannesburg outskirts to Cape Town in 1995 as my ex-husband was promoted at the time. He has returned to Johannesburg recently and is very happy there. My children and I prefer to stay in Cape Town and it is a world apart from Johannesburg indeed.
With reference to education. Unfortunately many children still do not attend school to this day. Education has though always been available throughout the centuries in SA even in the apartheid years. But so too, many just did not attend school during that time either and there was no school fees nor any payments required for books, stationery etc.
I leave you with a Chinese Proverb:
"He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself."
Hi Tink. Ive two good friends who were the most experienced aircraft engineers in SA, both white S Africans, both forced out of their jobs, both welcomed in the UK and earning upto $250 per hour in the UK. But within a short time , maintainece of SA's fleet of modern jets couldnt be maintained to FAA's strict regs, so had to be done abroad. There's much of this craziness about, good people forced out of jobs to give jobs to 'others' who dont have the qualifications. So very sad, SA is a beautiful country as you found out, but has created rags out of riches for many people and made true S Africans move away when they were most wanted. This is so true of much of the African Continent
Hi Tink. Ive two good friends who were the most experienced aircraft engineers in SA, both white S Africans, both forced out of their jobs, both welcomed in the UK and earning upto $250 per hour in the UK. But within a short time , maintainece of SA's fleet of modern jets couldnt be maintained to FAA's strict regs, so had to be done abroad. There's much of this craziness about, good people forced out of jobs to give jobs to 'others' who dont have the qualifications. So very sad, SA is a beautiful country as you found out, but has created rags out of riches for many people and made true S Africans move away when they were most wanted. This is so true of much of the African Continent
Hey Tink, glad to hear you had a great time too. I wish I had another month to explore the place. Will definitely return at some point to explore the north and garden route.
sarah :-)
Hey Tink, glad to hear you had a great time too. I wish I had another month to explore the place. Will definitely return at some point to explore the north and garden route.
My real life GF is from Sierrs Leone,,the poorest country on earth. HOw she got to the USA to do a masters at UC is a miracle. She is in SL right now, and I cant wait to talk to her about her adventures in her homeland. ALL of Africa is at a serious turning pointin some many aspects of their lives. Black oppression is only a part of the equation. TIME in and of itself DOES soften attitudes and gradually people change. I never even saw a black person until I was 12 years old. My reaction wasnt one I am proud of now.
Personally, I'de like to see the blacks in America, in particular Oakland, stop doing things to kill themselves off and paint such a horrid picture of what they are as a culture. The only one holding them down here is themselves. Harsh, but reality bites
My real life GF is from Sierrs Leone,,the poorest country on earth.
HOw she got to the USA to do a masters at UC is a miracle.
She is in SL right now, and I cant wait to talk to her about her adventures in her homeland.
ALL of Africa is at a serious turning pointin some many aspects of their lives. Black oppression is only a part of the equation.
TIME in and of itself DOES soften attitudes and gradually people change.
I never even saw a black person until I was 12 years old. My reaction wasnt one I am proud of now.
Personally, I'de like to see the blacks in America, in particular Oakland, stop doing things to kill themselves off and paint such a horrid picture of what they are as a culture.
The only one holding them down here is themselves. Harsh, but reality bites
I agree with Bill. I met people leaving SA as far back as 30 years ago, bringing their businesses with them. They knew what was coming even back then. At one time it was a very functioning country, lots of investors, construction, manufacturing, etc. One business man who made high pressure stainless steel valves moved his money to the US one valve at a time. He was only allowed to take out $10k from the country, so he just sold his values below cost to himself in the US under another company name, eventually leaving the company in SA bankrupt. That is what happens when you try to keep a person and their business/money captive, and would be a good lesson for the US to learn. Tax companies to death and they will simply move.
Quoting: Originally posted by billzeke SA will drift into third world status like the rest of Africa. I know several people who emigrated to the US from there during the past 20 years. None of them have plans to ever return.....
Quoting billzeke:
SA will drift into third world status like the rest of Africa. I know several people who emigrated to the US from there during the past 20 years. None of them have plans to ever return.....
I agree with Bill. I met people leaving SA as far back as 30 years ago, bringing their businesses with them. They knew what was coming even back then. At one time it was a very functioning country, lots of investors, construction, manufacturing, etc. One business man who made high pressure stainless steel valves moved his money to the US one valve at a time. He was only allowed to take out $10k from the country, so he just sold his values below cost to himself in the US under another company name, eventually leaving the company in SA bankrupt. That is what happens when you try to keep a person and their business/money captive, and would be a good lesson for the US to learn. Tax companies to death and they will simply move.
Shaz and Bold I had a wonderful time with memories I will cherish forever. The smell of the earth and colour of the sky , the bright stars at night so many and so clear you feel you could pluck them from the sky... As for Africa.... well it is what it is
Shaz and Bold I had a wonderful time with memories I will cherish forever. The smell of the earth and colour of the sky , the bright stars at night so many and so clear you feel you could pluck them from the sky...
As for Africa.... well it is what it is
welcome to tourism into third world countries. Poverty abounds.Appalling lacks abound. They will find their way or fail. Thats the way of it world-wide. Change of that nature is never easy nor without pitfalls, regardless of the intent. Government talks a good game, yet accomplishes little.Corruption and greed are hallmarks. Im just glad its not the usa going through those particular growing pains.
welcome to tourism into third world countries. Poverty abounds.Appalling lacks abound. They will find their way or fail. Thats the way of it world-wide.
Change of that nature is never easy nor without pitfalls, regardless of the intent.
Government talks a good game, yet accomplishes little.Corruption and greed are hallmarks.
Im just glad its not the usa going through those particular growing pains.
Oh Bill you are so right. The black South Africans are disillusioned and angry and we all know where that is leading, as there are many no go areas an d I must say I found Jo burg to be a little frightening. Whatever posessed the government to allow Sun City to be built in the midst of some of the worst poverty in the country beggars belief. I know it has brought unemployment to the area but the problems i outlined in my blog are doubly so there and throws the entire situation onto sharp relief. The whites are concerned as they are starting to see the slow slide has begun. There are potholes in the roads and things are changing and not for the better. We met a couple who had a farm in Kwa Zulu Natal. They were farmers. Unpublicised the white farmers there are being killed just like in Zimbabwe and slowly but surely the whites are leaving as they now are forbidden from buying land. This couple have moved to the UK and say its the best move they ever made Its not the fault of the black population but of a failure of government
Oh Bill you are so right. The black South Africans are disillusioned and angry and we all know where that is leading, as there are many no go areas an d I must say I found Jo burg to be a little frightening. Whatever posessed the government to allow Sun City to be built in the midst of some of the worst poverty in the country beggars belief. I know it has brought unemployment to the area but the problems i outlined in my blog are doubly so there and throws the entire situation onto sharp relief.
The whites are concerned as they are starting to see the slow slide has begun. There are potholes in the roads and things are changing and not for the better. We met a couple who had a farm in Kwa Zulu Natal. They were farmers. Unpublicised the white farmers there are being killed just like in Zimbabwe and slowly but surely the whites are leaving as they now are forbidden from buying land. This couple have moved to the UK and say its the best move they ever made
Its not the fault of the black population but of a failure of government
Theo I was a little surprised by what i saw there, but I had if im honest expected worse. Its just a but of a worry thats all. what we have there is a race who have been so completely separated from the whites in every conceiveable way during apartheid not mixing on any level at all having had virtually no education now having equality and you can see they are all trying but standards are slipping. Even basic service was pitiful. Yes there are some exceptions but in the main there was even a basic comprehension problrm. If something isnt done..... I fear for the worst OK totally off topic the shoes are Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. Just love em I have a real and serious shoe fetish and onlt buy those two labels. God i must be a major shareholder!!!! I only put the legs on there as a joke but decided to leave them there anyway . I wanted the legs to be my main picture but the powers that be wouldnt have it. Pity it would have been fun to have my skinny pins as my main pic. After all I might as well as Im too far away to get any dates!!!!
Theo I was a little surprised by what i saw there, but I had if im honest expected worse. Its just a but of a worry thats all. what we have there is a race who have been so completely separated from the whites in every conceiveable way during apartheid not mixing on any level at all having had virtually no education now having equality and you can see they are all trying but standards are slipping. Even basic service was pitiful. Yes there are some exceptions but in the main there was even a basic comprehension problrm. If something isnt done..... I fear for the worst
OK totally off topic the shoes are Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. Just love em I have a real and serious shoe fetish and onlt buy those two labels. God i must be a major shareholder!!!! I only put the legs on there as a joke but decided to leave them there anyway . I wanted the legs to be my main picture but the powers that be wouldnt have it. Pity it would have been fun to have my skinny pins as my main pic. After all I might as well as Im too far away to get any dates!!!!
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