I am not in the business of bashing South Africans in London. I love London and respect those who have been and are over there for their efforts. But some of the time I am frustrated by the attitude that some of the expacts (can you call them that?) pick up when over there.
I was recently pointed to a Facebook group started by South Africans (Saffers as they are called over there) living in London. This group intends to stage a protest in London against crime in SA. Agreed, crime is an issue. An undeniable issue. But could someone tell me what good it will do ANYONE to stage a protest on another continent?
I am a firm believer, as I have stated numerous times on this blog, in staying and fighting for what you hold dear. I hold this country close to my heart and thus I stay and I try my best to build it up and fix it in my little ways. In my humblest of opinions, the little bit that I do here in SA is more than 10 000 Saffers can do in London walking the streets in protest of crime in their “home” country.
Do everyone in SA a favour and come back. If you feel so passionately about the situation here then come back and try to better it. Running away and staging a protest over there is not doing anyone any good. In theory the idea is grand, majestic and admirable. In practice it falls flat due to the fact that these people have left the country they are protesting for.
The protest is being organised in support for those who have been influenced by crime, lost someone they love or support the cause. It is tragic when someone dies due to crime in SA. I agree. And the cause is one worth fighting for. However I believe that if you want to fix things your actions will speak louder than your words across the world.
Wouldn’t it be phenomenal if every South African abroad returned and made a stand. Returned and organised a protest gathering here, in SA, at our capital. Maybe we should get HomeComingRevolution involved and see what the think?
I am interested to know what everyone else thinks about this so please comment and let me know.
Similar Posts:
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Popularity: 8% [?]
July 26th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I agree that once you leave you lose the right to complain or protest. We locals need to get some action going.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
I agree, this is one of the main reasons I chose to come back to SA.
For those of us lucky enough to have grown up in South Africa – what does it say when as soon as we can work to help SA and use our education to better it’s future, we jump on the first flight out?
Seriously – if you feel strongly about crime in SA and bringing it to an end, then come back and help create work for people so that they dont have to turn to crime, come back and stamp out the culture of violence that has become so prevalent, don’t walk through the streets of London talking about a problem that you aren’t really committed to solving.
July 26th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I disagree.
I live in the UK and crime back home concerns me. Not everyone over here has left for good – some, like myself, took the opportunity to travel and work outside of SA but I’m coming back and bringing my experience and skills with me, as well as a new found appreciation for all things south african.
Sure, some people left for worse reasons, but they are probably not the kind of people who march for a country they have rejected.
Maybe this gives those Saffa’s in London the feeling of contributiong even when they are so far from home. Sure, it’ll probably achieve little, but think of it as them standing in solidarity with people back home.
just another way of looking at it…
July 26th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Kate: I can see where you are coming from, but I just don’t think that it will achieve any of the goals or ideals that it intends too. It going to end up doing all the wrong things. Things like promoting the wrong aspects of the country. Giving the media more reason to put SA in a bad light.
The protest is harping on things that EVERYONE knows exist. Why not march to show the world how amazing this place? Why not expose the good? Why not make a mockery of the crime by not playing it up?
People die, all the time, everywhere in the world. But when people are murdered here in SA we must march and make the country look like shit? I don’t get it?
Why is it that humanity can only rally around bad things?
July 26th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
I support this initiative. The world needs to know that South Africa is an abnormal violent society and that the SA Government is either unwilling or unable to do anything about violent crime in SA. Unfortunately many South Africans have become used to the absurd levels of violent crime in South Africa. It is once you are abroad that you see how abnormal it really is.
Nic, you sound like Dubya talking about “progress” in Iraq. Denying reality isn’t really getting you anywhere, is it?
Jenwynne, you revive a very old fallacy that there is necessarily a direct and causal link between violent (NB VIOLENT) crime and unemployment. Go and tour through Africa and see countries with critical unemployment, but an absence of violent crime. There are many such examples.
It is time that all South Africans realise that ordinary people wil never be able to “fix” violent crime without the support of the SA Government. The Government will only show its sincerity about fighting violent crime, the day they make fighting crime their top priority, instead of “transformation.”
July 26th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
I can just see all the South African criminals quaking in their boots when they see all those marchers. They will desist from their criminal activities immediately.
July 26th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Marc: Thanks for the support. I see your point of view, but don’t you feel slightly hipocritical? You want to protest where it’s safe right? You want to live abroad now, while you think SA is unsafe right? Then, when you think the people here have worked hard enough to better the nation, you want to come back??
That sort of mentality is bollocks to me. I am of the mind that crime exists and my presence is making things better. In some minute way or another. Me living here, me creating employment, awareness and positivity is making a difference. I don’t know if it truly is, but I can hope.
I know people close to me who have been affected by crime, But in no excessive, serious way.
I am not ignorant about the situation here, I live here remember. I know. All I am saying is that there is much, much, much more in this country than the crime statistics.
What about the bombs in London? The floods? The rain? The foreign invasion? The uneducated and violent youth in London? Why are people there not protesting to save the youth from themselves? I am just observing that the mentality abroad is aloof, standoffish and nonsensical in my humble opinion.
I am also not stating that I am right at all. This is my opinion.
BOERINBALLINGSKAP: I am not denying any reality, as I have already said, I live here. I KNOW. I am in an industry that exposes me to the truth. In the same breath, I know the stats, I know what situation is and I have done my research. This all allows me to make the choice to stay here because SA is getting better and if more people promoted that truth the more true it would become.
Thanks for all your comments!!
July 26th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
I do think that speaking about violent crime in SA, is like speaking about Aids or any other serious issue. There are those who have directly been effected by it (like myself) and there are those who haven’t. In my opinion your opinion can only truely be informed, once you have experienced the tragedy. Per example: I would rather listen to Zackie Achmat talking about Aids, that any other person who hasn’t been effected by Aids.
Nic, I admire your view that ‘things are getting better”. I do hope that your positive attitude will prevail, even after the rape and murder of a loved family member.
July 26th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
I love the idea of marches and signing of petitions, its grand and noble to be part of a just cause for 2 mins or a day and then go back to your daily life. I agree with Nic, the change happens slowly by us being there and thinking positively and acting positively. You teach your hildren more by your example than talking… We need to be in SA making a difference ,however small, everyday!
July 26th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
BOERINBALLINGSKAP: Why is it that whenever this sort of topic comes up people always revert to this: “even after the rape and murder of a loved family member.” That is unecessary and ignorant. You think that only people who have lived something can fight for it. Come on.
That is ridiculous. I agree, Achmat can speak and people will listen. But mother Theresa did not have leprecy but she helped and trust me she Lived it. She did not know most of the people she helped. You are not seeing things clearly from where I stand.
I completely agree that when crime affects people it is HORRIFIC and changes your views. I like to believe that my views will maintain as they are. Just so you know, I have lost people and my father was a victim of violent crime, he survived!
Don’t palm off my sentiments and beliefs to inexperience.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Nic, I apologise if I have offended you. That was not my intention. I just wanted to stress my point that there is an objective reality (eg: “Life is rather shit in Baghdad”) and then there is each person’s subjective reality (eg: “It’s not that bad in Baghdad”). If you feel that you can change the objective reality with positive thoughts, I admire you for that.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Thanks!! You haven’t offended!! So no stress. I appreciate the debate and your candor. I do get your point, that life is shit in Baghdad!! Which kind of makes my point, life isn’t so shit here.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
I don’t agree with you Nic, but that’s my right.
All I can say is, do your bit and we’ll do our bit here in the UK, till we get back to our beloved Safrica.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Hey ICE,
Thanks for the comment. It is your right and I am glad that there is some, if any, action being taken. My point is just that the ideal situation would be for protests to be here, in SA with all the expacts (temporary expacts) coming back and building in SA!
I do hope the event is successful, but I hope that it doesn’t brand our country in an eternal and permanent negative way.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Marc: Agreed, that is rubbish. And again, my living arrangement means nothing . I still understand the situation, and live it, but choose to not let it get me down and make me believe that all there is in SA is crime.
I am glad you are attending and hope that you come back here and make things work in SA and attend the marches and what have you.
I appreciate the debate, alot. It is always good to hear from people overseas and their opinions on the nation and why they left and why they want to stay over there or come back. I just hope that this sort of debate makes people realise there is more to SA than crime and there is more to action than a protest in the streets.
July 26th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Yeah, I hear what you are saying about branding SA in a negative way, but I think this protest might open more eyes to the crime in SA.
The ideal situation would be for every1 to return to SA, I agree, but we don’t live in an ideal world, if we did there would be no need to march/protest against crime…..
July 26th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Good point, touche!
July 26th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
“I just hope that this sort of debate makes people realise there is more to SA than crime and there is more to action than a protest in the streets.”
Oh yeah!! I agree!
July 26th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magic Fairy
I agree that once you leave you lose the right to complain or protest.
What?
This is one of the strangest things I’ve read….
So in other words when we don’t live in Safrica we can’t care? Most, if not all of us still have friends and family in SA. But oh no, apparently we lost the right to care about what’s going to happen to them or to our country, the minute we stepped on the plane…..
Get real! It doesn’t mean that every connection with SA has been severed while we are temporarily or permanently away from our beloved country!
__________________
Have a nICE day!! ©
July 26th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Obviously SA’s brand is not nearly as important as our people. So we should disregard anyone who uses words like ‘brand’ and ‘image’ and think about this tactically instead. What effect will this have on Mbeki and his government?
On the one hand, I get the feeling that they are more internationally oriented than locally. Britain is the ANC’s spiritual home, so a march in London might register with them whereas many marches and protests in SA have been ignored.
But on the other hand a march of white expats in London might make someone like Mbeki even more determined to do nothing.
July 26th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Alleman, both points regarding the march are brilliant. Very well said. I think they both have value. I am sorry but I disagree, SA’s brand is extremely important to the continued success of the country, but it is a catch-22. The people need to be happy in order to promote the country positively, and in order for the people to be happy the country needs to be a great place to live. If one or the other is discontented then one or the other reacts badly and perpetuates the issues.
Agreed though, the people are the most, absolutely most, important part of this country.
July 26th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
Alleman, I agree ½ way with what you said.
The only thing I disagree with is your statement about “White Expats”. It’s not just Whiteys in the UK. And as far as I can gather it won’t just be one colour attending the protest march. Every Safrican in the UK, no matter the colour or language, feels strongly about the crime and violence in SA. And we are all committed to do something about it!
And like Nic just said about people being the most important part of SA, we are also still part of it!
July 26th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Hi,
There are some good comments from both sides. It’s been an interesting read
. If I can add a few comments to this.
Yes, we are happy here in South Africa – no doubts there. South Africa does rock – no doubts there. I love my country…no doubts there and there are no “but’s” to follow this sentence.
As a nation or an individual we need to be realistic. 5 years ago I remember been relaxed and happy to say the crime is manageable, “you just have to be vigilant and close you car window before coming up to stop street/robot at certain hours. I can actually say that I said this 2 years ago in fact. Nah, it has got a little worse I think.
I get sad when I think of my “garden boy” or “maid” having to walk home with the R180 in their pockets that he or she earned that day ‘what is R150 to the stoner with the gun?’, only to have it taken away 1 out of 10 working days (at a guess) – that is bullshit….
Work hard, get paid, get hijacked on foot, in a car, in a restaurant, at a petrol station, have your wife locked in the boot, get driven to a remote location, “hope to dear god we get out alive”, get raped on road walking home, get robbed picking up a pack of mealie meal , “it’s happened before, it’s happed again now. Who do I tell – nothing can be done – it’s normal now”.
Why? It’s now a little game called “I hope I don’t get hijacked, raped or beaten for my cell phone in the next year”. C’mon guys. We are now all in a greater nation without borders of colours, we have made new GOOD friends that we love and cherish – I hope I don’t lose a friend/wife/family member anytime soon.
Please do not debate my post, just absorb it – this is a thought not a debate. I love South Africa. SARocks….
July 26th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Without getting too deep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbwbsf64WDo&mode=related&search
July 26th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
No debate!!
Thank you for your post. Heartfelt and honest. I appreciate it and Appreciate the support. Please keep coming back and uplift your spirits everyday about this rocking country we live in!! 
July 27th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Cool post, TrampTshirt!
July 27th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Hi Nic,
First off, great site. I am a very proud South African and I love to see anyone who feels the same. Supporting SA is the first step towards improving her.
On that point however, I think you, and many of the commenters above have glossed over the reality of what this protest will achieve, if anything.
Consider the scenario of a crowd of Zimbabwean expats marching through Cape Town/Joburg/etc protesting against the Mugabe regime. What would be your first impression? This would be mine:
a) These people feel strongly about this issue. If it’s not something I have ever given any attention to, maybe it’s time I took notice.
b) They obviously love their country. If they are prepared to get organised enough to protest against their government from a foreign country they must still care about it’s future. People who leave SA for good, turning their backs on the country forever don’t join protests like this. People who are temporarily out of the country and still consider themselves South Africans are the kind of people who love their country enough to protest against something like the crime.
c) The problem is Mugabe not Zimbabwe.
Remember, these guys are not protesting against South Africa, they are asking the people responsible for combating the crime here to do their jobs. By protesting overseas they are looking for support from the rest of the world to put pressure on our government to take crime seriously.
Don’t forget that during apartheid, when our government refused to acknowledge the will of the majority of our people, pressure from other countries was all we could depend on.
We are a country that gains a huge amount from tourism and that is an industry that WILL NOT improve if the crime situation continues to deteriorate. Only this week a study revealed that 35% of foreigners choose not to come to SA due to the crime. You will say that publicizing the crime problem in London will only make this worse.
I say, they already know we have a crime problem, that statistic proves it. Maybe it’s time the world realised that we, as citizens, take this problem seriously and that we will do anything we can to get our government to feel the same way?
July 27th, 2007 at 9:46 am
A quick P.S.
Have a look at the website of the group who have initiated this project. I think their mission and objectives are sound. Maybe we should all be making more of an effort to help stop crime in SA. I know I’m not doing enough, what have any of you done for SA lately?
If we want crime to be the governments top priority why is it not one of ours? Hell, I wouldn’t know where to start. What can we as regular citizens actually do? Ideas anyone?
http://www.act4sa.org/
Sign me up, as soon as they organise a march in Cape Town.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Adrian – Thanks for positive words about the site!!
I think that you have one of the most rational comments made so far. Thanks. I agree with the Zim EG. Good point, but I think that the March, the protest, the rally,the website of theirs etc etc etc needs to stick to the mission and vision and ensure that they clearly express their intentions. If this can be done then then I agree, the march has a point. But these things have a tendency to get side-tracked and become about the wrong issues. Mob-mentallity and all that.
I agree, get it started here and sign me up!
July 27th, 2007 at 10:53 am
It’s unfair lumping all South Africans in the UK into the same category. True, there are those with divided and questionable loyalties who rationalise their hatred of their adopted country by convincing themselves (and everyone around them) of how much worse South Africa was. There are students and recent graduates who would not simply walk into the jobs and salaries their peers might have expected fifteen years ago, who hope to build up a nest egg in the UK before the majority of them return to South Africa.
And then there are the families, who don’t feel the whispered message they send by staying in South Africa outweighs their responsibility to their children’s safety. Many of them already had to live with the scars of rape and violence. Many of them already suffer the symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome. Crimes happen, and many crimes happen in South Africa. Nobody disputes that. The South African Police Services, who have every reason to downplay the numbers as much as possible, report over 50,000 cases of rape per year. Perhaps these are the same 50,000 unfortunate women being raped every year for the past decade, or perhaps 500,000 South African women have emotional scars most of us cannot even begin to fathom. Perhaps this army of women are only shebeen whores and drunks who were really asking for it, or perhaps the vast majority of these reported cases are the ordinary women we are surrounded by every day: our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, girlfriends, wives and colleagues. If you’re an adult in South Africa, statistically you’re likely to know someone who has been raped.
Living with the memories and emotional distress of crime is difficult enough when the incident was an unfortunate and random act, but a thousand times worse if day after day you are confronted by exactly the same people and exactly the same circumstances. The victims of rape and car-jacking relive those incidents over and over again, hoping to find the one thing they could have done differently to avoid the crime. They might wear different clothes. Drive a different car. Follow a different route to work or the supermarket. They wouldn’t leave the garden gate open, wouldn’t withdraw cash at an ATM, wouldn’t open the door to people collecting for charity. Sadly, for most of them, the only answer is to simply not have been there.
These people generally still pine for South Africa. They don’t think South Africa a bad place to live, on the whole they still have hope for South Africa, and in my experience a great number of them also think “SA rocks”. But the risk — very real and statistically more likely than any other stable democracy in the world — of something unimaginably bad happening to their spouses or children left them no other choice than to emigrate. Or “leave South Africa until things get better”, as many of them would put it. And what would make things get better? Which one signal would tell the South African expats all over the world that South Africa is finally on the road to recovery?
The South African Government openly admitting crime to be a problem, to acknowledge the scale and degree of the problem, to accept the evolving nature of the problem, and to define and implement a pragmatic and resolute plan of action to address and resolve this problem. While there is still a single voice in government to be heard denying that crime is a problem, denying that crime is getting worse, claiming that the outcry over crime is simply a chorus of white voices longing for the days of apartheid, there can be no end to the spiral.
So there will be a protest against crime in London. Some of the protestors will be there because they like nothing better than wearing a Springbok sweater and meeting other South African expats. Some of the protestors will fit the protest into a busy schedule between watching rugby on television and getting smashed on overpriced Castle in one of the South African hangouts. But some of the protestors will be there because they want an end to the spiral, they want there to be hope, and they want to go home again. They fear for the family and friends they invariably left behind, even when those same family and friends themselves appear fearless. Those protestors will be there because they know a single voice on the streets of London will be a hundred times louder than a dozen voices on the streets of Pretoria or Cape Town. They will be heard, even when nobody listens. The British newspapers will take notice. The South African Embassy in London will take notice. Reports will be written. Memos sent.
Whether anything positive will come of the protest in London is doubtful. But like the fall of the Berlin Wall, thousands of people chipping away will send a clear signal of what they want, until the bulldozers can move in and do the job properly.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Nice one, Thanx Adrian & Anton!
Have a nICE day!©
July 27th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Anton, you make an awful lot of sense. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
10 points to Anton!
Crime is not a reason to hate South Africa. It’s just something we need to improve to make our already amazing country, even better. Unfortunately too many people in SA consider any criticism in this regard to be racially motivated or targeted by the disgruntled whites who are just waiting for the next ship to Perth.
Criticism of the government is too often misconstrued as whites criticising blacks and yearning for the “good old days”. Sometimes this may be the case but in most cases, certainly in terms of our crime problem, it is not.
Our minister of safety and security recently said parliament that anyone who is afraid of the crime in SA should pack up and leave. In my opinion that is a clear indication that the government thinks it’s only white people who are moaning about crime. What crap!
If white people were the only ones being raped and murdered in SA I’d have been raped twice by now and half my family would have been murdered. The statistics are too high for this to be a “white” problem. Everyone, black, white, pink, green, is sick of crime and the people who are supposed to be trying to address it are not, in my opinion, doing enough.
Everyone knows crime is our biggest problem. The time has come for us to force our government to acknowledge this and do something about it.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Adrian & Anton…I agree, I agree, I agree!
July 27th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Adrian – absolutely. Well said.
July 27th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
As an SA expat in London, I have a couple of things to say. Firstly, as somebody has already commented, there are hundreds of reasons for Saffers to become expats or emigrants. I did not leave because I was scared or hopeless or unhappy with the “new” government. I left with the intention of working abroad for a year because the opportunity presented itself and I have always dreamed of living in London. As things panned out, I loved it so much that I am still here – more by default than by any sort of master plan. I resent it deeply when people make assumptions about a) why I am here and b) whether or not I am returning. I have a lot of hope for South Africa – why else would I still own property there and leave a lot of investments there?? And I feel quite strongly that my connections to and interest in South Africa are perfectly strong enough to allow me the right to add my 10 cents worth to the debate.
I have a number of issues with tactics designed to “bring the seriousness of SA’s crime levels to the attention of the world”. As some have already pointed out, the world already knows about the crime. If I had 10 cents for every time somebody over here asked me about the crime situation, I’d be rich! But that aside… let’s postulate that we march/run websites/whatever and bring crime to the world’s attention. Then what? All the tourists who have ever wanted to visit SA will beat a path to Thabo Mbeki’s door and demand that he does something about it so they can visit? Erm, no. They will simply book their holidays elsewhere. Do you think tourists wanting to see the Vic Falls from Zimbabwe have had any noticeable effect on the way Zim is being run? I think not. The tourists are simply viewing the falls from across the border. The idea that “opening people’s eyes” is somehow the magic key to solve our crime problem is a fantasy.
In fact, the whole idea that solving our crime problem is somehow going to be brought about by pressure from outside the country is completely ridiculous. Even pressure from WITHIN the country on a recalcitrant government is unlikely to do the trick. People are always keen to point out some sort of simple one-sentence root of our crime problem – whether this be poverty, illegal immigrants, apartheid, the justice system, government apathy or whatever you choose your poison to be. Then they think there is a simple one-sentence fix, like “bring back the death penalty”, “stop immigration” or “overthrow the government”.
I can’t bring myself to throw my weight behind these sentiments because I simply don’t agree with such a simplistic view of what causes crime – particularly the wave of unnecessarily violent crime that seems to be sweeping South Africa. Many countries that are far poorer than South Africa simply do not have the awful lack of respect for human life that we have, so I’m afriad I can’t blame poverty for the whole thing. Yes, the apartheid regime certainly did brutalise many people, but many of the crimes are committed by foreigners who never lived under apartheid. And yes, the government has a leading role to play in fighting crime, but we need to take a long hard look at what every single one of us is doing to fight crime.
I have a friend in Johannesburg who has never been one to stand on the sidelines. She decided that it was time to start giving back to her community, so she trained as a police reservist and went on drug raids on Friday nights at 2a.m. She joined the community policing forum for her area, believing firmly that the community itself is our first line of defence against crime. No criminal operates in a vacuum, so if criminals know that their friends and neighbours will report them to the police, it becomes that much harder for them to operate.
We in South Africa (me included) tend to suffer from the notion that “they” must fix the problem. If MY water pipe bursts, I will call a plumber and fix it. But if I see a leaking water main in the street, I will tut-tut about how standards are dropping and drive on by – “they” must come and fix it. We don’t know our neighbours, we don’t want to get involved in our communities. And no amount of extra policemen or bringing back the death penalty or deporting illegal immigrants will fix that.
As for what the man in the street can do up against such odds, I’m afraid I am not the burning bush – I don’t have answers for you. March if it makes you feel better, but frankly I think you are wasting your time. Rather get involved in your community in some small way. Tell the neighbour if you see some guy loitering by their gate. Don’t buy anything that has “fallen off the back of a truck” just because it is cheap – you have no idea who may have been hurt or killed in getting that car radio/cell phone/CD.
Nic – maybe we can keep a list somewhere on the page of “Top 10 things YOU can do to reduce crime in SA”? Would love to hear what others have to say.
And I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment that we need to stop talking as if crime is the only thing going on in South Africa today!
July 27th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Cooksister: Brilliant idea. I will whip up a post about things we can do to make things better. Great plan. Also, a wonderful comment you have. Very rational and from an interesting point of view.I think it’s an interesting and smart approach to look at the problem from a community aspect. Referring to the water example in the street is so true. It applies to the robots in the streets, to cops being bribed and to service from banks being shoddy.
If we speak out and make a stand things might, just maybe, start to change.
July 27th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Cooksister, you make some valid points. Unfortunately you regurgitate some (very used) SA Government arguments and this takes the sting out of your (valid) opinion. I don’t know how long (and if) you’ve lived overseas. but surely you must realise that “the citizens are responsible” argument is outdated (see the writings of a French gentleman called Jean-Jacques Rosseau). Their is a social contract between the Government and the People! Do you think that taxes are payed for nothing? Crime-fighting is FIRST and FOREMOST the responsibility of the government in power. Citizens can contribute, but you cannot expect them to be the vanguard against crime. It is very convenient to shift the responsibility by the powers to be. The absurdity of your argument is that, at the end of the day, it is actually “the citizens’ that didn’t do enough to fight crime!” So what is the role of the Government?
You remind me of various studies on abused women in relationships. In abusive realtionships women are brainwashed into the idea that they are actually responsible for the man’s violence against them…
Are we going to hold the SA Government accountable for the unexceptable levels of violent crime, or are we going to blame ourselves? Ultimately this debate boils down to our view of what a government’s responsiblity (and accountability) is in broader society. Accept weak government and hold its hand or demand strong government with distinct and defined responsibilities? I choose (optimistically) the latter.
July 27th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Hi Boerinballingskap
Yup, I am aware of the theory of a social contract between a Government and its people and I agree 100% that the the Government needs to put together some sort of viable and sustainable plan to bring down the unacceptable levels of crime in the country.
But I take exception to being compared to an abused woman and/or brainwashed (!!) and the fact that you say I place the “blame” squarely at the door of the people of SA for the levels of crime in the country! If you read my entire argument again, I explain why I am against the march, and here I won’t budge – I really don’t think the Government cares much who marches where for what cause. But because we can’t all collapse in a heap of hopelessness, I go on to say suggest what I think an individual who wants to make a difference can do. There is such a temptation to look at a problem as huge as this and say “but there’s nothing I can do about it, I’m just one person”. I’m not saying that my ideas are a solution to crime, and by all means, if somebody can come up with a way to persuade the Government to take notice of the problem and act then go for it. I am merely suggesting more practical alternatives to marching about in the rainly London summer weather.
Does anbody have figures for what percentage of us voted in the last election? I’ll bet the turnout was unspectacular. If a government will not take notice of it’s people’s wishes, the way to get rid of them is never to vote for them again. Sadly, our right to vote on this is a right that all too many of us are far too willing to forego. If my Government would let me, I’d certainly be voting in the next elections.
July 27th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Oh My! I have missed a lot of comments.
Firstly, Anton I like your words. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
I think “bring back the death penalty” isn’t the complete answer, that’s for the government to decide at some stage – “bring back longer prison sentences to fit the crimes” yup, that sounds better…
There are many variables to help sort out the crime. “overthrow the government” and “stop immigration” (see Mexican border issue – wikipedia)? That is just silly and unrealistic, the government is fine, the government just needs help and support and needs to take ownership of this crime issue. Take the SAPS, their morale must suck right now. Certain communities has little faith in the SAPS. I think the SAPS are actually doing a good job when they get to the scene. “When they get to the scene”, that just made me chuckle. Why? Because they can only get to the scene in time if they have the staff and have the extra transport to get to that “scene” (whether it’s at an ATM, at a taxi rank or in the townships). I would give R300 a month if I knew it was going straight to staff wages, new cops cars, flak jackets etc. Anyone keen to take this task on?
Have you seen the YouTube post of that Carte Blanche episode? The cops weren’t there (granted this was one shop owners comment), put a few security guards at R300 a day and waaa-la. Crime shoots down. I wonder if we had to put more cops presence on the streets in the townships/city streets and suburbs? Comments on this okes?
“The whole idea that solving our crime problem is somehow going to be brought about by pressure from outside the country is completely ridiculous.”. No, my sweet cooksister, it’s not ridiculous or preposterous. As mentioned in an above comment. If we have a march in Pretoria or Joburg, who’s going to listen – REALLY? If a march goes down in London, world press is watching.
Then the World Cup 2010 becomes a concern to those who care. That little double edged sword. Do we shout about the crime, but if we do – the world cup goes down the toilet? Hey look, football is popular here but pussy footing around the simple fact that crime is going to go away over the world cup – you blacking out the obvious. “this is the biggest thing that’s happen to SA!”, “shhhhhh….just leave it alone already, there big bucks in it for the country…shhhhhh!” Think!
I would rather sort out our the crime here and leave the tourism market to pickup and generate a wealth of extra GDP for this country. People actually don’t think sometimes – scared to speak up maybe? If I were the government, I would accept that crime is a serious issue on a monumental scale than sit there with pie on my government face after the fact when one British tourist if murdered/raped or hijacked. This will hit the international tabloids like none other and then we will look like real idiots. Is it “ridiculous” at that stage when the International press are waiting for this to happen.
I hear people saying, “shouting about it won’t help” that’s a lazy mans comment. Rather don’t contribute if this is your opinion (yes, you have the right to your opinion, sure). You can sit in the safety of your own home and when that little safety area is violated then you can contribute and trust me if your 14 year old daughter or wife is raped 3 times in one night while you are made to watch – you will wish you had shouted…
To end off – I hope I am making sense. I have written this pretty much straight and don’t have the energy to read though it all.
I love my country, I love cooksisters, Chakalaka on boere, that sea breeze, a good rugga match at Kings with the mates, going up to the burg and spending time reflecting while I fly fish… SARocks – no doubts there…
July 28th, 2007 at 7:33 am
I skimmed through the posts – there was nothing I haven’t heard hundreds of times before – I understand why the replies are what they are. I wrote this yesterday :
“To understand where we are going, we have to look at where we came from. The santitised history we learned at school, that was intended to justify the selective advantage of apartheid and the systematic brutality on which it depended, was absorbed by people until it became their reality.
Even as people absorbed this history – out of fear, duty, habit or just plain convenience – it deadened their senses, stopped them from questioning, and replaced true conviction with untested and comforting certainty. This was manufactured history in the service of an ideology; a fixed answer to all questions. This, indeed, is our legacy. It is part of our heritage.”
The fact is that over 70% of the people of this country voted for this government. They believe that the government will sort out the mess that decades of apartheid and colonial neglect, abuse and exploitation of the majority has caused.
Do you guys, really think that transformation of society happens overnight, or even in 13 years?
Let me make it real for you: If a child is abused, can you just give him a hug, buy him clean clothes and a meal at MacDonalds and think his psyche will be healed?
South Africans protesting in London will not help in any way to heal and grow and transform our country. Education, literacy, job creation, skills development, economic growth – that will help. In Africa, one tourist creates 12 jobs.
We need tourism in South Africa. Thanks Nic for putting up the initial post. SA Rocks!
July 29th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Been away for a sunny, winter
weekend in Limpopo. All these comments….. whatever they are and whatever your viewpoint. They all show that we care. I love being South African.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Nic hi
Very interesting debate, thanx for the topic.
I for one am one of the people who feel very positive about our country’s ability to pull itself out of the mire of crime; I also spend an enormous amount of energy to bring such change about; I’m devote my life to crime fighting, as you know.
What I do find VERY sad is the level of apathy that is so evident – let me explain. We seem to be rather quick to comment in support of marches and mass action and all these wonderful things, which of course have there place; but what we really need is less talk and more walk.
I recently invited people to register – for FREE – on the newly launched emergency communication (9-1-1) program called AIM 911. I feel at liberty to discuss this here in this blog as you, Nic, Mike and Stii did some splendid promotion for me in your blogs.
Now the registration of a member helps us identify a caller during an emergency (crime, medical, et al) and to reduce call time from 7+ minutes to 90 seconds. We have worked a full seven years on the development of the program. http://www.aim911.co.za
The process is simple: SMS your name, surname and id number to 32588 or mail it to: wynand@mac911.co.za
Alas, the reaction was, to say the least, quite dissappointing. Now maybe it’s because it’s free, who knows?
Ignorance is what kills our efforts, I’m sure. I still daily find people who believe that 10111, 10177 and 082 911 are toll free numbers; they do not realise that calling these numbers from a cell is tolled at normal fees. You may well ask what impact this has on crime?
Quite simply, a caller who uses pre-paid cannot afford to report crime, not at R1.40 / minute (R2.85 peak times); therefore the moment passes and the crime is not reported.
We have solved the problem and have gone digital (SMS-based) and have been able to take this to the very highest possible authorities and got buy-in.
Having tried for several weeks now to get people to take advantage of this free offer, we have now only registered less than 3,000 people. The offer is still open, but will folks take it? Let’s hope so.
Meanwhile, I’m putting in my full weight behind those individuals who actually DO something – talk is cheap; we can all talk, but the proof ….
Nic, I wonder if you opened a blog and asked what people actually DO in their individual capacities to fight the scourge, what the reaction would be. Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Madiba, all these people harnassed mass action, they did use marches ….of course they did…. but they first ACTED themselves ; defined and established their causes, and then rallied the masses.
July 31st, 2007 at 7:29 pm
SA is amazing. I’ve lived in many places(briefly1-5years) and somehow nothing compares. I know it’s nostalgia, but it’s like HIV. Once you’re infected, that’s it pal!
OZ is full of wasted junkies.
Canada is full of priss prigs and animals.
Europe is navel gazing, as are yanks.
The far east( Vietnam, Taiwan) are decent but so disconnected, or rather, connected to another reality
Of course, Im not hungry desperate and angry like most Safricans.
This debate is rats talking about crabs. If you have acces to the net you can’t talk cause you’re rich and only look out for yourself!
Not true. I know but a little true.
August 13th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Disagree
Stand up for what you believe in. The protest was awesome and sobering. There is no point in pretending crime doesnt exist. Of course everyone knows that the march won’t stop crime directly and most marches or protests don’t cause immediate action but they do raise awareness which puts mounting pressure on the government. Otherwise how are you proposing to act against your denial of human rights? Hope that we can keep a hush hush on crime and more tourists will come and not notice anything. Get real and wake up. We need to build a great South Africa on solid foundations not lies and misconceptions.
August 13th, 2007 at 8:45 am
@Spud: THanks for the comment but I think that as much as you feel I am living in a state of denial (which I am not, thank you) I think that you are living a farce.
How can you talk about building a great South Africa when it sounds to me that you live in the UK and attended the march? YOU get real, if you want to “build” then come back and actually build. Don’t march on the safe streets of London.
This argument is going round in circles. I’ve said this all before. Read the comments above and you’ll know the argument pretty well..
But thanks again for the comment!
August 13th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I was at the march, and I was very touched by the turnout and the typical South African spirit, singing Anthems and Shoshaloza. These people here in London have not forgotten their roots. I personally thank them for this effort they have made, and I can only hope (maybe a bit too optimistic) that there will be no need for another march as the government and police get ontop of the situation.
If you look at all the press this organisation has drummed up, you cant really say, this is a bunch of whinging expats complaining about the situation in SA from the Safety and security of the UK. Living in the UK broadens your horizons to the extent that you expect as a fundamental civil right, as tax paying citizens, to be safe. Not to get a call one day to say that a family member or friend, was murdered/ raped/ robbed/ Shot / Stabbed/ in the most horriffic way. The message was clear at the march, that support for the South African Police services is tantamount to success.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead)
August 13th, 2007 at 11:38 am
I think there’s way too much nastiness on this blogg, come on guys we’re all working towards a common goals here surley?
I really love my country and the people, but since I’m travelling and not living in SA right now the march on Saturday was my way of participating, getting involved and showing support for those in SA. When I’ve finished my travels and leave London I’m heading back home but for now this all I can do to stand by and show my support?
So I don’t think that this march was just a bunch of Saffa’s having a go about how bad things are in SA and thats why we live in london?
This was us say we love our country and I want to show my support in what ever way I can.
August 13th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Caron, I think you are right. I still stand by everything I have said in the past regarding this issue. But you are right. Any support as long as it is the right kind of support is good support and this march could have turned out to be a shocker, but did not. That is good news.
Thanks to everyone for all the comments!!
August 13th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
@Nic – easy tiger. It sounds like you might have a chip on the old shoulder about Saffas living in London. There has always been a healthy South African population living in London even during time of little crime. Same as Kiwis’s, Ausies, Canadians. Granted at the moment there are more people here and many who have effectively ‘left’ SA. I was at the march and my generally impression was that the people who attended were not people who had given up but just people who generally love South Africa who are living in London. Man …. you should have been there to feel the love! I definitely got a frog in the throat.
The point of my previous post was not to tell you that you live in a state of denial (although it does admittedly sound like that) but to rather say don’t criticize people who have good intentions and are trying to achieve the same goals as you. There are lot of people you really want to help and to them this method makes the best sense.
I love what you are trying to do and I see the passion in your writing but even though negative stories catch the most attention, sometime we just have to believe in the power of positive journalism……..By the way I am coming back soon from my travels and I can’t wait to help SA on African soil!
August 13th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Hey Spud, Thanks for the follow up comment. I think you make some good points and I am 100% sure that if I was in London I would’ve attended so I can’t really criticise. I am really glad that you are one who is coming back and hope that there are more who will return soon after their travels.
Thanks for the kind words about the site. I think that it just becomes tough sometimes when you are trying so hard to do good and be positive and all you get is bashed (not from you, trust me)!!
But I appreciate your point of view and you have some valid points.
Thank you!
August 13th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Great blog and some good comments but there tends to be way too much expats vs residents…we all on the same side here boys and girls!!
Everyone is going on about saffa’s whinging and marching in the London summer rain…what a load of sh*t…for the record, the day was a cracker (about time) and apart from the moment silence the march took place in a vocal, jovial and patriotic manner!
I might not be in Soweto building schools with my bare hands but don’t underestimate/bash what fellow South Africans do/attempt to do for the country from overseas!!!
Peace out!!
August 13th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Well said Norman!! And thanks for the kind words!!
August 13th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
I took part in the ACT4SA March against Crime in London on the 11th August in an attempt to do at least something in the fight against crime in South Africa. Here is my account of the day, and what we were hoping to achieve. Marketed through e-mail, and other tools such as Facebook, a few thousand South Africans living in London (we are not all ex-Pats, and majority have every hope and intention of coming back to South Africa…. we are merely in search of an adventure and travel, does that mean we lose the right to have a voice in our country of Birth? I think not) came together in Central London to march through the streets in an attempt to highlight the REALITY of the state of affairs in South Africa. People of all ages, colour, walks of life, size and shape joined together, marching alongside Shannon and her late brother Mark’s friends, sharing stories and conversations of each others lives, sharing the fact that we are a group of people, united by our country of birth, and by the fact that we do care, we want to see a change, we want to increase awareness, and just because we live on a different continent, doesn’t by any means imply that we have forgotten who we are and where we come from. We are Africans at heart, that is one thing that will never change. Walking down the Strand, passing through Trafalgar Square where our South African Embassy looks on in all its glory, listening to the songs around me change from Shosholoza, to Johnny Clegg, to our National Anthem filled my heart with bursting love towards our country that has infinite potential, and all the people out there who want that potential to be realised. And I was not alone in this emotion, all around me I could see people were visibly moved by the experience, and tears streamed down many cheeks. By the sounds of things, many of you think we came together, complained alot, did nothing and left, that was not what transpired at all. Not everyone knows how to take action against Crime – if it were such an easy task do you not think someone would have combatted crime already? Most people adopt the stance of What could I possibly do that would change things? But the fact that we were there, doing something, is where it all begins. The greatest changes in the world have come from the voices and actions of the smallest groups of people. As Mahatma Ghandi said – You must be the change you want to see in the world….. and that’s exactly what we were doing. Why belittle our efforts with your words when you have the power to amplify our voices. Majority of the South Africans I know living in the UK are contributing back to South Africa in some way shape or form, be it through investment in houses, contributions to various charities, sending money home or even financially adopting an Aids orphan, most people are doing something. By participating in a March against Crime in South Africa, we are showing yet another way that we are supporting and are committed to a brighter future in South Africa. Every person has only so much that they can do within their capacity, not everyone is a Nelson Mandela, let those who aren’t, be his supporters instead, and do what they can within their abilities to put their punches into the fight.
August 13th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Wow, Paula, thank you for that account of the event!!
I am sorry if you think that anything here has been belittling your attempts at support. I am not belittling but debating the pros and cons of the action that has been taken. Let’s be honest though, 300 people is a big number, but in the greater scheme of the number of Saffas in that area 300 is quite low. That speaks volumes itself.
I am really glad that you came forward and spoke out about the vibe at the march and the things that took place. I am even happier that the march was supportive and filled with pride and love for SA. That makes me happy and I think that anyone who knocked an event of this kind would be a bit daft in hindsight. But initially the event was not pitched as a joyous occasion celebrating SA, but the opposite in fact. So understand where I am coming from.
Action is fantastic, Ghandi, we are not, but our efforts are admirable and measurable and that is what counts.
The concepts i spoke of previously still stand and it’s good to see that you say that many saffas are coming back. that’s great and that’s what SA needs. A reverse brain drain and increased local support for the cause!!
August 13th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I wouldn’t go as far as to say a joyous occasion but it was conducted in good spirit and a tasteful manner with Mark and his family foremost in the participants’ minds!!
All I want clear up is that we didn’t arrive, complain about South Africa and then “go drink overpriced Castles at the Walkabout”
In my opinion everyone who turned up was a walking talking advertisement (the best kind!!) for South Africa and I’m sure the tourists’ mpegs and pictures from Strand and Trafalgar square will attest to that!!
Irony of the day: Tourists taking photos of tourists!
August 14th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hi Nick,
I totally take on board everything you have said, and believe both sides have been well debated…. i think the fact thatw are debating at all is a sure sign that the March was not in vain. i too have had my doubts, and i too have thought about all the concerns you guys have all raised, at the end of the day, we were all there because we wanted to be….. it was extremely beneficail to all those involved, and as Norman said (thanks Norm!) the thousands of tourists who took pictures will remeber.
Thanks for the chat Nick, lets keep it up!
August 14th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hi Nick,
I totally take on board everything you have said, and believe both sides have been well debated…. i think the fact thatw are debating at all is a sure sign that the March was not in vain. i too have had my doubts, and i too have thought about all the concerns you guys have all raised, at the end of the day, we were all there because we wanted to be….. it was extremely beneficial to all those involved, and as Norman said (thanks Norm!) the thousands of tourists who took pictures will remeber.
Thanks for the chat Nick, lets keep it up!
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Field will you meet me at the puzzle but dont tell your brother?!
February 5th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Hi,
I live in Australia, emigrated here.
I’m living here for one reason only and to protect my family as much as I can from crime, I have a tiny baby on the way and it is my duty as a young father to protect it and my wife.
I’d love to come back home but do fear for my family’s life.
How can we as expats make a difference living over here to S.A. there, people think that expats have it so easy leaving etc, its a tough tough road this end. We also don’t always benefit financially (for example flights for two back home can be up to $6000.00) return.
Anyway getting off the topic. I love the idea, I can be involved and want to be but I’m overseas?
What do you think the government if there was a big march on crime?
Ray
February 5th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Hi Ray,
Thank you for the honest comment and the rational approach. Email me and we can chat further: editor@sarocks.co.za.
April 5th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Dear Nic,
If people in London want to protest – why can’t they? Firstly we must recognise that there are thousands of South Africans who are in London not because they have ‘abandoned’ their country – but because they are either travelling, studying or gaining skills.
To say that a protest march in London would do absolutely nothing is ridiculous. If you look at almost every controversial issue – marches and protests all over the worl are commonplace. Look for example at the recent row over Tibet. It made world headlines when protestors in Greece and UK rallied! The Tibetans struggle has been hugely aided by Tibetans in America, the UK, Austrlia. If thousands of people were to march through Trafalgar square – it would get coverage and get people talking. Don’t underestimate the power of what we can do here in London.
I agree, yes, that by being in South Africa one is naturally going to be more likely to be able to make a difference. But it is unfair and quite frankly pisses alot of passionate South Africans off who for whatever reasons aren’t in SA – to say that whatever march or protest we pull off is a waste of time and furthermore to label us hypocrates or abandanors.
The arguement that it would merely create bad media for our country???? WHAT? its creating an awareness of something which deserves the worlds attention! The country will need to endure bad media if it ever wants to make things better. How do you think Apartheid was ended? The world shut SA off! They wanted nothing to with us! It was only through pressures from the rest of the world and this ‘bad media’ which helped bring Apartheid to an end! It is only by enduring bad press that every government in the world brings corrupt politicians to justice. South Africa will be given every credit for doing everything it can to stop the crime epidemic – alot more credit than if we were all to pretend nothings happening. As much as we need passioanate, positive attitudes – we need realistic and frank attitudes to see what the problems and to address them. I have far too many friends who blindly believe that South Africa has no problems. It does have problems and they surely must be addressed if we love our country as much as we claim to??
I quote “People die, all the time, everywhere in the world. But when people are murdered here in SA we must march and make the country look like shit? I don’t get it?”
This coming from you is surprising. Surely as a passionate South African you would want our record ccrime levels to drop?? Yet you feel that we shoudl stop complaining because it makes us look bad? Lets get real man. And by the way whenever people die all over the world people do march and protest but they are so often unheard. I follow current affairs very closely and believe you me in every sinlge region in the world there are people shouting out for change etc. It is only when these cries reach mainstream media – especiialy in Europe and America – that people actually start to take realy notice – the type of notice which leads to action and help. Taking me back to the point of London protests.
i am, like you, and extremely proud and passioante South African. However I dont happen to be resident there at this stage as i am busy studying. I am like so many others here in London and probably all over the world of being labelled a ‘runner’ or ‘unpatriotic’ – I am not. And if we win London want to do what we can to make some small difference let us – and perhaps even you could work to ensure that the media in SOuth Africa is aware and by working together maybe we could bring some change.
Yours Sincerely
November 14th, 2008 at 10:24 am
any positive step to create awareness is just that a positive step, dont get up on your high horse just because you chose to stay, there is more to life then little SA, many people from all over the world travel for many different reasons, so
to here this from you is a little bit pathetic.Do what you can and thank your lucky stars that other people have not forgotten whats happening, you might leave the country, but you never ever stop thinking about family and friends and other innocent people that are being killed for no reason at all,wake up and smell the coffe !!!!
August 10th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Richard,
Agree with you.
People in this post has no idea what it is to live in a 1st World country. Just no idea.
People in ZA are dying, and i feel for those that want to leave but can not. I respect those that have a possitive attitude to stay, but do think they need to:
1) Go and Live in a 1st world country to form an opinion.
2) Stop slagging expats.
3) Get a grip on live. Running into burning bush with a positive attitude is just stupid. Or am I missing a point here – as the average person would turn the other directing and run away from a disaster and smile once safe.
Nobody smiles when they are knowing being ripped off – or do they?
August 15th, 2009 at 10:20 am
this is why people are protesting:
SA is:
No1: rapes per capita (one rape every 40 seconds)
No2: assault and murder (by all means)
No2: Murders (per capita)
No1: Murders with firearms
No4: Burglaries
No2: Kidnappings
No10: Total crime per capita out of 60 countries measured.
No1: Incidences of child and baby rape in the world
No1: Ranked by HIV/AIDS population 5,7m (11.9% of population ~ 1 out of 10), or No5 Ranked by prevalence rate
No183: Life Expectancy of only 42.45 years.
No130: infant mortality rate 44.8 deaths/1,000 live births and 66.0 Under-five mortality rate (deaths/1,000 live births)
farm attacks: murder rate is four times that of the general South African population. ~ 3,000 deaths, rate of murders had increased by 25% since 2005. 9,400 farm attacks, an estimated 61% of victims are white
for a full report see: http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/sf-south-africa/cri-crime&b_cite=1
May 15th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
It might sound contraditory to have a protest march on the other side of the world so if you feel passionate about South Africa why don’t you arrange one there and see if you will get away with it. Guess uou wouldn’t as you would fear for your safety and life for attemting this. I appluad and congratulate this group for taking their own personal time to raise awareness of what is happening and not hidden away in some internet blog that has absolutely no meaning to peoples safety and voice that is long overdue of being heard. More of these marches must be planned across the world to start getting people to see that the so called New South Africa being an example to the world of how things can be turned around for the good of EVERYONE is actually a lie and a farce with corruption, violence illegal border crossings etc. at it’s highest levels ever recorded and that South Africa cannot sustain these conditions any longer. It is only the rich and the corrupt politicians that are benefitting from a ‘good’ South Africa.
Start something yourself and then criticise those who are making an attempt to show the world that something is going on that our government is denying.
May 18th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Well mate, you say that you can do more that 10 000 “Saffas” here in London! I just want to say mate that I went to the protest and I felt very patriotic! I went on a protest for you! You might think we embarrass you and there is no point in it. In most cases the media that you see from South-Africa is only how great the country is doing, things that only dreams are made of. A load of propaganda and other media tactics to hide the proof. So we at the protest just got the word out a lot better than what you could have done from South Africa and your old BLOG, remember this kind of protest is what the people did back in the apartheid when South Africa did not want the world to find out what was going on. There effort got the UN to put a sanction on South Africa to stop all trading between South Africa and the out side world! We did not abandon SA it is still our home, at least we are trying something and not sitting still waiting our turn to get murder or raped! It is time to stand together and work on a plan to stop this problem we are facing!
November 1st, 2010 at 11:29 am
It’s good that someone is trying to do something. There are always people who will say it’s bad, it shouldn’t be in London etc.
But what they are doing to chenge anything in this world? Changes will not happen on its own. Do something instead of talking how everything is done wrong. Nothing ever changed from talking…
November 1st, 2010 at 2:23 pm
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February 8th, 2011 at 9:54 am
In my humble opinion 90% of South Africans abroad are far more sensitive and aware about rascism than 90% of the British population. We understand what constitutes rascism and we are far more cautious of the things we save in case they are misconstrued to BE racists.
Case in point, the recent Big Brother debacle. Most Saffas would never openly discuss social stereotypes because it is insensitive.
How people truly feel is a different matter to what they express and Saffas are normally very cautious about what they say even though they may think otherwise. Generally the English say what they think.
March 1st, 2011 at 9:54 am
During apartheid most black people were relatively well compensated. While the group areas act was unfair people still lived relatively good lives and were willing to work and live in SA semi unhappily. However over time the economy weakened as gold was no longer used as reserve for most major currencies. Civil War in Mozambique drove salaries down and there was a over abundance of cheep labour. As a result people were no longer earning a decent living and were not happy to work. They changed from semi content workers to people that were forced to work. This was one of the reasons apartheid was doomed to end as the masses were no longer content.
As the masses future became more bleak crime has escalated. At the moment we have a huge immigration problem that once again is driving down labour prices and there is limited future for its citizens. Government policies discourage employment and discourage many skilled people from creating jobs locally.
When people have limited futures they sometimes turn to crime.
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