of the trioxinator for only 15 minutes every other day; while some clients claim the results are much faster using it every day.from 2006-2009, follicles’ medical doctors ran case studies involving over 200 clients and 10,000 sessions, and the results …

Since this country has been administrated by a government of national unity, my township in Northern KwaZulu Natal has had all its gravel roads tarred, we now have a park for children that is maintained regularly, we have less electricity and water interruptions than in the past (I am sure you are going to dig in to me with this comment with reference to load shedding. LOL); we now have street lights; we have a police station instead of Army trucks patrolling our streets and young men don’t disappear like they did in the past where they would be held for questioning.

On my regular visits to Soweto, I have noted the same level of service delivery to the masses and I get the feeling that the government is not yet ready to pat itself on the back but rather trying to accelerate the delivery.

For some people, this country has gone backwards but for a large number, they prefer this regime to the “good old days”. People can wonder freely to any public space.

Crime is a big problem, as South Africans we endure violent personal crime like rape, mugging and hijacking. I am glad to hear that both the ANC President and the State President have focused on this concern over the last few months. Our metropolitans are joining forces with business to curb urban decay are installing CCTV facilities that have already been praised for recent drops in inner-city crime. We are not alone; this is a challenge world wide. New York was a dangerous city to live in until then mayor Rudi Giuliani embarked on similar campaigns of tackling petty misdemeanors before escalating. I stayed in London for 5 months in 2006 and was amazed at the number of stabbings around the UK by “Hoodies”. In continental Europe, citizens are on high alert due to the risk of terrorism; visitors to South American states fear for the lives in light of the threat of muggings and kidnapping. Ethnic groups in Australia and New Zealand are still victimized and discriminated against even though the countries have long adopted democracy.

In this country we also don’t celebrate success; you have to delve deep in to the daily press to find positive stories. Believe me there is a huge pool of successful black entrepreneurs in this country that have not receive any patronage from the ruling party. Richard Maponya has opened an impressive shopping complex in Soweto, the story of the Kunene Brothers inspires so many people in this country, we have regional brands like Black Like Me; one of the largest Private Equity funds in country, Pamodzi Resources is the brainchild of a black man, the 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year holder. I look at guys like Phuthuma Nhleko (MTN) who within 12 years have taken a company from scratch to a top 5 company on the JSE. You won’t see him on the coat tails of politicians or lobbying for a BEE deal.

I too cringe when I hear stories of a possible future leader of this country taking handouts from dubious financial advisers or finding him in a compromising position with a young lady. However, I recognize the good leadership qualities of this man. Before he joined the national government, JZ was instrumental in diffusing political and cultural tension which may easily started a civil war in KZN. When you sit down and block out the noise from the media and listen to this man speak, you realize that he has a lot to offer in terms of reconciling factions in the ruling party and making sure that government institutions are not used for advancing individuals as we have noted in certain cases. Let’s support democracy, always not only when it suits us. There are a number of countries in this day and age where men and women secure / retain political power by use force or by taking their countries into battle so that they can serve a purpose.

I think we should also not jump the gun on policy matters of this country. The current ANC president has clearly stated over the last three weeks that there are no planned policy changes. All he and the NEC want to do is to bring the alliance partners closer. I think this is a positive, if government, the unions and business are singing off the same hymn sheet; it will bode well for the country. Casting unions aside will have disastrous implications

So my taxes, contribution to the economy and volunteer work are not needed because I dont like to take it up the arse with a smile on my face?

If the only way to be a positive contributing member in South African society is to take everything on the chin while living in state of perpetual danger and discrimination with a smile on your face, then this country is doomed.

Please dont assume someone who is negative is ignorant. There is a fine line between a positive attitude and denial/delusion. Time will tell. I wonder though, if (when) South Africa goes the same way as Zimbabwe, are you guys STILL going to blame the contributing members of society for their approach, or will you finally point some fingers at the people robbing their people blind?

Wingnut – I think that I came across somewhat harshley, bad day and all. But I still stand but most of what I have said. I think that if you have nothing better to do than badmouth SA you should leave. Simple. Darren is right, it’s sad but very pervasive that you and many South Africans believe that the situation is futile. You can and should be making a difference in any way possible to better the country.

Yes we have problems and I am not ignorant about them, nor am I calling you ignorant. The statement I made about your knowledge of politics was based on your rant that included no knowledge of the political state of the nation. That’s all.

I also firmly believe that you and I merely face a difference of opinion. I believe it is our duty to stay, build, help and change. You believe you need to rant and bad mouth and focus on the negative. This is how we see things and this is all. So choose to live however you want but know that your ranting only really tarnishes your life and no one else’s. I choose to be positive and that helps my state of living.