· November, 2005

Stories about South Africa from November, 2005

South Africa: domestic labour

30 November 2005

South African blog, Fodder is disgusted at the latest 6.7% increase in wages for domestic workers….”It is a blight on our new democracy that our government says a person can live on such a minute amount of money every month, if one wants to go the minimum wage route then...

Africa: Commonwealth conference

30 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika is one of the few African blogs to mention the recent Commonwealth Conference which took place in Malta to discuss trade issues. Bronwyn comments…”Well and good. Fair farming practices and competitive trade are essential issues that do need to be sorted out. Handled right, such issues are probably...

South Africa: Poetry

29 November 2005

The Celestine Truth offers us a poem – “The Articles of my Life”…..With all the harmonius chaos that is surrounding me, Im very fortunate to be blogging now even though I do not have much to say,I will still say my peace anyway…..going through one of my many journals I...

SA: Cosatu & Zuma

29 November 2005

South African blog, The Fish Bowl writes that Cosatu is the latest in a long list of people and organisations distancing themselves from former VP Jacob Zuma…”It's humourous (and at the same time heartening) to see Cosatu's recent distancing from Zuma. Stating that “that they have never backed Zuma as...

SA: AIDS research

28 November 2005

Fodder reports on a scheme that uses idle computer time for AIDS research.

SA: Rape victims paid off

28 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika reports from South Africa on a rumour that rape victims are being offered financial compensation by families of rapists in lieu of them reporting the rape to the police. “because a lot of people are poor due to unemployment, particularly young people, families of victims often accept the...

Mzansi Afrika: new bloggers

25 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika introduces us to two new bloggers for the site….”Rethabile of Sotho and Soul South will be joining Mzansi Africa. I am delighted to have him on board. Welcome Rethabile, I look forward to your contribution”.

Zimbabwe: South African pilots

25 November 2005

This is Zimbabwe has a humorous take on the news that Zimbabwe will be helping to train South African pilots….Terrorizing flyovers of Johannesburg. Use old jets with noisier engines. Backed with before-after public opinion research on the increase in fear…and there is more.

Blogging the latest news South African style

25 November 2005

As we approach World Aids Day on the 1st of December, South Africa's controversial and unpopular Minister of Health, Manto Tshabalala- Msimang, has caused yet another stir. Known as “Dr.Garlic” for her advocacy of garlic, lemon juice and olive oil as a solution for Aids sufferers instead of supplying much...

South AFrica: the perfect poem

24 November 2005

South African poet, The Imperfect Poet comes out of two months of hibernation….reflecting on life, love and the purpose of breathing. Not necessarily the best state to exist in but it's been working for me. I believe everyone should have the odd moment of self-pity to put life into perspective...

Namibia: Mass graves found

  22 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika reports on the discovery of mass graves in Namibia which are thought to date back to 1989, the period when Namibia was occupied by Apartheid South Africa…The graves were found near Eenhana 850km north-east of Windhoek. This was a military base for the South African army's 54 Battalion....

South Africa: recognising black achievement

22 November 2005

Hope Flower expresses her anger that even in post-apartheid South Africa Black achievement is not celebrated. “Black achievement is still seen as an aberration or as a product of some government policy, affirmative action and black economic empowerment especially“. In particular she highlights the case of Nthato Motlana who won...

South Africa: Relations with Zimbabwe

21 November 2005

South Africa reports on a recent agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe…”to strengthen ties on defence and intelligence, spurning Western government efforts to isolate President Robert Mugabe's government……….These included joint military exercises, peace keeping training, defence management training, staff course visits, communication training, sporting activities and aviation safety.” South Africa...

SA: paying for water

17 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika asks whether South Africans can “afford to wash today” as the introduction of water meters for residential users…..”There are many problems that come with pre-paid water: sewage pipe blockages, the low amount of free water supplied means that residents have to be very cautious when using water so...

Brand Africa

16 November 2005

White African posts on yet another “country” survey, this time “countries as brands”. In the outdoor section there are three African countries, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya.

Miriam Makeba – Mama Afrika

15 November 2005

African music blog, SoundRoots is saddened by the decision of African Diva, Miriam Makeba too stop touring. In her performance in Cuba recently Mama Afrika commented about the use of the term “world music” to describe “third world” music. “I don’t believe that there would be rhythm without Africa. Now...

South Africa: Zuma

14 November 2005

South African blog, The FishBowl wonders if the reported rape allegaton on Jacob Zuma is not a “smear campaign.” “The report in the Sunday Times yesterday pinning a rape allegation on Zuma, with no -even circumstantial- evidence, and a “witness” that denies the whole thing anyway.” She fears that the...

From corruption to culture – a taste from the southern tip of Africa

11 November 2005

As the holiday season approaches, in South Africa this time of year has also become known as cash heist season. As more money is put into circulation to meet the needs of christmas shoppers and holiday makers, armed gangs consisting of up to 15 or 20 members, armed with R4...

South Africa: Burning trains

10 November 2005

Mzansi Afrika reports on the burning of trains that is happening in South Africa. “On Tuesday four train carriages were burned in Vereeniging to protest against delays that had apparently been caused by cable theft. Last night angry commuters in Soweto, also fed up with delays, burned four trains at...

Nigeria: Finance minister

8 November 2005

South African blog, The Hope Flower, comments on an article in the UK Guardian about Nigeria's finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is one of only three women finance ministers in the world. Hope Flower finds the piece interesting as it addresses relationship with motherhood and ambition – something that...

South Africa Student Movement

8 November 2005

Floyd's Perspectives provides some historical background to the South African student movement and examines their role in the ANC and the anti-apartheid struggle, He also considers whether, in post apartheid SA, the movement needs to rethink its overall ideology and direction.