To the
chagrin and ire of very many people, the markets of the Great Satan (aka USA) continue
to suggest that optimism is the dominant world view about this nation now led
by a rather unusual man. Like the shrill warnings of imminent climate collapse
(whatever that is) shouted at us by people without proper things to do, the
world’s grudging acceptance of the general idea of capitalism is rather interesting and amusing for those of
us with the luxury of time to watch and think.
Whatever the
shortcomings and shortcuts that hospital built by the Chinese in 10 days might
have, it will forever be used by impatient citizens everywhere else to wave in
the face of their own lethargic and tardy leaders. For example while there are
many serious and critical electrical engineering requirements to be met before any
new generating equipment can be connected to a national grid it does seem odd
that a country in dire need of new power sources should take 120 days to decide
if these are fit for purpose. Otherwise, it’s a great development towards
privatisation. We have become so used to the glacial pace of our civil services
(months and months for a new passport, weeks and weeks for a driving licence)
that forever seems quite normal.
Watching the
childlike antics of the spoiled and overpaid brats at their Sleep Over Night in
the Assembly was enraging. Since most of the representatives are there for the
money (our money of course) the Speaker should be empowered to deduct multiples
of any patently misbehaving delegate’s match fee (salary) – just as in rugby.
Repeats to be allowed without limit. No right of appeal to any court. Realising
that one had just used up several months of forthcoming parliamentary salary
might encourage a few manners and discipline to be practiced at this very
unedifying circus. As the speaker said, it’s the right of everyone to listen to
their elected leaders. Though she didn’t add that it’s rarely fun and will be
harmful to your composure and mental wellbeing.
Apparently,
we are to get a state-owned bank and a sovereign wealth fund. Details to follow
the imminent budget speech. Neither of these make much sense for a nation like
ours in its current state of chronic indebtedness and lethal mismatch between
tax eaters and taxpayers. But these proposals merely reinforce the government’s
firm intention to own everything through a process of confiscation or EWC
(expropriation without compensation) as they so vividly describe it. The
President this morning has received plenty of fawning praise for what at least
one commentator has described as more of the same which has led to the current
and worsening mess. Curious, disappointing and sad. President Cyril has no intention
or ability to get SA great again.
In a rapid
but lengthy excursion through some remote areas of this beautiful country
(where good rains have fallen) one is reminded that there is real life away from
the ubiquitous nihilism of the electronic media and blue glowing screenlets.
People are getting on with things. Obviously if the official statistics are any
guide, things are not proceeding at the pace they could or should be. But
investment and growth are happening. On a road I had not used in a dozen years,
in S W Mapumalanga, new sleek shopping malls have sprung up on the outskirts of
nearly every dorp. Farm signs reveal the corporatisation of agriculture where gleaming
new processing plants and factories now stand right at the roadside and the
distant farmstead is often derelict. The roads are full of ore and timber
trucks. Not, one must add, to the benefit of those roads. Which is why I did
not get passed by any of the 11 new Ferraris sold last month in South Africa.
Now that’s a number to ponder! As is the news that the contents of an eye-wateringly
expensive bottle of allegedly very old single malt whisky turned out, on
testing, to be younger than my new granddaughter.
Already I am
baffled by the shredded Super rugby form book lying in pieces on the dressing
room floors. I did however enjoy a captain explain how losing by one run is a
victory for everyone.
James
Greener
The Feast of
St Valentine 2020 (leap year)
