SL writes that apartheid dinosaurs – who hanker after the “old days” and see differences in pigment and diversity of culture as dangerous – are the biggest threat to South Africa’s true transformation. This is because of the sheer number of them that still exist, the intensity of their hatred and their refusal to change.
Counterfeit “Persian Gulf” or “We won’t come!”
Kourosh Ziabari says that by demanding that the name “Persian Gulf” should be dropped from the medals and promotional materials of the 2009 Islamic Solidarity Games which was slated to be held in Iran, Arab states demonstrated again that their friendship and so-called brotherhood with Iran originates from things other than cultural or religious affinity.
Africa Day: let’s celebrate!
Lara Moses writes that Africa Day, being celebrated on 25 May, serves as a day to celebrate our African heritage as well as showcase our continent history and culture through the arts. It also acknowledges the progress that we, as Africans, have made, while reflecting on the common challenges we face in a global environment.
Change, culture, contempt: it’s just another week on The Soapbox!
It’s been busy times for The Soapbox. We changed our publishing schedule, so throughout the week we’ve been having a regular stream of opinion posted up onto the site. In this digest, look at the contributions of the past week — from cultural diversity and opposition politics, to change’s power and a contempt for democracy.
Madam Minister, don’t be afraid to keep the coal in the hole
Shadow environment minister Gareth Morgan says the environmental management of mines needs urgent attention. With the sector continuing to externalise many of its costs to the detriment of both human and environmental health, how will water and environmental affairs minister Buyelwa Sonjica, the former minister of minerals and energy, respond to mining’s environmental impact?
ANC will savage any opposition to its bid for perpetual rule
Alex Matthews argues that plans by the ANC to destabilise and distract from opposition leader Helen Zille from fulfilling her duties as premier of the Western Cape shows the contempt that our ruling party has for democracy. He argues that the ANC will brutally undermine any opposition to its bid for perpetual rule.
The brighter side: change
In a world where we hold onto the good of the past, whether it be rumbling through second-hand clothing stores, that family secret recipe or upholding the tradition of opening the door for lady, change will always come and has come, writes Lara Moses.
Rhoda Kadalie writes for us
Today we publish a piece by forthright activist and Business Day columnist Rhoda Kadalie who writes for us in The Guest Column.
She looks at the fallout of Helen Zille’s remarks around Jacob Zuma’s sexual habits which formed part of rebuttal of ruling party criticism of the all-male composition of Zille’s Western Cape cabinet.
Read Rhoda’s piece [...]
Zille should not stoop to Malema’s level
Outspoken human rights activist Rhoda Kadalie says that Helen Zille should be careful not to stoop to Malema’s level. Zille has experienced how the ANC tried to topple her when she became Mayor. With MK war veterans threatening to make the Western Cape ungovernable, the game now is the same, if not more vicious.
Big issues (and lots of little ones)
We’ve decided to change our publishing schedule here in Soapboxville. Instead of a batch of opinion pieces published once a week, we will rather be posting up single pieces on a much more regular basis (rather like a blog). We hope this means people will have more time to read and react to each of [...]
