post mandela day...

umdloti beach, north coast Durban

Boy!!! was i glad TO SEE THE END OF MANDELA DAY.  don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing community service, and those that give of their time are to be respected and applauded. if you have read any of my previous blogs, you would definitely realise that i have a real issue with the outcome of governance in our young democracy.

and the point is, that we have a right to voice our dissatisfaction, because that is what democracy is all about, freedom of speech, unless i really have the wrong end of the stick. and recent happenings, regarding art work, which exposed President Zumas genitalia, or cartoons that offend the ruling party, were lambasted, and there were demands for them to be banned, and the artists to be punished.
pray tell, what is the difference between that, and the gagging and banning orders of the past.
however i digress, the reason i am waxing lyrical here, is because of an altercation between myself, and another social network user on FACE BOOK (FB).

for some reason, every comment made or opinion raised in this country, is dismissed as the haves (usually anybody south African, who is not an indigenous "black" person"), against the have not's( usually poor/underprivileged indigenous "black" people) . get my point, everything gets turned into a racial issue. i am now of the opinion, that "indigenous black" south Africans, are decidedly more racist, with a big chip on their shoulders that no amount of freedom, has been able to expunge.

since when did, having to work hard or be honest, or just giving back, have anything to do with being privileged or racist, what follows, is the dialogue (if i can call it that) between myself and one Flo Fikile Dlamini. (obviously indigenous black woman). i am so called "black" as per the previous dispensation, of Indian origin, and therefore was subjected to the same prejudices, oppressions, and disadvantages suffered by all people of colour, in South Africa,

ahmed iqbal cajee: why are we asked to donate 67 minutes why not 94 minutes?

flo fikile dlamini: 67 minutes to correspond to his 67 years he gave to politics.

mariam mayet: did you not come out of prison at age 67.

rouhana pahad: and how would a  donation of any number of hours, for one day in a year, help anybody? instead of donating our time, why not actually do our jobs with respect and integrity, that might benefit our country greatly.

salim jeewa: its because he spent 67 years of his life in the struggle.....i do believe.

rouhana pahad: we all know that...my point being, celebrating Madibas 67 years, by doing community service for 67 minutes, once a year, is a band aid, respecting his 67 yearsby being honest, and respecting each other, by doing what we are paid to do, now thats priceless.

flo fikile dlamini: well, is there anyone pointing a gun to your forehead, Rouhana, compelling you against your will to participate in the 67 minutes campaign? if there's anyone compelling you at the point of a gun, then theres the police station near you, i suppose.

you're free to do your job with respect and integrity for the mighty benefit of sorely threadbare South Africa of the holy virtues of being. probably the uncivilised natives would never even appreciate the enormous contribution of your request and integrity that you'll bequeath unto them.

anil sewpersad: PHARD

rouhana pahad: well Flo, you obviously have a gripe against something. and have certainly misunderstood me. you don't get the point. until we stop with this type of attitude 67 minutes a year wont help any.

anil sewpersad: quite honestly speaking, I COULDN'T wait to see THE BACK OF TODAY!!!!!!

Flo fikile dlamini: obviously, i couldn't understand you for you have such transcendental, cosmic, intellect :-(

rouhana pahad: Ah Flo, flattery will get you far, transcendental= a visionary beyond your grasp, cosmic= of the universe, not just earth, intellect= person of good understanding, faculty of knowing and reasoning, i am truly flattered thank you.   

judging from this rather ridiculous "dialogue" ( cat fight) i embarrass myself by degenerating into an argument with an idiot. how on earth my comments meant that the "uncivilised natives" were in need of my "holy virtues".

unless I'm mistaken, religious issues were not discussed, my point being only, that if each of us, South African citizens, regardless of race, colour or creed, in public or private sector employment, did what we were employed to do with respect and consideration for all our people, that we take pride in what we do without looking for the early Christmas bonus, that would benefit our country as a whole, it would mean, that funding, that should reach the poor, the disadvantaged, would get to their intended recipients.

my only understanding of this entire ridiculous discussion, is that Flo, who is possibly an attorney or in the legal profession is not very bright. she resorted to what all stupid, racist people would do, and that is turned a perfectly innocent comment into a racial issue. down the river into Conrad's HEART OF DARKNESS.

WE ARE 22 YEARS INTO DEMOCRACY, and unless south Africans can get over our racial issues, and stop resorting to crying wolf, every time, we are called upon to do what is right for this country, for all who live in her, regardless of race, colour and creed, we will never succeed. these stupid arguments highlight the fact that "blackness" has become a crutch and an excuse for mediocrity.
we really need to get over ourselves and see the bigger picture.

so to Flo i say, reading and comprehension are not the same thing, you need to read with an open an understanding mind, being bogged down by crying race, every time something affects you, will not a greater nation make. being aware of our shortcomings, then working damned hard, to overcome them, might be the better option.

peace and love...