Jacob Zuma will serve for the next term



REIGNING MAN: President Jacob Zuma will remain
president for the next 5 years. source: www.iol.co.za 



President Jacob Zuma gets second term, to actually serve for the next five years as the president of this country. So by the looks of it, Zuma might get a second term as other candidates my feel intimidated to challenge him for the presidency, because of his supporters.  But then again there is hope; delegates are not sheep. I don't believe there is homogeneity in province voting behaviour; although I know it tends to be very tribal with Eastern Cape (EC) Xhosa's opposing Zuma and Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) Zulus strongly supporting Zuma.  Zuma getting a second term might be good for provinces such as KZN, being built on his second term in office; the African National Congress (ANC) will suffer a great deal. Already, the ANC support in some provinces, like the Northern Cape and North West is not good at all. With some Metros and Municipalities just a few digits away from being taken by the opposition party, Zuma is really a strong man I must say.

Remember, Zuma has faced many challenges through his succession as the president of the nation. Let us look at the short summary at Zuma's journey since 2005 till today:

• In 2005 Thabo Mbeki removed Jacob Zuma from his post as Deputy President of South Africa, after Zuma was implicated in a corruption scandal and charges of rape. In October 2005, some supporters of Zuma  burned T-shirts portraying Mbeki's picture at a protest.
• In 2006 Jacob Zuma went on trial for allegedly raping an HIV-positive woman. He argued that she had consented to sex and he was eventually found not guilty.  There was visible split between Zuma's supporters and Mbeki's allies in the ANC. But Zuma surfaced stronger.
• On 20 September 2008, Thabo Mbeki announced his resignation after being recalled by the African National Congress's National Executive Committee, following a conclusion by Judge Nicholson of improper interference in the National Prosecuting Authority including the prosecution of Jacob Zuma for corruption.
• On 12 January 2009, the Supreme Court of Appeal unanimously overturned Judge Nicholson’s judgement but the resignation stood.

Today, that man is our president and still going to reign for the next 5 years. There's very little tolerance in the ANC for two centres of power. We've seen that with the removal of [former president] Thabo Mbeki. I would not give any credence to these reports, more so because they are from so called unnamed sources," she said. This could be their way of accommodating Zuma, given that they can't discount the fact that he has considerable support if not majority support in the party. The media has played its role in exposing what Zuma is doing and his corruption endeavours.With all the scandals, this man has faced, such as being called a man who has a shocking reputation for polygamy, misogyny and promiscuity, and who has been made to answer many uncomfortable questions about rape previously.  The communication practitioners of the ANC and for the presidency are really good at managing people's perceptions.

What is your take on this matter? Should this man serve another term as the president or get dethroned?

Is Julius Malema a threat to peace and stability for SA?

African National Congress (ANC)  spokesperson Jackson Mthembu  warned any ANC leaders who might be contemplating support of the expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who faces charges of money-laundering by saying "he is too factious and thinks he is everything. He might support a leader now, but he will do a complete about-face within three years,". But the big question here is that; is Malema a threat to peace and stability of this country? One thing for sure is that this man deserves whatever comes his way because of his discourteous behaviour, especially by targeting the President of the nation, Jacob Zuma. Many people do not agree with Zuma's way of ruling the country, but after all I still think that he needs to be treated with respect. Now, it is the time we as the public must start to question about the nature of Malema's motives, whether it is to bring ANC down and its leaders or advocating for people. But, if if it is advocate for people by fighting the corruption endeavours that officials commit every now and then, why now? Julius Malema has failed us as a nation and there is not way he is going to restore his tarnished image to the public. He never cease to amaze, recently he claimed that he is an assassination target and that Zuma wants to kill him. (read more)



NOT AFRAID: Julius Malema claims that he is not
afraid of nonsense or intimidated by anyone.
source: www.timeslive.co.za

What does this reflect back to the media and to the public? To me, it feels like he is the biggest threat to the constitution of South Africa. ANC leaders fear for their lives, because of Malema's convictions. This is like the officials are faced with a dilemma and have no way to walk out or try to let Malema down. So I ask again, can he mobilise support against the state? The irony of his imminent arrest is not lost on the nonpartisan, although allegations of corruption may catapult one to the presidency of the ANC and of the country. While the nonpartisan can be found on both sides of the Malema argument, the partisan come in two varieties. There are those who believe that the president and his lieutenants are using state institutions against political enemies. The second variety does not need evidence of Malema’s guilt. I am of the variety that is convinced that some manipulation of state institutions did occur in the last few years leading up to the installation of Zuma as head of state, dethroning Thabo Mbeki.  Zuma had the capacity to mobilise against the state and his political enemies in the ANC. So, does Malema have the same capacity? We’ll see, what do you think?

Unconstitutional diployment of soldiers in South Africa

The deployment of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) inside the country over the next four months by President Jacob Zuma is unconstitutional. The notice on the deployment was too vague. when the presidency said earlier in the day it had authorised the deployment of soldiers to Marikana, backdated to 14 September, until 31 January next year to help the police fight crime. I mean, military deployment inside South Africa, sounds like Apartheid all over again hence I am saying that, the deployment is simply not in line with the Constitution of South Africa . (read more)



TROOPS ON PARADE: SANDF to be deployed across the country.
Source: www.iafrica.com

Is the President doing this because of the Marikana Massacre? Well, my argument is that, Marikana is stable now, why deploy soldiers after peace agreement was reached or is to prevent Julius Malema to go there? It appears as if the tipping point has been reached in which the momentum of years of ineptitude finally breaks through the thin veneer of civility. Given the projected population growth, the rate of economic development and the crisis in education, it was just a matter of time before the force of the state would be challenged by poverty and inequality. This move by the African National Congress (ANC) is a tacit acknowledgement of their botched attempts at governance,
a loss of administrative control to rampant fraud, the policy failure of cadre deployment, and the inability to develop or govern civil society.
 
With the deployment, in my own opinion I think that the role of PR and communication in this was inform parliament and the general public of the reasons for the deployment of the SANDF. Inform about the locations it would be deployed, the number of members to involved and the period of time the deployment will last. So, it is imperative that the President comply with the Constitution when deploying the defence force. Democratic Alliance (DA) supported the deployment of the SANDF to help when there were "exceptional circumstances" which were beyond the resources of the police. However, we as citizens of this country cannot support the routine deployment of the defence force inside South Africa. This would cause grievance and complaint to people who were once victims of the oppressive apartheid laws. This is a nation where people should live under a safe and free-zone without fear, so these soldiers would complicate so many people's lives. This should not be supported, and South Africans must stand together to fight this. What is your take on the deployment of soldiers to this country by the President? This tells us that the ANC have failed as a government. As this area has become a problem area for Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and ANC support. Are we witnessing an attempt at the restoration of law and order or the intimidation of those trying to organise themselves in opposition to the leadership of the ANC?

Pressure builds up on SA mines

The dethroned African National Congress Youth League leader, Julius Malema addressed thousands of striking mine workers, that the NUM's leaders did not listen to workers' needs and that they are the reason the Makikana massacre occured. Production at the Driefontien gold mine outside Carltonville came to a standstill on Monday, when almost 75% of the workforce went on strike.

They marched to mine management offices and handed over a memorandum of demands which included:

• The removal of the NUM's branch leadership (which was also requested during a sudden strike last week);
• The equalisation of salaries across job categories (an accord for this in principle had been signed); and
• The reinstatement of a number of previously suspended employees

ON TOP OF THE GAME: Malema,
addresses mineworkers, at Rusternburg.
Source: www.iol.co.za

The workers also complained their taxes were too high and demanded a salary of R12 500, echoing the demand of striking workers at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine, near Rustenburg. "It's no secret that President Zuma is being paid to protect the mines. His family trusts are being paid. You can't touch the mines, because Zuma doesn't care about the mine workers. He doesn't care about you. Our leaders are in bed with the capitalists,". I am sure what Malema said has caused a bad perception to the mine workers about the President. As the pressure builds up in South Afrian mines, my question is where does this leave us and our economy?  (read more)
I ask myself if this is the way Malema want to be reinstated if still carries on disrespecting and pointing fingers to the President. Will this make him ressurect and become part of the African National Congress after the expulsion of 5-years from the ANC.
 
How is the government dealing with strikes taking place?




PROPAGANDIST: Julis malema
is a real propagandist who wants
to benefit himself while playing
with people. Source: www.news24.com

The President has described the living and working conditions of Lonmin miners as "terrible", saying that he and the government have the right to criticise the company as it has lagged in its transformation. Answering questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr Zuma said the ANC led government could not be blamed for not delivering housing in the same way as the mining companies could. He said the mines have been operating for centuries in such a manner and there were historical factors to address. (Read more)
Lonmin’s Marikana mine has been in the headlines after protests there turned deadly, living 34 workers dead. This has left so many mineworkers to join forces and stand for what they believe is right for them, the Anglo Platinum workers are also string for the same amount the as the Lomnin's workers. The issue of Marikana has generated a lot of bad publicity, and this where the communication practitioners have to interfere to ease the amount of bad publicity by launching media campaigns that will help balance company's visions and missions so that they keep the reputation and enhance their relationship with their stakeholders, to show that they are still worth of the public support and approval. To maintain a favoured publicity and relationship, techniques of PR should not be abated because they help reshape the company as a brand.

Devastating death of mineworkers due to exploitation

2012 MASSACRE: Its the blood bath, with police killing
people who did nothing wrong expect for fighting for their
rights. Picture Source: www.timeslive.co.za

34 mine workers were brutally killed last week, in Marikana, Rustenburg in the North West, South Africa. The mine workers were the victims of this massacre that occurred due to the strike that the employees of Lomnin recently took, because of the feeling of being exploited. Well, Lomnin is a well known platinum mining company, that bids and produces platinum, but what does this say about their reputation and of the mining industry? What happened in Marikana is just a symbol of exploitation in the mines. Is this because the mine workers are uneducated and that they are perceived as people who are inferior who can stand up for their rights? The law has to take its course on this matter with immediate effect, because if they just going to let this thing blow over, it will show that the South African government does not care about the grievance and the pain that the families of those unfortunate mine workers, had to  die fighting for what they believed was fair to them. The death toll from the week of Marikana violence stood at 44, including the 34 miners and another 10 people who were killed during the protest, including two policemen and two security guards.


BRING HIM BACK: A mother cried over her son's loss, at the
memorial held in Marikana, on Thursday, August 23, 2012.
Picture source: www.timeslive.co.za

The revenue earned by the platinum mine companies is worth billions per annam , but they can't satisfy the needs of their employees. This brings me to a question; what do public relations practitioners do about grievance of employees when they feel that they are exploited and are being taken for granted? Well the last time I checked public relations practitioners or communication managers are the to make sure that the needs of different groups of stakeholders are well taken care of and that there is a mutual understanding between both parties. 29 workers who died are reported to have come from the Eastern Cape, can you imagine the pain their families are going through right now, some of their families will face dire financial constraints, since the food prices are so exorbitant. 



ASTONDANCE: this woman fainted,
at the memorial service , since she is one
of those lost their loved ones in the
massacre. source: www.timeslive.co.za

What is our government to do about this tragic, and what is it that Lomnin going to do to compensate the pain of those families that lost their children while they were only bread-winners to their families, I doubt that there is any amount money that will ever close the big gap of losing a child. Who is to blame about all of this, is it the law or Bheki Cele's 'Shoot to kill'. Regretfully, all the politicians are climbing on the gravy train band waggon and taking this occasion to profit for themselves. Where were they prior to the shooting, did they try to defuse the militant strikers attitudes. Also I query the Bishop's motive in trying blame the mine officials, does he not understand business logic. No profit no mine it is as simple as that. The law must be fair though and Lomnin take a responsibility to look after the families of those who lost their lives, and this incident, reflecting back to Lomnin needs a good PR to convince the public that they are still worth of their support and approval, by so doing this they must prove by taking responsibilities.

Was the law expedient to Bobby Motaung's fraudlent?

BUILD UNDER FRAUD: Mbombela Stadium, in
Mpulanga was built under inequity. Source: www.mahala.co.za

Bobby Motaung and his co-director at Lefika Emerging Equity (Pty) Ltd, Herbert Theledi, looked relaxed as they approached the dock to appear on fraud and theft charges. The released Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung and his co-accused director of Lefika Emerging Equity, Herbert Theledi are out of prison on bail of R50 000 each. They have been charged with forgery and fraud relating to the construction of the Mbombela 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium. Lefika allegedly committed fraud in securing the tender to build the stadium.

This is very astounding to see that highly respected aristocrats commits fraud to fulfil their luxury lifestyle. The South African Criminal Law and Procedure: Common-law crimes, a book by John Milton states that "the law must consider fraud and theft cases as a false pretence. The accused's conduct would be justified as a fraud conviction which must then result for a repulsive verdict to his or her conviction, a sentence must be declared to any citizen who is the source of illegal implications." In my professional opinion, I believe that  the law must take its course to anyone who has not adhered to legal practises of a particular country. Despite the fact that the rich or poor person has broke the law, the verdict must favour equally.  This has caused so much controversy, and makes the news because the Mbombela protesters, were dressed in an African National Congress (ANC) T-shirts, chanting a loud rhythm 'Dubula u Bobby' (Shoot Bobby) outside the Nelspruit Regional Court, where Motaung was appearing on charges of fraud. Now that Motaung is a prominent person, it is going to take time to rebuild his reputation and to convince the public that he is worth of their support and approval. This requires a role of a well trained publicist who will positive disseminated information at all costs to the media to reform his image and that people will believe him again, because such things must not be neglected.



FACE THE MUSIC: Accused Kaizer Chiefs Manager, Bobby
Motaung. Source: www.sabc.co.za

Its a good thing that Kaizer Chiefs fans turned out in support of Motaung, after such scandalous and disillusionment behaviour from the person they looked up to. Fraud is an intentional deception resulting in injury to another person or an organisation. What Motaung and his director is unforgivable; he must be prosecuted like any other person who would have committed such a crime. The law is South Africa is not fair, because it favours those who are rich resulting to them not serving their jail time while the other poor citizens, rot in jail certainly for things that they were never guilty of. Do you thing the law is expedient to the riches? Whats your take on this, do you think Motaung and Theledi should be prosecuted?

All eyes are on you, Caster Semenya

LEGENDARY ATHLETE: Caster
Semenya, does what she does
best at the 2012 London Olympics.
Source: www.ibtimes.com

The media-shy 21-year-old, athlete Caster Semenya had little to say about her run on Wednesday . She was third best qualifier behind the current world record holder, Barbara Spotakova, from the Czech Republic, and German Christina Obergfoll, but the 30cm difference between first and third could have been the result of a puff of wind so little can be read into that other than the fact that the leading three qualifiers are likely to fill the podium.The 2009 World Champion did just enough to qualify comfortably for the next round in the women’s 800m.
She did nothing more than what she had to, but to run and make her country proud, which is what millions of South Africans cannot wait to see her on their screens to see what she will do with her speed of the rocket she has. Semenya makes her Olympic debut after gender testing following her victory after 2009 Olympics. For her to come all this way, it shows that she has really got what it takes to be the number one athlete of women's champion. She has come across devasting adversities, ever since her gender controversy. Yesterday she qualified to go run Women's 800m  semi-finals, round 1. Tonight she made it again by coming first on the second round of the semi-finals.
These are there results of Caster Semenya at the Women's 800 m Semifinals

• 08 August - She came second on round 1 at 2:00.71 sec
• 09 August - She came first on round 2 at 1:57.67 sec

STUNNING WIN: Caster Semenya comes first
at Women's 800 m semi-finals at 2012's London
Olympics. Source: www.dailymail.co.uk


 

The Chairperson of African Union (AU), Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma commended Caster to go for gold on a statement where she said she was very proud of Semenya's extraordinary success. Long before she made world headlines, Semenya dealt with the gender questions and controversy few years ago, as a small girl growing up in Limpopo. In fact, there are many other women in her shoes. Many women have been brutally attacked for looking like men and raped to see if they will get pregnant. Others have suffered “corrective rape” in an effort to correct their womanliness, especially lesbians, who have also been killed for looking and acting like men. Where is that media coverage?

As an agenda-setter, the media has a duty to portray not just what is, but what could be; to be exemplary in its own practises; and to open debate on the complex issues surrounding gender equality.I am proud to know women of all shapes, sizes, six-packed or not. Caster Semenya, will always be our favourite athlete and we will always appreciate what she does. Now we are looking forward to see her on finals, bringing the 'GOLD' home from the 2012 London Olympics. Caster has pushed herself a lot more to secure her spot to the finals, which will take place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 9:00 PM, all will be live on SABC 2.

Beyonce costs South Africa R17 million

News of Beyoncé coming to South Africa later this year for the second Annual South African Sports Awards has become a hot topic on the social network platforms.  Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula revealed his plan of wanting to bring Beyoncé South Africa on Kaya FM a few weeks ago. Mr Mbalula brought a jarring mix of American film and music stars that included Brandy Norwood, Vivica A Fox and Regina King to perform and present at last year’s awards. The event was held at the Sun City Resort in North West on August 21 and reportedly cost R46 Million.

Fulfiling a lavish lifestyle with

INTERNATIONA MUSIC SENSATION: Talented world star, Beyonce knowles. Source: www.videomedia.com



INTERNATIONA MUSIC SENSATION: Talented world star,

Beyonce knowles. Source: www.videomedia.com

Mbalula is indulging his need for a lavish lifestyle with the tax payer’s money and what has Beyoncé got to do with the South African Sport Awards? South African government is supposed to develop local artists not give money to the established musicians like Beyoncé Knowles. In South Africa we have a vast of talented musicians who still need to grow and becoming popular like Beyoncé. This feels like a slap in the face of South African musicians, for not being appreciated by the government or for such concerts such as SA Sport Awards. What does this have to say for our country, what image is the government portraying to the young upcoming musicians; does this mean that in South Africa we don't have enough talent to showcase on the South African Awards. So why bring international stars to present themselves to what belongs to us who are already rich?

PREFERRING INTERNATIONALS: Vivica A Fox,
 Fikile Mbalula, Nozuko Mbalula, & Regina King
during the SA Sports Awards from Sun City Superbowl
on August 21, 2011. Source: www.bantumedia.com

What happened to building sports courts and fields on our school for youth development what happened to building sports facilities in communities that need those most to get these kids off the streets? The media plays a major role in promoting local and international musicians. This clearly shows that the government Public Relations is poor, how can you appoint or hire people who does nothing for your country at such an exorbitant amount, while you can invest on more important things.

Instead of wasting so much money, that money can be donated to the Roads Agency for the e-tolling system, buy school books for Limpopo's children, build schools. I mean, the list of positive sustainable things you could with that money is endless, but thanks to Mbalula who wants to throw that away. What is your take on Mr Mbalula paying Beyoncé R17 million for an hour's work when we have so many artists in SA?

Violating your organizational social networking policy can get you in trouble- but How?

DO IT RIGHT: People need to follow social media guidelines
and never do anthing that is out of line.
Image Source: http://www.beth.typepad.com/

By now, most companies or organisations have launched blogs, Twitter accounts and Facebook pages, mindful that actively engaging online audiences is essential to the survival of any business. But social media
offers a major benefit that is too often ignored, which is the ability to monitor the online space to glean information about your customers, your competition, and even your own company. Facebook continues to be an issue and an employee time drain, despite all the warnings about carefully using the privacy settings. Even updating your status from work can violate company policy if you're not supposed to be using Facebook in the office. Twitter is an issue too. Every tweet shows up in Google, so it's easy to see what you're posting. Blog posts show up on the search engines, too, so be cautious what you say when you blog. LinkedIn can be problematic, as well, even though it's a professional networking site. I read a story about the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU)' spokesperson, Reagoikanya Molopyane, who was suspended because of a post on the union’s Facebook page and tweets to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) boss Zwelinzima Vavi. The news about SATAWU's spokesperson got relayed to her bosses and she was out of a job sooner rather than later. This issue is so controversial because when you work for a company, it is important that you follow your organisation's social media guidelines, properly in order to avoid expulsion from work.

 Here are some do's and don'ts on social media:

• Do not post something that is against your company's social media policy
• Don't get fired because posting inappropriate information on Facebook are just a couple of examples of what can get you in trouble, or even cost you your job, especially when you do it from work
• Becareful about what you tweet because you don't know who might read it. Search Twitter for "I hate my boss or my jobs sucks", is an example of what I mean.

Be consistent and practice social media carefully, because if you have a presence in the social media space, incorporate monitoring into your overall strategy. The information you gain may be just what you need to take your business to the next level. do whats right and keep you job, I am sure that you don't want to end up like the SATAWU spokesperson, who lost a job because of  a tweet that apparently angered her bosses and costed her fortune of losing her job.

South African Freedom Day- Are we really free?

BEAUTIFUL COLOURS OF OUR FLAG: Freedom day is portrayed
to our flag. Source: www.southafricareview.blogspot.com

Freedom Day, is a South African Holiday, celebrated on April 27. It celebrates freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections that took place on that day in 1994. What does it really mean to be free? Being free should mean having choice over your life as well as your rights that need to be respected and protected by others. In the South African context, it also means the political freedom to vote. But the bigger question here is, are we really protected or are our rights respected? It has been 18 years since apartheid, but freedom is far from absolute. The legacy of apartheid is still evident to this country's poverty, racial inequalities as well as socio-economic disparities. There are people saying "everybody is free", but people can still not walk everywhere they want because of fear of crime such as getting robbed, raped or killed.

There is so much crime in this country compared to other countries. and we are not even at war. My question is; are we abusing freedom or valuing it? The former President of the African National Congress Youth League, Julius Malema, sang traditional struggle song, 'DUBUL' IBHUNU'  meaning that 'Shoot the Boer',  which contains explicit violent lyrics that implies the killing of white farmers.  Even the government is introducing legislation's  that could suppress our freedom, such the Secrecy Bill, aimed at violating our rights and freedom of expression and as well as access to classified information about the state.

What Freedom Day needs to be about?

• Its supposed to be the time to heal the old wounds for those who died fighting for freedom
• Honouring and respect the rights of others
• Focus on building a new South Africa and safer one
• looking outside ourselves and finding balance where we can coexist in peace instead of being selfish.

Freedom Day, is valuable. It is the time by which we pledge to achieve a better life for all. We need campaigns and the support from our government, so that we make everyone aware that they need to stand up for their rights and and fight for what they believe in. If we are selfish with our freedom and violates rights of others, we are not better than the apartheid government. Is this kind of freedom we have in South Africa leading to chaos?

Gender based violence facing women can be stopped

The recent story on the news currently about the 17-years old girl from Braamfischer, in Soweto, Johannesburg, who was allegedly gang-raped by seven boys aged between 14-20 years old, has touched me a lot because its a cruelest torture anyone could imagine. Well in South Africa, sexual abuse are serious problems that transcend racial, economic, social and regional lines. Sexual abuse is frequently directed towards female and the youth, but it can happen to anyone. Adolescents and young women in particular may experience abuses in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, sexual exploitation and female genitals mutilation.

(Image: www.imow.org)

The article I read recently by "Sowetan Live" clearly states that the most disgusting and humiliating part is the video that was later posted to youtube, where anyone can see it. The video clearly shows faces, genitals and several acts of penetration which are clearly visible and her attackers can be heard offering her R2 in exchange for her silence. I mean what is this? Surely they do not have respect and I blame their parents for their behaviour.We need anti-rape and non-violence campaigns in our society that can contextualise a difference regarding this issue and help rape crisis on our knowledge base that could provide an effective service to survivors who go through no secondary trauma also know as Post-Traumatic Disorder (PTD) and their trial to completion.  What perception does this issue creates to the society and to children still growing?

Gender based violence is a significant public health problem which impacts women, men and children. Little is known about the correlation based on this issue in South Africa. There is a body called "Sonke Gender Justice" which is a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, working throughout Africa to promote gender equality and prevent the spread of HIV also fighting for human rights as well as ensuring healthy and happy relationships to men, women and children.

If you think that rape can never happen to you, think again, you have a choice to support anti-rape and violence campaigns because you might not know what might happen to you. The power lies in you hands to stop this. Are you ready to fight this horror?

SANRAL to mends its terms and conditions for Gauteng e-tolls

Source: http://www.timeslive.co.za

South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL), is mending its terms and conditions for the Gauteng province e-tolls. SANRAL calls for re-registration for Gauteng tolls to those road users who have registered for the e-tolling system and bought e-tags.The new set of regulations will be consumer friendly, hence it is highly essential for every road user to get registered   under the new terms and conditions. I think that this is a better economic sense for SANRAL to restart a registration process under revised terms and conditions. This shows that SANRAL has managed to negotiate on the current terms and have got an indication of revised terms and conditions that has been implemented. There has been a huge controversy and public pressure about the newly established e-tolling system in the Gauteng province, especially by those opposing the e-tolling system.
Recently the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) led a march in protest over the e-tolling system, saying that the costs will cripple the poor and small businesses, already struggling with the accumulative price increase on fuel prices. I think that the new terms and conditions will allay fears thats consumers and road users may have. This shows that the communications team of SANRAL managed to paly a big part, because it is clear that the new terms were based on public concerns, opinions and recommendations. Ideally, SANRAL has put people's interests first by making sure that registered Gauteng roaf users would not be disadvantaged. The changing of terms, is a demonstration that has been take the concerns and inputs of the public seriously. SANRAL make a clear objection that, visitors to Gauteng need to register in advance fo day passes. Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan announed on his Budget speech, in February that toll fess would be capped at R550 a month. Sanral gives thorough instructions, on how road users can may be registered, here is a short summary on how this can be done.Registering for an e-toll Account may be done through any of the following methods:

•  At an e-toll Customer Servvice Outlet, located at a mall or along Gauteng e-road. (click here for locations)
• Online at www.sanral.co.za (click here)
•  By printing the Registration Form on the e-toll website and faxing it to 0800 SANRAL (726 725); or
•  By phoning the e-toll Call Centre at 0800 SANRAL (726 725)

SANRAL declares that the have a highly trained customer service staff that will work will all road users to ensure smooth regulations and e-toll readiness when the e-road becomes fully effective. So, why wait, if you know that you haven't restered and you live in Gauteng provine. Do not be reluctant to go and get registered to show that you are true cizen of this country.

Protection of Information Bill controversy

source: http://bushradio.wordpress.com  

The Protection of Information Bill also known as the Secrecy Bill, is the South African legislation that is intended to protect state information. The number of bodies such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), have raised objections about this legislature, claiming that it will limit the rights of people who are in possession of classified information. COSATU is said to have criticised the a lot about this bill especially for the lack of clarity when it comes to the classification of information in terms of making it criminal for individuals who are in possession of such information.

source: http://www.timeslive.co.za

There has also been stories published on the Internet for surfing, such as the one titled; "We Stand Against the Secrecy Bill" , numbering by hundreds of various human rights groups and media houses across South Africa - including the Right2Know organisation - are protesting against the Protection of Bill. There is a number of prepared documents, over 3000 , explaining about the Secrecy Bill on the state security website, therefore try and check it out yourself.  Within my community, I constantly here lot of people talking enough about this Bill, saying that we as people need to prevent the state from pushing through this issue, and allowing it to become a law. I therefore questioned a number of people whether they know what the Secrecy Bill really is, all of them confessed that they have never seen or read the Bill. However, they had seen advertisements against the Bill on television and they have heard opposition parties to the ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), calling for it to be blocked. The bigger question here is, where do we go from her and what do we do to fight against the Bill?

The answer is simple, in a communications' point of view, there is a body called the Right2Know Campaign (R2K) which is a nation-wide coalition of people and organisations opposed to the Protection of Information Bill. Therefore what are you waiting for, I urge you all to sign up on the R2K website, for statements regarding this Bill.

Troubles erupt for Jacob Zuma and National Prosecuting Authority after DA's victory in court

President Jacob Zuma accused for corruption.
Picture by: (AFP News)

The Star newspaper (March 21, 2012), article, reported about the Democratic Alliance's (DA) victory in court. DA's victory in court is perceived that its going to bring a big headache for the state president, Jacob Zuma and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). THREE years after dropping corruption charges against President Jacob Zuma, the NPA may have to retrace the steps leading to that moment on how Zuma was cleared out of all corruption charges he was involved in.

Important questions to ask yourself would be:

• What is going to happen to Jacob Zuma, if the charges are to be retraced?
• Will go to court and if found guilty go to jail?
• Where does the future of this country stand?
What is the perception by other countries regarding South Africa?

Well, the great thing to be done by the state, government need to launch PR campaigns to polish and secure the state image. It is enough with the publicity stunts caused by the former African NAtional Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President, Julius Malema and disrupture to the AFrican National Congress (ANC) name. If Zuma would go to court I am afraid what might happen to this country. This humorous article shows the DA anticipating long legal battle after Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that a decision by the prosecuting authorities not to prosecute President Jacob Zuma can now be reviewed by the courts.

E-tolling system impact due to strike



Gauteng residents during e-toll strike
(Picture by: Siyabonga Africa)

I was shocked with what happened last week where most South Africans decided to protest against the idea of the newly established e-tolling system in the Gauteng province. This issue is controversy because most people do not agree with the newly established e-toll system. Labour brokers are accused of being thieves and this comes after one of the comements by Mashudu Munyai "labour brokers are thieves they took 50% of your peanuts thats not fair i support you Vavi please give us feedback thereafter...", After the COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi explained to them the main reason as to why they are actually protesting: This comment made me wonder as to why people think that their brokers are thieves and that if they are going to pay tax and e-tolls they will be paying a double tax, which can result to many people being broke and facing a serious economic recession, because their families will be poor and the monthly income they get won't be enough to settle their mothly budgets. (Click here for the Hyperlink)

The tolling debate is on prospectives; the fuel levies would never have been suffient and people want to call it TAX. It depends on you see this, wether its second TAX of just robbery to South Africans. The Strike took place almost half of the country, for Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town to name just a few. Now lets ask ourselves, is the Gauteng province or government trying to take control over the taxpayers' salaries or just to violate residents rights? In a communication perspective this is not a good publicity for South Africa especially after the strike costed the country billions of rands due to strike since most businessesess were closed. Sooner or later, if things go this way, this country will face serious economic strains.

For futher reading regarding this issue, please Click here

ANC and Malema issues are affecting us all as South African

It is very amusing that the dethroned

 president of the African National Congress

 Youth League (ANCYL), Julius Malema

 "Juju", calls for ANC leadership to become

 involved with talks with him and settle for some peace after all he has done to the party and to some of the leaders for example by throwing all the insults to his authorities. Juju never stop to amaze because he apparently wants the ANC to forgive and forget about all the mistakes and disrespectful acts he has done. As South Africans we all understand the importance of 2012 for the ANC, not only because of its 100 years of existence but also because of its elective congress this year. Since Juju has been adjudged to five years suspension by the ANC disciplinary committee there has been no peace, this comes after the violence that took place in his home town, Seshego in Limpopo.

According to his supporters, they say the sentence is too harsh and very unfair. The ANC disciplinary commite had to do something about this issue or else it was going to be dragged in a bad media coverage and obtain a bad publicity for having done nothing after Juju's nonsense. The ANC seems to have kept control, after all Juju has put them into. No matter what the problems within the party especially with other parties such as South African Communist Party (SACP) and  Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), there is hope that there will be peace because at the end of the day the country is affected when tensions erupt within the ANC. There is a lot to be done within the ANC in order to restore its dignity, especially after Juju dragged the party into disrupture and sowing divisions within the ANC, which is not good at all. Therefore in conclusion, the ANC leadership should concerntrate on strengthning the party's image and stop corruption, Malema deserves to be expelled because he is not the good leader.

Its about time Malema has been put to his place, and voters next time must be very careful who they elect as their leader, because Juju has been up to no good. People must ask themselves wether this was supposed to be the youth's leader or just a person who wanted to destroy the country.


This is the link to the day Malema got expelled from the party.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aFYZ37xhvs&feature=fvst