It's Jakes Actually

Taking up his position at fine leg the ‘Mdingi Express’ was swarmed by expectant wannabees all seeking that coveted autograph. “Tini, Tini, Tini, Tini” rang out as the laaities jostled for the best position at the boundary fence. Us older mob couldn’t care less we had just witnessed a Daryll Cullinan master class and were enjoying a bevvie or two. “He doesn’t deserve to be there,” one commented about the fast bowler’s Test debut. “What about David Terbrugge?” another added.

How naïve those statements proved to be as Makhaya Ntini is about to play in his 100th Test match for the Proteas. Take a bow Makhaya as you go down in history as one of South Africa’s cricketing legends.

Aard

The topic has seen loads of coverage and the debate rages on as to whether South Africans should stay in the country of their birth or venture off in search of that elusive pot of gold? I am fortunately or unfortunately the owner of a maroon passport and it afforded me the opportunity to spend seven years abroad. Why I say unfortunately, is perhaps because I have seen how the other side live and it could overtly influence decisions long term.

Having returned three years ago after my stint in blighty, I decided to make a go of it in the country I fondly call home. Now don’t get me wrong, my reasons for leaving in the first place were neither motivated by politics nor the lure of financial gain but rather a personal choice based on the direction I saw my life going. Returning was somewhat of an eye opener and took me a few months to acclimatise. Getting used to the slow pace of things and the blatant lack of urgency in general life was difficult. I managed and was able to eventually ease my way back into the swing of things. Getting the job of my dreams as well as re-kindling old friendships and encountering new relationships eased the initial concerns. Coupled with the fact that I lived a stone throw away from a pub made things all that easier.

People say hindsight is a bitch and that is exactly what she is. Being able to grow up in an ever changing South Africa and then moving abroad to encounter the many treasures the world had to offer and then return home to a beautiful stranger makes you hate her even more. Should I have gone in the first place? I had missed so much and in a way alienated myself from being South African. But in saying that, should I have come back? I had made a life for myself over there and was fully prepared to make the move permanent.

With all the political unrest and financial uncertainty, that is now part of our culture, we all have a right to feel uneasy about the future. Let’s not kid ourselves; service in all spheres is non-existent. People have become so used to the poor levels that it is now considered the norm. Common sense is just not that common these days and the powers that be do not seem to have an idea of what is important in securing the safe future of this beautiful country. Surely education, medical, crime prevention, public services and housing should be at the top of the list? Personally I see these things as after thoughts for the blokes calling the shots. But we must not forget that these things are happening the world over.

So after experiencing the best and worst of both worlds, so to speak, it’s safe to say whatever the decision, it will be an educated one. Ignorant people only see the bad in a situation and shut out any positives that may be under the surface. I learnt a valuable lesson in my last place of employment, it was to start being pro-active as opposed to being re-active. I believe that if every South African had this attitude their views would be profoundly different on the future that lies ahead of us.

There is a little known saying that goes a little something like this: “You can only call yourself a South African once you have been a victim of crime and experienced retrenchment”. It’s safe to say I have earned my stripes and can say I’m the real McCoy.

Aard

While waiting for my ‘chicken chow mein’ at my local Chinese Take-Away, I could not resist paging through an old copy of the YOU magazine. Along with the cover and most of the inner content, anything Joost van de Westehuizen took preference. Whether it was an old (pun intended) flame coming forward or a rather evasive interview with the one time World Cup winner, all that was Joost took centre stage. I read the interview, glancing from time to time to the counter hoping my dinner was not ready as I was quite interested in learning more about this former rugby great’s indiscretions.

“Order number 24!” brought my fact finding mission to an end. The walk home got me thinking about various celebrity scandals over the last few years. ‘Hansiegate’and the Marion Jones, BALCO fiasco come to mind. All these had something in common: the individuals involved initially denied any involvement and some even went as far as threatening legal action to “clear” their name. One only has to pick up a newspaper and Tiger Woods and his extramarital shenanigans dominate the headlines.

It then dawned on me… how many of the other sporting stars or celebrities cleared of doing all sorts of ghastly things are actually guilty? Has the fact that a massive bank balance can silence even the greediest of witness or fund the best lawyers available to man played a huge part in covering up the wrong doings of the rich and famous? Look how far Bill Clinton went to clear his name and then eventually succumbed to the truth; add to that the OJ Simpson circus. It is amazing how a few million bucks and a famous smile can sway a judge or the public’s opinion for that matter. Will the first billionaire sportsman be able to sign his way out of this one?

Are those involved “innocent of all charges” or are they “charged for innocence”?

Aard