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15 - 21 October 2013
Issue 536
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WHITE GENOCIDE PROTEST: EXTREMIST OR ACCURATE?
INSIDE:
p3| Gauteng to get e-tolls for Christmas, despite cheeky DA campaign
| Red October supporters demonstrated outside South Africa House in London on Thursday. They displayed both an old and new South African flag and carried signs that read ‘Black on White Genocide’; Stop the Boer Genocide and ‘No Farmer, No Food’
p8 | London Dance Umbrella welcomes controversial SA piece
By BRETT PETZER AND HEATHER WALKER
p10 | DA condemns State fracking grab
THURSDAY’S Red October protests against the ‘oppression‘ and ‘slaughter’ of white South Africans, which saw demonstrators gather in South Africa, London and other public places around the world have been condemned as racist by the South African Institute of Race Relations. Red October supporters charge the government, and the electorate who continue to return the ruling party to power, with the decline of commercial farming in South Africa, the country’s declining food security and the sidelining of Afrikaner culture. They condemn the police and State for presiding over a general collapse of safety and security for all South Africans, with a particular focus on farm murders, which Red October see as symptomatic of something dark in contemporary South Africa: crimes not only motivated by property, but by revenge. Red October sees whites, and particularly Afrikaans-speaking white South Africans, as being especially exposed to South Africa’s epidemic of violence. The government has fundamentally failed them, as well as all South Africans, they argue. Against this narrative is a broad swathe of the South African public and academia. Respected think tank, the South African Institute of Race Relations, (SAIRR) condemned the protest as racist.
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| DIE STEM OR NKOSI SIKELELI’ iAFRIKA?: Red October protesters (pictured here in London) justify their use of apartheid-era symbols as appropriate for a systematic wave of atrocities that, they claim, are aimed at driving whites from South Africa. However, many commentators see the movement as a front for paranoia and apartheid nostalgia. Photos: Ronel van Zyl/ Facebook.
According to the SAIRR’s Georgina Alexander, Red October represents “a minority [of South Africans] that is very antiBBEEE and opposed to positive discrimination”. According to Alexander, a wealth of statistics show that white South Africans are in fact thriving in the New South Africa. “The annual per-capita incomes of white South Africans have…increased by 351% since 1996, versus a 308% rise in black incomes (which rose from a very low base)” she said. She confirmed that Red October are, like all South Africans, perfectly entitled to express their feelings, but that the facts had to
be respected: “It remains the case that in South Africa today, a black person is far more likely to be a victim of crime”. A number of readers expressed concern about the racial nature of the protest. Carla James commented on Facebook, “I agree with their memorandum, but the website is all about race and I cannot support it. If they invite all race groups to march for better governance and protection of all people, then people might take them seriously.” However, a number of social media commenters came out in support of a race-based response to what they see as race-based
persecution. Steve Hofmeyr, along with fellow singer Sunette Bridges one of the faces of the campaign, told The South African that his aim and wish for Red October supporters, was to “soberly articulate our problem to the world. If you are white, Afrikaner or any other minority group in South Africa, you are basically powerless.” News that some of the London protestors brandished an old SA flag got people particularly riled up on social media. “How sad that there are still groups that consider themselves unique to the horrors of crime in Continued on page 2
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Red October’s ‘White Genocide’ protest: right-wing or realist?
Editor: Heather Walker Production: Brett Petzer & Nicol Grobler Registered office: Unit C7, Commodore House, Battersea Reach, London SW18 1TW. Tel: 0845 456 4910 Email: editor@thesouthafrican.com Website: www.thesouthafrican.com Directors: P Atherton, A Laird, J Durrant, N Durrant and R Phillips Printed by: Mortons of Horncastle Ltd
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Continued from front page SA! Why a white only gathering? The fact that they would even proudly show the old South African flag, a symbol of apartheid, speaks volumes about this gathering. What amazes me even more is how much attention is being given to
this sad group,” Maliga Nair Pillay commented on The South African Facebook page. However according to Sharon Steytler Horsman, who attended the London protest, the person who brought the old flag had been asked to leave. She added however, “Stop
trying to bully this little group by brandishing the ‘racist’ tool, it so passé.” “Everybody has this totally out of context. Leave the person with the flag alone. Democracy should give everybody the right to free speech,” said Sandra Anne Van Litsenborgh, while according to
another London protestor, George Webb, “The “old” SA flag is not illegal as some ill-informed people think. I like the new SA flag, I respect it. I wear a pin on my chest of the new flag, but respect anyone who prefers a flag of their choice.”
Pravin Gordhan named sub-Saharan Africa’s Finance Minister of the Year | Gordhan’s African peers have applauded his stabilising influence on the region’s superpower by STAFF REPORTER
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FINANCE Minister Pravin Gordhan was on Saturday evening named the Finance Minister of the Year (2013) in the sub-Saharan Africa category by Emerging Markets. Emerging Markets is a website that provides news, analysis and commentary on economic policy, international economics and global financial markets, with a special focus on emerging markets. “The prudent fiscal policy led by Pravin Gordhan, who became finance minister in 2009 at the height of the global economic crisis, has been praised by analysts, especially since South Africa is more exposed than other emerging markets to dangers stemming from an eventual pullback of quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve,” read the citation by Emerging Markets. In his acceptance speech in Washington DC, where he has been attending the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
Our Team Each week we profile one of the many writers who contribute to The South African.
Penny Matthews
After being born and bred in South Africa for twenty-eight years, I finally made the move to London. Graduating with an honours in psychology and psychological assessment at the University of the Witwatersrand, I went to Wits Business school to do a miniMBA, which precipitated my life in the management consulting world. With a six month travel through Central America behind me, I’m opening my heart to London and most importantly to its welcoming of my arrival and perky offerings. 1moresafa.blogspot.co.uk
Until 20 Oct 2013 Graphic Africa - An exhibition featuring 16 leading African designers. Graphic Africa will showcase a thoroughly contemporary aesthetic, with important work by 16 leading designers from 10 countries in East, West and Southern Africa. Platform at Habitat, 208 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5XP. www.designnetworkafrica.org 23 Oct 2013, 7pm Rhodes University Alumni: The Purple Legacy Reunion in London. Dr Geoffrey de Jager and Rhodes University UK Trustees invite you to the Purple Legacy Reunion. Charge: Donations to the Rhodes University UK Trust www. rhodesalumni.co.uk Extra: Complimentary drink and canapés on arrival, cash bar available and partners welcome. Dress: With a touch of purple Special Guests: Rhodes Vice-
(IMF), Gordhan thanked Emerging Markets for its recognition of South Africa and its economic team, which has kept the South African economy on track during a very difficult time. “Together with our Nigerian and other colleagues, we hope to make Africa a much greater economy.” Gordhan was critical of the sudden change in the narrative about emerging markets, which up until the second quarter of this year, were praised for managing their economies very well, contributing more than 50% to global economic growth and for lifting large numbers of people above the poverty line. “Three months later, we are apparently fragile and we are terrible managers of our economies. We, the emerging markets, are here to stay. We live in an interconnected world, and more importantly, we live in an interdependent world. There is no decoupling from you, the advanced economies, and there is no decoupling from us, the emerging markets,” Gordhan said.
Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat and Old Rhodian Caroline Rowland – Director of the award winning film FIRST: The Official Film of the London 2012 Olympic Games. RSVP: E-mail: t.mccarthy@ ru.ac.za – Tel: Claire 07896 282 517 – By 16 October. Soho House, 17 Old Compton St, London W1 D 4EB. www.rhodesalumni.co.uk 24 Oct 2013 6.30pm Celebration of music and song with Aviva Pelham and talented UCT alumni. Celebrated South African singer and UCT alumnus Aviva Pelham and the University of Cape Town Trust (UK Registered Charity 803042) invite you to join them for a celebration of music and song featuring talented UCT alumni from the South African College of Music. Tickets: £30 each (Refreshments will be served before and after the performance). Students: £20 each Aviva Pelham is a lead ambassador for the UCT Opera School Fundraising Campaign. UCT is enormously proud that many of these students now perform on the world stage. UCT’s challenge is to find funding which will sustain the UCT Opera School for the next decade and beyond.
In his address at the 28th International Monetary and Financial Committee meeting, Gordhan warned that while stronger economic activity in advanced economies will have a positive impact on global growth, it will also have negative spill over effects on emerging market and developing countries (EMDCs). “Going forward, downside risks remain elevated. In the euro area, recent indicators point towards a re-emergence from the recession, but with its weak banks and high Please join them for an enchanting evening with some of UCT’s most gifted alumni. All proceeds from ticket sales for this event will go direct to the Opera School and will enable more gifted young people to follow their dreams. South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London. RSVP: uct.alumni.uk@tecres.net to reserve a place and request payment instructions. Until 26 Oct 2013 Black Jesus: This stunning new play by Anders Lustgarten, one of the UK’s leading political playwrights, receives its world premiere at Finborough Theatre in Earl’s Court, playing a four week season from Tuesday 1 October to Saturday 26 October. Black Jesus unpicks the political complexities of Zimbabwe through the devastating personal journeys of two very different people, both shaped and scarred by one of Africa’s most complex and notorious regimes.. Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road. Box Office 0844 847 1652 Tuesday, 1 October – Saturday, 26 October 2013. Tuesday to Saturday Evenings at 7.30pm. Sunday Matinees at 3.00pm.
sovereign debt, the euro area remains fragile and vulnerable to sharp shifts in sentiment. “The United States has seen several quarters of relatively strong economic activity and this had a positive impact on global growth. At the same time, however, uncertainty regarding the unwinding of unconventional monetary policies and the threat of potentially devastating budgetary challenges continue to pose serious risks to the global economy,” he said. SAnews.gov.za
| Black Jesus
Saturday matinees at 3.00pm (from 12 October 2013). Prices for Weeks One and Two (1–13 October 2013) – Tickets £14, £10 concessions, except Tuesday Evenings £10 all seats, and Saturday evenings £14 all seats. Previews (1 and 2 October) £9 all seats. £6 tickets for Under 30s for performances from Tuesday to Sunday of the first week when booked online only. Prices for Weeks Three and Four (15–26 October 2013) – Tickets £16, £12 concessions, except Tuesday Evenings £12 all seats, and Saturday evenings £16 all seats. Performance Length: Approximately 90 minutes with no interval. www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk For more events: www.thesouthafrican.com/events
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Gautengers to get e-tolls for Christmas, despite cheeky DA billboard campaign
| As Gautengers brace for an expensive and administratively complicated electronic tolling Christmas present, the ANC has scored an own goal by converting a DA billboard campaign into a Twitter hashtag that was supposed to celebrate the ruling party’s achievements since 1994 – but didn’t. by BRETT PETZER GAUTENGERS will be paying to drive their upgraded freeways by electronic tolling before Christmas, according to Transport Minister Dipuo Peters. Peters, speaking at an SABC/New Age business briefing last week, said that the President’s signing into law of the bill that authorises e-tolling was the last step before his department However, if the long-running and vociferous public debate leading up to this point are any indication, the public will use its 30 days to the full. Leading the backlash against e-tolls is Outa, the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, who see the fight as being far from over, and who count as supporters heavyweights such as the AA. Many naturally assumed that the billboards which sprouted along Gauteng’s freeways last week were Outa’s greatest victory yet. The huge billboards, which occupy advertising space that normally costs several tens of thousands of Rands per month, feature the simple, unsigned slogan, ‘E-tolls, proudly brought to you by the ANC’. SANRAL will cost R1,7billion per annum...just to operate and administer. The road construction capital costs of R18bn, if paid over 20 years with interest, amount to approximately R1,67bn per annum, including maintenance. E-Tolling in Gauteng was planned to raise over R95bn (i.e. 236% of the required amount) - OUTA
“Gauteng, which has over 3.5 million registered vehicles and a traffic count that ranges between 80,000 and 200,000 vehicles on different highway sections daily, is the first province in South Africa to implement Open Road Tolling” - SANRAL By Monday 7 October, however, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) – who had previously donated R1m to Outa – claimed responsibility for the advertisements. The DA’s entry into the fray was in many ways inevitable, given the broad-based public dissatisfaction with the ANCbacked proposal. Yet e-tolling had become, for much of 2013, a uniquely nonpolarised issue in South African politics, strongly opposed by elites and workers alike. The largest organisation opposing e-tolling was none other than Cosatu, the ruling party’s alliance partner, who in June led a 200-car ‘drive slow’ against e-tolling on Gauteng’s busiest freeways. The alliance has, in spite of some discord among its senior leadership, continued to pronounce itself against e-tolling at national and provincial levels. Despite its opposition to the policy, however, Cosatu has made clear its intention to support the ANC in next year’s elections. With the 2014 election mere months away, the country’s two largest political parties have been in full campaign mode
for months. Therefore the DA’s billboard gambit may be read as a taster of the level of political debate South Africans can expect in the near future. Caught offguard by the surprise tactic, the ANC has found itself curiously framed by the billboards. The DA’s simple advertisement of an ANC policy is not, in itself, likely to move the Advertising Standards Authority or the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa to condemn the campaign, and ANC spokespersons will be hardpressed to denounce opposition to e-tolling as a DA conspiracy when its own trade unionist faction share this opposition. Jackson Mthembu, (@JacksonMthembu on Twitter) national ANC spokesperson, eventually responded with a hashtag campaign, #ProudlyBroughtByANC, which sought to reappropriate the DA’s message to trumpet ANC achievements since democracy. However, the campaign’s rather worthy tone was enthusiastically seized upon by Tweeters dissatisfied with ANC service delivery, producing such gems as @Sentletse’s “#ProudlyBroughtByANC R200m state-of-the-art mudhuts in Nkandla” and @Innocent_ joel’s “Awarding a 6m tender to ur boyfriend just like Dina Pule #ProudlyBroughtByANC”. As Gautengers brace for an expensive and administratively complicated electronic tolling Christmas present, the rogue hashtag may have a long life yet.
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Andrew Feinstein speaks on South Africa’s future
by RONEL VAN ZYL
FORMER ANC MP Andrew Feinstein was the guest speaker at the South African Chamber of Commerce First Wednesday event for October. Feinstein shared his fascinating insights into the key players for power at the top of South Africa’s political parties and how the changing political landscape could play out in next year’s elections. The next Chamber of Commerce event is the SA Business Awards on 28 November. Details on southafricanchamber.co.uk
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Bafana Bafana star Dikgacoi to launch charitable Foundation | Crystal Palace midfielder and South Africa international Kagisho Dikgacoi has set up a charitable foundation to provide youngsters in his home country with opportunities for better life chances through education and sport by STAFF REPORTER CRYSTAL Palace midfielder and South Africa international Kagisho Dikgacoi has set up a charitable foundation to provide youngsters in his home country with opportunities for a better life through education and sport. The Kagisho Dikgacoi Foundation (KDF) will be unveiled at a gala dinner to be held on October 26th at The Guoman Tower Hotel in London. The prestigious event will be hosted by South African award-winning comedian and groundbreaking TV host, Loyiso Gola. Using sport as its drawcard, the foundation aims to address social ills affecting young people and promote access to education, community building and social inclusion. Its programmes are designed to raise physical fitness, personal confidence and also equip young people with skills to engage in sustainable self-help projects. “Our mission is to provide opportunities for young people below the age of 19 to participate in positive life experiences and to equip them with the tools to make better and more informed choices while empowering them to have a better future,” Lerato Molaba said.
The foundation will work in partnership with the private sector, local government authorities and non-profit organisations across South Africa and United Kingdom to ensure delivery of its objectives in the recipient communities. “We also urge individuals to get involved and support this vision to help us develop sustainable projects and deliver on our promises to the youth and homeless children of South Africa,” Lerato Molaba said The foundation will deliver its programmes through four interlinked sectors. The KDF Sports Programme will implement a football tournament where one
outstanding young player will be chosen to go for trials in Europe. The Work in the Community Programme will encourage communities and leaders to get involved in the programmes by engaging with the homeless and disadvantaged children through sport and assisting them to get their education. A Scholarship Fund will provide school fees and upkeep for at least ten under-privileged children. Lastly, the KDF Enterprise Fund will sponsor one sustainable entrepreneurial project annually. The programmes are envisaged to draw widespread participation among the youth, which will encourage social cohesion and dissuade them from engaging in criminal activities. “We will also accept corporate donations where companies can choose to sponsor specific events in our calendar and their logos will be displayed on the KDF website,” she said. To get involved please follow KDF on twitter @kdfoundation1 or by visiting the website www.kagishodikgacoi.org For Corporate and Media enquiries please Conrad on +44 74 1111 0426
Rhodes University Alumni invited to The Purple Legacy Reunion in London
| UK-based graduates of Rhodes University in South Africa are invited to a reunion in London.
by STAFF REPORTER RHODES University alumni are invited to two special reunion events in London on 23 October. The Purple Legacy Reunion Dr Geoffrey de Jager and Rhodes University UK Trustees invite alumni in the UK to the Purple Legacy Reunion in London on Wednesday 23 October at 7pm. Rhodes Vice-Chancellor Dr Saleem Badat and Old Rhodian Caroline Rowland – director of the award winning film FIRST: The Official Film of the London 2012 Olympic Games – will be the special guests. Venue: Soho House, House Basement, 17 Old Compton Street, London W1 D 4EB Charge: Donations to the Rhodes University UK Trust www. rhodesalumni.co.uk Extra: Complimentary drink and canapés on arrival, cash bar available and partners welcome. Dress: With a touch of purple RSVP: By 16 October E-mail: t.mccarthy@ru.ac.za Tel: Claire 07896 282 517
The Purple Legacy Luncheon Building the future – Continuing the legacy Michael Chapman, Chairman of the Rhodes University UK Legacy Group, invites you to the 2013 Legacy Luncheon with the ViceChancellor Dr Saleem Badat and Shireen Badat on Wednesday 23 October . Time: 12pm for 12:30pm Venue:Victory Services Club, El Alamein Room, 63/79 Seymour Street, London, W2 2HF Cost: No charge, but donations are always welcome Dress: Smart/casual with a touch of purple RSVP: by 16 October E-mail: Sharon Tweddle s.tweddle@ ru.ac.za or Tel: Claire Collet +44 0789 6 282 517. (Please advise of any special dietary requirements) Message from Mike Chapman (1959) – Chairman of Rhodes University UK Legacy Group: Dear Fellow Old Rhodian Having been able to set up the
Rhodes UK Trust, with excellent support from UK based Old Rhodians, I was happy to fade out, knowing that I had left it in good hands. Last year, however, I agreed to Chair the UK Legacy Group with the aim of bringing together our more mature Old Rhodians. We had a great initial event in 2012. The VC brought us up to date about Rhodes and we shared memories of our time there. As we lunched I heard that a number of you could not be there. This year we are ready to move ahead and expand our group and I hope many more of you can make this 2013 luncheon. Please put the date aside, and let us think about how we can support future Old Rhodians. Let us also gather to hear directly from the VC about Rhodes and think about the Rhodes we left behind, and where it is today, and where it is wanting to go in the future.
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South African food evenings at Cape Grand Cafe and Restaurant
| Cape Grand Cafe and Restaurant in Beaconsfield will host two South African food evenings this autumn. The mouth watering menu includes bobotie, smoked snoek samoosas with homemade chutney, Cape Malay chicken curry, fish and rice potjie and lamb bredie. CAPE Grand Cafe and Restaurant in Beaconsfield will hold a South African food evening on the last Thursday of the month during October and November 2013 from 7pm. It costs £30.00 per person and includes a bottle of Kudu Plains House red or white wine to share per table of two.
Dates: 31 October and 28 November The Cape Grand Cafe Beaconsfield HP9 1NN
MENU Starter sharing boards South African farm sausage, soft polenta, tomato and onion in a mini roll
Tomato bredie, cubed lamb cooked in a tomato & red wine sauce Sides
Smoked snoek samosas with homemade chutney
Caramelised carrots, butternut & sweet potato flavoured with cinnamon
Mains from the buffet
Yellow rice and raisins
Lamb bobotie
Dessert Bar
Vegetarian bobotie
Hot Malva pudding with whipped cream
Cape Malay chicken curry Fish and rice potjie served from the black pot
Koeksisters dipped in a chocolate sauce Cape brandy tart & honeycomb ice cream
Book on 01494681137
The OPTIMIST
KAREN DE VILLIERS
The Cape Doctor or doctors?
| One powerful gust of wind sweeps mum up like a dried leaf and tosses her down like a rejected lover. RETURNING to South Africa is never a holiday. It is an emotional, demanding, rushed exercise in loving and leaving. Add the guilt of not having time to re-connect with absolutely everyone you think you should – dating back to your preprimary days and I am a total mess of hellos and goodbyes at International Departures. However, mum is the priority. Eight-seven and frail, like my little Edith Piaf, I decided to fly her from her room at the ‘Assisted living’ facility to Cape Town. Assisted is everything with Mom now: Assisted passenger, assisted caring, you get the idea. I thought that getting her out there would
give her, just for a little while, some sparkles of life – ignite an enthusiasm that would relate to stories told to her co-assisted friends back home. Travelling with my mum is slow; we shuffle together. I can curl her under my arm, tightly against my heart and then we sit. Just watch the world go by. We have time to talk about her life before we both forget the young girl she was. ’Tis good, all good. Until the furies, or Dr. Cape Doctor decided to change it all. A quick trip for coffee to Canal Walk. Health and safety be damned and I guess I should have seen the signs. This is not a place for the elderly or handicapped or disadvantaged in anyway. This is for Titans and Olympic medallists. The distance from the car park to the entrance of the Mall must be further than the end of the rainbow – it is ridiculous! Cautiously I stop the hired car as close to the entrance as possible. Mother must alight and hang onto one of the bollards so I can park the car and hurry back. Not soon enough. One powerful gust of wind sweeps mum up like a dried
leaf and tosses her down like a rejected lover. There is blood, skin like paper. As I try to lift her and put her back in the car, I can see the grimace but not a word of complaint. Not once in the next two days as she is hospitalized with a fractured pelvis. Our little trip becomes a scene of doctors, nurses and filling in forms. I feel as guilty as Macbeth on a bad day, but Mom, not a word of complaint. My heroine. Ultimately, my reason for relaying this little story this week, is to tell you two things: One, living so far from one’s elderly parents in another country is laden with guilt and promises. Secondly, and more importantly, is to tell you that the service and professionalism we received from the Medical Staff and more importantly, from Kulula Airlines in getting her back home was beyond anything I expected. I bow down to kind and wonderful people. Together these individuals made my mother feel safe and offered me tissues. Till home, she was never alone, or made to feel anything but special. I love you all.
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A celebration of song with Aviva Pelham and other talented UCT alumni | You’re invited to join South African singer and UCT alumnus Aviva Pelham for a London concert in aid of the UCT Opera School. by STAFF REPORTER CELEBRATED South African singer and UCT alumnus Aviva Pelham and the University of Cape Town Trust (UK Registered Charity 803042) invite you to join them for a celebration of music and song featuring talented UCT alumni from the South African College of Music on Thursday 24 October 2013. Aviva Pelham is a lead ambassador for the UCT Opera School Fundraising Campaign. A decade of funding from the Andrew W Mellon Foundation has seen the Opera School greatly widen access to disadvantaged students, who, without this financial support, would have been unable to realise their goals and ambitions. UCT is enormously proud that many of these students, like Pretty Yende, Nkosazana Dimande, Kimi Skota, Fikile Mvinjelwa, Musa Ngqungwana, Pumeza Matshikiza, Luthando Qave, and many others, now perform on the world stage. UCT’s challenge is to find funding which will sustain the UCT Opera School for the next decade and beyond. Please join them for an enchanting evening with some of UCT’s most gifted alumni.
SUPER DESTINATIONS ACCRA BULAWAYO NAIROBI CAPE TOWN DUBAI KUALA LUMPUR ENTEBBE
FW de Klerk released Nelson Mandela from incarceration unconditionally and legalised all formerly banned political parties on 2 February 1990. The government published a photograph of Mandela meeting with de Klerk in Cape Town, the first photograph of Mandela published in over 20 years. Leaving Victor Verster on 11 February, Mandela held Winnie’s hand in front of amassed crowds and press; the event was broadcast live across the world. Driven to Cape Town’s City Hall
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All proceeds from ticket sales for this event will go direct to the Opera School and will enable more gifted young people to follow their dreams. Date: Thursday 24 October Time: 6.30pm – 9.00pm Venue: South Africa House,
Trafalgar Square, London Tickets: £30 each (Refreshments will be served before and after the performance) Students: £20 each RSVP: uct.alumni.uk@tecres. net to reserve a place and request payment instructions.
December 1989: Unbanning, and after
Nelson Mandela’s Living Legacy
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through crowds, he gave a speech declaring his commitment to peace and reconciliation with the white minority, but made it clear that the ANC’s armed struggle was not over, and would continue as “a purely defensive action against the violence of apartheid.” He expressed hope that the government would agree to negotiations, so that “there may no longer be the need for the armed struggle”, and insisted that his main focus was to bring peace to the black majority and give them the right to vote in national and local elections. Staying at the home of Desmond Tutu, in the following days, Mandela met with friends, activists, and press, giving a speech to 100,000 people at Johannesburg’s Soccer City. Mandela proceeded on an African tour, meeting supporters and politicians in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Libya and Algeria, continuing to Sweden where he was reunited with Tambo, and then London, where he appeared at the
Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa concert in Wembley Stadium. Encouraging foreign countries to support sanctions against the apartheid government, in France he was welcomed by President François Mitterrand, in the Vatican City by Pope John Paul II, and in England he met Margaret Thatcher. In the United States, he met President George H.W. Bush, addressed both Houses of Congress and visited eight cities, being particularly popular among the AfricanAmerican community. In Cuba he met President Fidel Castro, whom he had long emulated, with the two becoming friends. In Asia he met President R. Venkataraman in India, President Suharto in Indonesia and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in Malaysia, before visiting Australia to meet Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Japan; he notably did not visit the Soviet Union, a longtime ANC supporter.
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Controversial SA choreographer’s new piece debuts at London Dance Umbrella
| Robyn Orlin, who is known for reflecting the difficult and complex realities of her native South Africa, brings Johannesburg dance troupe Moving Into Dance Mophatong to the UK in ‘Beauty remained for just a moment then returned gently to her starting position…’ by STAFF REPORTER
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NOVEMBER 2013 26 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre 27 Birmingham The Glee Club 29 CamBridge Junction 30 LeiCester Y DECEMBER 2013 01 nottingham Glee Club 03 Brighton Komedia 05 swindon Arts Centre 06 BristoL Colston Hall 07 London Hammersmith Apollo 08 Cardiff The Glee Club 10 Bath Komedia 12 amsterdam Toomler 13 amsterdam Toomler 14 foLkestone Quarterhouse 18 CoLChester Colchester Arts Centre 19 southend Palace Theatre 20 norwiCh Norwich Playhouse 22 woLverhampton Wulfrun Hall
| 15-21 October 2013 | thesouthafrican.com
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PROVOCATIVE and controversial South African choreographer Robyn Orlin will make her debut at annual London festival Dance Umbrella, which in 2013 celebrates 35 years of bringing brave new dance from around the globe to the capital. Orlin works with Johannesburg dance troupe Moving Into Dance Mophatong in the UK premiere of Beauty remained for just a moment then returned gently to her starting position… running from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 October at Stratford Circus. Appealing to dance and theatre audiences alike, this raucous new work unites dance, text, image and audience participation and props with humour and virtuosity. The imagery is based on the customs of Ethiopia’s Surma and Mursi tribes who eccentrically adorn themselves with body paint, wooden ornaments, plants and animals. This wildly entertaining spectacle encapsulates the vibrancy and inventiveness of the African people. In a departure from the usual ‘meet the artist’ format, Orlin has chosen to reveal her working methods through One Hour with Robyn Orlin, an interactive creation with the audience on 19 and 20 October. Over the last 20 years Orlin has continuously pushed the boundaries of performance art and dance. She has worked in film, television, theatre, dance and opera and her work has been recognised in South Africa and abroad through various awards and scholarships. Nicknamed ‘a permanent irritation’ in South Africa , she is known for reflecting the difficult and complex realities in her country and involvement of the community and the audiences in her work are of great importance. Often, the immediate environment acts as a springboard for Orlin to open up issues around culture, history and identity. Beauty remained for just a moment then returned gently to her starting position… is presented by Dance Umbrella, the Barbican and East London Dance in partnership with Stratford Circus. Dance Umbrella Ticket Line: 020 7387 0031or online: www. danceumbrella.co.uk STRATFORD CIRCUS: Theatre Square, Stratford, London, E15 1BX
10
Business
| 15-21 October 2013 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
Rand remains range-bound
by JACO HERSELMAN
THE PREDICTION at the start of the week was for the Rand to remain range-bound as long as the Democrats and the Republicans remained deadlocked over the US budget. This proved to be the case as the markets continued to be pensive because of the fiscal impasse. South Africa’s finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, also expressed concern about an US default. According to Gordhan, there is a “heightened sense of anxiety” amongst policymakers and “we need to anticipate the worst and hope that we all have sufficient defences in place” The budget impasse does however reinforce the belief that the Fed will delay tapering its quantitative easing program. This stimulus program has been a major source of portfolio inflows into emerging markets. According to RMB’s John Cairns “one reason for the Rand’s resilience remains the strong portfolio inflows.” Domestically the Rand was put under pressure by Statistics South Africa data released last Tuesday showing manufacturing production
slowed in June while mining production dropped. According to emerging market economist Peter Attard Montalto “we have been expecting a slowdown back from recent higher levels due to slower external and domestic demand, even despite the weaker currency, as well as some lingering impacts of strike action.” The Rand did however reach a three week high on Friday on the back of news that striking Anglo Platinum workers returned to work. GBP / ZAR: 15.8452 EUR / ZAR: 13.4520 USD / ZAR: 9.9176 NZD / ZAR: 8.2870 Exchange rates at 9am, 14/10/2013
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DA condemns ‘kleptocratic’ State grab of 20% of new fracking ventures
| Minister Shabangu’s announcement raises the bar for companies looking to invest in shale gas in a bid to balance the State’s long-term responsibility towards the Karoo with its short-term responsibility for job creation and prosperity by BRETT PETZER MINERAL Resources Minister Susan Shabangu this week announced Cabinet approval of the technical details of shale gas hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in South Africa. The announcement has ended many months of speculation and contention for shale gas prospectors, who will now move on to evaluating the viability of fracking concessions. The announcement is just as likely to invigorate opponents of fracking, who have stated their intent to pursue the matter legally, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) condemned the regulations as an invitation to further ruling party cronyism and corruption likely to frighten investors. The DA’s James Lorimer, shadow minister for Mineral Resources, had recently condemned the new Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), to which new shale gas ventures will be subject, as a “job-killer”. The party was no more positive about the latest regulations, particularly the free carry. “For the first time ever all of South Africa’s exploration blocks in our 200km exclusive economic zone have been allocated to major oil companies – people like Total, Shell and Exxon,” Lorimer said in an August interview with mining publication MiningMx. The regulatory climate in which these firms had invested changed
with the introduction of the MPRDA, and worsened again with the announcement of this week’s announcement, which Lorimer termed another lurch towards ‘kleptocracy’. This is because Shabangu’s announcement contained a surprise clause that reserves 20 per cent of all new ventures for the State, without payment (known as a ‘free carry’). This is double the international norm, according to industry insiders. In addition, the State will reserve the right to buy another 30 per cent of all future fracking ventures at marketrelated rates, giving them easy access to an equal share of any successful shale gas company. This will allow the South African government, whose track record in the minerals sector is decidedly mixed, to influence the future decisions of shale gas concessionaires. The fracking guidelines, which are to be gazetted next week to allow for 30 days of public comment, may or may not include the free carry and 30 per cent later purchase option, but the prospect of handing over a fifth of future production to the State for mahala will surely cause investors to consider their options very carefully before sinking money into the Karoo. In an already uncertain field – for energy prospecting, despite technological advances, remains very much a lottery economy – the necessity of proving profitability over and above
the State’s 20 per cent share may deter all but the deepestpocketed investors. That fact will be cold comfort indeed to the broad church of environmentalists, tourism operators, farmers and locals who have protested fracking from the first. The most prominent of these, the Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG, treasurethekaroo.co.za) insist the the fight is only beginning, as South Africa cannot be allowed to sacrifice the unique ecological value of the Karoo, which has developed over aeons, to shortterm gain and the resultant despoliation. TKAG CEO Jonathan Deal told Business Day yesterday that fracking would be the new e-tolling, with an enthusiastic central state investing millions in an unviable project ahead of, and in spite of, public opinion. “The fact of the matter is that government has not heard the total story about fracking and is only listening to one side. It is not just about the ecology, but also that fracking is not a sustainable option,” he was quoted as saying. The position of oil and gas giants such as Royal Dutch Shell, Sasol and ExxonMobil is different. These multinationals had previously exhorted the Minister to provide clarity on the size of the free carry, and, while reserving further comment until the gazetting of the new draft regulations, they lauded the Ministry’s momentum on the issue after months of confusion.
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thesouthafrican.com | 15-21 October 2013 |
Business
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Mandela movie: Royal favourite yet to show in SA
by KATE FERREIRA
IT MIGHT just be the most anticipated movie set in or written about South African since… well, ever, but despite premiering the film at the Toronto Film Festival last month and launching the local trailer to much fanfare a fortnight ago, local audiences still have to wait until November 28 to watch Mandela: Long walk to freedom in cinemas. Meanwhile the film has become the first ever from South Africa to be selected for the Royal Film Performance, a fundraiser attended by HRM Elizabeth II. “We are thrilled that Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom has been selected…This prestigious
endorsement of the film recognises the impact [of] Madiba and his status as a global icon, particularly in the United Kingdom” producer Anant Singh said in a statement to Timeslive. co.za. Last Thursday, it was announced that the film, which premiered at the Toronto film festival last month, had also received the Audience Favourite Feature Award at the Aspen Filmfest in the United States. The film based on Nelson Mandela’s biography of the same name features a mix of international actors and familiar faces from the local entertainment industry, including Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Riaad
Moosa, Terry Pheto, Rob van Vuuren, Deon Lotz and Lindiwe Matshikiza. It was produced by local producer, Anant Singh, and directed by Justin Chadwick who is primarily a TV director, with credit including episodes of East Enders and Bleak House. The film premiered at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival on 7 September, and elicited an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience, many of
whom were described as “visibly moved” after the showing. The film also carries a sortof stamp of approval: The local trailer was launched at an event co-hosted and located at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory – the official organisation tasked with preserving the legacy of Madiba. The Centre is the operation arm of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and was the former
president’s office post-public service. The trailer looks great – with loads of authentic touches and Suff Effrikan accents that range from not bad to honestly quite good, but only time will tell how successful the filmmakers have been in conveying this complex story and portraying a beloved SA icon when we are able to view the work in its entirety come end November.
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ONE of the words one quickly become familiar with when thinking about applying for a Tier 4 Student visa is the term ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies’. The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS for short, is a virtual document that will be provided to the prospective student by the educational institution where the student will be enrolling for his/ her studies. It will contain a unique reference number, information about the course of study, as well as the student’s personal details, and will be needed in order to apply for the Tier 4 Student visa. The CAS must be valid at the time of the application for the Tier 4 Student visa, and cannot be used more than once. The CAS will expire if not used for a student visa application within six months of being issued.
If unsure about the validity, it might be best to check with the educational institution. If a Tier 4 application is refused one would need to get another CAS from the educational institution. If you would like to apply for your Tier 4 Student Visa, please do not hesitate to contact BIC, who will assist you every step of the way. For more information, please contact our offices at info@bicimmigration.com or phone us in London on 0845 074 0514. JP Breytenbach Director of BIC, Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited. www.bic-immigration.com or info@bic-immigration.com
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| 15-21 October 2013 | thesouthafrican.com
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13
thesouthafrican.com | 15-21 October 2013 |
Zimbabwe Community
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London theatre review: ‘Black Jesus’ Zimbabwe receives | Although set in Zimbabwe’s future, the plot of this play could be set $21 million from Global in any postcolonial, post-conflict society, particularly on the African Fund for HIV treatment continent where numerous self-styled ‘Black Jesus’ characters have created mayhem in the name of loyalty to their nations. by VIDHI DOSHI IF you don’t know anything about Zimbabwean politics, do some research before you watch Black Jesus, on stage at Finborough Theatre in Earl’s Court until 26 October. Playwright Anders Lustgarten has clearly done his homework, and uses this play to launch a conversation about the forces that will shape Zimbabwe’s future. Set in 2015, the play opens as an interview between an idealistic Eunice Ncube and Gabriel Chibamu, a fictional ‘Black Jesus’ who got his eyebrow-raising nickname because he would decide who would die and who would live. Zanu-PF has kickstarted a phase of pseudo-reconciliation with Ncube, and her boss Rob at its helm. Though Lustgarten makes specific allusions to Zimbabwe’s ‘Green Bombers’ or ‘MDC sellouts’, the plot could have been set in any postcolonial, post-conflict society, particularly on the African continent where numerous selfstyled ‘Black Jesus’ characters have created mayhem in the name of loyalty to their nations. However, the play, for all its technical knowledge of Zimbabwe feels more like a piece of political idealism than anything else. The production itself is impressive, with stunning performances by Paapa Essiedu as the defiant yet vulnerable ‘Black Jesus’; Debbie Korley
by AMRIT MATHARU
Paapa Essiedu (Gabriel Chibamu) and Debbie Korley (Eunice Ncube) in ‘Black Jesus’.
as the devoted but naïve Eunice Ncube, Cyril Nyi as the canny, manipulative Minister Edward Moyo and Alexander Gatehouse as a fun-loving but pragmatic Rob. Director David Mercatali has done a brilliant job of creating the necessary intensity and Set Designer Max Dorey deserves a mention for his attention to detail and for featuring a copy of the The South African newspaper in the musty office of the Truth and
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| International financing institution Global Fund provides more than US$21 million for antiretroviral drugs to fight HIV in Zimbabwe.
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Reconciliation Commission. But the actors’ compelling performances, and Lustgarten’s bold, snappy dialogue may conceal the weaknesses of the plot, which begins to address the issues in post-conflict Zimbabwe but ends on a strangely positive note. For further information or to book online go to www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk
ZIMBABWE will receive more than over US$21 million from financing institution Global Fund to be used for antiretroviral drugs to help HIV-positive people. According to Unicef statistics there was a 14.9% adult HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe in 2011. A considerable 1.2 million people of all ages are living with HIV in Zimbabwe. The HIV problem in Zimbabwe continues to be battled by government, health organisations and charities. Zimbabwe is one of the top countries that benefit from Global Fund and is supported by the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare. Global Fund was formed in 2002 as a public private partnership to raise funds to tackle the HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria problems around the world. Global Fund works to dramatically increase resources to fight the pandemic attacking the people of countries like Zimbabwe. Partnerships with governments, civil societies including the private and local community sectors have been made by Global Fund to take action against these lethal diseases. Global Fund CCM Secretariat coordinator Rangarirai Chiteure
said Global Fund will be visiting Zimbabwe between 7 and 11 October 2013. During this visit the new funding application for malaria and tuberculosis action in 2014 will also be discussed. Both malaria and tuberculosis are also diseases with a high health threat within Zimbabwe. It was recorded in 2009 that one in 12 children die before their fifth birthday due to the dangers of malaria in Zimbabwe. There are currently 5.3 million people worldwide on antiretroviral treatment, which maintains the immune system and prevents opportunistic infections that often lead to death.
thesouthafrican.com /Zimbabwe
14
Travel
| 15-21 October 2013 | thesouthafrican.com Follow us on Twitter: @TheSAnews
Soak up the smiles in Vanuatu
| Vanuatu they say is the happiest place on earth. And it is. If you disagree, you haven’t been. Simple. By KRISTY KENNY
IMAGINE a place where the crystal clear water remains perfect temperature while a magnificent sunset makes you weep in awe of its beauty. A place where time seems to stands still. Or perhaps it just seems that way because you are still waiting for the drink you ordered yesterday. Never mind, things in Vanuatu operate on island time. And you will soon too. Where else can you stare into the crater of an active volcano as the centre of the earth splashes and roars ferociously just meters away? Here, you are completely at the will of Mother Nature. And the feeling is splendid. Botchy banter Port Vila, or Vila as it is better known, is the capital of Vanuatu and located on the island Efate. It is the perfect introduction to the country. The airport is nothing more than a tin shed without air-conditioning. Outside customs, visitors are greeted by the tropical sounds of musicians wearing brightly coloured floral ensembles. Hinting at what awaits outside. Escape to the water front and to admire the view of the Pacific Ocean to the sound of children laughing as they play unsupervised in the calm seas water. Locals jibe each other loudly over botchy. Try not to laugh along with their banter. It’s near impossible. Outside the city is a stunning Blue Lagoon, Cascade Waterfalls, small islands and reefs aplenty. All are easily accessible by hired driver and van. Vila is low-rise, run down, and underwhelming. If you get through
a visit without blowing an ankle on one of the many steep drops of uneven footpath, you are doing well.
Island of smiles But you didn't come here for the footpaths or the botchy. Maybe you don’t know why you came. It won’t take long to figure out. One of the first - inescapable things you will notice in Vanuatu is the endless smiles. And it’s disconcerting. However, the people here smile because their world is uncompromised and genuine. Children don’t cry or throw tantrums – they are just as laid back as their parents and blissfully unaware of anything outside their borders. Unlike Asia, there is no haggling in Vanuatu. None. And tipping is not part of their custom which can be unnerving. How can anywhere be this friendly without wanting anything in return? What’s the catch? There isn’t one. The catch is that there is no catch. The small nation of Vanuatu is made up of 82 islands and its history packs a serious punch. And it’s paradise. How it managed to stay this way is a mystery, particularly as its neighbour Fiji has been heavily immigrated and developed. The magic of Tanna Possibly the most magical island in Vanuatu is Tanna in the south. It is extremely primal. Arriving here is like landing on the island from the film Jurassic Park – it is luscious green and thick with trees. Minus dinosaurs. But it does have that prehistoric feeling. There are no roads, very little electricity, and no buildings. It is village life in its
most natural form. Mt Yasur will undoubtedly become a favourite travel story among even the most worldly of travellers. Mt Yasur is an active volcano that you can access via four-wheel-drive. The ground tremors the closer you get and the air rains ash. At the top, stand at the crater just meters from the edge while the centre of the earth roars and erupts before your eyes. A reminder of how insignificant and small we are in comparison to the earth. Getting to Tanna involves a short flight. And the airport makes the tin shed at Vila look like Heathrow. Dark faces of the locals press against the wire fence staring in awe of the plane and the foreigners disembarking. Tanna natives are noticeably darker skinned than other islands. Travelling locals collect their luggage of chain saws, whipper-snippers and bags of rice. It is an intriguing sight for curious eyes. Espiriitu Santo is the biggest island in Vanuatu. It is famous for hosting the Yanks in the Second World War and being the underwater graveyard for much military equipment when the Japanese surrendered. Instead of shipping everything home, the US Marines just pushed it into the sea. And it’s now a popular diving site known as Million Dollar Bay. It’s also where the play South Pacific was written. It’s unsurprising that someone found motivation to write in these surroundings. There’s really no excuse for this paradise to be added to the destination list. Getting there is easy. Leaving is hard!
15
thesouthafrican.com | 15-21 October 2013 |
Sport
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Active Touch is back for another great season | The fast-growing sport is set for another great season with its two new London leagues by TRACY ANDREW THE NEW autumn season of Active Touch starts on 4 November inWandsworth (Tuesday and Thursdays) and Canary Wharf (Mondays) and will run for 8 weeks. Active Touch combines the elements from a range of different sports including netball, basketball, rugby union, rugby league and touch into a fast-paced indoor game. Active Touch is an indoor game for men and women of all abilities. It demands team work, good hand eye coordination, speed and creativity while its simple rules make it enjoyable. It’s also a great way to get fit. A rip-roaring success in Scotland where it has been played since 2011, Active Touch is now in its fifth season in London where leagues are held in Wandsworth and Canary Wharf. Active Touch in Wandsworth We are now more than halfway through the Active Touch late summer leagues and the competition is getting very tight. On Tuesdays we have a close competition between the teams
Hot Custard and Galaxy who have improved so much this season. Then we have Ralph Wiggum’s Wingmen who have just started Active Touch this season and after taking two weeks to totally understand the rules and positioning needed for Active Touch they have come on in leaps and bounds and gave Galaxy a run for their money. On Thursdays the competition could be anyone’s as the teams have all been playing for a few seasons now and know the rules inside and out. They are working on strategies and defensive plays. Thursdays are very fast, technical and teams give us a perfect show of how active touch can be played. There are not many points separating the four teams with BBR London edging on top after this halfway stage. Tumeke are making a great comeback and we are very excited to see who will come out on top. The next few weeks will be very interesting and we look forward to see what the teams will bring. Active Touch in Canary Wharf We are at the halfway point in this new Active Touch league at
Another big city marathon win for Ernst Van Dyk By MARK ETHERIDGE
MULTIPLE South African Paralympian Ernst van Dyk has raced to to his second victory in the space of three days. On Sunday Van Dyk won the 2013 Bank of America Chicago Marathon men’s wheelchair race, having won the Rolling Rampage 10km wheelchair event in Ottawa, Canada on Thursday. He told Road to Rio 2016 that he had a good feeling about racing his second Chicago Marathon (he was fourth a few years back). The feeling was
spot-on as he beat Kurt Fearnley of Australia by just one second in a time of 1hr 30min 37sec. So close was the sprint that officials needed a photofinish to decide the winner. “It was pretty exciting,” Van Dyk said. “We were together the whole way, playing games, playing cat and mouse. I had to dig a little bit more and attacked the corner with good speed.” Van Dyk’s victory will do his confidence no end of good as he chases a 10th Boston Marathon win next year. roadtorio.co.za
Van Dyk in action at the London 2012 Paralympics
Canary Wharf. The teams are now understanding the game really well and starting to think tactically. This week saw Canary Dwarfs play Razzle Dazzle which was a cracker of a game. There was end to end action with a touchdown being scored and then the other team responding with a touchdown as well. The game was extremely close but Canary Dwarfs
just edged past Razzle Dazzle winning 14-13 in the end. The next game was played by Individually Active and Look, Don’t Touch. Some great skills were shown by Individually Active who they scored touchdown after touchdown. Look, Don’t Touch tried their best but their opponents were on their best form, winning this game 17-2. Thanks for some really great
touchdowns and spirit shown by all teams and see you all next week for some more action. If you are interested in joining an Active Touch team or entering a team, our new league starts on 4 November. Send an email to tracy@ in2touch.com to get some more information on active touch or look on our In2touch website www.in2touch.com/uk
SPORT
15 - 21 October 2013
ACTIVE TOUCH TAKES UK BY STORM WITH TWO LONDON LEAGUES - P15
SA PARALYMPIAN ON ROAD TO RIO - P15
NEWS FOR GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICANS
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SMITH VITAL FOR THE PROTEAS
| Asked how comfortable Graeme Smith would be in Abu Dhabi and Dubai against top Pakistan offspinners, former coach Gary Kirsten was quick to defend the test captain, saying he has worked out a way to score runs consistently at the highest level of the game and said his batting contribution to the No 1 test team in by JEREMY BORTZ AHEAD of the first Test against Pakistan, currently underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, there was criticism that Graeme Smith may be susceptible against slow bowlers Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal, who had the England batsmen in disarray when thy captured 43 wickets to set up a series whitewash in 2012. Smith, who underwent ankle surgery earlier in the year, was named test captain for the Pakistan tour in the UAE. Although not everyone’s favourite at the start of his career, I think it’s fair to say the South African public now both like and admire Smith. His record speaks for itself with over 8,700 runs in 110 tests at an average of just under 49. Smith often performs in the second innings and also when it matters most. His undefeated 154 in the second innings of the third test at Edgbaston in 2008, which secured a series win, and his 108 in the first test in Perth which helped South Africa chase down 414 for victory, the second-highest fourth innings chase, are just two examples that spring to mind. Remarkably, South Africa have never lost a test match when Smith has scored a century (he has 26 to date with eight of those scored in
the second innings). Some critics have questioned Smith’s orthodoxy, while his detractors have claimed that he is vulnerable against offspinners. Former coach Gary Kirsten was quick to defend Smith saying he has worked out a way to score runs consistently at the highest level of the game and that his batting contribution to the No 1 test team in the world is immense. “At the end of the day, each player needs to be a significant contributor to his team. Graeme has a unique ability as a left-hander to score mostly on the leg side. I think this is pretty smart considering there are normally only three fielders on the leg side at the start of an innings.” Asked how comfortable Smith would be in Abu Dhabi and Dubai against spinners of that quality, Kirsten said, “I get the sense this is a loaded question. Graeme has performed everywhere in the world. He is an opening batsman and for 12 years, he has set the tone for a world-class batting unit to excel. “In my opinion, his physical presence is a huge factor as front-line batsman,” said Kirsten. “He (Smith) is incredibly strong mentally. He is prepared to take the blows of batting up front and when he gets on top, he is difficult to get out.” It is not only his performance with the bat that speaks volumes: Smith is the world’s most experienced test captain having led
Smith has won a big place in the hearts of all SA cricket fans - but will his recovery be rapid enough to shine against Pakistan?
South Africa 101 times. Smith is a world-class cricket captain and his team mates love to play for him. He has a great understanding of the game and knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Quite simply, Smith is the rock
that binds the Proteas and a healthy and in-form Smith will ensure South Africa continues to dominate the test cricket landscape for a few more years yet. Hashim Amla returns to the Proteas’ T20 squad while Dale Steyn returns from injury in place of
Rory Kleinveldt for the two-match series against Pakistan. Amla played the last of his 15 T20 International matches at the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka just over a year ago before taking a break from this format at his own request. Amla replaces Farhaan Behardien.
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