Отрывок из книги
To the memory of Patrick van Sleight (1971-2008). Hamba kahle. And to the unsung heroes of the 1985 youth generation: building the inclusive, democratic and caring South African society we dreamed of then, is so much more exasperating, painful and complex than we could have ever imagined. Yet, we cannot give up on that dream.
These are selected columns, blogs and written and radio opinion pieces. They appeared or were aired after 2005. A full collection, including my substantial work before that, would span many books. The commentary included in this collection tries to make sense of these increasingly uncertain, complex and dangerous times, and the astonishingly self-interested and empty leadership at the head of our society. Our leadership seems bereft of any fresh ideas, or, if not that, are either appallingly complacent or simply lacking the will to steer SA Inc to surer ground.
.....
If one listens to public statements from many senior ANC-COSATU-SACP tripartite alliance leaders, one cannot help but notice that doublespeak has now – sadly – become the dominant culture. Leaders say one thing, but do the opposite. Some leaders say they are pro-poor, but they drive R1,2-million cars paid for with public money. Others call for strong measures against corruption, but behave in dodgy ways themselves. And yet others defend gender equality while in the same breath making outrageously sexist statements.
Some argue for nationalisation of the mines, saying that this will redistribute resources to the poor. If only this was genuine. In reality, they want to bail out struggling BEE tycoons or put their friends in charge of the proposed nationalised companies – and so extend their web of patronage. Others defend our democratic institutions, but in their actions undermine them. They defend the rule of law and call for those who transgress it to be harshly punished. Yet, they themselves – as senior politicians – appear to be untouchable. When they do wrong, they can manipulate things in such a way that they will go scot-free.
.....
