"BATHI UMUNTU, NGUMUNTU NGABANTU"--Jacob Zuma, Former Vice President of South Africa
Who is Jacob Zuma, you ask? Better yet, why should anyone pay attention to his quote? In South Africa, the man is the best-known, most talked about, by far the most argued about politician in the country.
You now know he's a politician. Perhaps it would be more accurate to identify him as a possible washed-up, former politician. Is there anyone with less power than a former politician? That might be him. But then again, if we are to judge him by his words, then maybe the 64-year-old accused rapist will be surrounded by literally thousands of his friends...in retirement, I hope.
The title of this posting, the quote, is in the isiZula language. Zuma is a Zulu man (more on that later). Translated, the words in English mean: "They say you are what you are because of other people." I take that to mean you are what you are by virtue of the company you keep--your peers, family, working colleagues. Who you "run" with, and so forth.
There has been a long drawn-out trial here...the Jacob Zuma Trial. For some folks the whole thing has been much like the O.J.Simpson trial in America--it has taken on a (sordid) life of its own. People around these parts have devoted a better part of their lives to watching and listening to the proceedings. The newspaper industry has gained handsomely from the intimate details of the bedroom antics of an older "gentleman" vice president who was canned by the ANC.
It reminds me somewhat of the silly quagmire former President Bill Clinton found himself in with his errant "meetings" in the White House with the dark-haired, sweet-smiling, Monica Lewinsky. Clinton did not rape the young, attractive intern. It was mutual, what occured between them (well, not exactly--he probably got more satisfaction than her, right?). Of course, she wanted the most intimate of contacts with the most powerful man on earth...and she got just what she schemed for.
Wild Bill finally admitted his sexual daliance with her to an audience on national television--with folks watching, smiling, enjoying his shifty eyes and the squirming of his posture. It was theatre, some would say at its best. Really, it was an event watched round the world. Moscovites must have found pity for the beleagured leader of the Free World. Surprisingly, to me, many people felt compassion for him--indeed, they felt he did no wrong. Many felt it was his "business"; he would have to sort it all out with Hillary was their reasoning.
I could not help but recognize the fact that many of the people who were forgiving of the president's indiscretions were African Americans. They prayed for Bill. They wailed for him. They sent messages of condolence to the White House. Throughout all of history--America's tired, racist past, African Americans have largely forgiven whites who managed to maintain their priviliged status (and still do). And they embraced Mr. Clinton because many felt he was "one of them." I've heard folks refer to President Clinton as the nation's "first black president." The man is loved by African Americans, no doubt.
My wife, a Russian, once told me Clinton was not unlike many of the leaders of her former country--during Soviet times, during present times with the man whose face matches the dullness of a rough Russian winter, Vladimir Putin, and in times past, when the czars ruled imperial Russia. The rulers of the former Soviet Union were "real" men...they had many relationships, many lovers. After all, that is what is "expected" by most Russians of a so-called, "real" Russian man. The expectations are probably there with vodka consumption too, of course. Her thinking was that the president of the United States more than likely would also have extra-marital female "companionship(s)."
Well, today is "Zuma Day" in South Africa. His accuser, a 31-year-old woman by the name of "Khwezi" (not her real name, for sure), is expected to move overseas somewhere when the verdict is read. The move is expected because of her safety. To get a real feel for this public, national tragedy, let it be known that over 18,000 Jacob Zuma supporters showed up at the Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto yesterday. And most of those supporters were screaming, out-of-control, women. Go and figure.
Getting back to Zuma's own words: If you are what you are because of other people, then the man must be crazy, deranged, and in need of a great deal of therapy. The thousands of supporters paid R25 to see and hear him. The "lucky" ones got to touch him. Oh, the huge throng got 14 traditional Zulu maskandi groups to perform as "curtain-raisers" before the "hero" of the people entered the venue. One would think they would receive some sort of "performance" from Mr. Zuma, but according to my research he possesses no known talents related to performing on a stage. And let's face it, he already gave his premier performance between the sheets of his captivated, darling "daughter."
Imagine your "hero" allegedly having raped a woman that he referred to as "his daughter" before the alleged encounter and then referring to her as "sweetheart," following his sexual act. Try to imagine that this man, who used to speak for the nation of South Africa on the HIV-AIDS pandemic, having unprotected sex with a woman who was the daughter of a deceased best friend (and ally in the war against apartheid). Yes, go ahead and reach for the sky and imagine this "leader" knowing about the young woman's disease and casting that knowledge to his sea of stupidity as he charmed her with his importance.
The judge is dronning on about the evidence as I type these words. I'm told he started at about 8am and it will go on until about 4pm today. The nation is in a frenzy over this trial and the outcome will have unforseem repercussions for South Africa in terms of the national psyche, the situation of females as a result of coming forth with rape charges, the status of women in a male-dominated culture, the health of the nation vis-a-vis HIV-AIDS, the political scene, and whatever sociological, psychological ramifications that manage to somehow impact the people.
The accuser is packing her bags. She has to have a witness-protection unit guide and direct her to a safe haven. Who knows what country will be her final destination. Her father was a man who died while in exile in Zimbabwe--he had to leave the country of his birth because of his involvement in liberating South Africa from the apartheid government. Now this--for his daughter.
"Khwezi's" academic career is ruined. She was a BA student majoring in geography and English at the University of Natal. I read where she is a vegetarian and loves music and the theatre. Good luck with "being what you are because of other people."
More on this sad situation with another posting. Jacob Zuma's twisted logic and bizarre behavior, to say nothing of his warped reasoning regarding his perception of a consentual sexual encounter with the young Zulu woman will all reach a climax today. Oops, a poor choice of words! Okay, it will all "come out in the wash." Oh, darn...another poor use of the English language (Zuma insisted that by taking a shower after the act of sex, he washed away any chance of contacting the HIV-AIDS disease). It is said that with that stated action on his part, he set the HIV-AIDS medical and informational community back twenty years in South Africa.
Anyway, you get the picture. This man would be tarred and feathered by womens' rights groups back in the United States. Zuma would be "toast" in America. Women in America would hang him out to dry. His arrogant, chauvenistic, pompous attitude would be fodder for women I know there. Indeed, HE would be the one who would have to seek asylum somewhere! Readers, let me know what you think, okay? Surely, you don't count this slime-ball creature as one of your role models, do you? Please let me know...
You now know he's a politician. Perhaps it would be more accurate to identify him as a possible washed-up, former politician. Is there anyone with less power than a former politician? That might be him. But then again, if we are to judge him by his words, then maybe the 64-year-old accused rapist will be surrounded by literally thousands of his friends...in retirement, I hope.
The title of this posting, the quote, is in the isiZula language. Zuma is a Zulu man (more on that later). Translated, the words in English mean: "They say you are what you are because of other people." I take that to mean you are what you are by virtue of the company you keep--your peers, family, working colleagues. Who you "run" with, and so forth.
There has been a long drawn-out trial here...the Jacob Zuma Trial. For some folks the whole thing has been much like the O.J.Simpson trial in America--it has taken on a (sordid) life of its own. People around these parts have devoted a better part of their lives to watching and listening to the proceedings. The newspaper industry has gained handsomely from the intimate details of the bedroom antics of an older "gentleman" vice president who was canned by the ANC.
It reminds me somewhat of the silly quagmire former President Bill Clinton found himself in with his errant "meetings" in the White House with the dark-haired, sweet-smiling, Monica Lewinsky. Clinton did not rape the young, attractive intern. It was mutual, what occured between them (well, not exactly--he probably got more satisfaction than her, right?). Of course, she wanted the most intimate of contacts with the most powerful man on earth...and she got just what she schemed for.
Wild Bill finally admitted his sexual daliance with her to an audience on national television--with folks watching, smiling, enjoying his shifty eyes and the squirming of his posture. It was theatre, some would say at its best. Really, it was an event watched round the world. Moscovites must have found pity for the beleagured leader of the Free World. Surprisingly, to me, many people felt compassion for him--indeed, they felt he did no wrong. Many felt it was his "business"; he would have to sort it all out with Hillary was their reasoning.
I could not help but recognize the fact that many of the people who were forgiving of the president's indiscretions were African Americans. They prayed for Bill. They wailed for him. They sent messages of condolence to the White House. Throughout all of history--America's tired, racist past, African Americans have largely forgiven whites who managed to maintain their priviliged status (and still do). And they embraced Mr. Clinton because many felt he was "one of them." I've heard folks refer to President Clinton as the nation's "first black president." The man is loved by African Americans, no doubt.
My wife, a Russian, once told me Clinton was not unlike many of the leaders of her former country--during Soviet times, during present times with the man whose face matches the dullness of a rough Russian winter, Vladimir Putin, and in times past, when the czars ruled imperial Russia. The rulers of the former Soviet Union were "real" men...they had many relationships, many lovers. After all, that is what is "expected" by most Russians of a so-called, "real" Russian man. The expectations are probably there with vodka consumption too, of course. Her thinking was that the president of the United States more than likely would also have extra-marital female "companionship(s)."
Well, today is "Zuma Day" in South Africa. His accuser, a 31-year-old woman by the name of "Khwezi" (not her real name, for sure), is expected to move overseas somewhere when the verdict is read. The move is expected because of her safety. To get a real feel for this public, national tragedy, let it be known that over 18,000 Jacob Zuma supporters showed up at the Jabulani Amphitheatre in Soweto yesterday. And most of those supporters were screaming, out-of-control, women. Go and figure.
Getting back to Zuma's own words: If you are what you are because of other people, then the man must be crazy, deranged, and in need of a great deal of therapy. The thousands of supporters paid R25 to see and hear him. The "lucky" ones got to touch him. Oh, the huge throng got 14 traditional Zulu maskandi groups to perform as "curtain-raisers" before the "hero" of the people entered the venue. One would think they would receive some sort of "performance" from Mr. Zuma, but according to my research he possesses no known talents related to performing on a stage. And let's face it, he already gave his premier performance between the sheets of his captivated, darling "daughter."
Imagine your "hero" allegedly having raped a woman that he referred to as "his daughter" before the alleged encounter and then referring to her as "sweetheart," following his sexual act. Try to imagine that this man, who used to speak for the nation of South Africa on the HIV-AIDS pandemic, having unprotected sex with a woman who was the daughter of a deceased best friend (and ally in the war against apartheid). Yes, go ahead and reach for the sky and imagine this "leader" knowing about the young woman's disease and casting that knowledge to his sea of stupidity as he charmed her with his importance.
The judge is dronning on about the evidence as I type these words. I'm told he started at about 8am and it will go on until about 4pm today. The nation is in a frenzy over this trial and the outcome will have unforseem repercussions for South Africa in terms of the national psyche, the situation of females as a result of coming forth with rape charges, the status of women in a male-dominated culture, the health of the nation vis-a-vis HIV-AIDS, the political scene, and whatever sociological, psychological ramifications that manage to somehow impact the people.
The accuser is packing her bags. She has to have a witness-protection unit guide and direct her to a safe haven. Who knows what country will be her final destination. Her father was a man who died while in exile in Zimbabwe--he had to leave the country of his birth because of his involvement in liberating South Africa from the apartheid government. Now this--for his daughter.
"Khwezi's" academic career is ruined. She was a BA student majoring in geography and English at the University of Natal. I read where she is a vegetarian and loves music and the theatre. Good luck with "being what you are because of other people."
More on this sad situation with another posting. Jacob Zuma's twisted logic and bizarre behavior, to say nothing of his warped reasoning regarding his perception of a consentual sexual encounter with the young Zulu woman will all reach a climax today. Oops, a poor choice of words! Okay, it will all "come out in the wash." Oh, darn...another poor use of the English language (Zuma insisted that by taking a shower after the act of sex, he washed away any chance of contacting the HIV-AIDS disease). It is said that with that stated action on his part, he set the HIV-AIDS medical and informational community back twenty years in South Africa.
Anyway, you get the picture. This man would be tarred and feathered by womens' rights groups back in the United States. Zuma would be "toast" in America. Women in America would hang him out to dry. His arrogant, chauvenistic, pompous attitude would be fodder for women I know there. Indeed, HE would be the one who would have to seek asylum somewhere! Readers, let me know what you think, okay? Surely, you don't count this slime-ball creature as one of your role models, do you? Please let me know...
posted by JOBURG JOURNAL at 2:22 AM
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