Pheroze
AH ambassador
While here on Safari I have the opportunity to learn about the state of this nation. There is a very important fight raging right now. And, it is one that could have a major impact on this wonderful country. It is, I think, a fight for democracy. This is my two cents on the issue.
Elections are being contested in several municipal elections. What is important is that the ANC is behind in the polls to the DA. As a part of that fight the ANC has imposed a form of censorship on the public broadcaster. A decree has been imposed banning the reporting of protests. The print media is not giving up on their rights to a free press. The editorials and articles have been a broadside against censorship and the ANC. There is a court challenge. And, in a dramatic turn of events, the CEO of the public broadcaster quit declaring his ethics were being compromised!
South Africa is a country with a lot of potential. It has a democratic tradition, a good educational system, a relatively independent judiciary and military. It has abundant resources and a good manufacturing sector. As a result, it has the potential to become a powerful democratic country. Some of the political parties are divided on racial lines but the DA seem to be breaking down those barriers in an attempt to move South Africa forward.
Right now the EU is their largest trading partner and the Brexit issue has hurt it's economy further. China is buying it's way in, but with a trade agreement with the USA there is every reason to give this country a chance. I just wish North America would wake up to the importance of this country and its potential. It is inspiring to see the press fight so hard for what many of us take for granted. It would be nice if our companies that manufacture overseas would give South Africa a chance at financial success.
This country has many complex problems. However, more trade with us may be the tipping point that this democracy needs.
Just my two cents.
Elections are being contested in several municipal elections. What is important is that the ANC is behind in the polls to the DA. As a part of that fight the ANC has imposed a form of censorship on the public broadcaster. A decree has been imposed banning the reporting of protests. The print media is not giving up on their rights to a free press. The editorials and articles have been a broadside against censorship and the ANC. There is a court challenge. And, in a dramatic turn of events, the CEO of the public broadcaster quit declaring his ethics were being compromised!
South Africa is a country with a lot of potential. It has a democratic tradition, a good educational system, a relatively independent judiciary and military. It has abundant resources and a good manufacturing sector. As a result, it has the potential to become a powerful democratic country. Some of the political parties are divided on racial lines but the DA seem to be breaking down those barriers in an attempt to move South Africa forward.
Right now the EU is their largest trading partner and the Brexit issue has hurt it's economy further. China is buying it's way in, but with a trade agreement with the USA there is every reason to give this country a chance. I just wish North America would wake up to the importance of this country and its potential. It is inspiring to see the press fight so hard for what many of us take for granted. It would be nice if our companies that manufacture overseas would give South Africa a chance at financial success.
This country has many complex problems. However, more trade with us may be the tipping point that this democracy needs.
Just my two cents.
