Wow...the seasons have changed, and brought along with it a change in our political environment. As is always the case with situations like this, there is much speculation, which changes 12 hourly, as new information is released and more news unfolds. At grass roots level though, the status quo seems the same, almost as if we don't even realise it's happening, or maybe, as we sometimes do with our children, we hope for the best, let them fight it out, and see what the outcome is. For many of us who are here for the long haul, what else is there to do? What I can say is that there is no mass hysteria, in fact, it seems to not even be at the forefront of people's minds right now, and possibly that's because many of us have lived through some radical changes in this country already. I suspect that South African's have learnt, that nothing gets resolved overnight, and you can only truly assess the extent of the damamge, much further down the line, if there is any. The temperamental climate we have in spring, presented us with the gift of snow in the midlands!
On our 24 hour news channel last night, economists and political analysts were being interviewed, and below are some of their thoughts and sentiments:
- By handling certain situations differently, Mbeki could have prolonged his stay, possibly completed his term, at least until the next elections were due to take place.
- The ANC have not bypassed the constitution, in terms of the actions taken action against Mbeki, and seem to be managing the process better than anticipated.
- Whilst the stability of our financial sector is of huge concern, foreign investors are just as concerned, if not more so, by the state of the global economy, which detracts somewhat from the current situation in South Africa, and takes the spotlight off us ever so slightly.
- Trevor Manual - some believe it to have been an irresponsible act, others believe he had valid reason for his resignation, but the general consensus is that we have a number of suitable candidates available, should he decline his reappointment.
Above is a photo we took in the Midlands, which to me, represents our country as it stands at this very moment in time. At grass roots level things seem unchanged, and yet further up the ladder as you head up into the mountains, it is a different picture/climate altogther, where it's cold and stark, and possibly a clean slate. And above it all, is blue sky, which I'm hoping is the happy ending, or the light at the end of the tunnel, which may not always shine brightly, or be free of dark clouds, but it always returns to blue.
So we wait and see and life continues as per normal. One day at a time, one decision at a time, and throughout it all, we remain upbeat and positive that there is hope for the continent of Africa.
Thanks for the news update - a wonderful perspective.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of the mountain of snow, is quite interesting and so true!
Wow gf, I LOVE the midlands analogy, as always you have summed it up perfectly.....I think you should start selling yourself as a speaker, never mind an agent!!!!
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