South Africans fear it’s the All Blacks’ cup again
Iviewed Saturday’s night’s commanding quarterfinal victory for the All Blacks over the Irish embedded deep in enemy territory. No, not Ireland. For the past two weeks I’ve been in South Africa, where the Rugby World Cup was a constant conversation piece. I’ve lost count of how many South Africans I exchanged thoughts with on the rugby, but the overwhelming sentiment is they expect the All Blacks will be lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time in a row on November 2.
I was surprised at how emphatic they were about the All Blacks’ perceived invincibility, prompting me to talk up the Springboks’ chances in a bid to jolly their spirits!
On a similar note, isn’t it astounding how so many Cape Town residents overtly support the Crusaders? Newlands is packed with fanatical locals backing the visitors whenever the Crusaders are in town. ‘‘We love their style of play’’, explained my taxi driver, in a matter-of-fact fashion.
Could Newlands win a stay of execution? The stadium has been slated for demolition for several years, but the local backlash to bowling the secondoldest rugby venue in the world is gaining citywide traction.
It’s been six years since I was last in the Rainbow Nation, and I was eager to get a feel on the political and economic pulse. I was last in Johannesburg just weeks before Nelson Mandela died. Passing by his palatial old compound in Houghton, the property’s fortress-style security measures, complete with watch towers, remain in place as his children vacillate on what to do with the estate.
High walls crowned in razor wire, on-site security guards and surveillance cameras continue to dominate the streetscapes in the wealthier areas. like Melrose and Sandton.
It’s a confronting sight for the uninitiated, although as one Kiwi who is a long-time South African resident remarked to me, ‘‘They’re really just a hangover from the apartheid era and not really necessary.’’
Softening the residential prison aesthetic, Johannesburg’s famed jacaranda trees were in full bloom, like a vast purple haze coursing through the city’s canopy. Six years ago when I headed downtown, it felt unmistakably hostile, intimidating and looked like a cesspit, but I could see progress on my walkabout. The city centre is still a dump in places, but many streets looked fresh and clean, with a slightly more welcoming atmosphere. That being said, it’s still a no-go zone after dark, as are those menacing inner-city neighbourhoods of Berea, Hillbrow and Yeoville.
Economically bedevilled by problems, the national unemployment rate is now running at a staggering 29 per cent, the highest level in 16 years.
The ongoing influx of illegal migrants, or ‘‘irregular migrants’’ to use the polite parlance, is clearly deepening the socio-economic challenges. The United Nations estimates a staggering 10 to 15 per cent of South Africa’s estimated population of 60 million are illegals.
Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba is demanding the government crack down, arguing the immigration crisis is fuelling crime and sabotaging his efforts to deliver services to residents.
Millions of undocumented migrants have poured in from Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Corrupt border guards are still easily bought, apparently.
Several Black South Africans mentioned to me that the crystal meth crisis gripping the nation can be sheeted home to the influx of the illegals.
Out in the townships, a new layer of squalor is rising. Some longstanding township residents are now profiting off the migrants, by leasing them part of their back garden to erect a tin shack. How ironic, the exploited are now exploiting.
Eighteen months after becoming president, what’s the feeling about Cyril Ramaphosa? Locals, both white and black, told me it was still too early to judge. White farmers are understandably riled by his land reform agenda, which proposes seizures of land without compensation in certain circumstances. It’s reported that many have already walked off the land.
Stamping out corruption within the African National Congress and ensuring Jacob Zuma pays the price for graft, fraud and racketeering are top priorities. Zuma’s shameful betrayal of the Mandela legacy has cast a long shadow.
Madiba’s words still powerfully resonate. Despite all their challenges, my favourite Mandela quote is this one, taking aiming at victimhood as a solution: ‘‘Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.’’
Softening the residential prison aesthetic, Johannesburg’s famed jacaranda trees were in full bloom, like a vast purple haze coursing through the city’s canopy.