‘ANC doesn’t understand Afrikaners’ pain’
The ANC cannot understand the pain Afrikaners feel when they hear “dubula ibhunu” (shoot the boer) being sung, a lawyer for AfriForum said during closing arguments in ANCYL president Julius Malema’s hate speech trial on Friday.
“White Afrikaners and white people in general will never understand the suffering those people (blacks) went through in the struggle, no matter how many times it is explained,” Greta Engelbrecht said in the High Court in Johannesburg, sitting as the Equality Court.
ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.
“In the same way now the ANC do not understand what pain singing the song causes Afrikaans people.”
Engelbrecht recited the words to “dubula ibhunu” in Xhosa to the court and said she had studied the language for 10 years. She did not need a translation of the song to know it meant “shoot the boer”, she said.
The people to which Malema sang the song were not there during the struggle, and so did not understand what the words meant to soldiers then, Engelbrecht said. He first sang it to a gathering at the University of Johannesburg last year.
AfriForum’s lawyer Martin Brassey said he personally could not understand why the ANC would come to court and support Malema’s behaviour.
He said Malema had admitted the song had commemorative and contemporary significance.
“Singing of the song indicates that you should hate the boer, he’s worthy of being killed and you should hate him more,” Brassey said.
He said he agreed with friend of the court professor Koos Malan that the court should protect minorities, and that this was a pillar of democracy.
Earlier in the day Malema’s lawyer Vincent Maleka said AfriForum and Tau-SA were trying to “muzzle” the youth league president.
“The entire body of evidence relates to the political ideas of Mr Malema. Mr Malema is being muzzled.”
He was referring to Malema’s ideas on issues such as land reform and the nationalisation of mines. He said the claim the song intimidated people was not borne out by logic or evidence. Singing the words did not demonstrate a clear intention to be hurtful, incite violence or propagate hatred.
He said AfriForum’s case was “found upon a misconception” caused by the translation of the song, which was an “otherwise harmless art form”.
“Since this has started there has been no act of violence or attempt of violence (against farmers).”
If an order was handed down stopping Malema from singing it, it would not stop others from doing so, Maleka said. -
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Twitter ‘a waste of time’ – Fergie
Manchester, United Kingdom – Sir Alex Ferguson has joined the debate about footballers’ use of the social networking Twitter site by branding it “a waste of time”.”
Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has joined the debate about footballers' use of the social networking Twitter site by branding it 'a waste of time
The veteran Manchester United manager was speaking at the end of a week in which his club’s high-profile forward Wayne Rooney attracted unwanted headlines for an on-line dispute with one follower.
Rooney was also embroiled in a spat with the broadcaster Piers Morgan, an ardent Arsenal supporter.
Earlier this season, United midfielder Darron Gibson opened a Twitter account only to close it within minutes after he received a large amount of abuse from his own club’s supporters.
After Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warned his players of the potential “negative repercussions” involved with the use of Twitter this week, Ferguson is also conscious of the problems involved with such exposure.
“It’s about responsibility,” said Ferguson, 69. “I think they (players) are responsible for their actions, what they say on Twitter.
“I don’t understand it, to be honest with you. I don’t have the time to do it. There are a million things you can do with your life other than that. Go to a library and read a book. I’m serious. What a waste of time.
“But they seem to have a certain momentum at the moment. Everyone seems to want to do it.
“I don’t understand it but it is something that we, as a club, are looking at because there can be issues attached to it and we don’t want that.”
Wenger had claimed that Twitter could be a positive phenomenon for high-profile players as it allows them to keep in touch with true fans – an argument with which Ferguson does not agree.
“It’s better if you just play well on the pitch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ferguson revealed he is still hopeful that Paul Scholes will continue his career beyond next weekend’s Champions League Final against Barcelona.
Scholes, 36, is out of contract this summer and there is a strong school of thought that he will retire, meaning this weekend’s game against Blackpool may prove to have been his last at Old Trafford.
“I don’t think so,” said Ferguson of that prospect. “We will discuss it and, hopefully, encourage him to stay on another year. We will talk at the end of the year.
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Meet Aston-Zagato’s new lovechild
Fifty years after their first affair, Aston Martin and Zagato have jumped back in the sack, the celebratory result being the V12 Zagato design study that you see here.
Its muscular body is handcrafted from aluminium and sits atop V12 Vantage mechanicals
Set to debut at the Villa D'Este Concours on 21 May, the concept is intended to “gauge customer interest” before they start building them in very limited numbers.
Not just for road use, the V12 Zagato is also headed for the track, the racing version set to strut its stuff at the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25 and 26 June this year.
A modern take on classics like the DB4 GT Zagato, this latest instalment is based on the V12 Vantage and although it's unlikely to go down as the pair's most beautiful creation, Zagato's Italian flavour is evident in the more flamboyant lines.
In the words of design director Marek Reichman: “The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design that reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style.”
In order to achieve a muscular design of the kind not attainable using pre-formed panel techniques, every piece of its aluminium body is formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks.
The car sits atop Aston Martin’s ‘dynamic bonded’ aluminium platform and is thrusted along by the firm’s 6-litre V12 engine that pushes 380kW and 570Nm through the back wheels.
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ANC takes Joburg
The African National Congress won control of the Johannesburg metro receiving more than 1.2 million votes, the Independent Electoral Confirmed early on Friday.
According to the final results released, the ANC received 1 272 354 votes and as a result secured a total of 153 seats out of a total of 260 seats.
ANC members already started celebrating. Several groups of people congested some intersections in Galeshewe flashing their T-shirts and holding ANC posters in the air
The party received 59 percent of the 2 154 506 votes cast while the Democratic Alliance was the second largest party with almost 35 percent of the vote that secured them 90 seats.
The Inkatha Freedom Party and Congress of the People secured four and three seats respectively.
The ANC, DA and IFP were the only parties with win wards while the other 10 parties secured seats by virtue of proportional representation.
The ANC was also confirmed as the largest party in Ekurhuleni when it received 62 percent of the more than 1.55 million votes which helped to secure 125 of the 202 seats up for grabs in the metro.
The DA was again the second largest party with a little more than 30 percent of the votes and 62 seats.
The ANC and the DA were the only parties that won ward seats. Ten other parties secured the balance of seats through the proportional representation vote.
On Thursday the ANC was confirmed the winner of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro in a tight contest with the DA, winning 52.72 percent of the vote and securing 63 of the 120 seats up for grabs.
The DA received nearly 41 percent of the votes and 48 seats, while Cope received five percent of the vote and six seats.
The next result for a metro that was expected to be confirmed was that of Tshwane where by late Thursday 99 percent of votes had been counted. The ANC was know to have won 55 percent of the votes counted while the DA had won 38 percent of the votes.
Results from Cape Town and eThekwini (Durban) were expected to be finalised later on Friday with the the DA being the largest party in Cape Town and the ANC the largest in Durban. – Sapa
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Personal Loans For Blacklisted People
Personal loans for blacklisted people are easier to secure than you might imagine. In these trying economic times, financial lenders are more aware than ever before about the needs of securing personal loans for blacklisted people. The need for extra cash by the consumer in this deepening economic downturn is ever increasing and there are financial lenders out there that can offer help to you. Here are some ideas you might want to consider when you begin your search.
Micro lenders are specialized lenders that will be able to grant you a loan based on your current employment status. Most micro lenders require only a pay slip and proof of residence as the set criteria for supplying personal loans for blacklisted people. However, it is very important to check that the micro lender is registered as a NCP (National Credit Provider) and adheres to the NCA (National Credit Act), otherwise this is not a micro lender, it is most probably a loan shark.
Loan sharks are not the way to go when looking to secure extra cash. While they may seem credible up front, these lenders do not adhere to best business practices and can often end up changing the loan amount or repayment period without your consent. It is much better to go the safe route, that way you know the principle amount wont change and the interest rate you negotiated is going to remain stable for your repayment period.
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African Bank Loans 2012
With African Bank loans candidates are screened on an individual capacity which is great for the individual who manages their finance properly. Rather than looking at what you can earn, African Bank service agents help you look at what you can afford to repay on a monthly basis, at the end of the day, is what counts and helps the individual who does not have allot of debt to acquire needed assets such as a vehicle or home loan even if they do not earn a huge salary. In order to obtain African Bank loans individuals are subject to credit checks which is automatically done in house.
Credit checks are based on how individuals manage their finances and creditors list these payment records with the credit bureau. Your payment history is then ranked accordingly which can be accessed by other creditors you have applied for credit and based on the result your request will either re approved or disapproved. If an African Bank loan has been approved the interest rate will also be influenced by an individual’s credit ranking or score. Those individuals who manages their finances properly and who ensure no defaulting repayments will benefit with prime or low interest rates whilst others might be paying more. Many online facilities can provide you with your credit score and a small fee might be charged for it.
Not only is it good practice to obtain an annual credit score report, but many individuals have found discrepancies on the report which they would not have known otherwise. Individual needs are considered and a variety of repayment plans are offered to suit their own circumstances. Service agents carefully discuss loan applications as to ensure that individuals will not find themselves strapped for cash after all financial obligations have been paid. Repayment options vary from between 3 to 60 months which ensures enough time for the individual to repay the loan.
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ABSA Personal Loans
With ABSA personal loans, you are offered the wonderful flexibility of choosing your monthly installments to suit what you can afford with your current level of income. Come into any ABSA branch today and enquire with one of our friendly service consultants about an ABSA personal loan. Our lending rates are amongst the most generous in the country and you may qualify for a loan of up to R120 000 depending on your monthly income.
All you need to apply for your ABSA personal loan is your pay slip, green bar-coded ID document and provided you have a good credit standing, you will have access to funds quicker than you think.
ABSA does not require knowing the nature of your loan, all we ask is that you use your own due diligence on the matter and are able to keep to the monthly commitment that is tailored to suit your monthly income.
ABSA personal loans are a great way to finance whatever you need. In this day and age, with the economy in a bit of a slump and everyone having to tighten their belts, its good to know that quick, easy access to cash is available to you whenever you should need it.
ABSA personal loans are the best way to pay for that vacation or even apply for a student loan so that you can further your studies at an institute of higher learning. With very competitive interest rates and flexible repayment schedules, you can afford to manage your expenses and your income more efficiently, while at the same time keeping a little of the luxury in your life.
So what are you waiting for?, head down to your local branch and speak to one of our friendly loan officers about ABSA personal loans today, If you qualify, the funds will be deposited into your ABSA account on the same business day, ready for you to use whenever you should need it.
ABSA personal loans are simple to apply for, just remember to bring the relevant documentation with you and then leave the rest up to our professionally trained loan officers.
So if you earn above R2500 per month and have a good credit history, you may qualify for a loan of up to R120 000 but you will only know if you qualify for an ABSA personal loan if you get down to an ABSA branch and find out for yourself!
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Pitso names 23-man squad for Egypt
Pitso Mosimane this morning named the following 23-man Bafana Bafana squad to face Egypt in Cairo in an African Nations Cup 2012 qualifier on June 5.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named a full-strength 23-strong squad for their Afcon qualifier against Egypt
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbongeni Mzimela (AmaZulu)
Defenders: Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Mzuvukile Tom (Golden Arrows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse SK, Belgium), Anele Ngcongca (Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Happy Jele (Orlando Pirates), Bevan Fransman (Hapoel Tel Aviv)
Midfielders: Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Hlompo Kekana (Bloemfontein Celtic), George Maluleka (Ajax Cape Town) Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates), Thulani Serero (Ajax Cape Town), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Steven Pienaar (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Fulham, England
Strikers: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bernard Parker (Panserraikos, Greece), Davide Somma (Leeds United, England), Tlou Segolela (Orlando Pirates)
The following players will also join the camp in Rustenburg for observation – Bongolwethu Jayiya (Wits), Punch Masenamela (Chiefs), Sifiso Myeni (Wits), Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport)
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ANC take 60% of vote by 7am
The African National Congress (ANC) had garnered more than 60 percent of the 10.9 million local government election votes counted by 7am on Thursday morning.
According to figures from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), 6,548,709 votes had been cast in favour of the ANC while the Democratic Alliance (DA) had secured 2,790,862 votes or 26.03 percent.
It was still not clear how many of South Africa’s 23,65 million voters took part in Wednesday’s election.
Chief Electoral Officer Pansy Tlakula told a press briefing on Wednesday that she hoped that at least 40 percent of registered voters had cast their ballots.
IEC officials monitor the results of the 2011 local election at the IEC Result Centre in Pretoria, Tshwane
Of the 10.9 million votes cast by 3.73 million voters counted by 7am, 201,385, or 1.8 percent, were spoilt votes
At 7am the IEC was reporting that the ANC had secured 826 council seats, the DA 358 seats, the Congress of the People (Cope) 40 and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) 16.
It was not known which wards these were, but the DA’s Tshwane spokesman said the party had secured 38 of 105 wards in Tshwane, with results still outstanding.
The IEC had yet to record the Tshwane results.
In the Nelson Mandela Bay metro, the DA and the ANC appeared to be in a bruising battle with the ANC edging ahead of the DA.
At 7am, the IEC was reporting that the DA had garnered 167,561 votes to the ANC’s 172,379 votes.
Attempts by the ANC to regain control of Western Cape municipalities did not appear to be bearing fruit.
According to IEC figures, the ANC had secured 30.1 percent of the vote in the province compared to 59.4 percent for the DA. This was based on 1,604,389 votes cast by 567,360 voters.
A ward in Randfontein west of Johannesburg was the first to complete its vote counting. The ANC won 57 percent of the vote and the DA 43 percent.
Nine people were registered in Ward 74802011. Seven of them voted, with the ANC receiving four votes and the DA three.
Early results out of Gauteng indicated that the DA was leading in Midvaal, while in KwaZulu-Natal the IFP was doing battle with the National Freedom Party (NFP) for second spot.
The NFP, which was created by the IFP’s former national chairwoman Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi earlier this year, had secured 225,041 votes to the 326,438 of the IFP. – Sapa
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DA claims 6% of black votes
The Democratic Alliance said it took at least six percent of the black vote nationally, a party strategist said on Thursday.
“We are happy with this and are going to build on what we have created in this election,” Ryan Coetzee told Sapa at the IEC results centre in Pretoria.
DA leader Helen Zille at Rondebosch
“It’s a matter of momentum and growth… We want to attract much more black voters by 2014.”
He stressed the party wanted to shift black support from the ruling ANC. The DA was happy with the election turnout and confident of a landslide victory of up to 60 percent in Cape Town.
It however did not expect a win in the Nelson Mandela Bay district.
“We expected the ANC will win that council, followed by the DA and then Cope. We were hoping that if enough black voters shifted their support in this municipality, the ANC would not get its 50 percent.”
DA spokesman Gareth van Onselen said they had retained Midvaal in Gauteng, taking nine of the 14 wards. One of the wards, he said, had been taken from the ANC.
“The information is coming in slowly, but we have heard that the DA has also taken Baviaans in the Eastern Cape.”
The party said there was no indication of any corruption during Wednesday’s voting and was “pretty happy” with the election process. – Sapa
