The crazy world of elections, Pokémon and HIV treatment

At the same time, such a view is terrifying, as we, in all honesty, realise we live in a world that makes as much sense as the SABC’s initial decision to defend its policies of censoring violent protests.

In the meantime, some sanity has prevailed, with Icasa saying the public broadcaster has agreed to abide by the order to withdraw the ban.

But, enough said of such craziness (I mean really, we live in a country where we have the right to know).

We have one week left before the elections, to be held on Wednesday, August 3.

As usual, some will choose not to vote, as is their democratic right – enjoying a day basking in the sun – yet it remains advisable to vote in order for your voice to be heard.

Yes, each and every vote counts, even though we don’t always believe it.

In the run up to the elections, we have witnessed the usual political shenanigans, as everybody promises you the sky and the Earth if you vote them into power.

It’s the same circus as what we are witnessing in America.

Politics, after all, remains a circus of crude entertainment, as we are privy to some politicians posing as jugglers (of their careers), while others walk the tightrope of surviving the political jungle and yet others attempt to tame the lion of democracy.

It is, however, not all about the elections, because there are plenty of other local and global activities that are just as bizarre and strange.

Take, for example, the world craze regarding Pokémon Go, which is a free-to-play, location-based, augmented reality mobile game.

Making use of GPS and the camera of compatible devices, the game allows players to capture, battle and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on device screens as though in the real world.

While the game (to be launched in South Africa soon), so far, has been credited with popularising augmented reality, and was praised by some medical professionals for potentially improving the mental and physical health of players, it has also attracted some controversy, due to reports of it causing accidents and being a public nuisance at some locations.

What is just weird for me is that even adults across the world are playing Pokémon Go, physically chasing virtual reality monsters on their cellphones.

Reports have filtered through of people trespassing on private property because they are chasing these pocket monsters, and others have even quit their jobs to spend their time engaging in this mindless activity.

And, oh yes, even a reported death.

While the world is burning with hunger, violence and pestilence, adults would rather engage in games, chasing imaginary monsters.

But nothing is more strange than the Aids conference, held in Durban.

Back in 2000, when the world came to South Africa for a conference on Aids for the first time, the country’s leader shocked attendees by questioning whether HIV really caused the disease.

President Thabo Mbeki then walked out of the room as a slender, 11-year-old boy (Nkosi Johnson) with Aids addressed the crowd in response, pleading for treatment and understanding in a region where the epidemic was taking its harshest toll.

A Harvard study apparently found that South Africa’s official attitude to Aids at that first meeting in 2000 – and for several years afterwards – set back the country so badly that an estimated 330 000 people died because the government withheld HIV drugs.

Fast forward and South Africa now is a global proving ground for treatment and prevention, including the study of an experimental HIV vaccine, set to begin later this year.

South Africa still leads the world in infections, with around 6.8 million people living with HIV. Only half receive treatment.

How bizarre, in the first place, to deny the impact of HIV.

Then, in the midst of all these developments, the country celebrated Mandela Day, which led to Bill Gates visiting our country.

Delivering the 14th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture, the billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder said Africa has seen development successes, but must invest in young people to build the future.

Listing the successes and challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals on the continent, Gates said Africa needs to achieve more, faster, and to ensure everybody benefits, as people tackle unemployment, malnutrition and health issues.

Frankly, Gates could have stayed at home. We all could have said that – and for free.

This same sentiment, of a country still divided and struggling, was echoed by top economist Dawie Roodt, when he spoke in Boksburg.

He pointed out that the real South Africa is one of extreme poverty, incompetence and crime.

I just wonder if Pokémon Go will lead someone to Nkandla, where squandered millions could have helped to realise Gate’s vision of a better tomorrow, where the youth play a more constructive, nation-building role.