STRUWWELPETER has just read the biography of Jan Christian Smuts written by his son.
It shows the soft domestic side of this world leader – a humble man who was a loving father and a fond grandfather.
Smuts only went to school at age 12. Then he completed the 11-year curriculum in four years. Afterwards, at what is now Stellenbosch University, he studied science and law simultaneously.
To give you some idea of Smuts’ formidable intellect: he had to write a Greek exam but had no previous knowledge of this language. So he locked himself in a room and studied Greek non-stop for five days – after which he passed the exam with top marks.
Later he won a bursary to Cambridge where he did even better, achieving a double first law tripos. But that was only the beginning.
This brave and honest Boer general ended up as a field marshal in the British Army, Kings Councillor in the Inner Temple, Prime Minister of South Africa andmember of the British Privy Council. He was also a founder of the League of Nations, precursor of the UN.
Smuts was a personal friend of King George of England and entertained the British Royal family on his modest Doornkop farm – which he preferred above his two state residences.
Smuts was one of South Africa’s most remarkable sons. He had one of the best brains in the world and knew how to use it. Yet he was humble.
He needed neither acclaim and nor opulence, nor blue light escorts. He was that rare thing – a scrupulously honest politician without an ego.
Do read this book for yourself – it should be in your local library.
Title: Jan Christian Smuts By His Son JC Smuts. Published by Cassel in 1952.
* * *
The phone bill was exceptionally high, so the man of the house called a family meeting.
Dad: “People, this is unacceptable. You have to limit the use of the phone. I don’t use this phone. I use the one at the office.”
Mom: “Same here, I hardly use this phone as I use my work phone.”
Son: “Me too. I always use my company mobile.”
Domestic worker: “Eish! So what is the problem then, if we all use our work telephones…”
Thanks Balt
* * *
A recent article in the Kentucky Post reported that a woman, one Anne Maynard, has sued St Luke’s hospital, saying that after her husband had surgery there, he lost all interest in sex.
A hospital spokesman replied: “Mr Maynard was admitted in ophthalmology. All we did was correct his eyesight.”
Thanks BJ
* * *
Washington State just passed two laws, legalising both gay marriage and the use of marijuana. The fact that gay marriage and marijuana were legalised on the same day makes perfect biblical sense because Leviticus 20:13 says:
“If a man lies with another man they should be stoned.”
We just hadn’t interpreted this verse correctly before!
* * *
Welcome to the 21st century:
Our Phones – Wireless
Cooking – Fireless
Cars – Keyless
Food – Fatless
Tyres – Tubeless
Dress – Sleeveless
Youth – Jobless
Education – Valueless
Leaders – Shameless
Attitude – Careless
Children – Mannerless
*Zuma – Clueless
Thanks Moose
* * *
A middle aged woman divorcee consulted her plastic surgeon. Although she had previously had a facelift and a boob job, she had also had had three kids and was now a bit concerned “about things down there being a bit loose and floppy”.
She had just become engaged and wanted matters tidied up so that she would look more trim for her new husband. Because she was somewhat embarrassed about this delicate matter, she insisted that the surgery be kept secret.
Of course, the surgeon agreed.
Awakening from the anaesthesia, she found three roses carefully placed beside her on the bed. Outraged, she immediately called in the surgeon.
“I thought I specifically asked you not to tell anyone about my operation!”
The surgeon told her he had carried out her wish for confidentiality and that the first rose was from him.
“This is not an operation that I do very often and you will be uncomfortable for a bit. I felt so sad for you, because you went through this all by yourself.”
“The second rose is from my theatre sister. She assisted me in the surgery and admires you.”
“And what about the third rose?” she asked.
“Thats from a man in the burn unit. He wanted to thank you for his new ears.”
