A thought-provoking viewpoint in a letter by L Callaghan of Cape Town, in the Business Report:
“Former president, Thabo Mbeki, was inclined to refer to two nations in South Africa, one white and rich, and one black and poor.
“I think there are three: the first is the white section, poor and rich, which aspires to a form of life which exists in Europe and America where the rule of law is accepted as the norm and governments change peacefully, frequently.
“The second are the political elite who have enacted legislation and manipulated the tender processes to enrich themselves while decrying the benefits of colonialism, to make their lives opulent and excessive. Members of this group are well known.
“Third is the mass of the people who are duped, if not intimidated, by members of the second group to vote for a better life for all. This segment is given promises, regularly, of free education, electricity, water borne sanitation and jobs.
“Lacking the natural common sense and education to discern the fallacy, they are stimulated to jealousy regarding the position of the first group and aspire to their standard of life, without the concomitant work and rule of law.
“Until the third group has the common sense to discern the mendacity and self interests of the proposals by the second group, the governments of Africa are not going to be subject to the demands to serve the best interests of the majority.
“Until then, the Amins, the Bashirs, the Mugabes and other “strong men” of Africa will prevail over the interests of Africans who require the advantages which a free market economy brings.”
Quite so. However, Struwwelpeter has another comment to add: could you imagine the difference to our country if South Africas “third group” had been given at least a basic education?
Unfortunately, both the Nat and the ANC governments chose to waste our resources on ideology rather than education. And, regrettably, that’s probably how it is going to stay for the foreseeable future.
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If you ever wondered how stupid the human race is, consider the following: some actual label instructions on consumer goods (and yes, over time they have all proved to be necessary).
On Woolworths Tiramisu dessert (printed on the bottom): “Do not turn upside down.”
On Pick n Pay’s peanuts: “Warning: contains nuts.”
On Boot’s Children Cough Medicine: “Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication.”
On a Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: “Product will be hot after heating.”
On a Clicks hair dryer: “Do not use while sleeping.”
On a bag of Simba Chips: “You could be a winner! No purchase necessary! Details inside.”
On some Checkers frozen dinners: “Serving suggestion: Defrost.”
Packaging of a Rowenta iron: “Don’t iron clothes on body.”
On Nytol Sleep Aid: “Warning: May cause drowsiness.”
On some brands of Christmas lights of Eastern origin: “For indoor or outdoor use only.”
On a Japanese food processor: “Not to be used for the other use.” (?)
Instructions on a SA Airways packet of peanuts: [1] Open packet; [2] Eat nuts.
On a child’s Superman costume: “Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.”
On a German chainsaw: “Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals.” Did they mean fingers?
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Burglary in Florida (you can’t make this stuff up):
When southern Florida resident Nathan Radlich’s house was burgled recently, thieves ignored his wide screen plasma TV, his VCR and even left his Rolex watch. What they did take, however, was a white box filled with a grayish-white powder. (That’s the way the police report described it.)
A spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale police said that it looked similar to high grade cocaineand they’d probably thought they’d hit the big time.
Later, Nathan stood in front of TV cameras and pleaded with the burglars: “Please return the cremated remains of my sister, Gertrude.”
The next morning, the bullet-riddled corpse of a local drug dealer known as Hoochie Pevens was found on Nathan’s doorstep.
The white box was there too; about half of Gertrude’s ashes remained. Scotch-taped to the box was this note which said:
“Hoochie sold us the bogus blow, so we wasted Hoochie. Sorry we snorted your sister. No hard feelings. Have a nice day.”
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Recent ad allegedly seen in a Jhb paper:
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I’m a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your bakkie, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I’ll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Call Emma.
People who called the listed number found themselves talking to the SPCA. It turned out that Emma was a Labrador pup.
Over 150 men found themselves talking to the SPCA.
