Well, i guess we’re not as bad… By 0.1% anyways. Those who wanted below 2/3 for the ANC got their little victory. The ANC got 65.90 %, DA 16.66 % and COPE 7.42 %. Insane huh? That’s like just below the mark – the ANC said that they wouldn’t change the constitution – but there have been subtle changes along the way. Don’t trust ‘em but to be sure – I don’t trust any of these politicians. Voting was a struggle since it was a matter of choosing the lesser evil really. Well anyways, the markets are happy, here are some comments from the Global Financial Services Group – Nomura - Business Day.
South African Elections 2009: update
April 24, 2009
South African Elections 2009
April 24, 2009I feel like we’re the USA when they voted in George Bush for the 2nd term in office. I guess you could draw a parrallel between the US hicks and SA masses. ; ) Sorry (Lol!!! – I think)
Just look at the stats from IOL:
By 9.50pm, the ruling party had 7,484,389 (66.52 percent) of the 11,250 943 votes counted. Earlier, with just over 10 million votes counted, the ANC had 66.85 percent of the vote.
The DA was second with 1,841,277 (16.37 percent) of the votes. The newly established COPE was third on 861,406 (7.66 percent) votes.
Sad huh? Here we were as South Africans making fun of Americans for voting in the Republicans for a second term in office. Look, it was inevitable that the Z was gonna win but we were hoping to cut down the two 3rds, heck that’s why I woke up so early and stood in line, in the blistering cold for like almost 3hrs.
“Unfashionably Economical”
February 25, 2009
According to iafrica.com – Milan fashion week opened with “around” 10 fewer shows in the lineup.
While some did “admit” they were being cautious because of economic reasons others cited “strategic” reasons for not being in the lineup. But hey – u need to only look at at those poor starved models to see what the real reason is… ; ) Jokes -MORE
Contextualise SAA smuggling
February 20, 2009The recent SAA drug smuggling incident had to be put in context as it was a problem faced by the rest of the world, the United Nation’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said on Thursday.
“This is a challenge for all airlines, for all countries, for all airports,” southern African representative Jonathan Lucas told a briefing on Thursday.
“One has to put recent events with regards to those crew members in context. One must not come to the conclusion that SAA is a carrier that is being used for drug trafficking.”
Lucas said that while last week’s arrest of 15 crew members over the discovery of cocaine in crew bags was “very regrettable”, it was important to recognise the allure of the profitability of the drug industry.
“The important thing, though… is people are ready to take risks to exploit the privileges they have which means everyone can be tainted,” said Lucas.
Source: Sapa
BUDGET SPEECH 2009 – South Africa
February 13, 2009The markets reaction to the budget speech was rather muted.
SA’s economic growth is set to slow to 1,2% this year, its slowest in 11 years and the current Account deficit is set to widen, making this a hard time for South Africa, for we are warned that we are not to escape ungrazed by the global economic slump
Competition authorities will receive a financial boost – so consumers get to whoop for joy as more people are out to get their backs
Public projects, world cup stadiums and eskom also get cash injections -
People aren’t so happy that SAA is getting a bail out – some even think that selling it for a cent would save the country a great deal of money
Environmentalists can be happy that gas guzzlers will be paying carbon tax from March next year -
FOR ANALYSIS ON THE BUDGET SPEECH FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
Budget Speech
Speech Analysis
Manual Interview
Economic Panel
Political Panel
Editor’s Panel
Property Panel
Tax Panel
Fund Manager’s Panel
Stock Watch
Medical Panel - SUMMIT TV
TAX CALCULATOR - incl. Trevor Manuel’s Changes
Obama Speech
January 21, 2009Me! Not blog on Obama! – I know – it would be unheard of… I WUV HIM! – I’ve had no time at all – absolutely none – but I MADE time! My favourite line is…
“America is ready to lead again”
Other great lines…
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age”
“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. ”
“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America”
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
“In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
“Need we say more? Others may argue and say that America thinks that its the “God” of this world, but let’s face it – the world is looking at the US.
US Rate Cut
December 17, 2008Here is a quick look at what this means for the US and the global economy from BBC
And this is what South Africa’s Lavan Gopual had to say on Summit TV:
The US interest rate decision will certainly impact world markets – our cue will certainly be coming through from that dollar price affecting commodities, also we’ve got a lot of action with futures close out and inflation data on our dance card. -more
South Africa Does NOT Suck!!!!!!!!
December 2, 2008I’m soooo sick if people saying “Argh, you, know – this country…” If you hate it get the hell out!!! I know there are a lot of bad things in SA, crime is horrific, the politics are in such a bad state it makes me shudder what those people are capable of – there are people mutilating little kids – small children being turned to prostitution, abuse is rife – I would love to take a walk down the street at night so I can go buy a milkshake – even driving at night means I could be hijacked – I know, I know I know – I feel angry about these things too. But the more negative we are about this the worse it will get because we will get despondent about things instead of getting off our arses and doing something. Just read a headline today that “SA charities get a blow” – that’s bad – really bad – now does that mean I hate SA – heavens NO! God loves me, he gave me this country to love it and to take care of it – and that applies to everyone else here. So do your part and things WILL get better – you being too busy doing nothing – is part of the problem. So Dammit – SOUTH AFRICA DOES NOT SUCK!!!!!
Pirates of Aden…
November 19, 2008Huge cargo ships are quitely taking a different route in order to avoid the Pirates infest the gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal…
The Saudi supertanker seized by pirates with a $100-million (about R1-billion) oil cargo in the world’s biggest ship hijacking has reached Somalia, while a cargo ship loaded with wheat bound for Iran has been captured in the Gulf of Aden – IOL
