There is a disturbing angle to the debate about who should replace Ebrahim Rasool as ambassador to the US. This is the notion that it should be an Afrikaner and, as you reported last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly considering this. On the surface, it would appear to make sense as President Donald Trump has criticised South Africa for so-called genocide against Afrikaners, and such an appointment would suit Trump.
But on many other fronts, using this as a basis to choose an ambassador would be a disaster. For one, it would ironically play into the racist stereotype of Trump and his administration that the only South Africans to be taken seriously are Afrikaners. This would indeed be an insult to many Afrikaners who do not share Trump’s weird views that they’re under genocidal attack from the present government.
Beyond that, it would cast a negative light on the person who is chosen if the colour of his or her skin lands him or her the job.
What is needed is a person who is not controversial and who has the potential to meaningfully engage with the Trump administration, not some ethnic appointee.
In the broader scheme of things, if Ramaphosa does this he will be defeating what is the current imperative, that individuals should be judged on their potential to contribute, not on their ethnic character.
For that matter, it is doubtful that the Americans would accept an Afrikaner whose views are diametrically opposed to Trump's. Just imagine Ramaphosa suggesting Carl Niehaus — it's a sure fact that Trump would reject him outright.
Rasool was not expelled because he was black; his sin was being against Trump.
— Dr Thabisi Hoeane, Unisa
What about Palestinian voices?
S’thembiso Msomi helpfully reflects on the moral status of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, and the Israeli voices he solicits offer useful insight into the mindset of the occupiers.
Referring to a Jewish concertgoer’s harrowing recollection of the attack on the Nova music festival, the writer asks, “given the opportunity, how many stories would we hear similar to hers, albeit happening over a prolonged period of almost two years?”
May 15 is Nakba Day, marking 77 years of the violent displacement and forced exile of Palestinians. While Israel would like to start the clock on October 7 2023, the country’s history of violent repression is well into its eighth decade. Rather than wait to be “given the opportunity”, Msomi faces an embarrassment of riches in tales of the horror.
The State of Israel was founded in a series of massacres in which three-quarters of a million Palestinians were forced to give up their homes and flee to neighbouring countries. This was more than the number of Jewish citizens in whose name they were expelled. Hundreds of thousands were displaced internally.
UNRWA, the UN body tasked with serving the vast Palestinian refugee population, records that 34 refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria house 3.3-million Palestinian refugees. They are part of a larger diaspora estimated to exceed 7-million.
Any sincere attempt at “hearing both sides” should record the many voices of Palestinians living in forced exile. And it should not be limited by a two-year time frame of Israeli convenience.
The mere statistical representation of Palestinians is dehumanising. Just as Msomi has spent a fifth of his column inches personalising the Jewish victims of violence, he needs also to elicit personal stories from their victims.
We needn’t wait for Israeli-sponsored state tours to get the opportunity to listen.
— Neil Horne, Cape Town
Don't let emotions rule
In today’s fast-paced world, emotions often run high. One moment of uncontrolled anger, however brief, can lead to irreversible consequences. Aldrin Sampear, a prominent anchor at Newzroom Afrika, finds himself at the centre of a storm after a video on social media showed him allegedly assaulting a woman in a road rage incident. His actions, now under police investigation, have led to Newzroom Afrika placing him on immediate leave pending an internal review.
While Sampear's situation is serious, it serves as a reminder of how quickly emotions can spiral out of control, and the profound impact this can have on one's career and reputation. A single moment of anger can undo years of hard work, trust and credibility both personally and professionally.
Emotional intelligence, the ability to manage one’s emotions and respond with empathy and understanding, is crucial in moments of conflict. Yet, as many of us know, it’s not always easy to exercise self-control when emotions run high.
The incident is a prime example of how a lack of emotional regulation can cloud judgment. While the full details of the altercation are still under investigation, the image of a respected media personality allegedly engaging in physical violence is unsettling.
The lesson is clear: a few minutes of unchecked anger can undo a lifetime of work. So, the next time we find ourselves caught in the heat of the moment, let’s remember the value of peace over reaction, and of emotional intelligence over impulse.
— Pikolomzi Qaba, e-mail
Sport betting is a disease
Congratulations to Sgwili Gumede on winning the battle against Sportingbets' irresponsible TV advertising. And thank you Gill Gifford for publishing the insult to the world’s most beautiful sport.
As mentioned in the press before, sport betting has become a disease and while it may help sports development, the method of advertising needs to be controlled and monitored. Take a leaf out of the smoker’s handbook.
— Chris Richards, e-mail
Get ex-cops back on the beat
I am concerned with how crime is fought in this country and blame the police leaders. First, we need to look at the credentials of these provincial commissioners: do they qualify to be there and do communities have a chance to comment on them?
Second, there are many police officers who left the service between the ages of 55 and 60 due to not being promoted or through corruption and promoting of friends and girlfriends. We can still use these people and let them carry guns as they were trained with correctional services members to collaborate in fighting crime. And they know the law.
They could even receive a much-needed stipend.
Third, what is the use of technology like cameras if they are used only after a crime has been committed? They must be used proactively to prevent crime.
Last, we need a ring of steel around all communities, with guards at the entrances — community leaders and members of community policing forums could fulfil the role.
— Xolani Williams, Cape Town
For opinion and analysis consideration, e-mail Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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