The way I feel has absolutely nothing to do with Phil the Thrills 3.4 birthday party last night which ended up at my mates club at the Old Biscuit Mill, decoDance.

Incidentally people there are like a hundred million roadblocks out there so be reponsible and work with the authorities on this one. Don’t be a chop about it basically.

Anyway… I digress… where where we? Oh yes, we were here…

What a Shite view

Click the image for a larger version. I was only kidding, seriously, it’s not that shite. What was REALLY KAK was when there was a Jacob Zuma picture adorning the lamp post that Tamryn very cleverly did not get into her picture. Something I can’t do.

‘Cos I have a piece of shit camera.. and I NEVER blame my tools.

So we looked over a little and this jumped out at us.

Sunset over Robben Island

Click to go big.

Anyway there are tons of these vendor dudes that show off their wares along the strip and this guy was a most undustrious dude. Not only did he make a flippen massive wire motorbike, he also CHARGED for the picture, before telling us his dream was to make a wire Mandela in the Waterfront. So my obvious first thought was… ummm youre making wire motorbikes at the Blouberg Beachfront, what exactly is stopping you from making wire Mandelas at the Waterfront?

Nice Bike

I think these guys are well versed in what to say to ellicit that extra buck. Incidentally brutha maaaan, while talking about extra bucks and all that, what’s under the hat? This doesn’t take away from the fact they are obviously super talented.

Then, and in final reference to my all time favourite music video (for now that is) we spotted these birds trying to get on the boat.

Birds and a Boat

Not just any boat mind you, THE boat. The one from the video… which is just out of shot… promise [video here]

I generally stay away from political comment, but I feel I need to say this, specifically as the 2009 general elections are shortly to take place in South Africa.

With a relative amount of dismay I read this article.

The most disappointing aspect of this report is the fact that Mandela, a man whom I have had the most repect for for such a long time, would publically support the “cult of personality” aspect that has befallen the ANC.

Of all people I would have expected Mr Mandela to stand true to his party (which he has done) and true to his ideals and beliefs (which I believe he has done) in public.

The fact that he supports and is still willing to stand for the ANC does say a lot about the man, however I believe it is an error and damning to his legacy to publically endorse a person, rather than that persons party. Jacob Zuma is Jacob zuma, not the ANC.

To appear on stage bearing a Zuma likeness on his breast goes exactly against everything I believe Mr Mandela has stood for in his life. The ANC is NOT Jacob Zuma as much as Jacob Zuma would have you believe. It is supposed to be a party for the people by the people. The very leaders of this ANC have missed the point. This generation of the ANC is one based on personal enrichment, electioneering and smoke and mirrors.

What exactly are you supporting Mr Mandela? An egostistical ruling class that believes we are voting for the person? The Zumas and The Malemas of this country? As a South African I’d like to remind you of the message that todays ruling party is putting out. This message is directed at me, I’m a South African, What do I hear?

I hear Zuma this, Zuma that. I hear nothing of party policy, nothing of how things are going to be fixed. Nothing of service delivery, nothing of safety and security. I hear Zuma. I hear Malema. I hear cult of personality. History has countless examples of cult of personality. It is not what democracy is, it is not what any sane person would vote for.

I know what I’m voting for, I’m voting for South Africa.

Party for the people by the people remember?? Its not rocket science, don’t insult our intelligence.

Here are my thoughts on this report:

“In a short recorded speech played to the crowd in his presence, Mandela said that the ruling party had the responsibility to “build a non-racial society”.”

Perhaps he is reminding Zuma of a few things. Zuma certainly hasn’t covered himself in glory lately on this front. I am an English speaking South african who’s family arrived in South Africa in 1715. Juma’s recent comments about who exactly is South African leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

“Working together we can do more,” Mandela said. Shortly before Mandela’s message was played, ANC youth league president Julius Malema vowed that the country’s youth would vote for the ruling party at Wednesday’s polls.

The fiery youth leader, who just finished campaigning in both the Western and Eastern Cape, told the massive crowd that the ruling party could count on the votes from areas previously not visited by ANC.

Can they count on that Julius? Can you honestly tell your supporters that people you haven’t campaigned for or represented will support you? Can you vow that? Thought not.

“Malema reiterated the league’s stance that it would “never sell out” the ANC – a reference to leaders who broke away from the ruling party to form the Congress of the People.”

Service delivery remember? Stick to service delivery, you’re a public servant.

“We will never sell out what Chris Hani stood for, what [former ANC Youth League leader] Peter Mokaba stood for. Before you touch Zuma you will have to start with us,” Malema said to loud cheers from the crowd.

He further vowed that the ANC will win with “a more than three third majority” at the polls.

What do YOU stand for Julius? What does your party stand for?  Once again this is an insult to our intelligence. One cannot ‘vow’ that a win will happen.

ANC president Jacob Zuma arrived at the Ellis Park Stadium at about 12pm to address the over 400 000 ANC supporters across the country .

The massive crowd went into a frenzy of cheers and chants as elder statesman Nelson Mandela made a surprise appearance with Zuma shortly after noon.

When a frail-looking Mandela, wearing an ANC T-shirt bearing Zuma’s face, was literally hauled onto the stage and waved at the masses, supporters in the stadium were delirious with excitement.

That last sentence says it all.