John Robbie's Comment

John comments about the positive things happening in the country – like Gauteng’s clean audit and our recent local government democratic elections. He, however, highlights that things are coming to a head. More people of goodwill need to stand up and be counted.

Much has been said about the search for the new Public protector and Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane is at the forefront of the race. John wishes her the best of luck and gives some advice.

John Robbie supports doing away with the Afrikaans part of the National Anthem, following a column by Max du Preez saying that Die Stem is very representative of apartheid SA and doesn’t speak to the new South Africa.

With diabetes being the second leading cause of death in South Africa and the consumption of fizzy drinks on the rise, responses to Finance Minister Pravin’s Gordhan’s announcement of a sugar-tax have been predictably mixed, with critics claiming that the tax won’t have any impact on sugar consumption, that it discriminates against the poor and that it will lead to job losses. Is there a benefit in a sugar tax? Professor Karen Hofman, Director of the PRICELESS SA at the Wits School of Public Health breaks down the argument.

South Africa has been doing well in the realm of sports. John asks about why the Boks aren’t following suit.

John pays tribute to Judge Eberhard Bertelsmann who hangs up his robe this week.

We’re getting more and more comments about South Africans enjoying local travel. John challenges more of us to put our money where our economy is and travel some more.    

Remnants of South Africa’s bloody race relations are still visible today, as are conversations about now criminalizing racism. John comments on the various comments being made about race relations today.  

Many draw parallels between the killing that took place during the youth uprisings of 69 and the massacre Marikana that took place in 2012. John elaborates on an important distinction.  

John Robbie comments on Wayde Van Niekerk’s 400 m Olympic victory and what can be done to boost the success of other sportsmen and women.

Nikiwe Bikitsha reflects on the country’s achievements despite seemingly unstable times, particularly in light of recent local elections and vetting for the next Public Protector   

The Commission of Higher Education is hard at work addressing issues brought on by the Fees Must Fall movement. Nikiwe comments on the work that lies ahead for this commission.

The AU chair has been quoted in today’s Times saying that weak leadership was to blame for the ANC losing the elections. Nikiwe asks at who exactly were the AU chair’s comments directed.

Nikiwe Bikitsha (standing in for John Robbie) comments about economic inequality that still sees women paid much less than their male counterparts in the workplace. She believes that equal pay would provide women with security and most significantly, freedom.

Nikiwe Bikitsha (in for John Robbie) comments that she stands behind the #RememberKhwezi silent protest, which took place during President Jacob’s speech at the election results centre on Saturday night. She emphasises how this has brought the spotlight back on the rape scourge.

John spoke about the lessons that can be learned from the elections. He also spoke about the ANC underestimating their followers and asked whether have they learned anything from this.

John made a call for political parties putting to put their difference aside after these elections and work together to make everything work and run smoothly in order to alleviate poverty.

John comments about the significance of this vote, in light of those that fought in the struggle for us to have democratic elections. He reflects on the book, No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu, who paints the picture about the first elections in SA and the mixed emotions that he felt.

John Robbie commented about the reform of once-notorious gangster, Mthembeni Robert Khuboni, who was tied to controversial political figure, Sifiso Nkabonde. He spent a number of years behind bars and has now (18 years later) come back to Richmond to get involved in efforts to heal the community ridden in political killings.

John comments that voter apathy has no place in this election, particularly for the youth – as it is their future. He points out that Mandela and many other activists died for people to have the right to cast this vote. Go out and vote!