How I remain bullish about South Africa - Raymond Ackerman
Like many of my contemporaries in the business world, I am frequently asked how I remain so bullish in the face of the many challenges that confront South Africa. Particularly, there is often a hint of incredulity that Pick n Pay should continue to invest so confidently in a commercial environment that is threatened by very worrying levels of crime and violence, political uncertainty and deteriorating services.
Unlike many of those who find little good to say about the state of our nation, I am, regrettably, old enough to remember graphically the sheer awfulness of South Africa in the seventies, eighties and early nineties. I recall the dawn raids on African families whose presence in urban areas was deemed to be illegal, the wickedness of the pass laws, the forced removals under the Group Areas Act and the economically suicidal application of race-based job reservation.
And when I remember those things, I have no hesitation in saying that the South Africa of today is a far, far better place than it was before 1994. We live in a country that is governed not by the unchallengeable dictates of cabinet ministers or security chiefs, but by the entrenched principles of a progressive constitution which binds Parliament and citizen alike to a judicable bill of rights, a free press and an independent judiciary.
Caring animal owners will already be aware of the responsibilities that come with the approach of the festive season. Not least, avoiding the use of fireworks and ensuring that their companion animals are safe indoors in the event of any fireworks activity in the area.
Ensuring that vaccinations are up to date, boarding kennels or house-sitters booked well in advance and a back-up plan in case anything whatsoever goes wrong. This includes identification of the animal. Microchip ID is recommended as it is permanent and tamper-proof. Veterinarians and SPCAs have scanners that can detect the microchip and can give details of the owner/s.
Please spare a thought for animals that experience unusual noises, greater activity and many more visitors over the festive season. These can be confusing, even terrifying. Safety of children, visitors and animals is paramount. Tragic instances have occurred because children or visitors have been left alone with animals.
If it means keeping pets in a secure room during festivities, this may be a solution. Make sure that festive treats for humans are kept well out of the reach of animals. Chocolate, for example, contains an ingredient that is poisonous to dogs. Wrappers and wrappings can lodge in animals’ throats and cause them to choke. This includes being vigilant with candles, balloons or any other decorations or party props. Keep it tidy and keep it safe!
Festivities are all well and good but it is often best to keep animals out of the fun. Please advise children that dressing pets up in funny hats or costumes can upset the animals, cause discomfort and may lead to fear-biting. We often hear “My children can do anything to the dog” and then we hear “I don’t know what came over the dog. It has never bitten before” when we hear of a Christmas costume being put on the dog, a prank gone wrong or a pet that simply had too much.
Treat them with care and respect.
Why do I love South Africa?
I love her for the perfection of her days
The crisp Karoo morning
The Joburg winter noon
The late summer Cape Town sunset
The star-filled Free State night
I love her for her people
For our warm smiles
For our resilience
For our I-am-because-we-are
I love her because she delights my senses
Highveld thunderbolts
Jacarandas in bloom
Sunday braais
African sun
Icy sea
I love her raw power, her intensity, her strength
I love her because of how she makes me feel
Sometimes angry, sometimes joyous
Sometimes fearful, sometimes love-filled
Sometimes frustrated, sometimes hopeful
Always alive
I love her because she intrigues me
And challenges me
The Chinese have a curse: "May you live in interesting times"
I see it as a blessing
I love her because she helps me keep things in perspective
By reminding me how privileged I am
Every day
I love her for being a microcosm of the world
A world in one country
For what we can teach the world
About compromise
And sharing
And forgiveness
And tolerance
And hope
I love her because she's imperfect
And full of opportunity
And potential unfulfilled
I love her because she has come so far
And has so much further to go
And whether we ever get there
Will all depend on us
I love her because she's been so good to me
And she inspires me to return the favour
I love her because she's my country
No matter what
I love her because she's my home
And where my soul is at rest
Are you willing to give a loving home to an abandoned cat, dog or other animal? Visit the new Animal Havens and Sanctuaries section in our directory that lists organisations helping animals find new loving homes.
If you know of other sites that we have not yet listed, please let us know.
PS... Hello... Zorro here - you can see my pic on the right. I have found a loving home now - but there are hundreds more like me (well perhaps not quite as cute as I am!) who desperately need someone to love them and give them a good home. Please help us.
Spotlight on.... Cybele Forest Lodge
Our intrepid Spotlight On Team recently visited Cybele Forest Lodge. How did they enjoy their visit? Read all about it here.
Featured site for January - Stuff Busters
Terrified of public speaking? Job on the line if you don't do it well?
From standing up at a work meeting to giving that special toast at your best friend's wedding, to presenting in front of hundreds or more people... Stuff Busters is your fast, easy and drug free avenue for success.
Contact Stuff Busters nowas we can help you quickly and successfully feel better about speaking in public.
Add your site
It's easy to add your site... so what are you waiting for? Simply click here or click on the 'add your site' link on the right-hand side of this page - and away you go!
South Africa Travel & Accommodation, Car hire, Car Rental
With South Africa Travel & Accommodation you can easily find South African accommodation that will make your trip to South Africa a pleasure.
Simply navigate through the map of South Africa and the nine provinces (Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal, Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Western Cape).
We offer a comprehensive directory of Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses throughout South Africa. You can deal direct with the B&B's and save on booking fees - South Africa Travel & Accommodation does not take any commission.
Full contact details - including photos, directions, addresses, maps and descriptions of services and facilities - are given for all accommodation establishments.
All enquiries go directly to the owners/managers of the Bed and Breakfast (B and B) of your choice.
Another accommodation choice would be to use RoomsForAfrica.com. And if you are looking for info on Cape Town, try AboutCapeTown.com for lots of ideas.
Once you've located accommodation, what about transport? Whether it's cheap car hire or sports car rental you're looking for, we have the links to them all. From Cape Town to Durban and all across Southern Africa, all the big names (Budget, Avis, Imperial and Tempest) are listed here on South Africa Online.
Dr Christiaan barnard performed the world's first heart transplant in Cape Town on 3 December 1967. More than 50 000 similar operations have since been performed all over the world.
