Quckie : 2 Things that don't help me as a South African.

This will be short and sweet as I'm very busy today. Just thought I'd get this off my mind.

1) "African aid" concerts and events.

Sub Saharan Africa off a low base is the fastest growing economical region in the world. Even once extremely hopeless places like Mozambique and Angola are rapidly developing infrastructure etc. Only a fool would not invest in what's to come. Presenting the region to be represented only by the idea of fly infested starving children does more harm than good in the big scheme. This stereotype of Africa results in far more afro pessimism than is helpful or necessary.

2) "Boycott the world cup" campaigns. Ok , we get it. You're a South African expat who left the country long ago because you feared the "swaart gevaar" and are missing it terribly. There is no way you are going to let us have all the fun while you sit in dull, cold, expensive New Zealand/U.K etc, doing some demeaning job only to return home to wash your own dishes and make your own bed and console your children from the bullying they get in school. But please , try and get the hell over it. We're doing fine here and very much looking forward to the world cup. It's going to be an amazing event and go a long , long way to breaking the African stereotypes people already have.

But of course you all know this. You know you're going to look silly to your "friends" after you've told them what a terrible place South Africa is for years and loaded every tale with hyperbole and alarmism. The minute the extremely well orginised event takes off and everyone is getting pictures streaming in of glorious everyday South Africa that they're going to think to themselves "What the hell is that Koos karkiebroek on about ? That guy must be a racist or something because that p[lace looks awesome !". You're very , very worried about this. Possibly the worst thing that could ever happen to you is that the world cup goes ahead with the great success we all know it will (like every other sporting events we have hosted.) Let's be honest if you really thought tourists would get murdered during the world cup you would encourage it and get right behind it. That would entirely suit your agenda. But you know it's extremely unlikely to happen. so in a last desperate effort what have you lot done as the panic sets in ?

Yup ..."Boycott the world cup !"

That way in your mind, if they don't come they will never know how perfectly nice and normal South Africa is. And you can't face yourself and your decision to leave again.

Anyway after this end of month rush I'll get back to writing on a more regular basis.