Comments on: Giving freedom the finger

By: Jacques

Jacques — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:59:42 +0000

A strong response from the Vice-Chancellor of UCT (including the detail that Mr Maxwele is not in fact a UCT student).

By: Jesus Mannix

Jesus Mannix — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:28:46 +0000

It looks like it’s getting worse. The student apparently wrote and signed an apology WHILE he was in detention, thus under duress:

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100226072426395C718245

By: Jacques

Jacques — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:58:39 +0000

According to Zuma, nothing of significance happened here: "the fact that he apologised, he must know there is something untoward that he did." As a commenter points out at the linked article, he really misses the point here.

By: Jacques

Jacques — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:41:33 +0000

Thanks Michael. On your disappointment, I said there was an opportunity “to demonstrate to South Africans – and to the world at large” that we are not simply another country in Africa. Stereotypes regarding Africa’s poor democratic record exist, as I’m sure you’ll agree – but I don’t see how I endorse those in this piece, I’m afraid. I say that where they exist, this provides an opportunity to combat them.

By: Zuma and his bodyguards « Ndlovu engaphakathi

Zuma and his bodyguards « Ndlovu engaphakathi — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:36:12 +0000

[...] Opinion piece here. [...]

By: Michael Meadon

Michael Meadon — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:34:11 +0000

Excellent piece Jacques.

I was a bit – I’m not sure how to put it – disappointed by your ‘not just another African country’ comment. You call it a stereotype, but also seem to endorse it. Sure, Africa has a dismal democratic record compared to ‘the West’. But, according to Freedom House at least, we’re a hell of a lot better than Asia and the Middle East.

By: More on Maxwele and freedom of speech | Synapses

More on Maxwele and freedom of speech | Synapses — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:16:27 +0000

[...] A follow-up article on the Chumani Maxwele incident, and the implications it has for free speech in South Africa, appeared in the Durban Mercury (22/02/10) and the Cape Times (23/02/10). My original text can be found here. [...]