Political commentator Ralph Mathekga delves into the fire that broke out on the roof of the parliament building in the early hours of Sunday morning. Mathekga writes cheekily that this year there was bound to be fireworks at the National Assembly any way with a few contentious pieces of legislation up for debate over the next few months.
Mathekga is referring to the controversial land expropriation bill, which the ANC failed to garner support for among the opposition parties when the bill first came to a vote last year. While Mathekga has also pointed to the Zondo Commission report as another tricky political moment to keep an eye on over the coming months. Mathekaga muses over how the report might be handled by parliament. Read the full column here. (For subscribers)
Have you had Covid, or do you currently have Covid and how do you tell those around you that you have the dreaded illness without hanging your head in shame and winging with discomfort?
Charmain Naidoo writes about her experience of having to announce publicly that you have Covid.
Naidoo writes that there seems to be immense personal shame and self-disappointment associated with testing positive for the virus.
“I feel like I have betrayed myself; let myself down in the most shocking way. And there’s nothing more wrath-inducing than being angry and disappointed in oneself; there is limited scope for forgiveness.”
It’s an interesting read into how the human brain navigates the tough decisions that must be made around protecting yourself and your family while at the same time after staying safe throughout the pandemic only for you to let your guard down nearly two years later and not only contract the disease but to also expose those nearest and dearest to you. Read the full column here.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
Parliament fire: A metaphor for everyday life in South Africa – The Citizen (For subscribers)
Parliament fire: A most grim sign of the times – The Citizen (For subscribers)
The ANC ‘renewal boat’ has sailed, so who will rise and take up the political baton in the 2024 elections? – Daily Maverick
2022: And now, for some really tough times – Daily Maverick
Let Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s pine coffin stand as a symbol in the life of our nation – Daily Maverick
OPINION | Tebogo Khaas: The idea that Tutu ‘sold out’ is one of the most idiotic conspiracy theories – News24 (For subscribers)
PAUL J DAVIES: City of London and other global hubs are in danger of extinction – Business Day/Bloomberg
CONOR SEN: Is now the time to buy your first luxury EV? – Business Day/Bloomberg
Reasons for optimism in 2022 – Daily Friend
South African and UK hospitalisation data: what it tells us about how deadly omicron is – The Conversation
Feature image: JP Smith/City of Cape Town
