A New President Steps In

Cyril Ramaphosa is trying to do what he does best; building a consensus within the ANC for reform.
     In the meantime his enemies within the ANC, people like ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, deputy secretary-general Jesse Duarte, ANC Women's League president Bathabile Dlamini and others, play dirty and are building a coalition to oust him.
     The new cabinet announced after the May election is a dud. Apart from Pravin Gordhan, Tito Mboweni, new minister of justice Ronald Lamola and a few others, they're almost all useless, or lack the political will to make a difference.
     That was the somewhat chilling message of Pieter du Toit, assistant editor and at News 24, in his talk focusing on the election and what has happened since.

Pieter du Toit in full cry with President-elect Judy Sligcher listening

     He said the appointment of the cabinet is a case in point; although the president has the sole constitutional right to appoint cabinet, Ramaphosa left it open to consultation and wheeler-dealing, involving Luthuli House and others with disappointing results.
     Ramaphosa, he said, has more room to movement than he thinks, but doesn't capitalise on this because he doesn't want to centralise power.
     The reality is that Ramaphosa is surrounded on all sides by enemies and snakes.

Pieter du Toit in full voice

   
       South Africa's hope lies in the Zondo Commission and with Shamila Batoyi, newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, who, with her team at the National Prosecuting Agency, is champing at the bit to get senior politicians prosecuted and in jail.
     He predicted that they are on the verge of announcing their first major prosecution.
     The constitutionalists of the ANC and the DA should get together in one party, he suggested, but added that it is unlikely to happen soon.

Paul Channon, retired headmaster (1997 - 2014) of The Ridge School in Westcliff, was a
 welcome visitor at the meeting

 

Caroline Abrahams and Trish van der Nest came to listen to the talk as guests

New Rotaract president Minenhle Majola and secretary Nadine Mitchell were also at the meeting

     Last week also saw the induction of Minenhle Majola as new president of the Rotaract Club of Johannesburg, which is jointly sponsored by New Dawn and the Rotary Club of Johannesburg.
     Minenhle will receive his chain of office at Judy Sligcher's induction on Saturday in the Magaliesberg.
     The induction planning is going full steam ahead and there has been a very positive response.
     Judy says the best way to find the Nyoka Vulture Restaurant is to first go to the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm (Google Maps will take you there) and only once you're there, do a search for the vulture restaurant.
     Judy will be holding her first board meeting on Tuesday, 24 July at 4 pm at their home at 9 Sutherland Ave, Craighall Park. The meeting the following day will be a business meeting and she'll use both opportunities to explain her plans for the year ahead to the board and to members. Exciting times lie ahead!

Graham Donet with Cara Kotze (left) welcome French student Louba Moncomble to South Africa

     Last week Graham and Joan Donet were at the OR Tambo airport last week to help our short term exchange student, Cara Kotze and her family, to welcome incoming French student Louba Moncomble to the country for her six-week exchange visit. The two girls will hopefully be able to attend a club meeting and share their experiences.
     A Thought for the Week: It always seems impossible until it's done. - Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013)