The silent takeover of the continent (Africa) by South African businesses is way too advanced, make no mistakes. According to the State Of The Nation: South Africa 2003 – 2004 (7), available documents show South African businesses running the national railroad in Cameroon, the national electricity company in Tanzania, and managing the airports located in or near seven African capitals. They have controlling shares in Telecom Lesotho and 
are the leading providers of cellphone services in Nigeria, Uganda, Swaziland, Tanzania, Rwanda and Cameroon.South African companies are also managing power plants in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mali; building roads and bridges in Malawi and Mozambique, and a gas pipeline between offshore Mozambique and South Africa. They control banks, breweries, supermarkets and hotels throughout the continent and provide TV programming to over half of all Africa’s states.
Mandisi Majavu
This quote from the Cape Town journalist, Mandisi Majavu, breaks open the empty rethoric from our African leaders complaining about Colonialism. The prime exponent of these complaints is our neighbour, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Under the guise of “removing” the colonialists he has murdered and appropriated land of thousands of white farmers creating a disaster of enormous proportions with suffering among black and white alike. Make no mistake, this is not simply a racist issue!
The President of South Africa continues to pursue his silent approach with Robert Mugabe. In the light of the South African Neo colonialist desires it becomes apparent why he would want to use this method. As he did with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi. After the murder of over 3million people he negotiated a deal with 30 SA businessmen in his entourage whereby deals of multi-millions have been negotiated including companies like De Beers, Vodacom, Telkom, Eskom and the Black Empowerment company, Mvelaphanda Holdings with businessmen like Tokyo Sexwale in their midst.
The empowerment of the average South African is non-existent while the already ostentatiously wealthy become wealthier in the name of Black Development and Empowerment. The election promises of water to all has gone unfulfilled with places like Dindela still without clean water. Water that is available in some rural areas is restricted to 6000l per month.
I have no problem with all these aspects – if only the election promises were to be met and the continual blame placed on one sector of the nation and the past “colonial” rule stopped. This smells of the pot calling the kettle black and with Affirmative Action reflecting the old apartheid actions where employment is qualified by the colour of ones skin it is difficult to have empathy for the rising power of South Africa. There is no way we as a nation are able to grow beyond the hurts caused and the evil mechanisms established in social manipulation.
South Africa is an incredible country with magnificent people and enormous possibility. My prayer is that we see beyond our past to establish the future of a true Rainbow Nation with real care for one another and our neighbours acting in righteousness and the responsibility placed on us through the blessings we have received of an advanced infra structure and good will among nations.
Where do you stand on the hypocrisy of “leaders”? Do we just shut up and deal with it, or should we voice our opinions hoping to call a halt to the insanity and pain. Is enough being done and if not what should be done?
[...] silent takeover of Africa by South African businesses: “According to the State Of The Nation: South Africa 2003 – 2004 (7), available documents [...]
[...] silent takeover of the continent (Africa) by South African [...]
mm. really like it )