You're Crazy Like a Fool.....
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I welcome yesterday’s judgment by Magistrate Twanet Olivier regarding Julius Malema’s case.
The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness with which the courts are treating violations of the law. Specifically, Count 1: 5 years’ imprisonment; Count 2: 2 years’ imprisonment; Counts 3, 4 and 5: R20 000 or six months in jail each. The sentences will run concurrently, ensuring that the full weight of the judgment is felt.
This decision is a crucial step in upholding the precedence of justice and reinforcing the rule of law. It is a reminder that no one, no matter their political status, is above the law. The independence of our courts is paramount, and this ruling demonstrates that the judiciary will not be swayed by political or social pressure.
Had Malema walked free, it would have sent a dangerous message: that individuals with power can act with impunity and avoid accountability for their actions. It would have deeply undermined trust in our legal system, giving the impression that the law applies only to the “man on the street” and not to the influential elite.
For ordinary citizens, this judgment sends a clear message: that the law is an equaliser and that anyone who breaks it, regardless of their position, will be held accountable. Justice, therefore, must remain blind, impartial and unyielding in its pursuit of fairness.
This case serves as a reminder that our democracy, founded on constitutional principles and the rule of law, must be fiercely protected for the sake of the integrity of our society. If we are to build a country where all citizens feel the benefits of justice, we must ensure that every case is treated with the same commitment to accountability and fairness. This ruling sets a significant precedent, ensuring our justice system retains credibility and continues to be a pillar for all. | Thulani Dasa Khayelitsha
Rugged Rubio is once again at it.
Finished with Venezuela, flopped out with Cuba, handed over Iran to tough guy Vance, and now has his sights set on freeing Lebanon from Hezbollah. He even dragged the Lebanese Sunni boys all the way to Washington for some interesting talks.
“We must put our heads and hands together and get rid of these merciless, mixed-up Shi-ites from your land. They are coming in the way. In the way of ‘our’ (read ‘Israeli’) invasion! Help us out, please. God will bless you!” | E.S. Essa Berea, Durban
He’s crazy like a fool.
Donald Trump is so uncool; he’s not rocking very well. H’m, yeah, everything he says is like a bombshell. Donald, nobody’s crazy about the way you move – you’re just not in the right groove. (Apologies to Boney M.) | Eric Palm Gympie, Australia
US Vice-President JD Vance was heckled about Gaza at a recent Turning Point USA event in Georgia, with one attendee shouting: “Jesus Christ does not support genocide.”
The Vice-President replied: “You know who’s (sic) the person who got a peace agreement in Gaza? Donald J Trump... We’re the administration that solved that problem.”
I urge Vance and other administration officials to read the February 26 interview with Israeli historian Lee Mordechai in Jacobin magazine, The Genocide in Gaza Has Not Ended. Mordechai, a senior lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and founder of the project Bearing Witness: Gaza, states: “I do not believe that the genocide has ended... Ongoing air strikes, the destruction of schools, and civilian deaths – often including women and children – are either not reported or are framed almost exclusively in terms of ‘terrorists’.”
Declaring Gaza “solved” while civilians continue to die is not statesmanship – it is denial. Genocide scholars have long warned that genocide denied is genocide continued. Peace begins with truth, and truth requires accountability. | Terry Hansen Grafton, Wisconsin, US
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