Mind Your C’s And Q’s

Warm greetings once more.

The word this past week was that South Africa’s schooling system would be revamped to accommodate indigenous languages. Then the talk was that it would be too difficult to implement and it would be scrapped altogether. The biggest problem in this country is that there are eleven official languages and by right every individual is entitled to be educated in their mother tongue. I have long been of the opinion that education and health has been where the African National Congress has failed as a government. In theory, education in one’s home parlance should have been available from January 1st 1995.

Understandably this was not necessarily practical. However there was no excuse for schools to offer a third language, by which of course I refer to an African phraseology. Teachers of isiZulu and others were readily available instead the majority of the country’s schools continued to educate in Afrikaans and English. You cannot tell me that by 2012 we have not been able to create a group of teachers who can teach mathematics, science and other subjects in African languages.

The problem extends to higher education. There are 23 public universities in South Africa: 11 traditional universities, 6 universities of technology and 6 comprehensive universities. Public institutions are usually English medium, although instruction may take place in Afrikaans as well. This means that a Zulu person, who represents the chief home language in South Africa, can conceivably earn a university degree without ever receiving any education in isiZulu.

For me the very least that can and indeed should have been done was to introduce a compulsory third language. Currently most schools still enforce English and Afrikaans upon learners. This makes no sense in a province like Limpopo where the two languages combined do not even account for 10% of home languages. But back to my third compulsory language idea. It would be relatively easy to designate these as per provinces. The government insists that Afrikaans is not an indigenous language and outside of the Western Cape it is not a significant home language anyway. Many languages are regional i.e. in Mpumalanga 30% speak siSwati however the language has no real presence elsewhere. Much like the Bapedi, Tsonga and Venda speakers in Limpopo.

A province by province analysis will reveal that there are one or two dominant languages and that is where you take your cue from. I accept that there might be a Sesotho community in the Western Cape. In that case there can be one or two schools in the province and if you want your children educated in their mother tongue they will have to go there. If necessary they would need to be sent to a hostel-like environment. Of course in Free State all schools would offer Sesotho instruction.

The potential conundrum comes in the form of English. While it is only the fifth-most used language at home in South Africa, it is the lingua franca of commerce, science and government. Not to mention its value abroad. For this reason it should be compulsory. However that does not mean that Zulu students should be instructed in English during maths, science and so forth.

There is also a curious case in the country where one finds communities speaking Portuguese, Tamil, Hindi, French and San. The fact that these are not official languages means that they are not eligible to be used at schools outside of a private school environment perhaps.

The only province where my proposal experiences a real challenge is in Gauteng where isiZulu speakers form the majority at 20.5% followed by Afrikaans (14.4%), Sesotho (13.1%), English (12.5%) and Sepedi (10.7%). The best here in my view would be to have specialist schools. So for example in one suburb there would be a school instructing in isiZulu while in a neighbouring suburb Afrikaans will be the language of instruction and so forth.

My pitch is a solid one in theory I feel. However while it is filled with the best intentions, the lack of teachers available to instruct key subjects in all languages is a problem that the South African government needed to address some two decades ago. It is unacceptable that a 16-year old white kid in KwaZulu-Natal cannot pronounce Ulwimi ululodwa alonelanga.

Stay blessed.

2012 AFCON: Group D Preview

Today we take a look at Group D in the final feature of our series looking at the teams competing at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana:

The four-times winners have not lifted the trophy since 1982. This is arguably their best chance to do so. The Black Stars will be powered by the likes of Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari but no Michael Essien. On paper they may not be as strong as Ivory Coast but I fancy them to win in a duel between the two. There may also be an omen in that four years ago they were third and two years back second. Will they be first this time?

Prediction: Winners

Botswana:

The debutants from southern Africa are already in the midst of a pay bonus dispute. This hardly augurs well for the Zebras whose squad features players mainly playing in Botswana. One exciting player to watch out for is Dipsy Selolwane. If he is given space to run it could be a glorious site.

Prediction: Fourth in Group D

Mali:

The Eagles have never won the tournament and that is set to remain the case. Even so, Barcelona’s Seydou Keita could provide the spark the Malians will need if they are to soar. Qualification for the second round will probably come down to beating Guinea. A task they should be able to handle.

Prediction: Quarterfinalists

Guinea:

Syli National cannot come into this tournament with high hopes. But with a little bit of luck they could surprise Mali. They will have to target Botswana for three points and then hope for the best from there.

Prediction: Third in Group D

2012 AFCON: Group C Preview

Today we look at Group C of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gabon:

The co-hosts reached the quarterfinals in South Africa in 1996 and while they have been regulars at the tournament, they have failed to ignite. On home soil there will be an expectancy to emulate the class of 96. Les Pantheres might just be able to do it but I sense they will ultimately fail. Watch out for veteran striker Daniel Cousin who might fancy the match against Niger as a chance to add to his goal tally.

Prediction: Third in Group C

Niger:

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane will insist Niger are at the tournament by mistake. The problem is that Bafana Bafana failed to read the rules and whether the Menas actually did or not, is immaterial. Their best player is probably Ouwo Moussa Maazou, who scored a goal against South Africa in a qualifying win. This is Niger’s debut at the AFCON and while their presence here is unlikely, their imminent exit won’t be.

Prediction: Fourth in Group C

Morocco:

One of Africa’s proudest footballing nations. The Moroccans won the competition in 1976 and while they are hardly in their heyday, they will still fancy themselves for a good run at this competition. The likes of Adel Taarabt, Marouane Chamakh and Youssouff Hadji (yes, he’s still around) will ensure the Atlas Lions roar.

Prediction: Quarterfinalists

Tunisia:

I do believe the Eagles of Carthage will battle it out for Morocco for top spot in this group while the co-hosts put up a good fight. The reward for winning this group is the unlikelyhood of facing Ghana in the quarterfinals. I am tipping Karim Haggui and his men to do just that. They will not win the tournament as they did in 2004 but they will be there and thereabouts.

Prediction: Semifinalists

Tomorrow we shall look at the fourth group which contains first-timers Botswana, traditional participants Mali and Guinea as well as four-time winners Ghana.

2012 AFCON: Group B Preview

Yesterday we took a look at Group A of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Today we gaze into our crystal ball to determine the fate of those sides placed in Group B.

Ivory Coast:

The Elephants won the 1992 AFCON and have been knocking on the door in the last few editions. With the likes of Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, the Toure brothers Kolo and YaYa as well as Gervinho, the Ivorians are arguably the strongest team on paper. They will be strong contenders for the title especially with the absence of five of Africa’s top eight.

Prediction: Runners-up

Sudan:

Since winning the tournament in 1970 the Falcons of Jediane have hardly covered themselves in glory. This makes for a rare showing at the tournament in the last decade and the fact that they have lost players to Africa’s newest country means that they will fly in and fly out.

Prediction: Fourth in Group B

Burkina Faso:

Les Etalons finished fourth on home soil in 1998 but since then it has been more of a trot than a gallop. The Burkinabes boast the likes of defender Bakary Kone and midfielders Alain Traore and Charles Kabore. Most of the side plies their trade in the French league and they will not disgrace themselves.

Prediction: Quarterfinalists

Angola:

The Angolan golden generation reached the last eight in 2008 and 2010. The likes of Akwa have moved on but Palancas Negras still have exciting flair in the form of Djalma, Flavio and Manucho. My guess is that they will be heading back to Luanda sooner than they had hoped.

Prediction: Third in Group B

Tomorrow we shall take a closer look at Group C featuring co-hosts Gabon, surprise finalists Niger and traditional powerhouses Morocco and Tunisia.

2012 AFCON: GROUP A Preview

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon is upon us. In a bizarre twist of fate, and some may say bizarre qualifying outcome, most of the continent’s big guns are conspicuous by their absence. For example, three of the top five African teams according to Fifa’s rankings failed to reach the 2012 AFCON. Moreover, six of the top ten will not feature at this edition of the Nations Cup. Indeed of the top 16 African teams by ranking, only nine will be present in the 16-team showpiece.

That means no Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa or Cameroon. What it does do is throw the competition wide open and increase the pressure on Ghana and Ivory Coast. The feeling for both sides will be that this is a golden opportunity to lift the trophy after decades of missing out.

Today I examine Group A.

Equatorial Guinea:

Excuse my poetic licence but Nzalang Nacional have as much chance of progressing to the next round as a snowball at the equator. The joint-hosts will be desperate to put on a show for the home fans for what is their tournament debut. A player to watch out for may be captain Rodolfo Bodipo who plies his trade in the Spanish second-tier with Deportivo la Coruna.

Prediction: Fourth in Group A

Libya:

It would be a wonderful story for the newly-liberated North African nation if they could do well at the Nations Cup. They did finish second in 1982 and as unlikely as it would have seemed then, they do have a new government. The Mediterranean Knights might just win a duel or two riding on the crest of a wave of nationalism. Djamal Mahamat, the Braga midfielder is one to look out.

Prediction: Quarterfinalists

Senegal:

The Lions of Teranga experienced a heyday a decade ago when players such as Ferdinand Coly, Papa Bouba Diop and El-Hadji Diouf helped them to their best-ever finish; runners-up (2002). They then went on to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Mamdou Niang is an old warhorse you should be familiar with and while the golden generation has come and gone, the new crop are promising much excitement with Newcastle United’s ace goal scorer Demba Ba leading the pack.

Prediction: Semfinalists

Zambia:

South African football fans have much to look out for. Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa and former PSL leading hitman Collins Mbesuma are among the Chipolopolo squad. We know what these players are capable but it may come down to a straight shoot-out between the southern Africans and the North Africans. Copper bullets versus AK-47 cartridges: Nationalism wins the day and the days of finishing runners-up in 1974 and 1994 will remain a distant memory.

Prediction: Third in Group A

Tomorrow I shall take a look at Group B featuring Ivory Coast, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Angola.

Bafana Bafana’s Best

Warm greetings once more.

By the time my next newsletter goes out the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations would have kicked off. I am very ambivalent about the competition this year, much like I was two years ago and for a similar reason. South Africa failed to qualify. However my close friend Bernard is Ghanaian and I promised him last weekend that I would support him. So it is now official: This blog is endorsing the Black Stars ticket. That also means that in my very biased opinion you need look no further than a Ghana victory in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. I expect Ivory Coast to challenge and I am being told that Senegal are strong again. From a selfish Newcastle stand point it would suit me no end if the Lions of Taranga were eliminated in the group stage so my Magpies can get ace striker Demba Ba back. An early Elephants exit would see my lot get Cheik Tiote back too so it really is a case of, “Go, Ghana, go!”

What has taken away from the AFCON for me in the last few years is a seemingly more European approach to tactics. The same was seen at last year’s Copa America. African and South American players have a natural flair that most European players just do not possess.

I feel that with a more structured approach from coaches, call it safety-first, a lot of the mesmerising skill is being stifled. I am not saying that teams should be going gung-ho when a trophy is at stake but there has to be some sort of balance. I know there is no way of returning to the 1930s when teams played with as many as five strikers but particularly in the case of Africa and South America you would like to see coaches giving their flair players more licence to be the playmakers they naturally are. Tragically in my opinion, Copa champions Uruguay could just as well be Italy in a different shirt colour. So without Bafana Bafana’s presence I thought it a good idea to reminisce; yearn if you will for a brighter day. Last week Mike said I was cruel to pick South Africa’s worst cricket side since readmission. Herewith South Africa’s best XI since 1992, based on a 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper: Hans Vonk. Mister reliable. Perhaps in time Ithumeleng Khune can fill his shoes but for now it is the former Heerenveen man who holds the jersey.

Right Back: Sizwe Motaung. Sadly he passed away more than a decade ago. I considered giving the role to Anele Ngcongca who really impresses me.

Centre Back: Lucas Radebe. The Chief. And he will be in charge too. I doubt an explanation is required.

Centre Back: Mark Fish. Radebe’s centre back partner could have been no one else. Mbulelo Mabizela deserves an honourable mention. Old John should have been South Africa’s captain at the 2010 world cup but sadly his career went up in smoke.

Left Back: I strongly considered going for Bradley Carnell who enjoyed a distinguished career in the Bundesliga but in the end I had to go for David Nyathi. I had a soft spot for Nyathi who was one of my boyhood heroes. I loved his dazzling runs down the left and his ability from dead balls was not to be snuffed at. Maybe he was something of a South African Roberto Carlos with the notable difference that his defensive credentials were never in question.

Right Mid: I know Steven Pienaar generally plays here for the current side but I prefer him in the middle where I believe he can do more damage. There can be no more worthy a candidate than the Midnight Express Helman Mkhalele.

Centre Mid: This is exactly where I want Steven Pienaar. There is no doubt that he is our current star player. Not a great goal scorer but a creative player who can unlock defences.

Centre Mid: If I am going to have a creative Pienaar then I have to have an anchorman. MacBeth Sibaya gets an honourable mention but for me there was no one better than Eric Tinkler. Trott Moloto understood this so well that in 2000 the entire team was built around Tinkler. It worked until a suspension saw Tinkler miss the semifinal against Nigeria. Moloto had no contingency plan and South Africa lost.

Left Mid: Siphiwe Tshabalala is a fantastic player. But as gifted and talented as he may be he also blows hot and I’d prefer Quinton Fortune, a man who had nerves of steel as was so well showcased in 2002 at the world cup in injury time when he netted a penalty against Paraguay to win us a point.

Striker: So many factors come into play. Do I want a target man and a poacher or two dribblers? Or a combination. In the end I’ll let statistics do the talking. For an international strike rate that puts him in the same bracket as Marcelo Salas, Miroslav Klose and Rudi Voller, Katlego Mphela takes the number Nine. I should add that Killer takes a deadly free kick too.

Striker: Mphela’s strike partner will be the country’s leading goal scorer of all-time Benni McCarthy. This is the Benni that scores four goals in twenty minutes against Namibia at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations and not the Benni that retires from international football every time an away fixture against Congo is announced but comes out of the wilderness on the eve of a world cup. But just in case Benni doesn’t report for duty I will have Shaun Bartlett on stand by.

Coach: Clive Barker. He is the only man to have won a major trophy in the history of the national side. There was no other candidate.

Okay Ghana, beat this team!

Stay blessed.

STUMPED – SA’s worst Test XI since readmission

Warm greetings once more.

Firstly let me say, “Happy New Year” to you and wish you well for 2012. I believe it is going to be the best year yet.

It was with great relief that the Proteas finally won a home test series again. Not since the triumph over the West Indies in 2007/08 has South Africa beaten a visiting side into submission save for a home win against Bangladesh which quite frankly almost doesn’t count. And it should be noted that the South Africans were 1-nil down in that series. This might lend support to the argument that we really are not as good as what we think we are. That could well be the case but it could have been worse. 2011 saw the 20^th anniversary of South Africa’s return to international cricket and a popular debate was to discuss the best Eleven since then. But given the dismal run the national side has experienced (four home Test series without a win), I thought that it might be fun to look at the country’s worst XI since readmission.

Generally to qualify for a ‘Best XI’ you have to have played a certain amount of matches. That criteria just will not fly here. After all, if you suck how can you expect to be given multiple opportunities? So herewith South Africa’s eleven worst Test cricketers since readmission.

Opening batsmen: Mark Rushmere and Gerhardus Liebenberg. Rushmere played just one Test and averaged 3.00 while Liebenberg played five and averaged 13.00. Whichever way you look at the new ball will get both these men back in the hut in record time.

Middle order: John Commins, HD Ackerman and Pieter Strydom. Ackerman’s inclusion is perhaps harsh as he had a fabulous First Class record but then so did Mark Ramprakash. Commins averaged 25.00, Ackerman 20.13 and Strydom 11.67 in three, four and two Tests respectively. Strydom also gives the side added condemnation in that he can bowl a little bit as well.

All rounders: Why should the side only have one player who bats and bowls equally badly? Adrian Kuiper averaged 17.00 with the bat and never took a wicket while Omar Henry averaged 63.00 with the ball and matched Kuiper’s highest score of 34.

Wicketkeeper: This is also harsh because the side has only had four wicketkeepers (may as well read two) in the post isolation era. But there is no room for sentiment and so for having taken fewer catches and stumpings than his peers, not to mention an abysmal batting average of 9.40 Thami Tsolekile wears the gloves for this side.

Bowlers: Henry and Kuiper will provide a hindrance to the already impotent bowling attack. Steaming in at around 125 km/h Dewald Pretorius and Charl Willoughby will toil hard for at least five sessions at a time. And for added variety, Meyrick Pringle will open the bowling. Pringle averaged 54.00 in his four tests while Pretorius took a wicket for every 71.67 runs conceded. Willoughby was walloped for 125 runs before he took a stick.

So here is the starting XI for a side expected to be bowled out for around 148 and then watch as their opponents pile on the runs. If the frontline bowlers share the load and keep Kuiper and Strydom far away from the ball, they should be batting again by the time the opposition reach 756 without taking into account any extras!

Mark Rushmere

Gerhardus Liebenberg

John Commins

HD Ackerman

Pieter Strydom

Adrian Kuiper

Thami Tsolekile

Meyrick Pringle

Omar Henry

Dewald Pretorius

Charl Willoughby

This is Bangladesh’s best shot at ever beating South Africa.

Stay blessed.

2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 6,100 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE

Hello friends.

As the year draws to a close we all like to reflect. It has been my feeling that 2011 was the best year ever but we know that the devil loves to curtail our progress. The enemy delights in stealing our joy. So as the year winds up Satan comes along and arranges for my computer’s hard drive to give in. That will be an expensive repair.

And then to add to the supposed calamaties my car packed up. I’m told it’s the clutch cable that needs to be replaced. That will cost money too and what makes it worse is that now I am without transport which is hardly ideal.

So what do I do? Sit and wail? Cry and feel sorry for myself? Absolutely not.

I am going to stay in faith since that is what the just are meant to do (Habakkuk 2:4) . I am just since I am the righteousness of God in Christ (Romans 3:22). In spite of what does not look like a great way to end the year, I shall rejoice for this is the day that the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24).

I am not going to be moved by the circumstance. I am not going to be moved by the situation. After all my Heavenly Father knows the plans for my life. They are meant to make me prosper, not to harm me (Jeremiah 29:11). And that prosperity is according to His riches in glory (Philipians 4:19). Besides, the fowls of the air neither reap nor sow yet He feeds them and I am far better than they (Matthew 6:26).

So it is very clear that I am in a very secure space. Jesus said that I should not worry (Matthew 6:25). Yes it is true, the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).  And just for good measure there is added reason to rejoice because weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

So I cannot think of a better way to end off this letter and indeed this year by shouting out, “GOOD MORNING!”

CHRISTMAS TOP TEN: #1 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

You better not shout, you better not cry.

You better not pout, I’m telling you why …

This is the Top Ten Christmas Songs of all-time.

Ladies and gentlemen, here is number ONE.