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Driven to hijacking the drinks trolley b... |
BRIEFCASEPUFFING IN ZUMA'S FACE In these day of non-smoking correctness, it is encouraging to see that hedonism still has its unashamedly politically incorrect followers. A fax has landed on our desks from "Cigafrique, The Great African Big Smoke Cigar Club" to invite us to the launch of "South Africa's first premium cigar club". The launch promises participants the opportunity "to savour a selection of fine imported cigars and delectable Cape wines, ports and brandies". Apart from the unapologetic pursuit of life's finer things, Cigafrique, headed by Colin Wesley of Wesley's Tobacconist (no surprise here), Peter Hayward of event planners Secluded Africa and Zedworks Studios' Christian Zimelka, is also stubbornly defiant of the politically correct norms: "For decades success has been celebrated with a good cigar; with the launch of Cigafrique, Africa's Churchills will now have a reason and the motivation to come out from hiding and stand firm in drawing the line! No more will they suffer by smoking behind closed doors, in fear of intimidation or in solitude. No, Cigafrique members now united will henceforth lend an air of dignified respect to the art of real smoking," booms the statement. "Proof again that Africa is not for the faint-hearted," they conclude triumphantly.
COMING OUT The banquet would be an ideal opportunity for Deputy President Thabo Mbeki (an avid pipe smoker) to once again come out of the closet and enjoy the taste of his Meerschaum. Apparently cabinet members have been told by Zuma to quit the habit in public, an edict Thabo and fellow ministerial smokers are battling to adhere to.
NO SKILL NEEDED ANC MP Maria Rantho has finally cut through the bull about affirmative action. Proposing amendments to the Public Service Act in parliament earlier this month, she said: "It is imperative to get rid of merit as the overriding principle in the appointment of public servants." (The amendments follow last year's failed attempt by Justice Minister Dullah Omar to exclude white males from promotion to certain senior positions). In any other country Rantho's rantings would have created a massive outcry. Clearly, white South Africans benefited from years of apartheid-driven education, but to disadvantage those willing to work for a democratic country is extremely short-sighted.
FROM THE FRYING PAN. . . Unfortunately, such common sense seems lost on Rantho and we should expect more ads like the one that appeared in the Financial Mail last month offering help in "Emigration to Zimbabwe". The ad did apparently elicit a lot of responses. Which makes us wonder if notices advertising "Emigration to the Democratic Republic of Congo" are that far off. BARGAIN HUNTING Thank goodness some advertisers have got a sense of humour. A radio ad for the Oriental Plaza's "Indian Bargain Authority" says: "Come to the IBA and it won't matter what credit card you use. It's so cheap you won't need it anyway."
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