Friday, September 29, 2006

Crime sells...


Monday, September 18, 2006

Funny Afrikaans II

Here are some more examples of Afrikaans that the Dutch think is very funny:

Melkskommel - Milkshake
Krimpvarkie - Porcupine (Egel)
Verkleurmannetjie - Cameleon
Haanpartij - Bachelorparty (male)
Hennepartij - Bachelorparty (female)
Kopskuif - Changing your mind

Monday, September 11, 2006

New democracy in old room

"It is actually amazing that I am sitting here", the parliamentary journalist of Indian decent says.
The place: the Old Assembly in the South African Parliament.
The event: a committee meeting on a pending strike of immigration officers*.
The Old Assembly Room is the room where during the apartheid years the plenary meetings of parliament were held.
“Do you think about it a lot, that only 12 years ago no coloureds, no Indians and no blacks where allowed in here?” I asked her. Today most people present are black or coloured, one or two white faces can be seen.
“To be honest; never", she says a little bit embarrassed and adds that she never thinks about the struggle anymore.
For decades people have been fighting against apartheid and now, twelve years down the line, it has become as normal as breathing for most people.
It is ironic: with freedom comes also the freedom to forget the pain of the people who fought for that freedom.

*= the MP's express their concerns South Africa's image. Queues of people waiting to get past passport control and in to the country are the last thing the host of the World Cup Soccer in 2010 needs.

Monday, September 04, 2006

What to expect when visiting a Rugby match

Of course there is the biltong guy dressed in the colours of the club...


Then there are the 'braaiers', the people who arrive early so that they can braai between the cars on the field that is designated as parking area for the occasion. The people in this picture have a nice little corner for themselves, but that is unique. Normally is happens behind the car so that there is easy access to the meat and drinks in the boot of the car.

For the non-braaiers there is the wors sales person to fill the hungry (beer) bellies


Since it is not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium, people have come up with resourceful ways to get there hands on brandy-coke, a drink that is as vital to the game as the ball itself.
Little plastic bags filled with booze are stuffed in places like the hood of a jacket. In the stadium it is mixed with coke. This method requires somewhat of a steady hand.


After the game there is again an opportunity to braai !!!