Latest news with #Mavimbela
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Reflections on Vusi Mavimbela's book The Africa in Brazil
Author Vusi Mavimbela Image: SABC The national dialogue has long started, not only with Lt Mkhanazi explosive and important revelations exclusively on South Africa, but much earlier in the year with Vusi Mavimbela revealing global genesis of the 'whitening' project which sheds light on Trumpism. The wise will visit 'The Africa in Brazil.' In his book titled, The Africa in Brazil, the author Vusi Mavimbela, a former director general of South Africa's National Intelligence Agency, has proved to be more than a national spook. Through his pen Mavimbela is not only physically ambidextrous, but he is also a cranially ambidextrous global intellectual and a deep thinker and contributor to how a better world is possible. In his earlier title, Time is not a measure, Mavimbela's book explored South Africa's contemporary post-apartheid rapture, which in the main characterised two presidents he served under, namely President Thabo Mbeki and President Jacob Zuma. The Africa in Brazil Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In this book 'The Africa in Brazil' Mavimbela explodes on to the global stage. The title conceals the profoundness of how in a 150 or so pages of this book he unravels the paradoxes of the contemporary and continuing practice of Embraquencimento or 'whitening the population' as a deep rooted and relentless struggle to seek and maintain dominance through brute force that is not limited to but includes slavery, genocidal acts, colonialism, apartheid, distortion and extortion of not only history, but of knowledge and science through deception and continuing 'whitening' not only of the population but of systems of thought in the pursuit to expand capital at the expense of indigenous populations. This book the more fitting title of which according to me is buried in the filename of Mavimbela's manuscript - Odyssey Across the Atlantic – is a further deep dive and paradoxical exploration of the meaning of why 'Time is not a measure.' Thus, to appreciate The Africa in Brazil title as a total immersion by Mavimbela, you need to read his other book, Time is not a Measure. Mavimbela's immersion into 250 million years of enquiry into the complex universe and successful compression of this discovery into a hundred and fifty-one pages of explosive yet accessible and comprehensible rendition is nothing short of extraordinary. To suggest that this is an enquiry and discovery of an intriguing motion and interplay of multiple intersections of evolution of layers on layers of geological, environmental, botanical, zoological, anthropological, sociological, and economic outcomes is to put it but mildly and robs the book of its essence. The book is a contemporised tapestry of history and mythology, an endeavour that unravels racial prejudices that have shaped and defined about seven centuries of humanity that have directed modern day world order that we find ourselves in – the endeavour of whitening the population for plunder. A heart wrenching revelation. Spooked by Brazilian President's Lula da Silva's address on, Why the Country (Brazil) Owes Africa a Debt of Fraternity, You know that Brazil owes much of its culture to Africa. It is a debt that cannot be paid in cash. It is Brazil's historic and humanitarian obligation to maintain a beautiful relationship with the African continent' (Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva – Washington, February 10, 2023)' , Mavimbela was spurred into action and dug deep into millions of years to excavate the evidence of the oneness of Africa and Brazil disputing the shallow whitening theory. In this regard Mavimbela makes many references attesting to Africa's oneness with Brazil in evolution and writes, 'One fossil common to the two coastlines is that of the reptile Mesosaurus, which is thought to have lived between 286-million and 258-million years ago. This fossil is found only in eastern South America and South Africa. It was a coastal animal and could not have swum across the vast Atlantic Ocean. Another common reptile was Cynognathus, which lived between 250-million and 240-million years ago.' How prejudice has been bolstered to pass as science and condemn nations and peoples. The depth of research in this book is mind boggling. Connecting billions of years to contemporary 2023 realities and the role of Biko's Black Consciousness held in the mirror in which the struggle of Brazil is deeply located should refract light on South Africa makes the book special. In a 151 pages Mavimbela links Lula's struggles to the Black Consciousness Movement and the significance of Steve Biko in our forward march against the whitening project. His book is a universal contribution to a better and different world. By so doing Mavimbela defines for me an imagery of a three-legged pot with its handle raised and rested. With the handle raised we trace the journey northwards from Africa into Eurassia and finally back into Brazil and with its handle rested on its spherical body we define the tesselational contentment driven by a millennial unity traceable in common founa, fora, and sculpture that defines the once enjoined landmass of Brazil and Africa whose geometric distance cannot separate the oneness of its people. The Sesotho saying asserts in idioms this oneness (Bana ba monna ba llelana letseetsee, Bana Ba Khoana Ba tsebana ka Mereto etsoe Bana Ba Khoale Ba Bitsana ka mololi. Mavimbela in this book has now conclusively dismissed the at all cost isolationists whitening lie and its associated abracadabra that seek to assert that 'these similarities is that the human mind thinks and invents in a similar way in similar surroundings and challenges, even if isolated by oceans. In other words, the human mind evolved along the same lines even in the isolation occasioned by the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans.' Therefore, Mavimbela concludes correctly that, 'The moral and political agency of the African people and that of the African Diaspora rest, in part, on their ability to integrate into a common human heritage that contributes meaningfully to the evolution of a rich, equitable and a shared human civilisation.' I visited Bahia leading 60 teachers to an International Conference on the Teaching of Statistics (ICOTS6) in 2006. Although Brazil had just lost the World Cup and in Rio the mood was sombre, in Bahia, Salvador, the carnival mood was oozing with an Africanness I could relate to. Little did I know I would be immersed in a lecture about being African and relieve the Bahia experience 18 years later with an overdose of intellectual rigour. Both Mavimbela and I served in the government of South Africa as senior bureaucrats. His book is South Africa's long walk to freedom. Dr Pali Lehohla is a Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg, among other hats. Image: Supplied Dr Pali Lehohla is a Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg, a Research Associate at Oxford University, a board member of Institute for Economic Justice at Wits and a distinguished Alumni of the University of Ghana. He is the former Statistician-General of South Africa. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL BUSINESS REPORT
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- The Citizen
Soccer star's 'special treatment' after deadly crash concerns mom
The soccer star's luxury car crashed into another, in an accident that killed the young child and injured another 13-year-old in Tembisa. The mother of a nine-year-old child who was killed in an accident allegedly caused by Sekhukhune United soccer star Shaune Mogaila says she's tired of the delays in the case against him and has turned to AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit for help. The accident occurred in October last year along Andrew Mapheto Road in Tembisa, where Mogaila's BMW M2 collided with a Hyundai Grand i10. Accident The crash tragically claimed the life of Gomolemo Mavimbela-Kekana. The nine-year-old's mother, Keo Mavimbela-Kekana, and 13-year-old Thando Khethiwa, the son of Mavimbela's friend, sustained critical injuries The Sekhukhune United winger allegedly fled the scene and handed himself over to the police later that day. He was granted bail of R20 000. The Ekurhuleni Metro Police reported that broken liquor bottles and a white substance they suspect was cocaine were found inside the BMW M2. The mother of 9-year-old child who was killed in an accident allegedly caused by Sekhukhune United soccer star Shaune Mogaila says she's tired of the delays in the case against him and has turned to AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit for help. @TheCitizen_News July 18, 2025 ALSO READ: Case of Sekhukhune United soccer player delayed, as girl's uncle speaks of family's 'devastation' [VIDEO] 'Delays' AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, advocate Gerrie Nel, said that nine months later, despite dashcam video evidence of the crash, the matter continues to be postponed for further investigation. In correspondence with the Rabie Ridge police station commander, Nel asked for an update on the case. 'In our experience of other matters, it has become more and more evident that the Saps either lack the skills to investigate culpable homicide cases or consider them to be of lesser importance. Consequently, little is done to mitigate delays in the blood alcohol results, which have allowed cases to drag on until they are eventually struck off the roll. 'The trauma caused by this lingering case remains unhealthy for the victims, and our instructions are to not only obtain a status update but also to ensure that justice is served. To that end, we offer both our assistance and that of our client to ensure that the matter is postponed for trial and concluded without further undue delay., Nel said. The Citizen has contacted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)'s Lumka Mhanjana for comment. This will be included in the story when received. 'Justice' Mavimbela said all she wants is justice. 'I approached AfriForum because I feel like there's no progress in this case. I feel like there's a lot of runaround. And the only thing that I want is justice in this case. But the way things are going, it doesn't give any hope because the case has been postponed without a trial. 'It's always investigations, investigations based on the same reason, which is the blood results. I hope that AfriForum could help me reach justice for my daughter, myself and Thando,' she said. Keo Mavimbela, Adv. Gerrie Nel, and Carol Khethiwa after consulting at AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit. 'Emotional burden' AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson Barry Bateman said the unit also represents Thando's mother, Carol Khethiwa. He said Keo and her family not only bear the emotional burden of this incident but also the physical and financial burden. 'While Keo walks with a severe limp after undergoing numerous surgeries to heal her body, which was crushed in the wreck that killed her daughter, the football player behind the wheel of the other car runs onto the pitch. 'We share Keo's concern that Mogaila may be given preferential treatment because of his status as a soccer player. AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit was established to ensure that everyone is treated equally before the law, regardless of political or social status,' Bateman said. The matter is scheduled to return to the Tembisa Magistrates Court on 16 September 2025. ALSO READ: Sekhukhune United star to appear in court following crash that killed nine-year-old girl
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Over 25 million potholes threaten South African motorists, warns AA
Potholes The Automobile Association (AA) has stated that the number of potholes on South African roads could be more 25 million Last week, IOL reported that Quentin Meyer, a councillor for Ward 2 in Pretoria North, planted trees in potholes as a form of protest against what he described as poor service delivery by the City of Tshwane. In the past the condition of roads has sparked protests from communities, particularly where damaged roads have hindered access to essential services and public transport. The Automobile Association (AA) believes that the number of potholes on South African roads could be more than 25 million. Potholes remain a major issue for the country, despite ongoing government efforts to address the problem through various maintenance programmes and targeted repair initiatives. Eleanor Mavimbela, a spokesperson for the AA, expressed concern over the scale of the pothole problem, suggesting that the number could be higher than 25 million. 'We believe the number might be potentially higher than that, and it's not only due to the recent rains in KwaZulu-Natal,' Mavimbela said in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. She explained that potholes represent more than just an inconvenience, as they can cause significant damage to vehicles, including tyres, rims, and even the vehicle's body if large enough. Mavimbela also highlighted the use of substandard materials in pothole repairs, which often result in temporary fixes instead of long-term solutions. She noted that the patchwork efforts employed by many municipalities are insufficient to cope with high traffic volumes and adverse weather conditions. 'The materials used are not strong enough to withstand traffic volumes or weather conditions,' she said. In 2023, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) responded to reports of 25 million potholes, denying the figure. 'We do not dispute that South Africa has a pothole crisis and remain committed to working with provinces and municipalities to address it,' said SANRAL spokesperson Vusi Mona. 'However, we must be realistic about the extent of the issue and recognise the work done by municipalities and provincial departments in repairing potholes.' IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
