Global Voices Online

Jonty at The Fishbowl comments on the findings of a new survey showing that Afrikaners have experienced the “most radical change in political outlook” of all groups since the 1994 elections.

“This is probably understandable, given that by fair assumption that Afrikaners had the furthest to move politically after the fall of apartheid. In saying that though, I am in no way meaning to diminish the positive nature of that development. Afrikaners could very easily not have embraced the new rainbow nation, and we would be sitting in a far worse position as a country than where we are right now.”

Daan at In my Nes brings up the ongoing debate of whether a white person and an Afrikaaner can be an African.

“Aha, yet another post on the Afrikaner identity crisis, and now I add another term, African, to the mix…Ha, but try and explain this identity to a black person (or a foreigner for that matter), most often in my experience it would illicit seriously mixed reaction. Interesting, maybe because they are mostly completely and utterly unprepared to deal with such an idea, or maybe they view it as a threat to their ‘New South African' identity. I don't know, but it's not going to stop me from being, and calling myself an African.”

Bilal's Blog notes the profusion of exclusive golfing estates in South Africa, and comments on how as in other capitalist countries, only the rich can afford to experience some of the country's most beautiful places.

“I found myself at the Hartebeesport Dam- really beautiful place! There's something about water that attracts people- even dirty, green water like what we find at the Zoo Lake! But like a true capitalistic nation that we are, prime natural spots like that have been heavily inflated so that only rich, bourgeoisie can afford to live where previously poorer people have been displaced! All in the name of premium golf estate living!”

Vas Lube questions South Africa's foreign policy move towards strengthening ties with Iran.

“ZA policy in this regard with Iran is unacceptable and counters to ZA’s liberal values which Iran regime is opposed to. ZA will be better off if we moved closer ties with US than those countries like Iran, Cuba, et al. ZA fingers will be burnt very badly. I find this events very unsettling and disturbing.”

One of the big events being reported on in the media this week is that gay marriage became legal in South Africa- although gay people will still have to wait another year while the Constitution is amended to reflect this. Moral Fiber contrasts the South African situation with that in Cameroon where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to five years in jail.

“It is painfully ironic that South Africa is one of the most progressive countries in the world in regards to equal rights, while so many countries on the continent are completely backwards when it comes to equality. One would have thought that centuries of struggle against colonialism and racism would have bred some sort of tolerance among Africans for people who are different. It really isn't surprising that many of the continent's anti-gay laws were actually put on the books by the colonial oppressors of yesteryear. One wonders what the African Union is doing about human rights.”