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News & Views by Terry Bell
Browsing All Posts published in »2012«
The forgotten legacy of workers’ Olympics
August 10, 2012
Once again, as the summer Olympiad comes to an end, the Ganes are shrouded in some very modern myths that ignore their real origins — and fail to give credit where credit is due. Much of the credit for the fact that women now compete and that men and women from every background are generally included on the basis of ability alone, goes to the labour movement, mainly in Europe, but also in the United States.
Know clearly what you want — and will fight for
August 2, 2012
That there is widespread and apparently growing cynicism within the South African labour movement about politics and politicians is perfectly understandable. Perhaps the lesson to be learned is not only to be careful what you wish for, but to be perfectly clear about what you want and are prepared to fight for.
Why the law is often an ass
July 27, 2012
“Then the law is an ass,” said Mr Bumble in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist when he was told that the law considered his wife to act under his direction. Few truer words have been said — or written. Because the law, that body of regulations that can shelter stupidity, pedantry, vindictiveness and sheer bloody-mindedness behind the veil of justice, is very frequently an ass.
Why the law is so often an ass
July 27, 2012
The controversial medical parole of South Africa's former top cop, Jackie Selebi, has once again thrown into stark relief questions about kidney disease and treatment, questions that have long disturbed the labour movement. Over the years nothing has changed: it is the size of a bank balance, sometimes the level of powerful connections, that determines whether a chronically ill person lives or dies.
Hope amid the horror of joblessness and exploitation
July 19, 2012
For all its contradictions the annual Spring Queen pageant, staged by workers in the badly battered Cape Town garment industry, retains a social bite; it is a Cinderella moment that exopresses the hope of a better fife for all — and perhaps the determination to see change happen.
Ripping good reasons for an independent media
July 13, 2012
An free and unfettered media provides the only antidote to propaganda serving narrow political and corporate agendas. This issue has become highly pertinent as the Irish-owned Independent News Media group in South Africa comes up for sale.
Of spears, dicks and satire
July 13, 2012
The latest row over a "genital" cartoon of South Africa's President Jcob Zuma reveals an unwillingness to accept that respect has to be earned and that individuals, especially those in high office who behave in a manner contrary to the norms of society, lose respect and become legitimate targets for satire.
Terry Bell Writes 
No angels in bloody SA mine clashes
August 15, 2012
9
The ongoing tension and violence at South Africa's Lonmin platinum mine is a much more complex and messy business than a simple turf war between unions in the Rustenburg region of the country. At this stage, all that seems clear is that there are no angels in this; no clear good guys and bad guys.