By Manish Chand, IANS
Johannesburg : Jo’burg has bid goodbye to spring and the long summer has just begun: days are warm but nights tend to get deliciously cold, kindling an urge to step out and soak in the myriad delights of this vibrant humming city.
But that’s one thing you can’t do. Along with the slight chill, the night also brings fear. Street crimes are so rampant in this crime capital of South Africa that if you go out un-chaperoned by a local guide, only God can protect you from trained eyes of muggers who have a genius for spotting vulnerable foreigners among the throng.
In short, do not go gently into the night in South Africa.
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Mandela Magic
There are a few places untouched by the criminal curse. Call it the magic of Mandela, if you will. Nelson Mandela Square – the cobbled square reminiscent of Italy overflowing with pubs, cafes and upmarket restaurants – stands out as an island of bohemian bliss in this ocean of crime.
Last year, 28,000 people were brutally murdered and countless robbed recklessly. South Africa has lost more than 600 million rands to economic crimes like Internet fraud, money laundering and bribe.
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IBSA is catching on
IBSA, comprising India, Brazil and South Africa, the three economic powerhouses of three continents separated by vast distances, has moved from being a diplomatic abstraction to a buzzword among the South African elite.
Pundits and journalists, fresh from an editor’s conference hosted by India recently, have popularised IBSA explaining what it means for ordinary people of their country: more connectivity, more business and more tourism.
It’s also good for South Africa’s image to be joining hands with India and Brazil with whom it shares common stand on hot global issues of the time, be it UN reforms, WTO talks or climate change. “IBSA is an idea whose time has just come,” as South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki is fond of saying.
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Twenty20 magic
In the Twenty20 World Championship, when India played against South Africa in Durban, there were more Indian flags on display than South African flags, with even South Africans and whites joining the cheering squad for India. Massive euphoria swept the streets of Durban at the news of Indian victory in a match leading to the World Cup final.
India’s Consul General in Durban Harsh Vardhan Shringla recalls this heady cocktail of cricket and patriotism with much relish. “It was uplifting to see this love of India,” he said. Durban is home to one million Indians and accounts for 80 percent of the 1.2 million-strong Indian community that has made South Africa their home and karm bhumi.
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Brand India
Brand India is shining in Africa’s most developed country. There is a new respect for India and things Indian. Tata pick-up vans and cars can be seen rolling on the streets in the towns and cities of South Africa.
Indian companies are also on an acquisition spree with Vijay Mallaya’s United Breweries Group acquiring stakes in hotels and liquor industry in this country.
Indian investment has exceeded $2 billion in South Africa. And bilateral trade is surging beyond the current $4 billion. The CEOs forum co-chaired by Ratan Tata on the Indian side and Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals has created quite a buzz, promising more business between the two countries.
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Succession battle in South Africa
After Thabo Mbeki, who? The succession battle is hotting up in South Africa as the African National Congress (ANC) gets ready to elect a new leader in December. The new ANC chief, as tradition goes, will be the next president of South Africa.
With the court acquitting him of rape charges, former deputy president Jacob Zuma is a big favourite with his dazzling oratorical skills and his genius for connecting with ordinary people. Corruption allegations, however, still hang like a Damocles’ sword over Zuma, who is seen as the charismatic populist leader as opposed to the scholar-politician Mbeki.
For now South Africa is keeping its fingers crossed over who will be its next president. If Zuma gets elected, South Africa will get its first Zulu president.