So Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the last leader of the racist National Party (that was the party who invented Apartheid and governed South Africa from 1948 till democracy came) is the favorite for the United Nations’ top climate post, as director of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, and to force industrial nations to hopefully reach a legally binding climate change agreement. (The current leader is resigning.). In the popular memory Van Schalkwyk is remembered more for his inexperience and disastrous leadership of that party (journalists dubbed him “kortbroek” for short pants). Now, as the Associated Press, writes Van Schalkwyk, who served as environmental minister in Thabo Mbeki’s government, “has a reputation as a bridge builder” and has “earned a great deal of respect for being very engaged and informed.” Kyk jhy.
Somebody should read this to Helen Zille.
– Sean Jacobs
Sean,
I’m not sure where you are going with the reference to Zille. Granted, Zille can be shrill and jaw-droppingly tone deaf, but she is the leader of an opposition party and by definition her job is not to build bridges or earn the admiration of her opponents.
Hi ekapa,
If you’ll check my writings at The Guardian, you’ll notice I am not a fan of Zille or South African liberals. Of course, despite my historical affinities with the ANC, I don’t have time for its current leadership either.
On this, check my post today re public toilets in Khayelitsha.
Glad to see you’re back. I wondered what had happened to you.
Hi Sean,
Glad to be back. I was in South Africa, ostensibly for a conference and research on a project, but in reality to see the soccer stadiums, get a feel for the mood of the country now that Zuma has been in office for a while, and to follow up on several wine industry projects that involve the collaboration between Coloured wine farm workers and African American entrepeneuers.
In my haste to catch up on your always wonderful postings I misunderstood your comment about Zille, misreading it as a call for her to collaborate/curry favor with the ANC ala the former NP leaders. Knowing that you are most certainly not a fan of either the current ANC leadership or of Zille I was a bit puzzled but after reading your response and re-reading the post, I’m now clear. Thanks.