[cyborg]

I asked a friend or two what they think of Nelson Mandela, not as hated I thought he would be amongst the afrikaans speaking set. He's pretty much what keeps 'popular media' interested in South Africa, I hate to say. I think Oprah's concern about orphans are genuine but she wouldn't be going there if it weren't for Mandela.

Good post... I agree...Mbeki is already chomping at the bit. They're eyeballing the few provinces that aren't pro-ANC, all those black SAs who won't be voting for him. They'll get a 'Zimbabwe judge style' visit from the State Police pretty soon.

[MDspinboyredux]

I agree with your friends' observations. Afrikaaners are warm to Mandela because he's a moderating force in SA and brings in the West's investment dollars to feed the coffers of Afrikaaner businesses.

But as soon as he's gone, the West's investments that have sustained SA since 'reconstruction' will dry up. That will give Mbeki the excuse for land reform, blaming the white businessmen of ruining the economy. Businesses that have been profitable for both owners and employees will be handed over to people with little or no business savvy. The companies, and the people dependent on them for income, will suffer.

All one has to do is to look to Zimbabwe. Farms were handed over to squatters with no farming experience simply in exchange for political obedience. The farms couldn't continue to operate profitably and the whole of the people suffered. That's how Zimbabwe, a former food EXPORTER became a destitute beggar at the feet of the World Bank.

And you couldn't be further from the truth with your last paragraph. Those who don't pay the piper will be scarce to hear the tune.