Lock Them Up and Throw Away the Key

I'm a huge survivor fan, the American version. I could watch that show for hours and never once having the inkling to change the channel. However, I started watching the South African Survivor, the celebrity season and although it's gotten a bad rap in the media, I sort of enjoyed it. I don't like the fact that we piggyback on the American shows, but show me a country that doesn't do that? They've set the benchmark.

So while watching one evening, one contestant stood out for me, Jub Jub.....What's in a name you say? His arrogance and ego mania made me quite angry and I was disappointed that South Africa was being represented by a person like that. However, he left, due to a "life threatening" rash and I was happy to continue watching. But a shocking and bone chilling story has hit the media in full force about this South African rap star, that is sure to have the country reeling for some time to come.

Firstly, the charity that he had chosen to support didn't exist. It was actually a fund set up by his mother. Pocketing money that was supposed to have gone to charity.....it makes the skin crawl. But it gets worse, much worse. Jub Jub and a couple of buddies decide to drag race on a two way street in Soweto, drunk and high on cocaine and landed up killing four school children when they crashed, which we all know was inevitable. Certain rules in this life apply purely for safety reasons, it's not a hard concept to grasp.

I cannot even begin to imagine how the parents of those young boys must feel right now. Four senseless killings at the hands of a person who is clearly a detriment to the South African community. This is a man, that I am quite certain, has been put up on a pedestal by many young South African children, aspiring to live the rap stars dream. And this is the example he sets. Drugs, stealing, drag racing and just an overall attitude that reeks of arrogance and selfishness.

I believe that justice needs to run it's course and that these men MUST be held accountable for their reckless actions. You're not a hardcore rapper if you haven't gotten yourself locked up but somehow I don't think our Jub Jub is going to make it in the merciless prisons of South Africa. In everything there is a lesson to be learned, get ready Jub Jub, this is going to be a hard one. To the families of the victims, we send our condolences.

Survivor SA

For those of you lucky enough to live in the Western Cape, you would have woken up to the sound of rain, if you had been even more fortunate to listen to the news, you would know the difference between when it rains and when it pours.

There seems to be bad news everywhere, on the news, within rival political parties, the economy and all the people just trying to keep their head above water. It seems like we're playing our own version of Survivor right here on South African soil. So I thought I'd explain the rules, or my version of them anyway, just to give those of you who aren't in the know a bit of a head start.

Rule number one:
Alliances - It's always fascinated me that political parties with (sometimes) very different political focuses and management styles adopt the "alliance" route when garnering firsthand support doesn't work. But like on the show, its never really an alliance when it comes down to the final two is it? Than its every man/woman for him/herself. So basically alliances are a sneakier way to push your own agenda and usually make sure you vote your least favourite castaway off the island. Hence the Zuma and Zille feud(is it serious enough to call it a "debacle?"). There's too many zzz's in that rivalry to keep anyone awake.

Rule number two:
Dividing into tribes. Now, in this instance you don't have to wear your bandanna but here's a thought...maybe our tribal culture could revisit some of the moral code that trumps any tribal status, like be kind to your neighbour and all that. I would hate to be accused of standing on moral high ground but occasionally I can't help but think to myself...what are we actually fighting for?

Rule number three:
Prizes are not transferable for cash and the judges decision is final. And that's the honest truth. Cue Judge Hlophe.

Rule number four:
Your lantern must be lit at all times. Here I'm torn between interpretations. On the one hand we could be talking about Eskom but they've done more irreparable damage to their reputation than anyone else can. On the other hand, it could have something to do with this little light of mine...I don't know...you decide.

Rule number five:
Immunity? We don't promise anything of that nature. Challenges? Daily. Rewards? Depends on your point of view.

So there you have it, Survivor in South Africa. Remember...outplay, outwit, outlast, not out numbered, out of the office and outhouse. I wish all our contestants luck out there today. Survivors ready? Go!