South Africans feel conflicted after the DA showed the SA flag burning

 By Onthatile Mahlangu 

South Africans are experiencing a mix of emotions following the Democratic Alliance's depiction of the burning South African flag.

South African flag burning: Screenshot from the advertisement 

The recent release of an advertisement by the Democratic Alliance (DA), featuring the burning of the South African flag, has left residents of South Africa with conflicting emotions.

 The advertisement triggered a debate nationwide, with opinions spanning from outrage to agreement with its message.

The burning of our flag is ill-advised and seems to show disrespect and disloyalty to the flag, which to many of us is more than a flag but a symbol of triumph against apartheid, in some countries it's even a crime to burn the flag, according to Prof Thulisile Madonsela.

Madonsela said she understood the intention but there could have been other metaphoric symbols to communicate the message.

Ivyn Sambo said that the DA may hate the ANC and what they are doing to the country, but they cannot burn the flag and think that is okay. The flag represents South African history and all those people who died for freedom and rights.

However, among the criticism, some individuals agreed with the portrayal presented in the advertisement.

Ivo Vegter said the national party is trying to suggest that the ANC is burning the country (as symbolized by the flag) to ashes and that the DA wishes to save the country from fate.

Mandla Sithole also said it is not made to disrespect the flag, but to warn against the dangers of voting in another corrupt government.

“What is being displayed under a coalition of ANC, EFF, and Zuma the country will burn, represented as our flag. There is no rage towards the flag or what it symbolises, it is just a visual metaphor," Brian Van Dyk stated.

The DA mentioned that the advert sets out the critical choice that the country faces in this election.

It emphasised that under the current coalition of corruption, the fabric of the nation itself is at risk, as symbolised by the burning flag.

According to the DA, the election is no longer just about politics, it is about survival.

“Whilst this advert shows the burning of our nation's beloved flag, the reconstruction of the flag afterwards represents that it is possible to rescue South Africa and turn this situation around if we make the right choice”.

 

Major Oil Company Shell Considers Leaving South Africa

 By Onthatile Mahlangu 

Picture from facebook

Two recent articles from the City Press and the Sunday Times indicate that Shell, a major player in the oil industry, is considering withdrawing from its operations in South Africa.

According to the Sunday Times, Shell has told Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe and Trade & Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel of its plan to leave SA.

Spokesperson of Shell Pam Ntaka said Shell has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Downstream and Renewables businesses across all regions and markets in line with Shell’s focus on performance, discipline, and simplification. As a result of this review, Shell has decided to reshape the Downstream portfolio and intends to divest our shareholding in Shell Downstream South Africa (SDSA). Considering SDSA’s illustrious history, this decision was not taken lightly.

“During the divestment process, we will work to preserve Shell Downstream South Africa's operating capabilities, maintain the Shell brand presence, and secure the best possible outcome for our people and customers in South Africa under new ownership,” Ntaka added.

 Shell originally embarked on a refinery processing deal in 1998 with Tepco, an energy company owned and established by Thebe Investment Corporation. This was followed by joint ventures with Tepco in 2001 in aviation and commercial fuels.

The intention of Thebe Investments, the global group, to sell its 72% share in Shell Downstream South Africa has led to a dispute regarding the valuation of Thebe's remaining 28% ownership stake in the company, causing conflict between the involved parties, this is according to the City Press.

Meanwhile, citizens on X blame the government for the potential departure of the oil industry from South Africa.

Vrystaat Boerwors tweeted that “Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) partner (ANC code for corruption useless thieves) demanded an impossible increase in their share," implying frustration with the (BEE) policies and their impact on business dealings.

The BEE’s goals are to: Redress past inequalities, promote ownership and wealth creation, and transform the economy.

However, people argue that BEE can be misused for corruption, with some companies focusing on ticking a BEE ownership box rather than genuine transformation.

There are debates about how effective BEE policies are in achieving their goals. Some argue it benefits a small, wealthy elite rather than the broader Black population.

"What did the BEE ever contribute to Shell's business activities - or were they there for the free ride?" This question reflects skepticism about the actual contributions of BEE partners to Shell's operations, hinting at concerns over the effectiveness and fairness of BEE partnerships in the business landscape.