Saffers

[Sards]

I had an English uncle, and my Afrikaans uncles would always rip into him about his nationality. To me it seemed like the problem was that most English Saffas had dual citizenship and would flaunt their British passports every time something went tits-up. It was like they wanted to be Africans but would not let go of their Englishness. Thus, the name soutpiel.

Fair enough. I don't know what letting go of "Englishness" really means though.

I personally don't see a problem with anyone holding on a passport to a European country. I have done the same; I want my kids to have the opportunity to work, travel and study abroad if they can.

Oh for sure. That's what all the teens I know want to do. Just get out of Africa.

[OomStruisbaai]

I had an English uncle, and my Afrikaans uncles would always rip into him about his nationality. To me it seemed like the problem was that most English Saffas had dual citizenship and would flaunt their British passports every time something went tits-up. It was like they wanted to be Africans but would not let go of their Englishness. Thus, the name soutpiel.

Fair enough. I don't know what letting go of "Englishness" really means though.

I personally don't see a problem with anyone holding on a passport to a European country. I have done the same; I want my kids to have the opportunity to work, travel and study abroad if they can.

Oh for sure. That's what all the teens I know want to do. Just get out of Africa.

You are one of that weird soutpiele without any brains. Maybe an akker soutpiel with a tattoo.

[average joe]

You can't be an African if all you want is to get out of Africa.

There was still some bad blood leftover from the Boer wars with my grandad, so he naturally didn't like the English, and I think it carried over a bit to my dad's generation. Personally, I never felt the same about English Saffas like my forebearers. Although my English uncle was a bit of a prick.

[assfly]

You can't be an African if all you want is to get out of Africa.

I don't think that's necessarily true.

If a Pom wants to leave England for Australia (as many do), what does that make them?
And millions of Africans try and leave Africa every year, and many die trying to. Does that make them any less African?

Like you say, I think Afrikaner attitudes towards South African of British origin does have something of a hangover from the Boer War.

[Sards]

You are one of that weird soutpiele without any brains. Maybe an akker soutpiel with a tattoo.

That loss this weekend really really hurt

[Sards]

You can't be an African if all you want is to get out of Africa.

It's about opportunities. More abroad..

Or at least better conditions to look for employment

[Calculon]

Ah, the old trope of Souties not being as South African or African as us Afrikaners. Considering the number of Afrikaners living abroad I’m not sure how that view is justified

[bok_viking]

You can't be an African if all you want is to get out of Africa.

There was still some bad blood leftover from the Boer wars with my grandad, so he naturally didn't like the English, and I think it carried over a bit to my dad's generation. Personally, I never felt the same about English Saffas like my forebearers. Although my English uncle was a bit of a prick.

I think that bad blood still had its effects in the 80's. specially outside the big cities. The school rugby districts outside the cities used to have 1 or 2 English schools between all the Afrikaans schools and every time an Afrikaans school had a game against an English school it was almost a declaration of war, the bad blood from the Boer war just stuck around for generations, specially in the smaller towns/cities.

I think leaving SA for better opportunities elsewhere does not make you less African, a lot of people leaving Africa would rather remain but have little choice when it comes to looking for a better life for you and your family, though if someone is the type to leave SA and all they can do is badmouth SA and its people wherever they now live, then i much rather they identify as whatever nationality they live in now than Africans (South Africans). When I was living abroad there was nothing that pissed me off more than an expat saffer badmouthing SA and its people whenever they got the chance.

[Monk]

Interesting read here on Dieter Gerhardt

https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?scrip ... 3000100006

[Sandstorm]

Interesting read here on Dieter Gerhardt

https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?scrip ... 3000100006

"Gerhardt was a spy who fell into the lap of the Soviets in London, while undergoing training as a member of the SAN at the Maritime Warfare School of the British Navy in 1963. After walking into the Russian Embassy in London and offering his services, Gerhardt was told to come back within one month with proof of his access to secrets and documents. A month later Gerhardt returned to the Russian Embassy, bearing gifts in the form of secret documents relating to the design of Britain's navy missile system. The Royal Navy completely trusted the young naval officer from South Africa on their training courses, and gave him unprecedented access to some of their most sensitive warfare systems - information he duly passed on to his Russian controllers.400 Gerhardt handed the Russians copies of some of the manuals and documents he obtained while undergoing training at the Maritime Warfare School and therefore originally sold British, not SA, secrets to the Russians. The fact that Gerhardt sold British secrets and documents to the Russians was a nail in the coffin of his ANC-SACP-Apartheid motivation story. The information contained in these documents convinced the Russians to appoint Gerhardt as their spy - his only request being that they pay him for his services.

For the Russians, Gerhardt was an unexpected gift and they appointed him under the codename "Felix" (his middle name). During his spying career, Gerhardt would at times use the pseudonyms "Pilyatsky B. Felix", "Felix" or "DFG". Gerhardt eagerly started stealing British and SAN documents and continued this nefarious practise for the rest of his 18-month sojourn in England. The quality of the documents Gerhardt provided to the Russians in England quickly made him one of their most valuable military spies."

[assfly]

Clingons, how are things in SA since the elections? I'm getting some good vibes about the new government and ministers (or perhaps it is just the absence of bad vibes), what is your take on the last few months?

[average joe]

Clingons, how are things in SA since the elections? I'm getting some good vibes about the new government and ministers (or perhaps it is just the absence of bad vibes), what is your take on the last few months?

The DA is getting rapped and pillaged. There seems to be no fight left in them besides the old lady, and the problem is everyone thinks she has mad cow disease.

[OomStruisbaai]

Clingons, how are things in SA since the elections? I'm getting some good vibes about the new government and ministers (or perhaps it is just the absence of bad vibes), what is your take on the last few months?

I am much more positive specially our new minister of sport. Was great to see him actual giving each player a big hug before saturday's test. Also saw Oberholster praising him. The petrol prize has been down, no more Escom load shedding, so much to be thankful.

[Blake]

Clingons, how are things in SA since the elections? I'm getting some good vibes about the new government and ministers (or perhaps it is just the absence of bad vibes), what is your take on the last few months?

Pretty decent actually. There is definitely some optimism about.

200+ days without load shedding.
PRASA getting some of the rail lines working again.
Many of the new ministers also throwing their weight around to try and make impact.
McKenzie saying the right things about sport (less focus on transformation targets and more investment in infrastructure in under-serviced areas) and trying to show government support to get a UFC event in SA. Killing the "Super Fan" program that basically sponsored mascots like "Mama Joy" to jet set around the world and see sporting events on tax payer money while athletes are struggling to get sponsors.
Groenewald shaking things up in correctional services is also good news.
The EFF imploding and Malema losing it after their poor election showing is some lovely schadenfreude. MK strengthening is a concern though.
And there seem to be multiple interest rate cuts slated for the next 6-8 months.
All of this, combined with the Bokke and Dricus doing well on the sporting front, has us riding pretty high at the moment.

The DA are a little quieter with their portfolios, but that was expected given the ones they got. Communication & Digital Technologies, Basic Education, Forestry & Environment, Home Affairs, and Public Works & Infrastructure are all complicated and have longer turnaround times. I suspect they are keeping their powder dry and giving themselves 2 years to make some progress and then make a lot of noise about their successes in the lead up to the next local government election.

[Sandstorm]

Clingons, how are things in SA since the elections? I'm getting some good vibes about the new government and ministers (or perhaps it is just the absence of bad vibes), what is your take on the last few months?

The DA is getting rapped and pillaged. There seems to be no fight left in them besides the old lady, and the problem is everyone thinks she has mad cow disease.

Weirdo

[Sards]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

[OomStruisbaai]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

The exact reason why I defriend you on Facebook

[assfly]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

The exact reason why I defriend you on Facebook

Sards is a friend of your son or daughter?

[OomStruisbaai]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

The exact reason why I defriend you on Facebook

Sards is a friend of your son or daughter?

He was my friend, so I defriended him, waiting for him to be a bit more mature.

[Blake]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

People in my age group don't really use Facebook anymore, so no.
Surprised there are kids that use it.
More surprised that they want to friend you.

[Sards]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

The exact reason why I defriend you on Facebook

Sards is a friend of your son or daughter?

Shhhhh

[Sards]

The exact reason why I defriend you on Facebook

Sards is a friend of your son or daughter?

He was my friend, so I defriended him, waiting for him to be a bit more mature.

[Sards]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

People in my age group don't really use Facebook anymore, so no.
Surprised there are kids that use it.
More surprised that they want to friend you.

Me too....


It's mainly the sports boys....


I am well known amongst them. Uncle E is always there for a lift or whatever.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I don't know if any of you have gone through this or going through it.

Your children's friends asking to be your friend on fb.
It's a bit weird really. I just ignore. Maybe later in life when they are a bit more mature.

People in my age group don't really use Facebook anymore, so no.
Surprised there are kids that use it.
More surprised that they want to friend you.

Me too....


It's mainly the sports boys....


I am well known amongst them. Uncle E is always there for a lift or whatever.

[Sards]

Now why didn't I think about that.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Now why didn't I think about that.

[average joe]

Totsiens Brink. Another DA mayor gone. We'll see if the DA will survive the GNU, or will they become just another lost memory like the NNP.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA State Schools fees

[average joe]

Van waneer af is Brandwag in EP? Brandwag is in Benoni.

[average joe]

Daar waar die boeties van Hans Moore en Brandwag mekaar met fiets kettings donner. Want die een lot steel die ander lot se cherries.

[bok_viking]

SA State Schools fees

I really wonder how many parents afford school fees in SA these days. Considering what the average middle class salary in SA is, paying those kind of school fees must be hell for many families, specially for those with several kids, not to mention other expenses monthly.

[Sards]

SA State Schools fees

I really wonder how many parents afford school fees in SA these days. Considering what the average middle class salary in SA is, paying those kind of school fees must be hell for many families, specially for those with several kids, not to mention other expenses monthly.

It is because parents want the best for their kids and are prepared to sacrifice. I really don't see the point of it. There are goverment schools that are very good at preparing the children......if you can get in.
I know some people so I am making sure that my youngest and a couple of boys that are decent at under 11 cricket now.....get into the right school in 2 years time. Its about pointing the kids and their achievements out to the school. But goverment schools are oversubscribed by a lot. So certain criteria is applied. But the Sports department is the best way to fast track applications.

[bok_viking]

SA State Schools fees

I really wonder how many parents afford school fees in SA these days. Considering what the average middle class salary in SA is, paying those kind of school fees must be hell for many families, specially for those with several kids, not to mention other expenses monthly.

It is because parents want the best for their kids and are prepared to sacrifice. I really don't see the point of it. There are goverment schools that are very good at preparing the children......if you can get in.
I know some people so I am making sure that my youngest and a couple of boys that are decent at under 11 cricket now.....get into the right school in 2 years time. Its about pointing the kids and their achievements out to the school. But goverment schools are oversubscribed by a lot. So certain criteria is applied. But the Sports department is the best way to fast track applications.

Most parents want what is best for their kids, still does not mean that many can afford those fees, even smaller fees in lesser known schools and end up having to go into serious debt to have their kids in school. Most kids are not that talented in sport that they can get scholarships. They might be willing to sacrifice but does not mean the figures add up easily, if at all. The average middle class salary in SA is below R30000 per month before tax, that does not allow for much when you have 2 or 3 kids, taking the cost of medical aid, possibly a car, bond/rent, and other costs involved with having a family. And if you do not live in a big city with several schools to choose from, you can only go with the 1 or 2 schools that are on offer where you live.

[Chilli2]

Try having a kid at Woodridge..............................

[OomStruisbaai]

Those are Government Schools. Include boarding fees. Soutie schools are very expensive

[Sandstorm]

Try having a kid at Woodridge..............................

Are the antenatal services no good?

[Sards]

Most parents want what is best for their kids, still does not mean that many can afford those fees, even smaller fees in lesser known schools and end up having to go into serious debt to have their kids in school. Most kids are not that talented in sport that they can get scholarships. They might be willing to sacrifice but does not mean the figures add up easily, if at all. The average middle class salary in SA is below R30000 per month before tax, that does not allow for much when you have 2 or 3 kids, taking the cost of medical aid, possibly a car, bond/rent, and other costs involved with having a family. And if you do not live in a big city with several schools to choose from, you can only go with the 1 or 2 schools that are on offer where you live.

I get all of that. Maybe not completely because I don't live in that situation.
Sport is the easiest way to get your kid into a decent school. It could be running, swimming, rugby or cricket or whatever. But there are other avenues available too. Literature. Acting etc.
And even academic, imagine.

But if you are limited for choice of schools it doesn't really matter.

Mind you. 3 years ago I saw a couple of dad's so proud that their kids got into some good Southern suburb schools. I have seen their struggles to meet the financial inputs required for tours and tournaments etc. Let alone the cost of fuel and time to get their kids to school and back every day.
Funny thing is, their kids never made the first team and you just have to wonder at the cost and inconvenience to come to the realization that your kid would probably have grown more and cost a lot less closer to home.

At Milnerton high school. They basically have 280 places for grade 8. They get over 3000 applications for grade 8 every year. So there's a 10 percent chance of getting your kid into the school.
Criteria
1. Location
2. Old boys/girls children
3. Quotas...I just can't think of another way to put it.
4 sports or achievers
5. The rest

I think that's how it works from what I saw when my kid applied. And the fees are very reasonable. And it's 25 minutes in peak traffic to get there so perfect.

[OomStruisbaai]

Your nearest school is your best school.

[Sards]

Your nearest school is your best school.

Not always. All our nearest are private high schools. Or a government school that is a known hot bed for drugs. So we have to look a bit further away. Luckily we could get my eldest into Milnerton because of cricket and mom being an old girl. My youngest should also get in based on the same criteria. It does help that the sport admissions people know our family and children because of tournaments we have played with them. So they know us. But it's always nervy when we get to the application phase.
The private schools in our area are really poor at sport so we are not interested at all.

[bok_viking]

Your nearest school is your best school.

Yeah not always the case, here in Joburg there are loads of private schools/colleges in some districts that cost a small fortune to keep kids there. So if you live there you either need to try get your kids into a school on the other side of the city or cough up the money. Academics wise they tend to be pretty good but they normally do not offer much in the area of sports with few or no sporting facilities yet easily cost more that most schools. My one friend has a kid in one of these colleges, luckily for her she earns quite a bit of money as a lawyer. I think she pays in the region of 15k/month if I remember correctly. But yeah it is basically a British school and once you are done you have your British A-levels I believe on top of your SA matric. They are filled with a lot of expat children though.
These private colleges seem to pop up like mushrooms all over Gauteng though and there is always a new one advertising enrollment every year.

I would have hated going to a school like that though that does not offer any competitive sports as competitive sports where a big part of my life until my early 20's when a brain operation cut my sports career short. So being in a school where I could not play any sports would have been torture for me.