The power of 10

Yesterday I got a step closer to becoming a Member of Parliament, by registering at the National Assembly and getting my security clearance. Diana accompanied me all the way. Amazingly, I have never set foot in the Parliamentary precinct so every step was new for both of us. It was a poignant moment when I was handed the lanyard and tag, saying in black writing on a gold background Member of Parliament. When I began this blog the thought of actually being an MP was very remote but now it's only a day away. I am sure every one of the hundred or so new MPs must be going through the same set of feelings and emotions as I am. It all began with that magical number - 10 - on Friday January 24th, and yesterday that number took on an even greater significance.

The literati gather in Franschhoek

Franschhoek must be one of South Africa's most picturesque towns. Just an hour's drive from Cape Town, it's in the heart of the spectacularly beautiful wine country, is home to some of SA's best restaurants and offers a hideaway for celebrities and tycoons who enjoy its uber-civilised atmosphere and Europe-in-Africa feel. No doubt reason enough for Richard Branson to choose to buy a country lodge and estate there recently. Last weekend the town hosted its annual literary festival and Diana and I were lucky enough to be there. It was a last-minute decision, Diana being commissioned to film a debate for Carte Blanche on the high-fat diet promoted by celebrity nutritionist and sports scientist Tim Noakes.

GIBS forum on SME incubators

There has been so much going on in the last week that I have got behind in my posts! Three to write today, beginning with the Gordon Institute of Business Science Forum focusing on small and medium enterprises (SME) incubators.

GIBS is rightly taking the question of SME development very seriously, with the topic drawing a lot of attention particularly in respect of its potential for job creation and reducing the chronic state of unemployment in South Africa. Four of the leading private sector incubators were represented, each practicing a different business model.

Short & Sweet at Katy's Palace Bar

Last night Katy's Palace Bar in Kramerville, northern Johannesburg, hosted the debut appearance of short-film promoter Short & Sweet. Founded by Julia Stephenson, it grew out of her experience in the UK film industry and started life in Cape Town in 2009. With an unmatched view of the Sandton skyline Katy's Palace Bar was the perfect venue. Eight short films ranging in length from five to twenty minutes had the 150-odd guests rubbing our chins and smiling quizzically as we tried to get the film directors' messages. It's a genre that has yet to take off in SA, and only one of the films was from here, but this is a good way to get people interested.

Contrasting images - an election comes and goes

Having been awake for over 24 hours I finally slipped into a delirious sleep this morning at 5:30, at my bed and breakfast in Soweto chosen for its proximity to my operational area during the election. I figured the 40 minute drive home as dawn broke would be one journey too many after the rigours of overseeing 40 voting stations and driving the last party agent home. Now, with the vote tally showing a clear ANC victory nationally, the DA retaining the Western Cape and missing out on the possibility of a coalition in Gauteng, I can reflect on some of the images imprinted on my brain from an election of enormous contrasts.

Calling for freedom anew at Walter Sisulu Square

The final major gathering for the DA was a #WeCanWin concert. at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto. Built some ten years ago to commemorate the Congress of the People (no relation to the political party Cope formed in 2008) who gathered here 1955 to sign the Freedom Charter, it is now a national heritage site and called Freedom Square in official circles. Today, some 7 000 DA supporters brought a new meaning to the word freedom, calling for a release from the bondage of a corrupt, venal and crony ANC at the polls on Wednesday.

The Democratic Alliance's final campaign rally

This morning the DA held its last big rally before Wednesday's election at the Coca Cola Dome in northern Johannesburg. It was a spectacular affair, with all the party heavyweights giving rousing speeches to around 12 000 DA activists. The DA's message is clear: another 5 years of an ANC government will lead to more unemployment, corruption, deteriorating services and economic stagnation. Give the DA the chance in this election to bring good and clean governance, incentives for economic growth and service delivery targeting the poor. To sum it up: Together for Change, Together for Jobs.