Apparently this grade of bluster is what the Mbeki presidency wishes to project to the international community. And now, on a global soapbox, we have Mosiuoa Lekota in truculent rebuke of the British media, dishing out brain-frying distortions of fact. It was the patronising smile that rounded off this splendid impersonation of Idi Amin in his strutted heyday. Watching the Lekota interview was a time for terrible despair. The basest of all corruptions are those of the mind.
Arms deals follow shortly after.
Later the same evening Special Assignment came up with a documentary which, by any standards, was of top order. In her programme entitled Greener Pastures , producer and reporter Mpho Moagi looked at the increasing and alarming exodus from this country of highly trained and experienced nurses. These professionals are regarded and rewarded as premium material - in countries like the United Kingdom. In the programme was an emigrating sister with very specialised skills and 25 years of experience. On her South African salary she still could not afford a car, never mind her own home.