ANCYL March

The ANCYL (African National Congress Youth League) held a march from Johannesburg to Pretoria to drop off a memorandum demanding the government create more jobs and assist with the economic freedom of the masses. They marched via the Chamber of Mines and the Johannesburg Stock exchange on their way to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

I'm not a fan of the Youth League or Julius Malema, but lots of people are. I personally think they encourage divisions in South African society, they don't think their statements through and are sometimes blatently racist, but I agree with the fact that the youth need more opportunities. This march was about that (although, it could also have been about political survival for Julius Malema, he may well be on his way to being expelled from the ANC, as the powers that be seem bored with his many indiscretions) but, nevertheless, I agree with the principle. The youth need more jobs.

ANCYL President, Julius Malema in the yellow shirt.

Pretoria is pretty far from Johnnesburg, even driving there is not a short trip, I didn't think they would make it. I was listening to the radio and reading the Twitter feed during the night as the march continued, and I found myself wanting them to make it. I felt conflicted, as I don't agree with the vast majority of the things the Youth League say and do, not least of which is this poster below.

 I found myself willing them on and hoping the would make it to Pretoria, which they eventually did on Friday morning, although a much smaller group of people.
Probably the reason I was rooting for them was because the "official" reason for the march, is something I believe in.
 I think the ANC government must do something drastic to remedy the employment situation in South Africa.

That doesn't make me a closet Youth League Supporter, does it?

3 Babies at the Pilanesberg

A Rhino calf with its mother at Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province of South Africa.

An Elephant calf covered in dried mud.

A Zebra foal is herded away from us by its mother, as we attempt to get some pictures.

Honey Badger

The Johannesburg Zoo celebrated the birthday of BG, their hand reared Honey Badger cub today, he turned one year old today.

I wasn't going to put a post up about this, as although it was quite nice to see, I don't regard it as something I would blog about. The only reason I'm including it, is that it was during this event I managed to do something that is on my "Must do before I die list".

• Get bit by a Honey Badger... CHECK

Yep, the little guy bit me, OK to tell the truth it was more of a nip and he was just playing, but too not many people out there can say they have been bit by a Honey Badger.

Now, I can!

De Waal memorial

Murdered teenager, Louise de Waal's mother is comforted by a family member during a memorial service held at Die Burger Highschool in Bergbron, Johannesburg.

The 17 year old was abducted at gunpoint whilst walking to school then raped and murdered on the 12 October 2011, her burnt body was found later that day on a farm in Magaliesburg. The man arrested for the murder and rape has allegedly confessed to being the "Sunday Rapist", who has also been linked to the rape of over ten young girls. He is also connected to the death of another one that died after she tried to escape by jumping out of his car more than a year ago.

Two of Louise's friends place a letter at a picture of her during the memorial service.

Family members release doves in a symbolic gesture after the memorial.

It's always hard to photograph funerals and memorial services, there is always the feeling that you are intruding on a personal moment, but you got to do what you got to do. Sometimes even when you are invited, there is always some random person that feels the need to come over to us and give us their opinions on the fact that we are there and give us the "glare" everytime our shutter releases, although they will be the first to open the newspaper to look at the pictures the next day. More than a few times, I've personally been thanked by family members that appreciate the fact we are there. I'm sure the fact that the media is there confirms the importance of the loss they are feeling, it doesn't compound that loss.

Springboks return home

Crowds of supporters wait for the Springbok coach Peter De Villiers, Captain John Smit, Victor Matfield and a few other Springboks to arrive at OR Tambo airport, South Africa after being beaten by Australia over the weekend.This loss knocked them out of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. South Africa is notoriously hard on their sporting teams when they don't perform, but many fans came to welcome the boys back. Although people were disapointed, the team was saved from the harsh public outcry by a few things including the almost universal condemnation of the referee for the quarter final, Bryce Lawrence and the shocking decisions he made during the match.

 Springbok coach, Peter De Villiers looks up at supporters on the second level of the airport as he walks into the airport.

Retiring Springbok captain, John Smit and Vice-Captain Victor Matfield with his daughter on his lap during a press conference after they arrived back home.