21 SAI

The South African Infantry Battalion (21 SAI) held an open day to celebrate the units 35th Birthday, in Doornkop, near Soweto, Johannesburg. The day included a parade, the handover of new facilities and a demonstration of the units urban fighting capabilities.

Black Tuesday

Radio DJ, Jeremy Mansfield and Abed Ahmed encourage cars to hoot in support during a protest in Sandton, Johannesburg. The protesters are against last weeks Parliamentary approval of the Privacy of State Information Bill, which has been dubbed Black Tuesday, and likened by many as a return to the type of government control enforced under apartheid.

#BlackTuesday

Mis(Dis)information

Police cordon to stop people from entering Eastgate shopping center in Bedfordview, South Africa after a bomb was found in the center.
It remains unclear at time of writing if it was a real bomb (which has been confirmed by Police) or it was a box with some wires in it. (also been confirmed by Police)

First, the Eastgate center-management denied there was a bomb claiming it was a hoax, then turned around and said that it was one. Then the Police spokesperson confirmed to media that it was a bomb, and that it was left outside a jewellery shop in the center and that they destroyed it with a controlled explosion. Then the Provincial Police Chief Mzwandile Petros said it was not a bomb, it was just a box with some wires in it. On the scene a Policeman was so unsure of what he can say to the media that he wouldn't even tell me what unit he was in... WTF?
Is this the way it is to be in the future? Misinformation or disinformation through either incompetance or maliciousness!

Tomorrow marks one week since government voted for the Protection of State Information Bill. Although this is a much smaller matter. Is this the type of disinformation that will be spread by state agencies? I think so, whether it be through incompetence or maliciousness, it's definitely not good for our country or its people.

#BlackTuesday

Life's not fair!

South African Francois Botha (Red trunks) and American Michael Grant during their WBF World Heavyweight Title fight at Montecasino, South Africa. Botha was controlling the fight until the last round when Grant managed to get a big hit on Botha knocking him out and winning the fight and the title.

Francois Botha was dominating the entire fight, that was until 37 seconds to go in the 12th and final round. If he had lasted these 37 seconds, he would have no doubt won the fight easily on points, but, it was not to be and with 37 seconds to go Michael Clark got his first decent punches in and knocked Francois out.

There were so few decent punches from Clark that this picture below is the only picture I got of him actually connecting with Francois during the entire fight, but this was not the knock out blow.

I sat in the corner, trying to keep my place all night, getting covered in blood, sweat and a bit of spit and when the time came I couldn't have been in a better position.

So, in keeping with the theme of this post, I've posted the picture above, a picture that I would never usually post because, well... it's not very good. I kinda cut off Clarks head in the haste to get the pic. But I decided to post it anyway. Just to show that even Pros slip up occasionally (I'm very sure Francois Botha would agree with me about that!)

The Lion Park

One of a few White Lion Cubs at Cub World in the Lion Park in Honeydew, South Africa. Visitors can enter the enclosures and interact with the cubs.

White Lions relax during the midday heat in the Predator area.

A Cheetah rests under a tree in the Predator area of the park.

A young Meerkat peers out from his den in the Lion Park.

Lest We Forget

A Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. The last post was played  and wreaths were laid on the 11th hour of the 11th day of November comemorating the Armistice that came into force to end World War 1. This ceremony is not about celebrating any victories, nor about boasting about any achievements, its simply to show respect to those that were willing to serve their country and  make the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to live the peaceful life we live now.

South African Deputy Minister of Defence, Tabang Makwetla lays a wreath as M.O.T.H  and War-Veteran Arthur Owens sits on.

The last post is played as the flag is lowered and a two minute silence is held thereafter, the first minute is to give thanks for those that survived and the second to remember the fallen.

March to the Premier

A group of about 500 members of the Ekurhuleni Concerned Resident Business and Enterprise Forum marched to the Gauteng Premiers office in the Johannesburg CBD to drop of a memorandum demanding that they investigate foreign business owners in various townships around Ekurhuleni. They have various gripes with foreigners (most specifically, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals) that own businesses in the townships and accuse some of them of criminal acts.

Could this be the start of more Xenophobic violence in the townships?

Mayfair shoot-out

Police at a crime scene in Mayfair, Johannesburg. A bakkie crashed into a traffic light after a shoot-out between its occupants and police, One suspect was shot dead and a policeman was critically injured after being shot by another suspect during the incident.

The police seen a bakkie that they felt looked suspicious and attempted to stop it, the occupants then fired at the police and a chase took place and the suspects crashed. The shootout claimed the life of a suspect, hitting another and one policeman was also shot.

"Well Done!" to the cops for stopping these guys from doing what they where planning. Another even bigger "WELL DONE!" to the one that shot and killed the suspect. He would just get out on bail and commit another crime anyway. Four handguns and an assault rifle was taken from the suspects.

"Not so well done" to the policeman that accosted me at the scene, angrily forcing me to delete my pictures for no given or legal reason. I acted like I was distrought, as I deleted the empty memory card. I had quickly replaced the one in the camera, with an empty one, as I seen him come running up to me. Then I casually walked away with all the pics I had taken safely sitting on the card in my pocket. "No problem Officer, what ever you say..."

Police watch a Paramedic treat the shot suspect in the back of a police-van.

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.

2011 Muscle Evolution Grand Prix

Michelle Price and Joe Manjoo warm up backstage during the pre-judging phase of the IFBB South Africa Muscle Evolution Grand Prix held at the Lyric theater at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.

Nina Richter in blue warms up backstage whilst Louise Van Der Nat prepares before taking part in the Ladies Body Fitness section.

Chris Finn gets the final touches before going on stage to compete.

The Masters section during the pre-judging phase of the IFBB South Africa Muscle Evolution Grand Prix held at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.

Duduza Tornado

I've lived in South Africa, most of my life and I have never heard of a tornado happening here. I drove to Duduza in Ekurhuleni after hearing about an apparent tornado. I assumed it would just have been a strong wind storm and expected a few roofs to be broken, some windows smashed and the like. When I arrived I was shocked, everything was destroyed. I spoke to some of the residents that confirmed it was a tornado. Some houses were simply gone, and just the foundations remained.

Roof sheeting wrapped around a telephone pole in Duduza, Ekurhuleni following the tornado.

A man cleans up the debris around the rubble of his house.

An elderly woman sits on the rubble of  what used to be her home.

The South African Aid agency, Gift of the Givers responded with R2 million aid package which included building temporary shelter for 150 affected families, supplying food, new clothing and bottled water and other necessities.

Kruger National Park

A Tawny Eagle sits in a tree next to Napi road in the Kruger National Park, South Africa.

This Lion was just lying on the side of the road, it was quite good of him to stand up for a few seconds to allow me to get this shot. Then he just lay down again.

 A Baboon sitting on a rock, lost in thought?

Three rare Wild Dog pups seen along Napi road in the Kruger National Park.

A young Baboon jumps from a tree as we drive by.

This large group of Hippos seemed very tense.

This lone Hyena came walking up to us along the road, he stopped at our car, had a look, wasn't interested in us, and simply carried on walking down the road.