So long, and thanks for all the fish

[Editor's note - Marius has been contributing ideas and his unique perspective to this site for some time, his considered effort has been enormously appreciated by us. This is sadly his last post, but you can still explore all of his thinking here. Thank you Marius]

I've had the immense privilege to contribute some thoughts here between January 2024 and January 2025. Sixty-nine posts in all. This will be the 70th and last one.

Business and Sex

The rules of etiquette advises one to stay clear of discussions about sex, politics and religion (in polite company). Conversely, discussions about matters related to business are encouraged in such settings.

Recent events around the globe have, however, made it more difficult to discuss business without also breaking the taboo-troika rule. Or, that's the way I see it anyway. And I have no desire to 'go there' other than maybe still stating the three last points under the next heading.

Finding Information

The phrase "do-your-own-research" has become a so-called verbal irony. It, in fact, encourages the exact opposite types of behaviour.

When we do research (even in the non-scientific sense of the word), we actually need to deeply understand the following 3 points:

1.) Social media is designed to drive engagement. Their main objective is to keep you engaged for as long as possible. And the social media's algorithms drive that engagement. These algorithms are carefully designed rabbit-hole creation engines. The deeper down any rabbit hole you go, the steeper the algorithm will make the slope of tunnel (to keep you there for longer and longer periods). Human emotions such as outrage, for example, is a powerful engagement driver. The algorithms 'know' this.

2.) Unbiased journalism is dead. If it still had any lifeblood left a few years ago, the death-knell was probably the ascent of social media (see previous point). Mainstream media cannot survive if they don't use many of the strategies and tactics of social media too.

3.) During our formative years many views are presented to us as truths. These truths pertain to economic systems (such as capitalism), political systems (such as democracy), religion (such as christianity), identity, sexual norms, and more. If, however, you have never deeply questioned these truths, your thinking will be flawed. And please note that deep questioning does not always mean discarding the ideas that you have been spoon-fed.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” Alvin Toffler

An Example

There are no shortages of examples of rallying points currently (what with Nazi salutes, white South African 'refugees' off to the USA, and all).

So, let's briefly look at just one of these, namely the 2024 Expropriation Act.

If one wants to have an informed opinion on this matter, then the very first step must obviously(?) be to go and read the bloody law. Not?

Once one has done that, also go and read the previous version; i.e. the 1975 version.

If you need further clarity, read what competent lawyers have to say. But rather also read more than one of these. (Note: These links put the act in the context of our constitution too.)

Once one has performed these necessary first steps, you can then listen to the opinions of politicians and analysts; i.e., people whose main objectives are also often to solicit your (hopefully outraged) engagement.

Then, also remember the first rule of investigative journalism, namely 'follow the money'. Who stands to gain by pushing certain views? And how will they gain? And know that that very few people will look for ideological gain before they look for financial gain. Money almost always come first. Follow the money.

Goodbye

The above is the 'heavy' stuff. So, let's rather now end on a happy note (pun intended).

In April 2024 we identified the greatest South African (music) album.

Let's now name our greatest South African song.

To my mind there is one contender that beats all the other options such as Sarie Marais, Suikerbossie, our national anthem (Enoch Sontonga's Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika), Shosholoza, Bright Blue's Weeping (covered by icons such as Vusi Mahlasela), Solomon Linda's Mbube (a.k.a. The Lion Sleeps Tonight) and many more.

That one song is Allan Mzamo Silinga's Ntjilo Ntjilo (also known with different spellings such as Ntyilo Ntyilo). Silinga passed away at age 86 in September 2007.

This song had (and still has) to ability to propel great interpretations to immense heights. Almost everybody who is somebody in South African music has paid their respects to this song.

Miriam Makeba's version is probably the definitive one:

Thus, her (ex-)husband Hugh Masekela also added his unique genius to the song.

Winston Mankuku Ngozi did several versions.

My personal favourite is (Zambian/South African) Louis Mhlanga's version with the Dutch bassist Eric van der Westen.

We have featured the super-genius Johnny Dyani here before - and he delivered too (including with Witchdoctor's Son).

A few 'white' bands such as The Shangaans have also brought something to this table with their immensely respectful versions.

That's it folks!

Let's leave with a 'Sawubona':

“I see the whole of you—your experiences, your passions, your pain, your strengths and weaknesses, and your future. You are valuable to me.”

And hopefully all of us can one day arrive at a 'Shiboka':

“I exist for you”