Fantasy is in because black reality is unbearable to confront
THIS column is not about Kenny Kunene and his sushi issues. In my book to prescribe how one should spend his money has undertones of fascism. Where do we stop?
At ZAR you can apparently buy a bottle of whisky that costs more than an RDP house.
I struggle to understand the logic of driving underground the strange consumption habits of those who benefitted from the ANC government's black empowerment initiatives.
Or are the powers that be terrified that the masses of our people, who continue to live in abject poverty, might start asking critical questions?
I wonder who the hypocrite is here, Kunene or those who want him to hide his ways?
Kunene and his business partner, Gayton McKenzie, a former gangster, are an interesting phenomenon that needs serious analysis.
Firstly, I think they represent more correctly what Black Economic Empowerment has become in reality, a form of lumpen capitalism or capitalism of a lower order that is based not so much on productive activity but reproduces itself on the basis of political connections and vulgar glamour.
It's a performative type of capitalism. The masses, on the other hand, participate from the touchlines as spectators who cheer on with empty stomachs. Let them eat fantasy!
This glamorised gluttony performs other important functions, such as selling the lie of success against structural impediments.
If former gangsters and jailbirds can do it, why can't everybody? This suggests that if you are out in the cold you can only blame yourself. It's positive thinking on steroids.
Kunene and McKenzie do it for the down and out only with a dash of celebrity showiness.
The McKenzie and Kunene phenomenon tells us more about the failure to transform South African society for the benefit of the poor black majority.
Their message is that South Africa is a great place of opportunities. Kunene raises desires for "success" with his flashy cars and noisy colourful parties amid generalised hopelessness.
We know the poor love their soap operas. And then, to top it off, their favourite son, Julius Malema, is seen to be part of the show.
He has even gone further to say that the exclusive ZAR Bar in Cape Town is an ANC drinking place.
At ZAR you can apparently buy a bottle of whisky that costs more than an RDP house.
It's a new form of struggle. Fight white racism by showing off your petty wealth while protecting white settler capital. Show them, show them, Juju, show them! Make the circle bigger!"
Kunene and McKenzie are not businessmen per se; they are cultural and ideological figures.
They play the role of "meaning making". They occupy the space between the bitter reality of exclusion of the majority and the fantasy of getting out of hell to join the eating elite.
These moves take us away from seeing how the policy direction of our government since 1994 has preserved the socioeconomic realities of apartheid. That's the political utility of conspicuous consumption.
We will see this phenomenon of glamorisation of social and political life more and more during the coming elections.
The political party that is likely to win the elections is the one that can throw the biggest bash.
Fantasy is in because the black reality is far too unbearable to confront truthfully.
Maestro
Well said Andile.....I couldn't said it better…this is the best article ever.Report Abuse
Alexandro
I strongly agree with Maestro. This article highlighted valid points, this matter is no longer about the moral obligation the rich have towards the poor,but is more about the fantasy the ANC-especailly the ANCYL- is in support of, while ordinary black folk stand at the side-lines and watch in amazement. Vavi was right, this is more like spitting expensive brandy in the face of the poor- whilst poverty looms amongst black South Africa- sadly all the poor can do is to fantasize about what the money used for that brandy could have done to improve the quality of their lives!Report Abuse
Kennedy
Thanks AndileThis is a breath of fresh air and the article is well written and express views of many of us, Mbaks if you look carefully you will see there are many alternatives. We need to gurd against the blind loyalty that many African democrasies have followed until there army takes over.
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John_in_Kwa_Dukuza
To BEE, or not to BEE, that is the question:Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The Slings and Arrows of outrageous fortune
by praying on the failed South African Economy;
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
caused by our powerful and corrupt political elite,
A Misquote from Shakespeare
Other countries seem to have been here before, can we possibly learn from their experiences. Accountability and transparency seem to be two things that prevent excesses such as these.
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letsetse
Black people generally had a harsh live and if by chance of God suddenly they find themeselves in money then likely you start seeing people showing off .Guys like Kenny we know them and some might even be our friends but God forbit the money is no longer he then b ecomes likes of Mandla MthembuReport Abuse
blackman042
Once again another voice of reason indeed Andile. Quote made by Archbishop Tutu a decade ago, "SA is sitting on a powder keg because millions are living in dehumanising poverty". The fact of the matter here is the truth cannot suffer by being examined or challenged. The current system that seeks to enrich the only "few elite and well politically connected" is slowly but surely building much resentment amongst our people and it is just a matter of time before those in power begin to regret. Indeed Andile SA is a great place of opportunities "for all" and not for the few elite. This is not the kind of democracy that I and other fellow black brothers and sisters fought for where few can now become instantly rich at the stroke of the pen. Keep it up AndileReport Abuse
KAPPA
Well phrased Andile can you please teach your so called colleagues a thing or two.Report Abuse
Curties
@MbaksThe alternative is to vote against the party that enriches a few elites and lucky ex-convicts like Kunene. If you do not do that, then your children and grandchildren will inherit a poor country.
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