Pravin Gordhan - Putting a Propagandist Cart before the Horse

Towards the end of 2012, South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was disillusioned with ANC corruption and said as much in his 2012 budget speech. But recently the man has tended to want to sweep the embarrassing stuff under the carpet.

Speaking on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg, Gordhan virtually accused South Africans of currently lacking the hope that former president Nelson Mandela's generation had:

'There is too much despair … we need to recognise the good work we've done. It's important that South Africans know we are not a dismal country.'

And how, indeed, does Mr Gordhan know that we are not a dismal country, given the extent of government and corporate corruption, crime and rape that continue to ravage this land and - yes - instil despair.

But he would have you don rose-coloured spectacles to overlook the abominations of government to instil false hope and optimism. A clever tactic. Deflect the blame onto those who are despairing and try convince them of a nebulous hope that simply doesn't exist at the moment. The blame becomes theirs for not seeing it in the first place!

This government is adept at lying when it suits them and creating never-never lands out of thin air. The NDP comes to mind - a theory without implementation and any monitored measuring, created to fool the citizenry that there is something of substance in the 'air' that we can all look forward to and which will give us 'hope'.

So much poppycock. Here is more rhetorical drivel about what 'we must do':

'There is hard work to do. There are sacrifices and innovative things we need to do.'

Note the emphasis on 'we', as if the government is simply a benign supervisor of the irresponsible masses who are the reason why South Africa's growth and moral standing in the international community lag behind. A neat deflection of blame by an agenda-driven politician.

Gordhan would have you believe that South Africa's future depends entirely on its citizens - not on a strong, competent, government of integrity and sound leadership, which he cannot highlight because the current regime - his regime - fails miserably in those quarters despite having 'achieved a lot in a short time'. Any 'achievements' he may wish to parade have been neutralised and emaciated by rapacious greed and slovenly leadership.

Gordhan has changed his tack recently and now relies on glib rhetoric to get across a straw-stuffed message.

Regrettably, there are still too many who believe him.

A Lodge for all Seasons

A feisty young female chef, with a gift for hospitality, has taken over an off-the-beaten-track hospitality establishment and turned it into an award-winning lodge.

Not far beyond the entrance to the serene and popular seaside village of St Francis Bay, a signpost indicates the way to Dune Ridge Country House. A short journey on a gravel road, travelling away from the sea, leads to the picturesque and welcoming guest lodge that recently was the recipient of a national award.

Welcome to Dune Ridge

You may be forgiven for thinking you’re in the middle of Africa, surrounded by bush and watching Nyala buck grazing quietly on the lawn, or the lynx-like caracal leisurely strolling past at sunset, but you’re barely a stone’s throw from the sea. And therein lies the lodge’s exquisite appeal and charm. It provides two travel experiences for the price of one: the African bush, with its vivid wildlife, and the seaside tourist luxuries offered by the village of St Francis Bay – a mere 10-minute drive away.

I was greeted by the knowledgeable, enthusiastic and vivacious owner, Sarah Swanepoel, and led into the resplendent lounge and dining area. The magnificent Oregon pine flooring was adorned by antique furniture and Persian carpets and, outside, the fynbos (distinctive African small trees and shrubs) was abundant and the myriad birdlife vibrant and melodious.

Fine dining at Dune Ridge

Once a farmhouse, the graceful building hasn't lost any of its elegant beauty, and large verandas overlook the immaculately kept indigenous garden. I was also told that all the building materials used were recycled items or brought in from surrounding areas. The sturdy stone fireplace in the lounge was built from rocks transported from the nearby Gamtoos River Valley.

It certainly is a relaxing atmosphere, which is palpable from the moment you enter.

The animated, and young (she’s only 31), Sarah Swanepoel makes every effort to please and is the reason for the lodge’s turnaround success. She started out as a chef and has worked throughout South Africa. She was in the employ of the previous owners when they decided to close the business and was asked by the landowners if she would like to take over the lease. She jumped at the opportunity to have her own business and hasn't looked back.

‘I get a lot of corporate business and we do breakfasts, adult and kiddies’ parties and dinner parties. We cater for special themed dinner parties or simply basic dining out for groups of four or more. We’ll suggest menus but will also provide a custom dining experience tailored to suit the diners.

'We've also become a wedding venue and hope to substantially improve that area of our business.

‘We pride ourselves on being an exclusive destination providing all the benefits and comforts of a hospitality establishment, as well as guided coastal walks, frog safaris and resident spa and bush spa services. We’re uniquely placed with unique appeal.’

Plush lounge and fireplace at Dune Ridge

To promote her business and measure herself against the best, Swanepoel entered the national Lilizela tourism award for service excellence and came out on top, claiming first prize.

The awards represent and reward the highest levels of excellence in tourism. The name derives from the Zulu word Lilizela, which means celebrating and praising by ululating when someone has done well.

‘It took a lot of hard work, but I've got a great staff and we pulled together as a team because we wanted to make it happen. We’re so chuffed, not only because it’s a feather in our cap but because it will also serve the area by drawing attention to St Francis Bay and the magnificent tourism experiences we have here.’

That it will, and with the drive and enthusiasm of Sarah Swanepoel in the area, it can only get better.

Serene evening at Dune Ridge