Tributum Newsletter #64

Hello

Elections – done. Governing for the next 4 years – not so much.  After much debate the major role players decided on a Government of National Unity (“GNU”).  Unlike a coalition a GNU is somewhat looser on cooperation for common ground and negotiation where there are differences. And herein lies the problem – one of the parties have either been a resistance movement or the outright governing party while the other parties have all only ever been in opposition or coalition.

The theory sounds good, but in practice it has proved to be a challenge. The recent “stepping on toes, don’t wander out of your lane, you’re not the boss” type of headlines is evidence. Hopefully these spitting contests are settled soon and the business of serving the people of South Africa can get the attention it needs. What is also worrisome is the continued attack on the election results and eventual settlement of the GNU. Let us hope that by the next newsletter the GNU presents a united front for the benefit of all SAFAs. That is a lot of hope…

More than I had for the Proteas after most of their pool games. Like a teenage boy with a TV remote coming across his first Baywatch episode they fumbled through the group stages but somehow managed to escape premature elimination. During the knock-out stages they choked down some nervy moments and beyond expectation somehow managed to reach a semi. Luckily not a lot of staying power was needed during that semi as the final beckoned.

The Proteas now find themselves in unfamiliar territory as the first ever SA cricket team to reach that goal. With the final only being played a day after this newsletter the result is unknown, but the team only needs to grind out one last win so that Proteas fans can also experience the ecstasy of a World Cup winning team. More than that happy ending no one could have hoped for when the tournament kicked off almost a month ago. India presents a tough opponent in the final, so it won’t be easy.

Win or lose in the final there are some things we can learn from the Proteas:

• Its not how you arrive that counts, its whether you have what it takes to last till the end.
• You don’t have to be the best at everything all at once. As long as you can push through the tough times to get yourself in a good position for the end game. 
• It does not have to be perfect – just effective. Often in life good enough is just that – good enough. 

I consider myself to be a cunning linguist, so for those that found the cricket commentary punny – haha. For those that want to continue talking politics and/or cricket just remember that I am also a master debater, so you better bring your A – game. Until next month, keep breathing.