Let's Talk Frankly

Onkgopotse J.J. Tabane

01 September 2015
9781770104327

Synopsis

South Africa has been in the grip of a worrying culture of acquiesce and silence after 1994. Such silence is largely driven by patronage and a misplaced sense of loyalty to party politics across the political spectrum. It is clear that speaking out has been left to a few voices that are seen as having nothing to lose.

The culture and quality of debate has degenerated. The addressees of the letters in Let’s Talk Frankly are South African people of influence who are called upon to use their public presence and role to change the course of events in society and improve the level of public discourse. They receive praise for work well done and are castigated for poor judgement and omissions in their public life and deliberations. Let’s Talk Frankly expresses some home truths in a satirical and tongue-in-cheek manner and is meant to offend sensibilities as well as express things that people often say around dinner tables but are too cautious to say in public. Letters are addressed to: Gwede Mantashe, Helen Zille, Julius Malema, Mosiuoa Terror Lekota, Mamphela Ramphele, Zwelinzima Vavi, Patrice Motsepe, Peter Bruce, Pallo Jordan, Blade Nzimande, Aaron Motsoaledi, Nathi Nhleko, Angie Motshekga, Signal Jammer, Thuli Madonsela, Ray MacCauley, Steve Hofmeyr, Baleka Mbete, Nicky Oppenheimer, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Mmusi Maimane and Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.