December 2022 edition
It has been very interesting to note how little publicity there has been in the outside world regarding the travails which have recently befallen the “new” South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa currently faces a parliamentary investigation into accusations of corruption, kidnapping and bribery. Details of the allegations leveled against him are sketchy, but involve incidents which occurred at his privately-owned farm in Phala Phala, following a robbery there in 2020, when it was revealed that an estimated US$4 million had been stolen – an incredibly large amount of cash with no indication of how a full-time president of the country could have come about it legally.
Far more disturbing developments occurred after this robbery however, for Ramaphosa did not initially report the break-in, but when the suspects were apprehended by the SAPS he allegedly arranged for authorities personally loyal to him to kidnap those involved, and then attempt to bribe them to keep quiet about the amounts stolen and other aspects of what they found at his farm.
Ramaphosa is of course president of the “new” South Africa by virtue of being the current leader of the ANC, the ruling party of the country whose origins are rooted in terrorism. Ramaphosa furthermore was a close confident of the ANC terrorist leader “Nelson” Mandela, who after being imposed as the first president of the “new” South Africa presided over a quasi-genocide pogrom of White farmers and inner-city dwellers. The ANC however is not the united monolithic party which many believe it to be. After the demonic Mandela was levered out of power there was a fierce power-struggle between Ramaphosa and the more sensible wing of the party led by Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki totally outmaneuvered Ramaphosa, but he was never forgiven for this! Mbeki himself was thereafter also levered out of power, and after the nominal Zulu Jacob Zuma proved too corrupt even for the ANC Ramaphosa finally achieved his revenge against Mbeki – only for him now to face Zuma-like allegations of corruption.
It is quite clear therefore that the “new” South Africa will shortly be witnessing a vicious power-struggle within the ANC which will almost certainly erupt into a full-scale civil war – a civil war which will be even more horrific than the civil war between the ANC and Inkatha during the early 1990s, and the similar violent clashes between the Xhosa-dominated ANC hierarchy and the Zulus following the deposing of Zuma. As this violent power-struggle escalates those Whites remaining in the “new” South Africa will be specifically targeted by the fanatically anti-White Ramaphosa faction, in much the same way as they suffered under Ramaphosa’s mentor Mandela.
There are those in the outside world who argue that as the Whites of South Africa voted overwhelmingly for the sellout National Party throughout the 1980s, and eagerly voted “Yes” in favour of surrendering their country at both the 1983 and 1992 constitutional referenda, that they therefore do not deserve any sympathy for the present terrifying position which they find themselves in. We do not agree however. All those White South Africans under the age of 40 could not have voted in any of these sellout polls. They should not be blamed for the stupidity of their parents and grandparents, and deserve our full support and sympathy. We repeat the advice which we gave to all decent Whites at the time of the handover of the country to the ANC terrorists in the 1990s however. They should get out of their ruined country as soon as possible and by whatever means possible, and should then join the resistance struggle in exile.
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SPRINGBOK CLUB NEWS
As most readers will be aware, the Springbok Club’s UDI Anniversary celebration buffet-meeting last month was beset with problems. Firstly an ASLEF rail strike was called for the original planned date of this event, and although the venue where the buffet-meeting took place most kindly let us change the date of the booking at short notice and for no extra cost, this replacement date was alas inconvenient for the planned guest speaker, Mr. Bryn Price. Happily Mr. Gavin Sandeman, who was scheduled to be the organisation’s guest speaker in February of next year, stepped in at short notice, ad gave a most fascinating and enthralling talk about his distant relative, Cmd. E.C. “Teddy” Tyndale-Biscoe, quoting from a number of the letters and diaries of his illustrious distant relative about life and developments in he newly established country of Rhodesia during the 1890s. In spite of all the obstacles which the Springbok Club confronted this event still proved to be a resounding success, and with several new supporters in attendance it also gave great encouragement for the organisation’s growth during the next few months.
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The Springbok Club is planning a belated event to mark the Day of the Vow in central London towards the end of December. Alas further planned rail strikes mean that it won’t be able to be held on the actual Day of the Vow (16th December), and will be lower-key than originally intended, but if any reader would like to attend please e-mail: springbk@netcomuk.co.uk.
The Springbok Club’s 2023 AGM is planned to take place in central London on Saturday 14th January of next year. After the business side of proceedings have been concluded it is hoped that a fascinating PowerPoint presentation about the life and career of Jan Christian Smuts will be shown.
We are happy to be able to announce that Gavin Sandeman will still be addressing the Springbok Club in February 2023, this time reading from some of the further letters and diary entries of his illustrious distant relative, Cmd. E.C. “Teddy” Tyndale-Biscoe, and also from other prominent members of the Sandeman family. We are also pleased to confirm that Mr. Bryn Price will still be addressing the Springbok Club, probably in July 2023. Needless to say, further information about all these forthcoming events will be detailed in future editions of the SCN.
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PATRIOTIC FORUM NEWS
The Patriotic Forum’s 2022 AGM was successfully held last month, at which the organisation was formally re-constituted, and at which new Executive Committee was elected. A provisional itinerary of events was also agreed upon for 2023, the first of which being the organisation’s annual Burns Night/Australia Day celebration, which is scheduled to take place on or around 25th January 2023. More details will of course be given in next month’s SCN.
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MESSAGE FROM THE NETWORK FOR ANIMALS ORGANISATION
We have recently received the following alarming report from the Network for Animals organisation about the killing of dogs for meat in Zambia (the former Northern Rhodesia). It reads as follows :-
“We have disturbing news about the brutal dog meat trade, and we must tell you about it because we need your help - and FAST!
“In Mkushi, Zambia, 70 dogs were found in a truck, in the most awful and shocking conditions, destined for the cruel and brutal dog meat trade, where dogs are slaughtered for their meat and eaten as a delicacy.
“Right now, as you read these words, 20 of the dogs are miraculously still alive and in DESPERATE NEED OF HELP – and, eventually, loving homes!
“In many parts of Africa, dog meat is considered a luxury and a “treat”. Locals indiscriminately round up any dogs they can find, often stealing pets from their homes. They pack them into trucks in the most brutal conditions and drive them to their fate: cruel and painful death.
“At a routine traffic check, police stopped a truck when they heard distressed cries coming from inside. The truck was headed towards the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alan, what the police found in the cargo hold was beyond sickening.
“As a routine traffic check, police stopped a truck when they heard distressed cries coming from inside. The truck was headed towards the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alan, what the police found in the cargo hold was beyond sickening.
“Of the 70 dogs packed into the back of the truck, in disgusting inhumane conditions, 40 are already dead. The 30 surviving animals managed to stay alive by sticking their heads out of a small gap in the back of the truck’s doors, gasping for air, and were only barely clinging to life when the police made the gruesome discovery. Since this discovery, another 10 dogs have sadly succumbed to their injuries and suffered and have died.
“The truck was heading towards the Congo, where dog meat is frequently on restaurant menus. The trade is illegal so the dogs would be beaten and axed to death in makeshift butcheries. Many used to be someone’s beloved PETS!
“Upon investigation, it was determined that the dogs had been in the truck without food or water in the baking sun for at least three days.
“Police in Zambia have the authority to shoot and kill dogs like these. Thankfully, and unusually, the police officer who found the dogs chose not to kill the animals on sight. Instead, he called local animal welfare organizations for help, who we are working with. The responders immediately sprang into action and began administering life-saving treatment to the surviving animals.
“Can you imagine the horror and suffering these dogs must have been experiencing? If you have ever sat in a hot car with the windows up, you will know how scary it is, and how desperate you are for air… how you would be gasping for breath.
“The authorities may still kill the survivors. We are hoping that reason will prevail but if that fails, we can seek a court order preventing them from being shot. This means that WE MUST ACT FAST and do everything we can to save and help the survivors – to get them care and FIND THEM HOMES!
“It is a ghastly situation - 40 animals died from suffocation, exhaustion and extreme heat stroke - and another 10 couldn’t hang on even after the truck was stopped and there was hope. It is a tragedy that the survivors were forced to watch their friends die - and then remain trapped with them in the back of a baking hot van as they fought for their every breath.
“Those who have survived desperately need, and deserve, our help!
“They are malnourished, covered in parasites, and have developed sores from where they were squashed and pressed up against each other in the cargo. They are, of course, utterly traumatized - many of these poor animals were probably pets, stolen from their homes and sold for a pittance into the dog meat trade.
“With our help - yours, and ours - vets and volunteers on the ground will provide critical medical treatment and food to the dogs and will continue their battle to challenge the court order to have them killed. They have reached out to us for help and of course, we have agreed without hesitation! Every animal life is worth fighting for!
“A dog’s life is worth almost nothing in Zambia - but to you, and us, every dog's life is worth fighting for, and saving. Will you stand with us as we fight for the miracle survivors of Zambia’s dog meat trade?
“Please donate right now so that we can do everything in our power to ensure the best possible outcome for the animals. If we can raise $10,000 (£8,500), we can help feed and rehabilitate the survivors of this awful situation, help find them homes and prevent the unthinkable from happening: the dogs being shot to death.
“For the animals,
“Brian and Gloria Davies (and Max and Flora!) - Founders Network for Animals”
For more details about the Network for Animals organisation, or to make a donation, visit their web-site at: https://networkforanimals.org/
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“ROGUE HEROES” AND ‘PADDY’ MAYNE
In an article by Gavin Mairs reviewing the BBC’s otherwise excellent drama series about the foundation of the SAS, Rogue Heroes, which appeared in The Daily Telegraph of 9 December, Mairs accurately points out that probably the most important aspect about Lt.Col. Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, a key founding member of the SAS who went on to replace Lt.Col. David Stirling as commanding officer of the regiment, wasn’t mentioned in this series, namely that he was an Irish and British Lions Rugby international.
Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne was born at Newtownards, and played as lock forward for Ards RFC, Queens University Belfast and Malone RFC. He played many times for Ulster (the exact number is disputed), six times for Ireland (scoring one try) and was a member of the British Lions touring squad which visited South Africa in 1938. During this tour he played in 20 of the 28 games, including all three Test Matches. ‘Paddy’ Mayne was actually a superb all-round sportsman, being an accomplished boxer and excelling at Cricket, Golf and Shooting. It is therefore astonishing that this most fundamental facet of ‘Paddy’ Mayne’s life was never mentioned in the script of the BBC drama series.
But this wasn’t the only puzzling aspect about the BBC script. Mayne is routinely referred to by his comrades as an “Irishman”. He however came from a staunchly Unionist family, proudly played for the British Lions (and furthermore was prepared to tour South Africa when the country still enjoyed civilised White rule, without any form of objection!) and eagerly volunteered to serve in the British Army. Surely therefore his comrades would have referred to him as an Ulsterman rather than as an Irishman?
Could it be that there was some form of political interference in the script-writing, which led to emphasise – or possibly exaggeration – of the raucous nature of ‘Paddy’ Mayne’s character at the expense of the heroic, patriotic and sporting-superman nature of his character?
[ Further mention of “Paddy” Mayne is included in the article “Ulster and the Empire” which appeared in edition No.41 of The Imperial Patriot.]
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PETER DIMMOCK MEMORIAL AWARDS 2022
Don’t forget that this is your last chance to vote in this year’s Peter Dimmock memorial sports awards competition. As in previous years there will be three categories of awards: British Sports Personality of the Year, British Team of the Year, and Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. Simply e-mail: springbk@netcomuk.co.uk with your choices for the winners in all three of these categories. The winners will be announced in the January 2023 Edition of the SCN, so get your votes in soon!
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MESSAGE FROM THE FLAME LILY FOUNDATION
We have recently received the following most important message from our good friends at the Flame Lily Foundation :-
“Dear Friend of the Flame Lily Foundation,
“When Mary and I linked up with RASA in 1982 we had no idea that we would still be actively involved 40 years later - almost half a lifetime for us. We feel that we have run the race and now need to hand over our batons to runners coming behind us. John was unable to attend the FLF's annual general meeting in May this year due to illness (chronic lung fibrosis) . I (Mary) took John's place for the second time, the previous one being in 2010 after he had been in hospital for five weeks (three spent in ICU).
“The National AGM took the decision to close down our four remaining Affordable Homes at Stilfontein, as municipal charges have rendered them unsustainable. We will continue to operate Grateful Gran for pensioner members in need of financial assistance. The FLF-RASA office in Pretoria has been closed and our landline (012 460 2066) was discontinued at the end of August. Please use our current email address (rasa@iafrica.com) if you wish to contact us as our PO Box has been closed.
“Our daughters, Yvonne and Lyn, encouraged us to sell our home (which included the FLF office) and move to the coast for health reasons - East London first and possibly Swakopmund later on, God willing. We had not realised how much “junk” we had amassed in our house over the 42 years in Pretoria. Downsizing one's own possessions is one thing, but including the FLF's office created an almost impossible task. We thank God that our daughters abandoned their homes and husbands to help us, along with Kay Gearty and Thomas Jani our Zimbabwean gardener. Because the house was sold immediately after we put it on the market, we had to be out by the end of August. We flew to East London on 16 August, leaving Lyn and our eldest grandson, Gareth, to dispose of what was left.
“RASA-FLF has been a wonderful experience for us and it became our life. We have had the privilege of meeting a large number of Rhodesians whom we would never otherwise have got to know. RASA set out initially to help new arrivals from Zimbabwe to settle in South Africa and accept it as their new home. With the generous support of our members we were able to help some with financial difficulties, others socially or spiritually. Many of the newcomers had employment on arrival, bur several were reliant on their Zimbabwe pension or investments. As these incomes dwindled and ultimately fizzled-out due to hyper-inflation, we had to pay more attention to our elderly folk. When pensions again became available in US dollars we helped the Pensions Office in Harare by notifying pensioners and helping them to get their pension reinstated. Sadly, pensions have again fallen in value since adoption of the new Zimbabwe currency. Pensions due from January to June 2021 were only paid into Standard Bank accounts around 18 August 2022.
“We will keep in touch with the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg (currently Mr Henry Pasvani) and Rob Anderson who deals with the Pensions Office in Harare. We will still be able to provide advice to pensioners who contact us by email.
“Without facilities to produce the Msasa Mail and FLAG, we have asked Dr Peter Hammond, chairman of the FLF’s Cape Peninsula branch, to distribute The Fish Eagle by email to our Pretoria branch members. He is the new editor of The Rhosarian, magazine which can be viewed digitally on the FLF website: www.flf-rasa.co.za.
“Please let us know if you would like to receive future issues of The Rhosarian, otherwise this may be our last contact with you.
“We are told that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
“We wish you all good health, safety and God’s blessing.
“John and Mary Redfern
“26 November 2022
“Hon National Secretary
“Flame Lily Foundation”
Without doubt the Flame Lily Foundation/Rhodesian Association of South Africa has performed a Herculean task in not only assisting those ex-Rhodesians forced into exile following the advent of the ZANU-PF regime, but also by keeping the Rhodesia culture, traditions and ideals alive for over 40 years. John and Mary Redfern have proved true heroes of our times, and their efforts should never be forgotten or abandoned. We wish them every success and happiness in their retirement, and trust that other sons and daughters of Rhodesia - and their descendents - will indeed pick up the baton and carry on the struggle, so that, to paraphrase the words of Clem Tholet, “The Flame Lily Foundation will never die”!
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PETITION IN SUPPORT OF LADY SUSAN HUSSEY
A supporter from Devon has recently alerted us to a most worthy petition calling upon The King to re-instate Lady Susan Hussey (Baroness Hussey of North Bradley) to her position in the Royal Household. Baroness Hussey was of course asked to resign her position by some “politically correct” nonentity following publicity given to some remarks made by negress who bizarrely objected to a polite question from Baroness Hussey asking where she came from! Although the phraseology of this petition perhaps leaves something to be desired, it is undoubtedly fully deserving of support, and so we therefore encourage all our readers to sign it. The petition can be accessed at :-
https://www.change.org/p/83-year-old-lady-susan-hussey-shouldn-t-resign?recruiter=914244754&utm_source=carousel&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=fill_in_campaign
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SEARCH SERVICES FOR THOSE SEEKING LOST RELATIVES
Find any South African, even those who have emigrated. We also search Botswana, Namibia and ex-Rhodesia/Zimbabwe.
Please use the search request form at :-
http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/emails.php?id=emails_from_SCN
Also check the list of South African expatriates/emigrants web-sites, which can be found at :-
http://www.bellemodel.biz/uruguay/uruguay.php?id=uruguay_from_springbk
and
http://www.bellemodel.biz/emails/expatriates/toplist_expatriates.php?id=toplist_expatriates_from_springbk
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BOOK OFFERS
“LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALFRED JAMES TOMLINSON: MEMOIRS OF AN AFRICAN PIONEER AND BSAP OFFICER" is now available at Amazon.com, and can be shipped to anywhere in the world. This book contains excerpts from Lieut. Tomlinson's writings detailing his experiences as a member of the BSAP in Southern Rhodesia, where he rose from the rank of an ordinary trooper to retire as the commanding officer. It also includes the personal story of Majaqaba Ncube, a man who was enslaved by Lobengula when his entire village was massacred by the chief's soldiers. After he escaped, Lieut. Tomlinson saved him from certain death and gave him a job. They lost contact and were reunited after 45 years, when Majaqaba presented Lieut. Tomlinson with an earthenware jar.
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CREST PUBLISHING BOOKS
The latest book published by Crest Publishing is entitled: “BOWLS - QUIRKS, CHIRPS AND ANECDOTES". This is not an instruction manual but rather a cheerful, humourous and sometimes controversial chronicle about the game and its history worldwide. Written to celebrate 40 years in the sport by the author, Glenn MacAskill, it should be of interest to all bowlers and other sports enthusiasts.
For more information about all books published, or to make an order, please contact Crest Publishing at: P.O.Box, 4178, Honeydew, Johannesburg, 2040, South Africa, e-mail: glennallanmacaskill@gmail.com, or visit the Crest Publishing web-site at: www.crestpublishing.co.za. Special discounts are available to ex-servicemen, Rhodies and Springboks!
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"THE SAINTS" – a unique documentary in support of the book on the brief history of the RLI.
DVD available along with other premium titles of historical interest from Msasa Enterprises. Visit www.rhodesianvideos.co.za or write to msasasa@mweb.co.za for more information. UK contact telephone: 07415 753 340.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?
No.289: Mr. HARRY SHELDON of Chichester
Harry Sheldon made good contact with both the Springbok Club and the Swinton Circle (before the organisation merged with New Britain to form the Patriotic Forum) about a dozen years ago, when he was still studying at the University of London. He initially proved a very keen and dedicated supporter, but after a few years he disappeared completely from the scene, and we heard rumour that he was experiencing domestic problems. Invitations to various events continued to be sent to him c/o his parents’ address in Chichester however, but alas the latest of these has recently been returned as his family are evidently no longer living at their last known address. If anyone knows how he can now be contacted we would of course be most grateful.
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RECOMMENDED WEB-SITE OF THE MONTH
The Black Foxes web-site is dedicated not only to increasing interest in the uncommon Black Fox (a rare version of the European Red Fox) in the UK, but also in promoting the welfare of other breeds of Red Foxes such as the Silver Fox. The Black Foxes UK organisation is managed by Hayley de Ronde and consists of a small group of animal keepers, educators and naturalists who are dedicated to the collection and dissemination of accurate and reliable information on Black, Silver and other Red Fox anomalies in order to raise awareness and understanding of this beautiful and mysterious creature. Their web-site can be accessed at :-
www.blackfoxes.co.uk
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
HONEST GOV’!
Sir,
It is highly ironic that all these politicians and pundits keep referring to honesty, trust and truthfulness as a must in politics and government. When the Conservatives, Labour and Liberals/LibDems have been deceiving us and lying to us for well over 50 years about the EU!
Yours etc.,
J.W.H., Salisbury, Wiltshire, U.K.
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HUNT SUPPORTER
Sir,
Esther McVey must be regretting supporting Jeremy Hunt with his socialist policies. It is beyond me way she supported him in the first place.
Yours etc.,
Boris Catt, Bromley, London, U.K.
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FRACKING MARVELLOUS
Sir,
Many thanks for my copy of the latest SCN.
Our Party political systems/Democracies share many of the same problems and challenges. I thought that I would pass on to you this report from Immigration Watch Canada. It is a detailed account of the changing face of Canada over the past 50 or so years. Not an emotional rant, an accurate statement of facts. Ottawa's immigration policies have changed not only the character of Canadian society but also its economy. Canada is so very fortunate to have massive natural resources that the world needs. They do not, though, last forever!!
Canada's debts now exceed $C8 Trillion. That's Federal, Provincial governments and Household
This against a GDP of around $C1.8 Trillion. My figures may be slightly out of date but not by much. Ottawa's Office for Budget Monitoring stated earlier this year that "Seven Canadian provinces will become bankrupt in 2023/4 if they go ahead with their spending plans".
We live in "difficult times",
All attention is on Russia/Ukraine and lately Sri Lanka, but there are many, many, more very serious problems around this planet of ours! Energy supplies have dominated the news. The UK, for example, heavily subsidised companies installing wind and solar farms over the years and put a stop on fracking for gas and oil. Problem was that no wind = little or no power!!
Many big changes in policies now due to the Russian situation and the "Green Agendas" of Boris Johnson, Germany etc.? Fracking is now out of the window.
Yours etc.,
P.R.S., British Columbia, Canada
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CEYLON TEASER
Sir,
The article “for all climate change deniers!” which was recently re-circulated via the Patriotic Forum Circulation Service was marvelous and so wonderfully detailed on the truth about Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW). I also think this article, ironically enough published just after Sri Lanka basically collapsed their food supply and subsequently the entire Sri Lankan economy (leaving Sri Lanka in outright ruin), highlights just how much damage comes from these loony left climate idiots. In fact, just last evening, the Saudi Arabian King warned the world (with the addled, so-called, senile, election-stealing U.S. President by his side) that alternative 'Green Energy' sources are absolutely an economic disaster; and I am forced to agree with him.
Yet, it's a sad day for Western Civilization when the world has to rely on an Arabian king or countries still thinking straight out of the stone ages to point out that which is so obvious. It's also a sad day for Western Civilization when liberal writers (such as Gwen Dyer, whom I once corresponded with personally) try to blame-shift Sri Lanka's spectacular collapse onto lesser elements of the crisis such as corruption, financial mismanagement and spending off their precious foreign reserves. Yes, that's all true (and if you're going to do business with countries governed by lesser breeds), one should usually expect corruption and child-like games with the public's money and vital interests. I see it in Thailand everyday; literally.
Yet, what none of the mainstream media talk about is that Sri Lanka really collapsed because of an abrupt shift to 'Green energy' last year, including AGW climate policy. You see, what really went down in Sri Lanka was, last year, in a bid to become the first '100% organic country in the world,' Sri Lanka banned all fertilizers outright, overnight. Well, what you don't read in the mainstream news is that 'Green New Deal' was a fatal blow for Sri Lanka because it cut crop yields by a whopping 50% within a year. Very few nations can survive the impact of having a 50% drop in food so quickly; and so that was the true culprit which destroyed the economy of Sri Lanka - a lush tropical jewel which could be self-sustaining - and, what many young Sri Lankans (who have been brainwashed into the climate craze) forget to tell you is that they were all for the 'Green New Deal,' but now that it went bad and sent the entire Sri Lankan nation into outright ruin, rather than take personal accountability and just admit 'I was wrong,' every Sri Lankan wants to dump all the blame upon the recently resigned ruling family of five brothers. But, the truth really is that young Sri Lankans eagerly wanted the very same 'Green Farming' policy which ruined their country, but rather than publicise the truth the mainstream media are, of course, burying it by blame-shifting everything onto the former Sri Lankan ruling family. [Their corruption & mismanagement only were contributing causes to the destruction of a tropical gem; the true cause was 'Green Farming' sent Sri Lankan farming straight back into the stone ages and the ruling family spent everything to try to stop the economic/nutritional malaise resulting from indulging the young climate zealots, which then collapsed the country.]
So, looking to Sri Lanka, the net result of 'Green Energy' is now that the kids have no pens or paper for school. The kids also have no school bus because Sri Lanka is so ruined they cannot even by fuel. They also only have one meal a day because there will be no restoration of the food supply for at least one or two years, so the kids cannot walk to school as they are malnourished. Last week, two men died standing in the heat for hours just to get basic necessities. The entire country is also profoundly poor and has no money because all of that pushed Sri Lanka's inflation rate to 78% as of last week and still climbing. Their banking system will also probably see a complete collapse due to collapsing savings and a near total collapse of the real estate sector.
Now, imagine that today your family meal costs you £10, but virtually overnight it now costs £70 and inflation is still climbing, not too much unlike the collapse of Zimbabwe’s (Rhodesia's) currency a few years ago. That (in simplistic terms) is how this utter madness ended in Sri Lanka. It's a clear and poignant warning for the West, yet even with the truth being so plain to see that even an Arabian monarch can piece it together, rather than reading headlines warning the world about what a 'Green New Deal' really means, the media lies about it. (Only the Indian news has been at all honest about what sank Sri Lanka. I found barely anything more than brief references to the root cause [no pun intended] in any Western news outlets.)
So, I really did appreciate this article. I certainly do agree that we want to make new fossil fuel burning vehicles and power plants more REASONABLY efficient and as environmentally sound as is REASONABLY possible, but there's a big difference between using a US$110 catalytic converter versus spending US$100,000 to purchase a new (and very unreliable) Tesla that still has emissions anyway because the power has to mainly come from the power plant.
What a sad day for the world. I pity the Sri Lankan people, but I recall they were once under civilised rule from Britain. If they are really smart, they might want to put people like us back in charge again. After all, then they would have a country they could depend on.
Yours etc.,
Prof. Jason Jellison, Bangkok, Thailand
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REMEMBERING TOM VAN VOLLENHOVEN
During informal conversations following the Springbok Club’s most enjoyable recent UDI Anniversary celebration buffet-meeting, the subject of Tom van Vollenhoven came up.
Karel Thomas “Tom” van Vollenhoven was born at Bethlehem in the O.F.S. in 1935, and was probably one of the greatest wing three-quarters that South Africa ever produced. He played Currie Cup Rugby both for Northern Transvaal and for Rhodesia (who at the time played some of their matches at Lusaka, where one of his most spectacular tries was scored), and gained seven Springbok Caps during 1955 and 1956, playing against both the British Lions and New Zealand.
Tom van Vollenhoven’s name however is rarely mentioned in today’s South African Rugby Union circles, mainly because at the height of his fame he decided to “Go North”, being one of the first South Africans to switch codes to Rugby League – and he was certainly the most successful! He proved to be a “one club man” during his Rugby League career, playing all his matches – 409 in all – for St.Helens, and scoring 397 tries.
This present writer had the great privilege – indeed honour – of meeting and having a good chat with Tom van Vollenhoven (who was proudly wearing his Springbok tie at the time!) shortly before the British Lions v. South Africa 3rd Test Match at Port Elizabeth in 1974 (which the British Lions won 26-9). He proved to be a most friendly, affable and down-to-earth man, who had a remarkably detailed knowledge of the Fookarwe tribe of central African pigmies. Evidently he had returned to South Africa after his playing days at St.Helens were over, having been given a job as a sales representative for – surprise, surprise – Pilkington Glass!
Following mention of him at the Springbok Club event we checked up on what had happened to Tom van Vollenhoven, only to discover that sadly he had died at Springs in 2017. There seemed to have been very little publicity given to his death at the time, though the St.Helens Borough Council had evidently ordered the town hall flag to be lowered to half-mask in honour of his memory. It would seem therefore that his adopted country had a higher regard for him than the country of his birth. It is a pity therefore that he evidently decided to remain in the “new” South Africa, which of course is a vastly different country to that where he seemed to be living happily when I met him in 1974.
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