One of our friends from university days (at Cape Town University), is an ex-Namibian of Portuguese/Afrikaans lineage whose command of English is formidable. She is a widow, now living in a gated community in Johannesburg. Naturally, our conversations are usually about current events, and the attached piece is one such. I commend it to you.
Remaining on the Trump/Musk axis for a bit longer, and referring to the article attached above, it strikes me that Trump and his minions have affected us in the United Nations, as well. The latest news of the USA forcing a vote on acceptance of the UNICEF Country Programmes at the ExBoard, was ‘a jolt’ for me, but it stimulated my little grey cells again. Good.
If the US Administration is now minded to play these sort of games, why doesn’t UNICEF return the compliment, as it were ? This might be the ideal time for the ExBoard to vote for the next ExDirs to be non-US citizens which would widen the potential pool of talent hugely (even though it might limit the number of hilarious stories from – for example – West Africa, which would be a pity). Just a thought.
Best regards,
Ken
Click here for the article
Summary
Justice Malala criticizes former U.S. President Donald Trump's fact-free and emotionally driven approach to governance, specifically regarding his recent accusations against South Africa. Trump alleged, without evidence, that South Africa was "confiscating land" and "treating certain classes of people very badly," leading him to announce a halt in U.S. funding to the country until an investigation is completed.
Malala highlights how Trump's statements were made without any factual basis, official reports, or intelligence briefings. Instead, they seem influenced by right-wing narratives and apartheid apologists. He argues that Trump does not engage in logical reasoning, nor does he seem to understand South Africa’s political landscape, including its Government of National Unity (GNU).
The article further criticizes Trump’s impulsive decision-making, citing his erratic trade policies, such as his tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Malala warns that South Africa should brace for more illogical and unfounded attacks from Trump and his circle of right-wing influencers, including figures like Elon Musk.
Yes, Ken. I agree. At the end of Russel’s term, the SG should appoint as ED a national from a middle income country, who knows what it takes to get a country from low-income to middle-income status. An ED from a programme country is
ReplyDelete(i) more likely to cut out self-serving bureaucracy,
(ii) is more likely to reform the programme process so it serves the host countries instead of donors or the aid industry, and
(iii) is more likely to be interested in real results
By moving UNICEF HQ to Africa, UNICEF would be in touch with reality and easily right-size itself.
The importance of growth is what Detlef talks about. Without growth, there is no development, but UNICEF has never articulated that simple fact. Why would someone from a programme country necessarily be better at cutting self-serving bureaucracy, reforming programme processes or be more interested in results than someone from a rich country? Moving HQ to Africa would not necessarily get staff "in touch with reality". I dare say staff in places like Nairobi are often as out of touch as those in NY.
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