Innholdsfortegnelse for 2023-03-26 i Sunday Independent

In 2016, evidence began to mount that then-South African president Jacob Zuma and a family of Indian-born businessmen, the Guptas, were responsible for widespread “state capture”. It was alleged the Gupta family influenced Zuma’s political appointments and benefited unfairly from lucrative tenders. The Guptas began to look for a way to divert attention from them. They enlisted the help of British public relations firm Bell Pottinger, which drew on the country’s racial and economic tension to develop a social media campaign centred on the role of “white monopoly capital” in continuing “economic apartheid”. The campaign was driven by the power of algorithms. The company created more than 100 fake Twitter bots or automated Twitter accounts that run on software – computer programs designed to perform tasks and actions, ranging from…

Did you know that JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected 12 times before a publisher agreed to publish her work? Or that Steven Spielberg was rejected several times by the University of Southern California before being successfully admitted as a cinematic arts student? As an entrepreneur, rejection is an inevitability. The sooner you accept the reality, the bigger the strides you’ll make. With mindful introspection and a change in perspective, rejection can become a stepping stone to success. Start by making three mindset shifts: Change the way you think about failure Many aspiring entrepreneurs are afraid of the “big, bad F-word” – failure. What separates entrepreneurs from everyday people lies in the distinction between action and inaction. Entrepreneurs act despite their fear of failure, while…

Fasting during Ramadaan is one of the pillars of Islam. Ramadaan is a time in which Muslims are encouraged to do better at upholding the teachings and lifestyle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The season is generally observed through fasts that include starting the fast with breakfast (suhoor) before dawn and ending the fast with dinner at dusk known as “Iftar”. In observance of this period of introspection, we spoke to chef Asif Mughal about his plans. Mughal is a 36-year-old Pakistan-born chef. He grew up in Islamabad and studied culinary arts in his hometown before moving to Dubai to begin his career as a professional chef. Mughal worked at Lemongrass Thai restaurant in Dubai for five years before being offered a position at the Park Hyatt Dubai Creek. He…

Neatly aligned glass spice jars tagged with printed white labels. Wicker baskets filled with packages of pasta, crackers and snacks. Rows of flavoured seltzer water stacked in double-decker plastic bins. In today’s consumer culture, “a place for everything and everything in its place” isn’t just a mantra; it’s big business. Nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen pantry. Most people can relate to finding half-empty cereal boxes squirrelled away in the cupboard or letting produce sit just a bit too long in a refrigerator drawer. But for a subset of social media denizens, such sacrileges would never grace their feeds. As someone who studies digital consumer culture, I’ve noticed an uptick in glamourised, stylised and fully stocked pantries on TikTok and Instagram, giving rise to a content genre…

The first 10 minutes of the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Durban were filled with explosive drama that immediately locked in viewers. Dinner ended with the Drakensberg trip host, Jojo Robinson, bailing on her guests after flinging a glass, with her bestie Nonku Williams getting caught in the crossfire of the outburst. This was followed by cries from Ruan, and Maria comforting Jojo while also chasing Sane away. Jojo’s childish behaviour was caused by her trying, in her best way, to twist Annie’s words about her smelling alcohol in her room as she looked for answers about the murmurs of her being an alcoholic. Annie was on the ball when she said in her confessional that Jojo was misconstruing what she said and was making it something it…

Baboo and Ticky are back and have their work cut out for them in the latest instalment of Judy Naidoo’s Kings Of Mulberry Street: Let Love Reign. In the first film, which premiered in 2019 and starred child actors Shaan Nathoo and Liam Dunpath, viewers were treated to the two young Indian boys going to great lengths to rid their community of the local bully in order to protect their victims. The film won many awards as it travelled to international film festivals, so it was only fitting to honour the local production with a sequel, which Naidoo, who wears the writer, director and producer hat, does beautifully and in a way that’s dramatic, funny and family-friendly. Speaking to an excited Naidoo, who bagged the deal with Netflix to have…

When the International Criminal Court (ICC) was founded back in 1998 – four years before it handled its first case in 2002 after the Rome Statute was ratified by at least 60 countries – the noble intent was compelling. Throughout its years of existence, however, the ICC has stood accused of bias against Africa in particular, following a worrying trend of pursuing mainly African nationals for alleged wrongdoing. By the time the ICC entered into force, some 140 countries had appended their signatures in support of the “court of last resort” – as the ICC is described in its founding literature. Notably, three superpowers refused to attach their signatures to the ratification of the ICC. They were the US, Russia and China. The US went further than any of the…

TWO senior officials from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have resigned after our exposé that the agency was paying almost R2 million a month to rent an office block, while students all over the country were struggling with their accommodation and tuition fees. Their previous monthly office rent was R603 000 per month. Most students across the country have been forced to take their classes online due to ongoing protests after NSFAS introduced a new policy this year to cap its student accommodation allowance at R45 000 a year, as part of cost-cutting measures. But NSFAS management and its board saw nothing wrong with moving from a building where they were paying R603 000 rent per month to new offices where they are paying almost R2m a month.…

Following tropical Cyclone Freddy, which ravaged Malawi and Mozambique twice in less than a month, millions in those countries face increased possibilities of dealing with a sharp increase in cholera outbreaks. The cyclone’s devastation and flooding have exacerbated the serious vulnerabilities of children and families in those countries, which are further weakened by insufficient water, hygiene, health, and sanitation systems. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef) is deeply concerned about the likelihood of an increase in cases of water-borne diseases, which are among the leading causes of child mortality. Unicef representative to Mozambique, Maria Fornana, said: "We are now facing a very real risk of a rapidly accelerating cholera outbreak in Mozambique, a disease that is particularly dangerous for young children, especially those who are malnourished. “Unicef is…

A multi-million-rand old age home in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, which was built 10 years ago, has still not received a single patient. This is despite millions of rand in government subsidies and a monthly salary bill. The Mohlakeng 20 Prototype Old Age Home was launched in 2012 but it is standing empty. The home can accommodate 60 elderly people. There are brand-new wheelchairs, heaters, and other hospital furniture and gadgets still in boxes. DA Gauteng spokesperson for Social Development, Bronwyn Engelbrecht, said the building is still gathering dust despite the Occupation Certificate being issued. The Department of Social Development has spent R43.5 million building Mohlakeng Old Age Home 20 Prototype. According to Engelbrecht, 33 staff members were employed, of which 14 left the facility for new opportunities and 19…

This past week, South Africa savoured its 2023 Human Rights Day. The theme of the commemoration was coined as “consolidating and sustaining human rights culture into the future”. Human rights, as outlined by the Parliament of SA, are rights that everyone should have simply because they are human. Access to food, shelter and education has been amongst some prevalent human rights challenges, not only in our country but throughout the continent. Human rights discourses have also occurred extensively where cultural practices are concerned, for example, within the practice of initiation and circumcision. Ultimately, the value of human rights is immeasurable in our modern society. It ensures that the rights and safety of all people are effectively instilled and secured. Although many see Human Rights Day as a restful day off,…

THERE have been some critics who didn’t agree with the New Zealand Rugby Union opting to announce the appointment of Scott Robertson as the next All Black coach this week, six months before the Rugby World Cup in France. But I don’t mind it at all. In fact, it is a decisive move by the Kiwis that ends all speculation about the immediate future. Ian Foster hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory since taking over from Steve Hansen in 2020, and if the All Blacks had lost to the Springboks at Ellis Park last August, he would have been fired and Robertson appointed immediately. New Zealand followed up that 35-22 win in South Africa with a first defeat to Argentina, a 25-18 reverse in Christchurch. They are unbeaten in seven…

A cruise vacation went wrong when a 52-year-old father jumped from a high pier and lost his life. The American passenger, Edmund David Rucker, was travelling on a cruise ship with his family but reportedly died after jumping from a pier during a stop in Honduras. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Newsletter: “While ashore in Roatan, Honduras, a guest sailing onboard Allure of the Seas sadly passed away. “Royal Caribbean International is providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones at this time.” The report says he sustained a blow to the head after jumping from a “high pier” and “was left unconscious once his body fell into the sea”. Eventually, the unconscious passenger was pulled from the water and medics tried to resuscitate him but it was unsuccessful.…

TikTok’s breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has brought plenty of scrutiny, particularly over its links to China. On Thursday, CEO Shou Zi Chew faced relentless questioning from combative US lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle, over the company’s alleged ties to China – and the danger it poses to impressionable teenagers. Several governments have banned the app from their devices over fears that data could be viewed by officials in Beijing. Now the US is trying to force Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell its prized asset. Is TikTok a spying tool for Beijing, a fun video-sharing app, or both? Under pressure Global action against TikTok started in earnest in India in 2020. It was among the Chinese apps barred after deadly…

International airline Cathay Pacific expects an increase in flight de2mand from South Africa and Asia, particularly to Hong Kong, in August. In an interview with Business Report, Anand Yedery, the regional head of marketing for sales in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, said that with the return of quarantine- free travel (post-Covid-19), the air- line was dedicated to serving its customers, the Chinese community in South Africa. Cathay Pacific said it was geared to operate three direct flights a week between South Africa and Hong Kong on the new Airbus A350-900s, beginning in August. Customers looking to travel with Cathay Pacific before August could choose to fly with the airline’s interline partners from Johannesburg to Hong Kong and onwards, via Dubai, to their preferred destinations. The airline had…

Food culture is rapidly evolving in the ever-dynamic food service industry. It is no secret that South African cuisine is hitting new heights – both on our shores and abroad. In this article, we will look at how South Africa's traditional dishes have evolved and become known globally, how these dishes have been modernised, and some of the recipes that are out there. I believe that the reason South African cuisine has evolved and become known globally is that it is healthy, full of big flavours, and contains many superfoods, so it makes perfect sense that its popularity is growing around the world. As you would expect, each corner of the country has its own locally available fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices which have been used over centuries to create…

STREAMING platforms try to cater for the needs of every viewer. As much as Hollywood content is lapped up, so too are K-dramas, Indonesian and Turkish offerings and, of course, all things Bollywood. As such, Disney+ has expanded its offerings to include more of the latter by bagging one of the biggest talk shows in Bollywood, Koffee with Karan, amid a plethora of movies and series. By now, fans are familiar with Karan Johar’s talk show, where he pulls an Oprah with the biggest stars in the industry. He is candid, witty and funny. And the guests, who know him professionally and personally, require little to no arm twisting in opening up. Did I mention, he bags all the A-listers in Bollywood, from Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar and…

On March 17, it felt like the country was listening to Amanda Black’s new single Nguwe at the same time. Her name was all over social media, driving her to the top of the Twitter trends list, and fans embraced the catchphrase “Amanda BACK” in celebration of her first solo single in two years. After a lengthy (by today’s standards) absence from the spotlight, the 29-year-old returned with a powerful message. “Nguwe is about self-love, and for the past few years I’ve really been trying to figure out some patterns in my own personal life,” she explains. “I did a lot of focusing on forgiving myself and really trying to figure out what the hell is happening in my own self now. I kind of saw that separating myself from…

Is John Wick: Chapter 4 the best John Wick movie in the franchise, as early reviews suggest? Possibly. But what does that even mean? Readers who have never seen Keanu Reeves as John Wick, who don’t even like violent action movies, especially not ones about an elite assassin in a fantastical hierarchy of three-piece-suited assassins that is run like an efficient corporation, on the run from his co-workers, and with a multimillion-dollar bounty on his head, won’t understand why the film deserves the star rating I’ve given it. They might assume that it is great (and it is pretty great) by the same metric that The Quiet Girl is great. That would be a mistake. Apples, as they say, must not be compared to oranges, and certainly not blood…

THE government’s disciplinary inquiry against the suspended director-general of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Kgathatso Tlhakudi, has been forced to resume despite the fact that he is sick and hospitalised. This was after the chairperson of the inquiry, advocate Rathaga Ramawele SC, refused to postpone the matter and forced Tlhakudi to participate virtually. Ramawele said Tlhakudi’s legal representatives failed to produce credible evidence about his medical condition. His ruling came after the government suggested that Tlhakudi be referred to an independent urologist to determine whether he was able to attend the inquiry. Tlhakudi’s legal representatives declined the proposal, saying Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan would poison their client. The government’s representatives then suggested that Tlhakudi be linked virtually to the proceedings and that the inquiry should proceed. Ramawele ruled…

A human rights organisation and a policy institute have accused National Treasury of being stingy by focusing on government debt rather than increasing the R350-a-month social relief of distress (SRD) grant. According to the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of SA (SERI), Treasury’s claim there is no money to fund the SRD grant is false, as government reported a R94 billion revenue overrun in the Budget delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana last month. “Rather than using this fiscal space to address our crisis of hunger, Treasury is choosing to prioritise reducing the country’s debt more aggressively than is necessary,” the two organisations said earlier this month. In his Budget, Godongwana suggested the government’s debt was too high. “The gross debt stock is projected to…

Black Billboard owners have received a boost following a collaboration between the World Out of Home Organization (WOO) and the Black Billboard Owners Alliance (BBOA). The collaboration aims to promote and improve the Out of Home advertising industry and increase industry collaboration. The goal for both WOO and BBOA is to advance communication through billboards and to increase brand awareness to the masses. This collaboration also means that BBOA will gain more recognition as a brand house that is committed to inclusivity and equity in the advertising industry. With four years of operation, BBOA comprises 28 black billboard companies operating all over the country with approximately 800 billboards. Some of their trustees have more than 25 years of industry expertise. Charles Mawela, a trustee of BBOA and general manager of…

THE All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF ASA) has asked the North Gauteng High Court to terminate the Zimbabwe exemption permit (ZEP) programme. The organisation wants the introduction of the ZEP programme in 2009, and five subsequent extensions to it, to be declared unlawful and invalid. In papers filed by the ATDF ASA’s Mario Khumalo, the forum attacks the legality of the entire ZEP programme. “I am advised that in granting the extensions to the scheme ... of the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP) and the ZEP, the Minister (of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi) acted unlawfully,” Khumalo said. He said regulations issued in terms of the Immigration Act did not confer upon him (the minister) the power to extend the permit once it had lapsed. “The effect…

From entrepreneurs to executives, the corporate world, especially the tech sector remains heavily male dominated. Can we change this? Yes – but it will take some work, writes Takalani Netshitenzhe AS WE mark International Women’s Month, we need to celebrate the strides made by corporates, government and society to promote gender diversity, equity and inclusion, while at the same time reflecting on the obstacles that still exist to achieve gender equality in society and in the workplace. Gender diversity and equality in the workplace is a topic that continues to receive a significant amount of attention. Although some progress has been made towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the technology industry remains unequally represented. In fact, research shows that only 24% of computing positions are held…

THE ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off begins in Namibia today, with six teams set to battle for just two places at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier that will be held in Zimbabwe later this year. The Play-off, which is two steps away from the World Cup, features the teams who placed in the bottom four places of the Men’s CWC League 2 and the top spots in the CWC Challenge League A and B respectively. The matches will be played from March 26 to April 5. Hosts Namibia are in action on the opening day against the US, having won four of the six encounters between the two teams in One-Day Internationals since 2019. Namibia finished with 19 wins from their 36 League 2 matches and…

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) wants to ensure that visitors remain as safe and vigilant as possible, whether they go up by cable car or by foot. “We want to make sure that our visitors are safe and have a good time when visiting our mountain,” said Wahida Parker, MD of TMACC. With other outdoor adventures, visitors should always prioritise their safety when embarking on a trip to the majestic mountain. Risks that they should prepare for include; weather-related hazards; uneven pathways; getting lost, and possible snake encounters. In February, a Russian tourist Alexander Kobets found himself stuck on top of the mountain. Kobets said: “I consider myself a fairly experienced hiker, but you can easily and quickly get lost on any mountain. By the time I reached the…

For a failed rocket launch, there sure was a lot of cheering. When Relativity Space, a California start-up that aims to compete against SpaceX, finally launched its Terran 1 rocket manufactured almost entirely by 3D printing, it achieved so many of the milestones the company had hoped for. It lifted off successfully from its pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 11.25pm (5.25am South African time) on Wednesday. It survived the perilous moment of maximum dynamic pressure, where speed and the still-thick atmosphere conspire to tear rockets apart. The first stage separated cleanly from the second stage, as commentators on the company's broadcast cheered it on. But then the second stage engine failed to ignite, preventing the rocket from making it to orbit. Still, Relativity proved that…

ANY census of the population comes with major challenges, given that it runs every 10 years. Those who participated in the first might not be available for the second and, in that respect, tacit knowledge is lost. Technological changes also severely affect the planning and running of a census because it impacts the process flow and system integration. When paper-based systems were deployed, the system was linear. But what remains crucial is setting the date so that all streams converge on that date. Once that is agreed upon, user consultations begins in earnest in order to ground the framing of the concepts and what the national enquiry is all about. Then comes the testing of concepts and crafting them into specific questions that seek to get one, and only one,…

During the holy month of Ramadaan many people look forward to meeting and eating together with a scrumptious spread of cuisines and local delights. What better than having a buffet spread – distinguished banquets with appetisers, mains, side dishes, desserts, and plenty of sweet things? Buffets are a thing for such celebrations, thanks to their maximum cheapness and minimum fuss factor. They have won the hearts and stomachs of many foodies but a lot of people feel overwhelmed with the amount of food they see and feel like they cannot do justice to the spread there. For such people, we have a few tips and tricks to make the most of the buffet. Buffets that suit your tastes The Indian buffet place down the road might run an amazing offer…

Talk about star clout! UnPrisoned definitely hit the jackpot with its cast of Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo, Brenda Strong and Tim Daly. In need of a comedy break, I was drawn to this series largely because of the names attached to it. And I wasn’t disappointed. If the multi-hyphenate Washington has proved anything with her TV projects The Fixer and Little Fires Everywhere, and some of the biggest Hollywood films in recent years, it is her skill to slip into any character, own it, and get viewers completely invested in the journey. And she does that with aplomb in her role as Paige Alexander, a therapist and single mother to teenage son Finn (Faly Rakotohavana). The title of the eight-part series is both literal and metaphorical as her father Edwin…

Partners who live together typically come to this significant place in their relationship in one of two ways – what some clinicians call “sliding versus deciding”. Moving in together can just kind of happen without too much thought, or it can be carefully considered and planned. Some couples may see living together as a test for future marriage. For others, marriage is not a goal, so living together may be the ultimate statement of their commitment. I have been a relationship therapist and researcher for over 25 years, specialising in intimate relationships. Based on my research and clinical experience, I recommend that couples discuss the significance of sharing a home before they merge households. Doing so gives partners an opportunity to set realistic expectations, negotiate household roles and practise their…

THE LOST KING (Cinemas nationwide) The comedy-drama directed by Stephen Frears and written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope is based on the 2013 book The King's Grave: The Search for Richard III by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones. It is a dramatisation of the story of Philippa Langley, the woman who initiated the search to find King Richard III's remains under a car park in Leicester, and her treatment by the University of Leicester in the claiming of credit for the discovery. The film stars Sally Hawkins, Coogan and Harry Lloyd. Handle Black Tax Like A Pro by Ndumi Hadebe (R185 on loot.co.za) Black tax is not as much about money as it is about boundaries: there is a mental and emotional price we pay when dealing with the…

SENIOR officials at the University of South Africa (Unisa) have been accused of corruption, nepotism, and defrauding the university through the secondment and appointment of individuals who did not possess the required qualifications for senior positions. Due to the length of the report of the investigation, the Falcons will publish part one of this article followed by part two, which will be published at a later date with the names of those implicated. Titled “Investigation Relating to Secondments and Acting Roles of Personnel Impacting Governance and Administration in the University”, the report by Khuli Consulting revealed a number of people in key positions at the university do not meet the qualification requirements. The investigation was commissioned by the former vice-chancellor and principal Professor Mandla Makhanya before his exit in 2020…

Since it first made landfall in southern Africa in February, Cyclone Freddy has been recorded as the longest cyclone in history, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Despite it dissipating after a record-breaking 34-day rampage, Cyclone Freddy has killed more than 500 people in southern Africa and affected more than 500 000 people in Malawi and displaced about 180 000. At a mass funeral, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera appealed to the global community to come to the country’s aid. The president said what had transpired could not have been avoided even if they had been given advance notice. “We are using hope as our currency to encourage those who survived, that we will not leave them alone because we are trusting you as our international neighbours to come through so…

FOOD waste is a significant issue throughout the world. While many individuals go hungry consistently, it has been laid bare that in South Africa, 10.3 million tons of good, nutritious food goes to waste annually. Millions of South Africans are on the food-vulnerable spectrum, ranging from women, men and senior citizens to children. Food security is crucial for Africa’s human capital development and securing the benefits of social-economic development. The fight against hunger and malnutrition must be prioritised. Without appropriate nutrition, the South African population will not be strong enough to participate in Africa’s overall development. Castle Lager, in collaboration with SA Harvest, has launched a project that will use by-products of its beer brewing process to create bread that is high in fibre, sustainable, and a source of protein.…

ALMOST 30 years into democracy, the issue of pit latrines in South African schools remains a constant reality for many in various provinces. Many schools in rural areas struggle with infrastructural issues such as a lack of classrooms, poor access to water and electricity, and no internet or school libraries. The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a report in 2021, indicating that pupils from more than 3 000 schools in six provinces in the country risk falling into pit toilets daily when they attend school for pedagogy purposes. Yongama Ludwe of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), has started a petition on Change.org in a bid to eradicate pit latrines in South African schools. It has already garnered more than 5000 signatures. “I don’t have to be personally affected by…

This week saw Uganda pass its Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, one of the harshest laws on the African continent. It was introduced in Parliament by ruling party legislator Asuman Basalirwa on March 9 and seeks to punish homosexuality with the death penalty. Ugandan lawmakers hastily passed the bill on Tuesday evening, ordering harsh penalties for anyone who engages in same-sex activity. Homosexuality is already illegal in the conservative East African nation, and it was not immediately clear what new penalties had been agreed upon. The law criminalises those identifying as LGBT, handing authorities broad powers to target Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence. Reuters reported that in addition to same-sex intercourse, the law bans promoting and abetting homosexuality as well as conspiracy to engage in homosexuality. Violations under…

Social media has made it much easier for people to express themselves publicly but the line between freedom of speech and hate speech depends on what we say when exercising our human right to freedom of speech. The right to freely express ourselves without censorship is essential to South African democracy. If used positively, it enables us to foster understanding and tolerance among individuals with different opinions. We can learn and grow from healthy debate and looking at life from different perspectives. Businesses also benefit from freedom of speech as it encourages collaboration across sectors and communities and fosters innovation. Where expressing ourselves intersects with the rights of others: Social media has undoubtedly made it much easier for people to express themselves publicly. However, the line between freedom of speech…

HUGO Broos’s worst fears were confirmed at the Orlando Stadium on Friday night when Bafana Bafana’s Afcon qualifying process was engulfed by chaos after a 2-2 stalemate against lowly Liberia. The Belgian coach has a pet saying that “anything can happen in Africa” and when it happened, he was wholly unprepared to deal with it on Friday. In injury time, he was floored when he saw Liberia score a stunning goal through Mohammed Sangare. Sangare took a shot from outside the penalty area. After the ball sizzled through a packed goalmouth, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was unsighted, and the ball grazed the upright and into the net, a minute into optional time. Broos stormed off after this freak goal, numbed by Liberia’s bummer. He initially failed to arrive for the post-match…

THE silver lining to the dark cloud that is hovering above Bafana Bafana’s hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations following their dismal failure to beat Liberia on Friday is that the Liberian capital Monrovia they will fly to for their second-leg clash is nothing like the one their predecessors visited some 22 years ago. For starters, the petulant Hugo Broos and his men are going to a democratic country, ruled by a man who is much more a footballer than he is a politician. This is a man who was actually on the field when South Africa and Liberia drew 1-1 back in 2001, in a qualifier for the 2002 Afcon hosted by Mali. And there is every chance that George Weah, the legendary former Monaco and…