28-DEC-2012 | SAPA | 128 COMMENTS
It was a dog-eat-dog world on Twitter as people argued over President Jacob Zuma’s comments that caring for a pet dog was part of “white” culture.
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'CAPABLE HANDS': President Jacob Zuma has regional support from eThekwini for the leadership battle at Mangaung later this year. PHOTO: KEVIN SUTHERLANd
There are many ways of being African. Of being black even those who love animals are not less African than those who don’t
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While a flurry of users seemed indignant that Zuma didn’t name Jock of the Bushveld his favourite four-legged South African or ask Lassie to come home, many others agreed with the president’s sentiments.
One user, YanelaJ, said Zuma’s comments were accurate: “How many blacks vs whites do u c walking/running dogs..don’t count domestic worker?” Young Communist League spokesman Khaya Xaba tweeted that a ”rich man’s dog gets more in the way of vaccination, medicine and medical care than do the workers upon whom the rich man’s wealth is built.” The Star reported on Thursday that Zuma, in a speech given at Impendle in KwaZulu-Natal, had said that spending money to buy a dog and taking it to the vet and for walks, belonged to “white” culture.
He was also reported to have said that those who loved dogs more than people had “a lack of humanity”.
The presidency later sent out a statement in which it explained that Zuma was only trying to “decolonise the African mind” with his statements.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said that Zuma wanted “to enable the previously oppressed African majority to appreciate and love who they are”.
Meanwhile on Twitter, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi tweeted a picture of himself with his Boerboel “Superhero” and his Jack Russell “Maradona”.
Some tweeters gently suggested that “Superhero” was a bit on the chubby side, but Vavi reassured his followers that he has managed to get the Boerboel’s weight down since the photograph was taken.
Vavi also mentioned that he had given ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe a puppy years ago. “He keeps dogs too,” tweeted Vavi.
Nevertheless, Vavi said that he was not offended by Zuma’s comments. “As an animal lover & proudly black I don’t feel insulted by that comment — I do have compassion for humans too!!” However, internationally renowned author Zakes Mda refuted the essentialism behind Zuma’s statement.
“There are many ways of being African. Of being black even those who love animals are not less African than those who don’t.” Journalist Reuben Goldberg suggested that South Africans buy Zuma a dog “and name it #Nkandla”.
Even “Bazil the Bulldog” gave his opinion into the matter, tweeting: “Zuma needs a history check, as the Africanis breed of dogs have been the companions of Southern Africa’s San Bushmen since 800 AD...” Ayanda Mlotshwa questioned Zuma’s linking of race and dog ownership, stating: “I’m black & I love my dog. He’s part of my family. We’ve always had dogs in my family. Can’t imagine life without them.” A number of people also tweeted an old photograph of former president Nelson Mandela beaming alongside a jubilant canine companion.
The Christian Democratic party sent out a statement in which they said it appeared from his remarks that Zuma’s second term would be “even more sectarian and divisive” than his first.
“This playing up of one culture against another, describing them, not as different, but rather that one has superior moral values to the other, is totally unacceptable and counterproductive,” said party leader Theunis Botha.
Meanwhile President Jacob Zuma has asked for a national cleansing ceremony to restore, what he has branded as the moral values of the nation, SABC radio news reports.
Zuma said the ritual would be of great importance in the light of incidents such as the Marikana tragedy, the rape of elderly women, and political assassinations. He said people who were not cleansed, harboured grudges. According to the report, Zuma said he would call on Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to help lead the national cleansing ceremony.
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COMMENTS BY SONNY
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This should not be seen as a "Dog eat Dog" scenario.
Zuma was a famous Bull Fighter in the village of Nkandla.
He would rather slaughter a defenceless Bull as part of his culture of nation cleansing!
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The 10 Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Dogs That Need A Lot of Attention
When most of us think of caring for the family dog, we have in mind
a sedate walk around the block once a day, maybe an obedience class when he’s
…
View more »
In alphabetical order, we present the 10
most high-maintenance dog breeds.
Mary Bloom
Australian Shepherd
The smart and focused
Australian Shepherd seems never to run out of energy. After he
has brought in the morning newspaper, escorted the kids to the school bus,
picked up their toys and dirty clothes from the floor and placed them in the
appropriate receptacles, he’s ready to help you do yard work by fetching tools
or digging out weeds in your garden. Then he’ll want you to throw a ball or
flying disc for him to chase, practice for the weekend’s agility or obedience
trial, or take a brisk hour-long walk or hike. You’ll wear out before he does
unless you are equally active — and creative enough to keep him
occupied.
Mary Bloom
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers love to be in a lap and will claim yours in a flash
as soon as you sit down. Aptly nicknamed the “Love Sponge,” Cavaliers were bred
to be companion dogs, and that’s what they want to do. You’ll never have privacy
in the bathroom again if you live with a Cavalier. A Cavalier will dog your
footsteps and make it clear that he does not wish to be left alone all day. The
ideal home for this doe-eyed dog is one with a stay-at-home parent or
work-at-home spouse, or with a retired couple.
Mary Bloom
Border Collie
Often referred to as a canine
Einstein, the
Border Collie has a desire to work that borders on the
obsessive. He will herd anything that comes his way — kids, cats, cars, even a
bag of oranges that have spilled onto the floor. His intelligence and energy
make him a fabulous competitor in dog sports, but if he is underemployed at
home, he is likely to develop compulsive behaviors such as chasing light and
shadows, twirling in circles, and bouncing up and down. Be prepared to keep him
busy with dog sports, activities around the house, regular training sessions and
plenty of daily exercise.
Nick Ridley, Animal Photography
Brussels Griffon
With a
Brussels
Griffon, you’re never alone. These affectionate dogs possess an unshakable
desire to be with their favorite person at all times. When a Griff feels
abandoned or lacking in attention, he will express his frustration by converting
toilet paper into confetti, overturning trash receptacles and peeing on your
favorite Oriental rug. Take him with you when you can and train him early on to
accept necessary separation with equanimity — or face the
consequences.
Mary Bloom
Cocker Spaniel
The people-adoring
Cocker
Spaniel dislikes being left alone; Cockers who aren’t well socialized — and
even some who are — can develop severe separation anxiety that takes the form of
barking, whining and destructive behavior. In addition, his coat requires
professional grooming or frequent care from a dedicated owner. The silky
medium-length coat must be brushed several times a week and bathed and trimmed
weekly. Even a Cocker with a short trim needs frequent brushing and bathing and
trimming every couple of weeks. He is prone to ear infections, so weekly ear
inspection and cleaning (if needed) are recommended. Many people rely on
professional groomers every four to six weeks to keep their Cocker Spaniels
looking the very best.
Mary Bloom
German Shorthaired Pointer
Few breeds are more demanding of
their owner’s energy and attention than the
German Shorthaired Pointer. This talented hunting dog is
energetic, strong and challenging. He’s a natural in high-drive dog sports and a
perfect companion (overall health permitting, of course) for long runs and
strenuous hikes. German Shorthairs require daily sessions of heart-pumping
exercise and plenty of training to keep them under control.
Mary Bloom
Jack Russell Terrier
He digs, he barks, he runs, he
jumps. The
Jack Russell (or Parson Russell if you live on the AKC side of
the fence) is hardwired to be active and needs a full-time activity director to
keep him busy in constructive, and not destructive, ways. He does best when he
is kept busy hunting rats on a farm or competing in terrier races and earthdog
tests. Jack Russells can even make great jogging partners, but some joint and
neuromuscular problems can occur in the breed, so get a healthy go-ahead from
your vet first.
Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
Poodle
People
say they don’t
shed and they’re hypoallergenic. That’s the 411 that most people get about this
glamorous and brainy breed. Spoiler alert:
Poodles
do shed—with loose hairs becoming entangled with other hair if not
brushed out — and they are
not hypoallergenic. But they are adorable!
That beautiful curly coat can be very high maintenance if you are going for the
best in show look but if you aren't, a visit to a professional groomer every six
to eight weeks should do the trick. During adolescence, the maturing coat must
be brushed daily to prevent mats.
Mary Bloom
Labrador Retriever
It was probably a
Lab
who inspired the saying “A tired dog is a good dog.” Plan to teach your Lab
tricks, and get him involved in dog sports if you don’t want to see just how
much destruction he can do when he's bored. Some Labs even make great jogging
partners, but hip dysplasia is prominent in the breed, so get him checked by
your vet before hitting the running trails. Need a reminder as to why you need
to provide structured activities for your Labrador from day one? We have one
word: Marley.
Nick Ridley, Animal Photography
Yorkshire Terrier
The spunky
Yorkshire
Terrier has a lot going for him, but his beautiful coat is high-maintenance,
even if clipped short. A Yorkie with a long coat requires daily brushing and
weekly baths. A Yorkie with a short “puppy” clip also needs frequent brushing
and bathing, along with regular visits to a professional groomer to have the
coat trimmed. Yorkies don't shed much compared with some other dogs, but they
aren’t hypoallergenic.
Do you agree with our list? Are there other dogs that you think should be
included? Tell us in the comments.
Mary Bloom
I hope you have already thought about this before you decide on your dog run cleaning and sterilizing your dog’s living space is just as important as cleaning your own living space.
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