Business

Life after Apartheid

THE INHERITORS: A Intimate Portrait Of South Africa’s Racial Reckoning
THE INHERITORS: A Intimate Portrait Of South Africa’s Racial Reckoning
Author: Eve Fairbanks

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Price: $27.99
Pages: 399
It was nothing less than a miracle. That was what South African schoolchildren were taught when Nelson Mandela, the country’s first democratically elected president, was elected in 1994. Apartheid, a brutal system of white minority rule that made South Africa an international pariah, was over. Eve Fairbanks, in her new book The Inheritors about the decades preceding and after that transition, writes that its miraculousness was “like mathematics, amazing, but incontrovertible.”
Malaika, who is one of the central figures of this account, recalls that her teachers’ high-pitched language was completely out of sync with her daily life. She was born in Soweto, a Black township just outside of Johannesburg, a few years prior to the end of apartheid. She and Dipuo, her mother, were still poor. There were still days when they were hungry. Malaika’s mother sent her to school when she was 11 years old. Malaika wore only old shoes with holes at the bottoms. Her grandmother would tell her to shine the top. “People can’t see beneath your shoe.”
Malaika was able to feel it even though others may not have been able to see it. It is how people feel that Ms Fairbanks wrote her book. It took her 12 years to write and report. The Inheritors tells South Africa’s story primarily through Malaika and Dipuo’s experiences, as well as Christo, a white attorney who, as a young recruit, worked as a soldier under the regime.
Ms Fairbanks is far too skilled a writer to resort at crude psychologising. However, she insists that there is a terrible price for trying to ignore people’s perceptions of their situations. The undeniable physical facts of everything they experience are often inseparable with an emotional reality.
Ms. Fairbanks was born in Virginia and moved to South Africa in 2009 as an adult. Ms. Fairbanks writes from both an insider perspective and an outsider perspective. She has spent years listening to people she meets, not only what they tell her, but also what they reveal to her because of prejudices.
The word “them”: Ms Fairbanks was shocked to learn that many white South Africans used the term as a catch-all for Blacks when she arrived. She recalls that a friend of hers, a left-wing activist, called her in fury when his car was taken by unknown persons, but insisting “they” did it. Ms Fairbanks asked him about his presumption. He looked confused.
She saw a country so deformed that, after the war ended, some white people found the experience unbearable. Black people treated them with forbearance rather than the vengeful reprisals that they were conditioned to expect. Ms Fairbanks writes that “Things went much better than most white people could have imagined.” Even Christo, who was initially facing terrorist charges for accidentally killing a homeless Black man while on a mission, realized that his past could be “washed clean.” Although you might think he would be grateful, he claimed it was a “subtle degrading.” Ms Fairbanks describes Christo’s desire to believe he was hated. “How dare your hold up a mirror that shows me the reflections of a worse man than yourself?”
Malaika was not interested in this “mirrors of graciousness”. She began writing scathing essays for Facebook in college. These were overwhelmingly received by the white elites she most vehemently criticized. She felt confused and then resentful. She was shocked at how white people like to show their generosity, “celebrating their willingness to take a punch”
Ms Fairbanks tells these tales against the larger backdrop that is a country in transition — land reform, the AIDS epidemic, brazen corruption, and economic troubles. Malaika, Dipuo and the African National Congress felt let down by Mandela’s post-economic policies. They were more concerned with placating international skittish markets than enacting the redistribution Dipuo, who was a former activist, had hoped for. He would lecture Black South Africans repeatedly about how it was their responsibility make white people feel reassured.
Ms Fairbanks observes a collective hardening towards the end of the book, as a younger generation white supremacists shamelessly assume the victimhood role, presenting Afrikaners to be an “endangered ethnic minority.”
Ms. Fairbanks is a skilled writer and an unfailingly compassionate person. She recalls arguments with ex-boyfriends as a reminder of the psychodynamics she observed in South Africa post-apartheid. She is more resonant for the echoes she finds today in America, where multiple reckonings happen simultaneously, but in relative slow-motion. She writes that South Africans have never been able to linger at the psychological edge of great change. “In the blink, in the counting of a vote they were in it. “(C)2022TheNewYorkTimesNewsService Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. We are grateful for your support and have received constant feedback about how we can improve our offering. We will continue to keep you informed, updated and informed, even in these difficult times, despite Covid-19.
However, we have a request.
We need your support to continue offering you quality content as we fight the economic effects of the pandemic. Many of you have subscribed to our online content, which has received a positive response. We can offer you more relevant and better content if we have more subscribers. We believe in fair, credible and free journalism. We can use your support by obtaining more subscriptions to help us practice the journalism to which you are committed.
Subscribe to Business Standard to support quality journalism
Digital Editor

Literature coverage in full

First published: Sun, July 31, 2022. 22:52 IST

Business

Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News after Dominion settlement for defamation

In this articleFOXAFollow stocks you likeCREATE A FREE ACCOUNTTucker Carlson, the right-wing prime-time host at Fox News, is leaving immediately. The cable network announced this Monday. This announcement came just days after Fox News parent company settled Dominion Voting Systems defamation suit for $787.5 Million. CNBC reported that the settlement did not require the company’s hosts to discuss the lawsuit or apologize for it. FOX News Media announced in a Monday statement that it and Tucker Carlson had agreed to part ways. “We thank him both for his work as a network host and, before that, as a contributing contributor. “There will not be a send-off for Carlson as his last show aired on Friday. Carlson had said he would return Monday when he signed off on Friday. Carlson’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight” has been one of Fox’s most popular programs for years. The company would not comment beyond the press release or whether Carlson had been taken off the air as a result of the Dominion defamation lawsuit. Fox News did make a statement in Carlson’s name. The Fox Corp. Class A share price fell about 3% on Sunday. Carlson’s emails and texts were also included in the evidence that was released before the settlement. Carlson was also among the hosts deposed by Dominion and included in the evidence. Other hosts deposed were Maria Bartiromo and Jeanine Pirro. Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and former host Lou Dobbs. “It’s unbelievably insulting to me.” Court documents show that Carlson stated in a text message sent in the weeks following the election: “Our viewers are good people, and they believe it.” Dominion pointed out the drop in Fox’s viewership after election night when the network called Arizona Biden. Carlson and his co-hosts expressed “the danger to them personally” behind the scenes. Carlson wrote to his producer in a message on November 5, “We worked hard to build what you have.” These f —-ers destroy our credibility. It enrages my.” Carlson was one of the witnesses who would have testified if the lawsuit went to trial. Abby Grossberg was also on that list of witnesses. She was a former Fox Producer who worked for Bartiromo, Carlson, and Bartiromo. Grossberg claimed she was forced to give misleading testimony in the Dominion lawsuit. Fox said Grossberg’s “unmeritorious claims” were “filled with false allegations about Fox and its employees”. “Grossberg’s attorneys stated in court documents that she was terminated by Fox as a result of retaliation. She has filed lawsuits against Fox in New York and Delaware, accusing the network of discrimination.Grossberg cheered Carlson’s departure in a statement Monday, saying, “This is a step towards accountability for the election lies and baseless conspiracy theories spread by Fox News, something I witnessed firsthand at the network, as well as for the abuse and harassment I endured while Head of Booking and Senior Producer for Tucker Carlson Tonight. I think this is fantastic for America! It’s a win for cable news viewers, not just Fox. “Carlson replaced Bill O’Reilly’s prime-time slot on Fox after O’Reilly quit the network in 2017 amid controversy. O’Reilly was accused of sexual harassment in the past by former Fox employees. He has denied these allegations. While the Dominion suit was unlikely to have an impact on Fox’s business it was not clear what effect it would have on its programming or hosts. Shortly after Smartmatic, a voting technology company, sued Fox in 2021 for defamation, Dobbs weekday show on Fox Business was cancelled. Dobbs was named as a defendant by Smartmatic in their ongoing lawsuit. The trial is not scheduled to begin until 2025. Fox had said that the show was already being cancelled before the lawsuit. Disclosure: NBCUniversal owns CNBC.

Business

Rupee Gains One Paisa to 82.16 US Dollar

The dollar index fell by 0.04 percent to 108.80. (File)Mumbai: The rupee gained 1 paisa to 82.16 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, tracking a weak greenback against major currencies and positive sentiment in the domestic equities market.Forex traders said downward movement of crude oil prices also supported the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic unit opened strong at 82.11 against the dollar and hit the lowest level of 82.17 before trading at 82.16, registering a rise of 1 paisa over its previous close.On Thursday, the rupee closed at 82.17 against the US currency.Participants were also cautious due to expectations of further interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve and other central banks.

“Upside expectations were abandoned as soon USDINR turned under 82.2. As long as 81.97 is held, expect a bounce today. However, 82.4 seems far away. The 30-share BSE Sensex rose 109.93 or 0.18 percent to 59.742.28. The broader NSE Nifty gained 21.95 points, or 0.12 percent, to 17,646.40. According to exchange data, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), who are net sellers on the capital market today sold shares worth Rs 1,169.32 million.

Business

Sensex and Nifty markets rise in early trade on buying Reliance Industries

The BSE Sensex climbed 134 to 59 766 in early trading. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 134 to 59,766.37 points in early trading. The NSE Nifty gained 36.4 points, to 17,660.85. HCL Technologies was the largest gainer among the Sensex companies, climbing nearly 2% in early deals.

HCL Technologies posted a 10.85 percent increase in consolidated profit to Rs 3,983 billion for the fourth quarter 2022-23. Kotak Mahindra Bank was among the other winners. The Q4 results have been mixed, with IT disappointing, and banking showing early signs of continued strength. This trend is likely not to change. There can be a slight pullback in IT after the sharp correction following the Infosys result.

“HCL Tech’s results have not disappointed. Some IT midcaps could beat market expectations.” The Sensex rose 64.55 points (0.11%) to settle at 59.632.35 on the Thursday. The Nifty rose by 5.70 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 17,624.45. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.09 percent to USD 81.03 a barrel. According to exchange data, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), sold equities valued at Rs 1,169.32 crore.

Business

DeSantis and his allies intensify their Disney battle as more Republicans criticize him

Ron DeSantis answers a question at a press conference held Monday, April 17th, 2023, at the headquarters of Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly Reedy Creek Improvement District), which a newly appointed board has renamed. Orlando Sentinel Ron DeSantis, his allies and the Republican presidential hopeful are intensifying their fight against Walt Disney Co. despite the criticism from his rivals for his long-running battle with the entertainment giant.

DeSantis has ripped Disney this week repeatedly over its recent moves to thwart his efforts to seize control of the company’s Orlando parks and property. DeSantis, who hasn’t announced his presidential plans, is considered the top Republican candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He was promoting a new book that calls Disney a “Magic Kingdom of Woke Corporatism”. “Meanwhile his handpicked Disney World’s Special Tax District board of supervisors increased the pressure on Disney.

The officials took action on Wednesday to regain control of the property they claim Disney wrongfully took away before they took over. “People have suggested that we create a state-run park or try to build more amusement parks. Someone suggested another state prison. Who knows?” DeSantis said.It is the latest chapter of a grim story that began over a year ago, when Disney opposed the controversial Republican Florida law limiting discussion in classrooms about sexual orientation or gender identification. Disney’s stance on the legislation, dubbed by critics “Don’t Say Gay”, sparked an intense feud.

The Republican governor of Florida and the GOP-controlled legislature targeted a special tax district which has allowed Disney to govern itself for decades. DeSantis, who is willing to use his political influence to engage in cultural battles, has become a rising star within the GOP. His transition to the national scene, in apparent anticipation for a presidential announcement has sparked some criticism from his fellow Republicans. Trump, a former DeSantis supporter who is now regularly attacking the governor, wrote on Tuesday that the Governor is being “absolutely ruined by Disney”. “Republican ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie questioned DeSantis this week about his political skills, referencing the Disney row.

Chris Christie said in an interview with Semafor that “that’s not the person I want to sit across from” President Xi Jinping or Russian President Vladimir Putin and trying to resolve what is happening in Ukraine if you cannot see around a blind corner [Disney CEO] Bob Iger has created for you.” Chris Sununu, who spoke on CNN Monday, said that the battle “confuses the entire Republican message,” Politico reports. These Republicans are either running or considered potential candidates for president. They could be DeSantis’ rivals. DeSantis’ press secretary Bryan Griffin responded to the recent GOP criticism by referring to a statement released on Tuesday accusing Disney of passing a “legally defective, 11th-hour agreement” to preserve its special privileges.

Griffin’s statement was a response Christie’s criticism. It said: “That’s an effort to subvert will of the people in Florida, and Governor DeSantis won’t stand for that.” The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a local government entity established in 1967. It gave Disney regulatory control of public services and functions in a 25,000-acre region encompassing its Florida resorts and parks. Disney paid Reedy Creek millions of dollars in taxes to fund these services. This was on top of the local tax obligations.

Florida Republicans passed legislation weeks after Disney denounced this classroom bill. DeSantis then signed the bill. The move raised concerns that Florida taxpayers living in the two counties around Reedy Creek would be hit with a large tax bill if Florida removed Disney’s self governing status. In a February special session, the state legislature scrapped the plan and replaced it with a proposal that allowed DeSantis the power to appoint the five board members.

But last month, the newly chosen board of the governing board — now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District – said that their predecessors had stripped many of their rights on their way out. “The bottom line is Disney committed a caper that would have made Scrooge McDuck proud to try and evade Florida laws,” said David Thompson, identified as trial counsel for the board. David Thompson, identified by the board as trial counsel, said that its efforts were illegal and would not stand.

Business

Media outlets and top pro leagues join forces to combat problematic sports betting ads

Kansas City Star The coalition is led by Jonathan Nabavi, NFL vice president of government affairs and public policy. It aims to regulate the sports-betting advertisements that flood television, internet, and print media. The coalition said that as sports betting becomes legal across the country, it is important to set guidelines for how the industry should be promoted to consumers. “Each coalition member feels a sense of responsibility to ensure that sports betting advertising is not just targeted at the right audience, but is also carefully crafted and delivered.

“The coalition describes themselves as voluntary and stated that it will work to ensure that sports-betting advertisements only target adults of legal betting ages, do not promote excessive or irresponsible gaming habits, remain in good taste and aren’t misleading. David Highhill is the general manager of sports wagering for the NFL. He said that legalized sports betting gives fans a new way to interact with their favorite sports.

“But we must not only support problem-gambling prevention, but also be mindful of the way sports betting is advertised and presented to consumers. This coalition will greatly help in this cause. The National Council on Problem Gambling commended the coalition, and promised to collaborate with it in order to “better minimize problem gambling-related harm.”