Book Review: Seeking Mandela-Peacemaking between Israelis and Palestinians

Shimon Peres, after meeting Mandela in 1993 wrote, ‘Two persecuted people, the black South Africans and the Jews, celebrate a new future.’
Starting with this arresting analogy, the book ‘Seeking Mandela- peacemaking between Israelis and Palestinians’ tries to test if the ideology of ‘One Man, One Vote‘ can ever operate in Israel/Palestine Conflict.

This is the fourth co-authored book of the couple Heribert Adam and Kogila Moodley. The writing is in-depth, flawless and portrayed in a very appealing manner. The authors give a political, psychological, emotional, physical and above all, spiritual peep into the daily lives of the people involved in the conflict. The book does not limit itself to just Israel, Palestine and South Africa but touches India, Latin America, United States European countries, while detailing its various case studies.

The authors believe that Israel Palestine conflict is further worsening as both sides are involved in moralising, theologising, medicalising and personalising the conflict. They also expose other issues including Palestinians being politically seduced to act as traitors, existence of refuseniks from Israeli military who disobey to follow the mandatory conscription in the occupied territories. The question if Hamas and Fatah adopt ‘civil disobedience’ and ‘non-violence’ as their key mantras like Mahatma Gandhi did in India’s freedom struggle is also raised. But the real narrative and interview pieces of the victims reveals the abysmal reality, since the Israel-Palestine conflict has already passed that point.

As both South Africa and Israel are colonial settler societies, the book states that the South African model of post conflict reconciliation may inspire revision of certain workable policies. The Truth Commission and its flaws are heavily criticised, like the absence of academics or members of anti-ANC party in the 17 member body.

It is also revealed that increased polarisation with Israel/Palestine could spill over into inter-group relations in South Africa, especially between the Muslim Judicial Council And Jewish Board of Deputees. Though, both South Africa and Israel have fostered relationships because of the growing urge in SA politicians to teach peaceful conflict resolution techniques and hosting of international conferences in post-apartheid state.
A brief history of South Africa is also included in the book which allows the reader to develop a relationship with the country, further understanding its foundations. But is just acts as a tool intelligently used by the authors to differentiate South Africa from Israel.

Both these countries are also different in terms of economic power balance. Israeli economy can function without Palestinian labour but the same was not true in South Africa. Black population was necessary, giving rise to migration from the Bantustans.  Over and over, the authors state that Israel/Palestine conflict would never end till a third party intervention takes place. Both Adam and Moodely have done a brilliant job by stating the views of well know historians, journalists, academics, political leaders, army generals and even innocent civilians. Every page is educating though eventually, the entire hypothesis falls flat when they both suggest that there’s no need to seek Palestinian Mandela as his presence would not solve the issue.

Financing of SMEs can revamp the economy of South Africa, says Deputy Mayor Of Durban

In spite of contributing 40% of the GDP in South Africa, small and medium centre enterprises (SME) have been marginally avoided in the economic past of the country.

Logie Naidoo, the Deputy Mayor of Durban who attended the 2011 Construction Indaba advised the event attendees about the potential of SMEs and urged them to work more in the private sector. Talking about tendering bigger projects, Naidoo stated that the SMEs can gain experience and build their respective capability through contracts.

‘Two sectors’

No doubt, the economy of South Africa is currently divided into two major sectors. The first one deals with the investment of the international companies and their contribution in the revenue generation and GDP. On the other hand, the second sector includes these SMEs who do play a very pivotal role in both business and economic impact of the country.

Over the years, Durban has been playing an essential role in boosting the growth of the SMEs so that the small business profiles can be boosted and in return, revamped into major sector industries with higher economies of scale and more concrete business models.

But these SMEs are often ignored because of the risk involved in financing them. Most of the times, their business models include entrepreneurial assets, which definitely is challenging to incorporate since the recession effects are still not bygone.

‘The bank financing and loans’

Though, Amrei Botha, the head of the Standard Bank’s Africa SME Unit stated that during the past years, the banks have started to understand the potential of the SMEs and have been positive in investing in them.

For example, the Standard bank has started financing the loan worth $300-$30,000 dollars for a period ranging from three to twelve months. Another impact is also pursuing the entire finance of SME’s in a unique manner.

‘Porter’s Five Forces’

Taking into consideration the ‘Porter’s five forces’, the growing SME’s need to understand the potential of the new companies which are entering into the same market, the threat faced by the introduction of substitutes, the difference in the bargaining power of the consumers and the buyers and above all, the increase in the competitive rivalry.

Nevertheless, the avenues present for the venture capitalists and the tenders are increasing in the sector of small and medium scale enterprises. With innovation, technology and communication boosting the integration of functionality with business, the enterprises have a direct effect on the consumer spending.

Hence, tapping the wealth can be done through involving the right investment, especially by following the trademarks set by the Standard Bank and financing the SMEs which have the power to revamp the economy of South Africa.