The Star of Africa - Brilliantly Cut

The Star of Africa

The 3,106-carat Cullinan, was the largest diamond crystal ever found.It was discovered on January 26th 1905. The finding of the largest diamond crystal was purely accidental, it was found by Frederick Wells while he was walking through one of the mine corridors. Initially he thought it was a piece of glass, following examinations showed it was a diamond of 3,106.75 carats.

Rough Cullinan diamond stone

The Cullinan was cut by Joseph Asscher and Company of Amsterdam, who examined the enormous crystal for around six months before determining how to divide it. It eventually yeilded nine major, and 96 smaller brilliant cut stones. The 9 major stones are as follows (view Source):

The Cullinan I was the largest polished diamond in the world until the 1985 discovery of the Golden Jubilee Diamond. Despite this, it still remains the largest, D-color, faceted diamond in the world, the Golden Jubilee having a yellow-brownish color. King Edward VII ordered the Cullinan I –Star of Africa to be mounted on the head of the Royal Scepter. Star of Africa was purchased for King Edward on his 66th anniversary, at the price of $800,000.00.


The Cullinan 1 was not the only one from the nine major stones that appears on some major Jewelry. Cullinan II is set in the front of the circlet of the Imperial State Crown. Cullinan III and IV have been included in a Brooch and a number have been included in forming part of the stomacher of the Delhi Durbar Parure.

The lone parliamentary opposition to the Apartheid government

The Opposition - Helen Suzman

Helen Suzman was born on 7 November 1917 in Germiston, South Africa. She studied as an economist and statistician at the university of Witwatersrand, during which time she also left South Africa to travel Europe before returning. On her return she fell in love with Dr Moses Suzman, got married and then went back to finish her degree. She then worked as a statistician for the South Africa's War Supplies Board, after which she returned to the University of Witwatersrand to lecture. It was at this point her political career started when she became a member of the South African Institute of Race Relations.


So in 1953 she made a move from teaching to parliament. She was elected to the House of Assembly as a member of the Unity Party. At a later stage, in 1959, she switched to the liberal Progressive Party, where she was the sole member of Parliament for the Houghton constituency. She is then best known from this time on as the sole parliamentarian that was unequivocally opposed to apartheid. She ran this race alone from 1961 to 1974. For this period she was harassed by political party members and police, one of the techniques she developed for handling the police tapping her phone line was to blow a whistle into the mouth piece of the phone. One of her famous responses was to a minister that accused her of embarrassing South Africa by the questions she asked and her response to this was, "It is not my questions that embarrass South Africa; it is your answers". Later as the opposition against apartheid grew the Progressive party joined the Reformed party and become the Progressive Federal Party. It was at this stage then that Helen Suzman was joined by others such as Colin Eglin in the fight against apartheid.

So in total Helen Suzman was in parliament for 36 years, from 1953 to 1989. She was also known for her frequent visits to Nelson Mandela while he was in prison. She was also present with him when he signed the constitution in 1996. Helen Suzman made a remarkable contribution to South Africa and the people under oppression at the time. She has been recognized for this in many different ways. She was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize , she was awarded 27 honorary doctorates from Universities around the world. She was even made an Honorary Dame Commander of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire in 1989.Helen Suzman died peacefully on the morning of 1 January 2009 at the age of 91.

While Helen Suzman was one of the main activists of the time, she was not the only one. There are many named and unnamed activists. All of us in South Africa I feel need to know her story and understand her drive within parliament at a time that it was not safe for her to speak out. We should all be grateful to Helen Suzman for her efforts in parliament. If you know some other from the time that opposed the parliament of the time and fought against apartheid why not give them a brief overview in the comment below so everyone reading the post can become aware of them !

There are a number of books about and by Helen Suzman. The one higher in the blog "In No Uncertain Terms: A South African Memoir " was written by Helen Suzman. If you are interested you should also check out the following books:

• Values Alive: A Tribute to Helen Suzman

• Let Justice Well Up Like Water: Progressive Jews from Hillel to Helen Suzman

• Prominent Anti-Apartheid Activists in South Africa Including Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Desmond Tutu, and Helen Suzman

The Stolen Election

Who Stole my Vote !

We start back in the 1876 , Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden were in the running for the presidential elections. Both sides mounted mud-slinging campaigns, with Democratic attacks on Republican corruption being countered by Republicans raising the Civil War issue. In the voting Samuel J. Tilden outpolled Rutherford B. Hayes by 184 electoral votes to 165 with 20 votes uncounted. These 20 votes were disputed and caused one of the most disputed and controversial presidential elections in American history. In the end the 20 disputed electoral votes were ultimately awarded to Hayes after bitter legal and political battles. These 20 votes giving him the victory.This was done through an informal deal which required the Republicans to withdraw federal troops from the South.

Rutherford B. Hayes

Samuel J. Tilden

Was this a once off ? Are elections now clear cut, easy to predict and never have disputes ? Most certainly not! While it may be obvious that they are not and while you may think you understand the mechanics of elections I would like to just provide a few examples of these electoral disputes over the last few years.

1. South Africa 1994
South Africa went through some difficult times before 1994 with racism and violence being common. Between 1990 and 1994 there was political tension and destabilisation that caused great difficulties with respect to the voting.  There were obviously going to be disputes and disagreements but in South Africa the political situation was dire. To give you some indication I found the following death toll that was poltically related:

•  Run-up to the elections (July 1993 to April 1994) - 452 killed
•  Post-election months (May 1994 to December 1994) - 106 killed
•  Year of 1995 (January to December) - 75 killed
•  Year of 1996 (January to December) - 42 killed

See original Post

Please note the general pictures from this time are far to graphic to display. So instead I display Nelson Mandela who won the 1994 elections .

There is so much more about this period that could be said and I am sure in future Posts I will sometime get to events that happened in this period as well. But the above figures just show the state of the worlds political status and how politics and elections are rife with disputes and disagreement.

2. Nigeria 2011
(Dakar)  Deadly election-related and communal violence in northern Nigeria following the April 2011 presidential voting left more than 800 people dead. Violence began with widespread protests by supporters of the main opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari, after the re-election of Goodluck Jonathan. The shocking thing was that it was reported as one of the fairest elections in Nigerian history , and yet it was still one of the most violent. So even when the voting is done correctly and is fair , elections still cause conflict and disagreements.

The 2011 elections were not the only disputed and contravesial elections in Nigeria. The following was said about the 1999 election:
" The 1999 elections, which brought a retired general, Olusegun Obasanjo, to power, were blighted by such widespread fraud that observers from the Carter Center concluded that "it is not possible for us to make an accurate judgment about the outcome of the presidential election." view source

3. Kenya 2007
Kenya suffered weeks of ethnic bloodshed after President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election at the end of 2007. The violence that followed was fueled by the results being announced late due to discrepancies and disputes .More than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Those that could, fled to Uganda.What further fueled these riots and disputes was unresolved issues over property that goes back till the colonial period. Why was this, well politicians exploited land redistribution for some of there politcal campaigns.
What country/individual used a currently disuputed and violent issue to gain support and votes. Is that not using a controversial issue to win a controversial presidency ?

The above three are some of the more recent events in our history where there has been controversy and disputes over elections and the presidency. Just at a high glance if it interests you some of the other countries that have experienced electoral difficulties include Zanzibar and  Ivory Coast, there are many other countries that have experienced political violence not around elections but just in general with the political standing in the country. There is a great table included in Major Episodes of Political Violence 1946-2012.
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The question this brings us to ask is, we all fight for freedom , we all want our country to be the best it can be but yet when we vote no body likes the outcome and there is always violence and disputes. The thing about elections is that there is always going to at least one loser. Don't the people voting realise that? Unless there is only one candidate somebody is going to lose!  Is there really a need for the political violence especially around the elections ? I personally think there is , for me living in South Africa that is real for me. Without certain political unrest and political violence the country would not be at the point it is now. But in other situations in a stable country where , is there really need for the political violence? The 3 I have given above are all countries that are/were unstable economically and politically. But in other stable countries what does the violence achieve?

If you are interested in politics and this blog has got you interested in Election and the fraud around it why not check out these books:

The Sergeant - Elvis Presley

The Sergeant,

Elvis Aaron Presley is best known for his Singing, he is known as the "King of Rock and Roll"or even just "The King". With top hits such as Can't Help Falling in Love, and Don't Be Cruel. Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 and passed away August 16, 1977. During this time, he was best known for his music, but this is not all he achieved. Like all Americans at that time, he was required to join the army at the age of 18. In January 1953 he registered for the U.S. Selective Service System, where he was then able to go and finished his senior year of high school. Where after he started in the entertainment industry and by 1956 he was a Star in recordings, films and concerts.

In January 1957, the Memphis Draft Board held a press conference where it was announced the Elvis would most likely be drafted later that year. Some divisions such as the Navy offered to create a specially trained 'Elvis Presley company'. These specials treatments were turned down by Elvis who wished to be treated like every other person in the army. On December 20, 1957 Elvis received his draft notice. He had already started filming a new film called "'King Creole", so he asked for a special deferment, so he could finish his film. The Memphis Draft Board granted Elvis a deferment until March 20, 1958. On March 24, 1958 Elvis was sworn in and then shipped off to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas for further processing. From here he was assigned to the Second Armored Division's 'Hell On Wheels' unit and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas.

Later he was assigned to the Third Armored 'Spearhead' Division, and stationed in Friedberg, Germany -- it was here that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, who would eventually become his wife over seven years later. Elvis still stayed in music and film even while in the army. He carried on producing songs and also made a film called G.I. Blues, which he started while in Germany. A large number of his division also got to experience the "Elvis life" when they acted as extras in the film when some pre-production scenery was shot on location in Germany. By February 1960 Elvis had been promoted to sergeant, and had finished his 18 month stay in Germany. A number of his division have been recorded saying that more than once Elvis did more than was needed, he went the extra mile, just because he did not want anyone thinking he was getting special treatment because of his fame and reputation. While in Germany he also received a medals for marksmanship.

Finally in March of 1960. At Fort Dix, New Jersey he was honorably discharged from active duty meaning Elvis had finished his army life. Elvis went on to finish G.I. Blues after his discharge. From here Elvis Presley became the Star we know his as , producing music and films, over fifty years and a multitude of hits later, his legendary status and legacy as the King of Rock 'n' Roll is still secure.

Finding out that Elvis was just like every other American of his time , and that he still had to serve makes you realize the type of person he truly was.What are your favorite memories from Elvis ? Why not drop me a list of your favorite hits and films in the comments section below ...

My Top Ten Hits from the 90's

Right , So what have I missed ?

There must be some big songs that I just can't remember. The list below are my top 10 songs from the 90's. I understand we all have different likes, and different genres, but there must be a top 10 of the best that everyone can agree on. What do you think, Does my list  include the top songs ?

	Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit 1991 Album : Nevermind
	The Fugees Killing Me Softly with His Song 1996 Album : The Score Original Artist : Roberta Flack,1973
	The Cranberries Dreams 1993 (Debut Single Release) Album :  Everybody else is doing it, So Why Can't We ?
	Metallica Enter Sandman 1991 Album : Metallica
	The Goo Goo Dolls Iris 1998 Album : Dizzy Up the Girl
	Third Blind Eye Semi-Charmed Life 1997 Album : Third Eye Blind
	Sting Fields of Gold 1993 Album :  Ten Summoner's Tales
	Deep Blue Something Breakfast at Tiffany's 1995 Album : Home
	Guns N' Roses November Rain 1992 Album : Use Your Illusion I
	Billy Joel The River of Dreams 1993 Album : A Voyage on the River of Dreams

The problem is that there are just to many great songs, so I have compiled a short extension. Below Are some other great songs as well from the 90's that are just fantastic (note short , it could go on forever):

• Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations
• Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven
• Counting Crows - Mr Jones
• Dave Matthews Band - Crash into Me
• Smash Mouth - Walkin' on the Sun
• Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

So that is must best hits from the 90's , what do you think ? Is yours similar or totally different. Leave your top 10 songs from the 90's in the comment section below ...

Kruger Park

The Kruger National Park, our History

The Kruger National park is a national game reserve in the Eastern part of South Africa in the province of Mpumalanga. Although the park has now been extended and it extends much further and even into Mozambique. The national park came about after many years of debates and struggles and finally the proclamation of Kruger Park came into being in June 1926. The park was named Kruger Park after the the State President of the South Africa Republic, Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger. The final motivation for the national park came from the Minister of Lands, P Grobler , who was seconded by the opposition leader Jan Smuts. The National Parks Acts was passed in May and June of 1926 by Parliament

Since then the Kruger National park has become a major tourist destination and has added to South Africa both economically and ensuring its wildlife diversity. The park has been through major renovations and in 1991 Robbie Robinson under took a cause that is now known as the Transition of the Park into the new South Africa. Robbie was the CEO of the South African National Parks Board, in the position he made it possible to further extend the park by removing fences on the parks western border so that animals could then roam into the private parks that were on the border.

Then in 1998 the Kruger Parks first black director was elected, and David Mabunda is now the CEO of the South African National Parks. At the same time the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park was formed, which allowed unstable animal herds in the Kruger Park to be relocated to the new park. So it was at this point the Kruger Park not only had a diverse population of animals but it also had enough to be able to supply other National Parks with Animals. This was a great success for the Kruger Park and helps in ensuring the diversity as well as numbers of wildlife within South Africa.

The Kruger park has not been with out contraversy and difficulties. In the early years of the park being formed it was only open to only the White population and therefore served no relevance to the black population. This stigma has obviously been removed and the Kruger Park is currently one of the biggest employers for locals in the area. The white population also had a devestating affect initially on the animal population as it was open for hunters and poaching was also not controlled. Eventually hunting was controlled and while it is still possible it is regulated and is often only open to animals that are over populated and offered as an alternative to culling. The park is still struggling with poaching it did reduce at one stage but it has picked up with the illigal ivory and rhino horn trade.

As a closing remark I personally enjoy visiting the Kruger Park, it offers a great destination to get away from all the people and busy lives we live in the towns. It also gives us the opportunity to animals interact and live in there natural environment. Being a photographer having the opportunity to capture an animal in its natural environment is well worth the cost. I am impressed by the way the government and the National parks board has maintained and developed the park, and I beleive it is a crucial requirement to ensure the continued growth of South African tourism.

Below is a picture of when the park was first opened up , followed by a more recent picture where some tourist decided to get a little close. There were also some books I found at Amazon on the past History of the Kruger Park, why not check them out. There are also some great wildlife and bird books for Kruger park available of Amazon, click here to see.

So as we can see the Kruger Park definitely a high point in South Africa's past.And I think it is important that we share our experiences we have there as well as our history that we know about the park. Why not leave a comment telling me when you went to Kruger, where in Kruger you went and what animals you saw. If you have any links/photos or additional history you would like to share why not post that too. I Eagerly await your comment...

Hansie Cronje - A Memory of a Hero

Hi All

I thought I would start this blog with something that I am pretty sure most people will remember and is only a quick flash back. I take you back to 26th February 1992, when Wessel Johannes Cronje (or otherwise known as Hansie Cronje) made his debut to international cricket against Australia. From there he went on to play international cricket for South Africa till March 2000. During this time Hansie played 162 consecutive ODI matches for South Africa which was a South African Record.

Hansie was one of the greats of South African Cricket, he captained the South African team and he was a fantastic all rounder. Unfortunately he was had up for match fixing, which came to light in the year 2000. Where after there were court cases and high commissions that in the end, in October 2000, banned Hansie from ever playing cricket or coaching cricket for life.

In Short Hansie's cricket life was over, on 1 June 2002 Hansie was involved in a plane crash the Outeniqua Mountains where he and the two pilots died. Since then there was inquiries into the plane crash and the match fixing. The whole case and basically the whole memory of Hansie Cronje has gone quite since 2007.

To me I remember Hansie as a hero of South African cricket and a player to remember. The match fixing was a downer on his whole career and memory but I still don't think you can take away from the cricketer he was. Why not leave some comments on the memories you have of Hansie Cronje. What matches specifically do you remember or was there a specific incident in his life that you remember?