#AtMyTable: Denial will damn u

#AtMyTable: Denial will damn us all

Two South African women sit in a studio to discuss the shitty side of South African politics.

#AtMyTable: Denial will damn u

The ‘famous’ interview this week between Maite Nkoane-Mashabane and Jane Dutton on Al-Jazeera was something else, not so? Theatre, pure theatre and I for one could see all sorts of movie scripts leaping from a few minutes of drama, racism, misunderstanding and pure ignorant bloody-mindedness – all the elements of a farce, a tragi-comedy and a touch of burlesque in there somewhere too.

Watch the full mess of an interview here:

Think of it. Two South African women, both rather accomplished, in a studio in the Middle East, owned by the Qatari family (mmm, tricky) to discuss the shitty side of South African politics. One side, the International Relations and Co-operation Minister, adamant not to co-operate and still uses the word ‘comrade’ sparking instant flinching (get over it), and the other, journalist, bent on forcing a confession from someone who ain’t ever going to confess. What was she thinking? Yes, we screwed up, yes we steal money, yes we have no clue what to do – yeah right.

Guest dissolves into a diatribe of buckets and ‘His Excellency’ and other history along with the fairies which has nothing to do with the questions, whilst the flustered interviewer adopts body language of an amazon, side whacked but holding onto a sinking interview ship.

It’s Peter Pan and Captain Hook, sparring and shaking the finger, Vladimir and Estragon tripping around each other whilst waiting for Godot. It’s stupid, unworthy and yet, and yet … so be fair.

Deeper issues lay there. Frightened children become frightened adults. Distrust festers into defiance. Rigid views of ridged people make. Thought about it, wanted to understand a little more, but then I had to be honest – madam has no place in International relations until she understands the word ‘International.’

Denial will damn us and I am banging my head on my table. I ain’t inviting anyone to my table who won’t let it go.

Next week we will talk about crocheting instead.

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