Should Patriots be willing to move No. 34 pick in deal to land stud WR?

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April 18, 2024

Nike reportedly says its testing new uniform options as MLB shifts blame, teams complain

Callie Lawson-Freeman

Nike New York Yankees' Aaron Judge pauses while batting against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks won 7-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) — New York’s Aaron Judge before his Nike Yankees uniform was drenched in sweat. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Major League Baseball’s uniforms have been subject to complaints since the new products were unveiled in February. Most of the blame initially fell on Fanatics, which has produced the uniforms for four years. But based on a story from The Athletic published Thursday, Nike now appears to be in the hot seat.

While MLB had to approve the uniforms before Fanatics could proceed, it was Nike that designed them. Fanatics was reportedly carrying out Nike’s orders, something the company did quite well, according to MLB’s statement.

“Nike chose the letter sizing and picked the fabric that was used in these jerseys,” MLB said via The Athletic. “Fanatics has done a great job manufacturing everything to the exact specifications provided by Nike. As part of this significant transition, Nike will continue to explore necessary adjustments to certain elements of the new uniforms to meet the needs of MLB Clubs and players.”

MLB added that Nike has the expertise to bring “innovation and design improvements,” applauding its “extensive multi-year process” for the 2024 uniforms.

Early complaints centered on this season’s “see-through” pants. Backlash was also directed at the smaller font of the jersey nameplates and further issues with the fabric.

Most recently, the gray uniforms have come under fire for appearing to have mismatched shades between the jersesy and the pants. Twins pitcher Brock Stewart told The Athletic that his dad even noticed the varying colors.

Three sources told The Athletic that the fabric for the pants didn’t change this year. Fanatics hasn’t changed its production facility, but this year’s jersey and pants fabrics reportedly came from two different vendors, which led to the varying tones.

“We have isolated the issue,” Nike said via The Athletic regarding the differing shades, “and are exploring a solution to minimize it.”

Fanatics faced more complaints on social media after users observed an abundance of sweat in the gray jerseys during the New York Yankees’ series against the Houston Astros last week.

If you ask fans, the gray isn’t the only problematic color. In a post on X, it was noted that the Colorado Rockies’ purple jerseys don’t match their official shade of the color. The Tampa Bay Rays’ blue jerseys were also criticized for a sweat stain issue last week.

Nike reportedly confirmed that teams have provided negative feedback, adding that the company is “testing different options to lessen the moisture-related aesthetic color differences.”

Georgia Amoore announces transfer to Kentucky, following Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech

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April 18, 2024

Georgia Amoore announces transfer to Kentucky, following Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech

Jack Baer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA - MARCH 3: Georgia Amoore #5 and head coach Kenny Brooks of the Virginia Tech Hokies watch a free throw in the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on March 3, 2024 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) — Kenny Brooks is bringing Georgia Amoore with him to Kentucky. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)

Former Virginia Tech point guard Georgia Amoore is following head coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky.

The Australian guard announced her commitment to the Wildcats on Thursday, three days after she entered the transfer portal and nine days after Brooks was named Kentucky head coach.

Naturally, she invoked Drake with her announcement:

Amoore was widely speculated to be Kentucky-bound as soon as she entered the portal, especially when it was reported that she had made a request that programs not contact her, indicating she already knew where she was going.

Amoore was a foundational player for Brooks at Virginia Tech, earning third-team All-American honors this season and helping lead the program to its first Final Four last season. She made very clear how much she values her coach in comments after the Hokies’ recent NCAA tournament loss, via The Roanoke Times:

“This is my second dad, seriously. … I am fearful that we are the same person. I’m a 23-year old-woman and I think I act a little too much like him. … That’s my American dad. We’ve been through some tough times. We’ve been through some great times. It’s a relationship that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I know that I always have him and I love him to death.”

In her senior season at Virginia Tech, Amoore averaged career bests nearly across the board, including with 18.8 points and 6.8 assists per game. She’ll now likely be the primary ball-handler in Lexington, where the Wildcats are coming off a 12-20 season and haven’t reached a Sweet 16 since 2013.

MLBPA, MLB discussing how Sutter Health Park can meet league standards for A’s

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April 18, 2024

MLBPA, MLB discussing how Sutter Health Park can meet league standards for A’s originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Athletics will make a three-year pit stop in West Sacramento before relocating to Las Vegas for the 2028 MLB season.

After Sutter Health Park officially was named the organization’s temporary home for the 2025 through 2027 seasons, the A’s still have work to do with the Major League Baseball Players Association.

The MLBPA will need to sign off on Sutter Health Park meeting league standards, the San Francisco Chronicle’s John Shea reported Thursday, citing a union spokesperson.

MLBPA would need to sign off on A’s playing in a minor-league park in Sacramento. Union spokesperson tells me: “The MLBPA has had preliminary discussions with MLB about a range of issues related to the temporary relocation and we expect those discussions to continue.”

— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) April 4, 2024

The Sacramento Kings, in a FAQ attached to their press release Thursday morning, addressed this concern.

Sutter Health Park was constructed as a Minor League Stadium.Will it be modified for Major League Baseball?

Sutter Health Park just recently went through a multi-million-dollar facilities renovation. We will ensure that the ballpark will continue to be modified to meet MLB standards, including upgrading LED lighting and adding an additional clubhouse, among other items.

The minor-league ballpark currently is home to the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and, according to the Chronicle, will need improvements to its clubhouses, weight rooms, field and other amenities to meet MLB standards.

The 5 Biggest, Ancient Turtles That Ever Lived Were Among the Dinosaurs

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April 18, 2024

The 5 Biggest, Ancient Turtles That Ever Lived Were Among the Dinosaurs

When we talk about survival of the fittest, the first image that often comes to mind is that of giant, vicious predators capable of killing their way to dominance — whether that’s Tyrannosaurus rex or the giant ichthyosaurs that once dominated the ocean.

While those titans went extinct eons ago, some of the giant reptiles that lived alongside them — specifically, turtles — focused more on defensive strategies, helping them survive against such fearsome predators. For example, paleontologists discovered a sea turtle fossil in Colombia dating back at least 120 million years ago to the Cretaceous; meanwhile Odontochelys semitestacea, a fossil discovered in China, is a near-turtle relative dating back 220 million years ago.

But which turtles were the largest to ever walk or swim the Earth, large enough to resist the attacks of fierce Cretaceous predators? Here are a few that put our modern-day leatherbacks and Galapagos tortoises to shame.

1. Archelon ischyros: The Largest Known Turtle

This fossil of a giant sea tortoise resides in the Natural History Museum Vienna; the species it came from (Archelon ischyros) is the largest of all known turtles. (Credit: frantic00/Shutterstock)

The largest turtles ever discovered date back to the late Cretaceous, about 74 million years ago. The species Archelon ischyros was a sea turtle that may have stretched beyond 15 feet long — more than twice as long as leatherbacks.

These turtles were similar to sea turtles today in appearance, but their sheer size puts them in another league altogether. They probably ate jellies and crustaceans like many sea turtles today. A nearly complete 16-foot specimen was discovered in the 1970s in North Dakota and is now housed at the Natural History Museum of Vienna.

Read More: Everything to Know About the Secret World of Sea Turtles

2. Protostega gigas: The 2,000-Pound Behemoth

An etching from the 19th century showing the massive sea turtle Protostega gigas. (powerofforever/Shutterstock)

While not quite as big as Archelon, Protostega gigas was still a giant of the late Cretaceous. These turtles swam in the inland sea that crossed North America from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of these exceeded 12 feet and weighed more than 2,000 pounds, based on fossil specimens found by scientists. Protostega gigas probably had a similar diet to Archelon, and some fossils have been found with shark teeth embedded inside, revealing that their hard shells weren’t always a deterrent for marine predators.

Read More: How Old Is the Oldest Sea Turtle?

3. Leviathanochelys aenigmatica: Europe’s Largest Known Turtle

An illustrated depiction of Leviathanochelys aenigmatica. (Credit: ICRA_Arts)

This ancient creature was first discovered in the southern Pyrenees in Spain. When described in 2022, large turtles had been found in fossils deposits in North America, but this was the biggest European specimen.

“Based on the pelvis size, it is likely that Leviathanochelys [aenigmatica] was as large as Archelon, thus becoming one of the largest marine turtles found to ever exist,” wrote the authors of the study. They hypothesized that the sea turtle likely spent much of its time in the open sea. Not much else is known about this creature — aside from the pelvis, the researchers only recovered part of the back of the shell.

Read More: Why Were Prehistoric Marine Reptiles So Huge?

4. Ocepechelon bouyai: The Turtle That Used Its Snout To Suck Up Food

An illustrated reconstruction of Ocepechelon bouyai. (Credit: C. Letenneur/MNHN/CC-BY)

The species Ocepechelon bouyai was found in Moroccan deposits dating back to the late Cretaceous. This creature had an elongated head — more than two feet long — and likely fed through suction. “The feeding apparatus of Ocepechelon, a bony pipette-like snout, is unique among tetrapods,” the authors of a 2013 study wrote.

Paleontologists have only found the skull of this species, but based on comparisons with Archelon and Protostega skulls, the animal might have been more than 7.5 feet long from snout to tail, the authors of that study wrote. This strange form of feeding for a giant turtle illustrates the hugely diverse forms that chelonians took near the end of the Cretaceous — before the Chicxulub asteroid impact put an end to many of them.

Read More: 5 of the Most Interesting Prehistoric Marine Reptiles

5. Stupendemys geographicus: The Living Tank

An artist’s illustration of Stupendemys geographicus. (Credit: JA Chirinos)

Just like today, most of the biggest turtles of the past stuck to the sea. Not so with Stupendemys geographicus — a massive tank of a freshwater turtle that weighed more than 2,500 pounds and prowled lakes and rivers during the Miocene. In fact, it weighed about twice as much as leatherback sea turtles, and the males may have had horns on the front of their shells.

This reptile, which lived in Colombia and Venezuela, had a shell about 7.9 feet long. Bite marks show that large caimans might have tried their luck on this armored giant. Their nearest living relatives are the aquatic (and comparably small) Amazon river turtles.

Read More: Why Are Sea Turtles Endangered and How Can We Save Them?

Article Sources:

Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review them for accuracy and trustworthiness. Review the sources used below for this article:

Paleo Bios. Oldest known marine turtle? A new protostegid from the Lower Cretaceous of Colombia
Nature. How the turtle got its shell
Naturhistorisches Museum Wien. Fossil Vertebrates
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. One Large Turtle: Protostega gigas
Paleontological Society. Shark-Bitten Protostegid Turtles from the Upper Cretaceous: Mooreville Chalk, Alabama
Scientific Reports. A gigantic bizarre marine turtle (Testudines: Chelonioidea) from the Middle Campanian (Late Cretaceous) of South-western Europe
PLOS One. A Giant Chelonioid Turtle from the Late Cretaceous of Morocco with a Suction Feeding Apparatus Unique among Tetrapods
Sciences Advances. The anatomy, paleobiology, and evolutionary relationships of the largest extinct side-necked turtle

Dairy in potatoes? Molecular farming newcomer teaches spuds to act like mammals

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April 18, 2024

Dairy in potatoes? Molecular farming newcomer teaches spuds to act like mammals

Molecular farming has been used by the pharmaceutical sector since the 1980s. In food production, the technology is more recent, but growing in popularity.

The latest start-up to enter the world of molecular farming is Israel-based Finally Foods, which emerged from stealth mode this week. Like others in the sector, Finally Foods is focused on protein production in plants: its protein of choice is casein, and its plant, potato.

Tapping genetic modification for non-GMO casein

Finally Foods is the brainchild of co-founders Dafna Gabbay and Dr Basia J Vinocur, who are serving as CEO and CTO respectively. Their ambition is to provide additional sources for animal-based proteins in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.

For this reason, the start-up is working with molecular farming technology, whereby plants serve as ‘bioreactors’ to produce animal proteins. Finally Foods is initially targeting the main protein found in milk: casein.

Whereas a variety of plants can serve as bioreactors for protein production (including soy and lettuce), Finally Foods has turned to the humble spud. “We think potato is the best host from several perspectives, including the high yield and…extraction of the protein from the host,” CEO Gabbay told FoodNavigator.

Molecular farming is based on genetic modification. In simple terms, the start-up modifies the genes of the potato seed’s DNA to then produce casein once grown. Although the plant is considered a genetically modified organism (GMO), the casein produced is not.

As to the extraction process, Gabbay did not reveal in which section of the plant the dairy protein is produced but told us its location is exact. “That’s one of the key things that is required for an effective and efficient extraction.”

In fact, this also influenced Finally Foods’ decision to work with potatoes. “One of the reasons we chose potato is that…established extraction methods to extract protein from a potato [already exist]. We believe that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel, and we don’t want to.”

potato v_zaitsev — Finally Foods has chosen to produce its complex proteins in potatoes, the variety of which was not disclosed. GettyImages/v_zaitsev

Leveraging AI to boost timesaving and accuracy

Finally Foods was formed in collaboration with Evogene Ltd., an Israeli computational biology company founded more than 20 years ago. The start-up’s co-founder and CTO Dr Vinocur worked at Evogene for most of that time.

The partnership grants the start-up access to Evogene’s GeneRator AI tech engine, which means significantly more activity can take place in a lab.

“We have a licence to proprietary AI technology and through this system we are going to give the plant information that a [dairy-producing] mammal has in order to develop the protein,” explained Finally Foods’ CEO. “The advantage is in accessing the AI engines and all the data, and that’s one of our differentiators.”

Gabbay continued: “It’s an interactive process…you get out the data, you feed it as well to optimise the protein structure.”

Finally Foods secures funding from The Kitchen Hub by Strauss Group

Finally Foods has secured pre-seed funding by The Kitchen Hub by Strauss Group and the Israeli Innovation Authority. The start-up now has lab space in The Kitchen for at least the next year.

The investment marks The Kitchen’s first in molecular farming, but chief business officer Amir Zaidman suggested the decision was a no-brainer.

“Establishing the company under the framework of The Kitchen and investing the pre-seed was an easy decision in this case.”

Evogene’s technology is capable of running ‘hundred of thousands’ of different models to create Finally Foods’ protein and structure, which in essence allows the start-up to test its process before applying it to plants.

“We’re going to save a lot of time in trial and error, especially because in molecular farming the trials are long. So we’re doing as much as we can do in the lab to plan and optimise and test, that’s the added value.”

Ofer Haviv, president and CEO of Evogene said the company is ‘thrilled’ to embark on this new segment. “By harnessing the power of our GeneRator AI tech-engine, molecular farming has the potential to revolutionise the food industry and promote healthier diets worldwide.”

Why molecular farming rather than precision fermentation?

Finally Foods hopes to produce all four subtypes that make up casein – alpha S1, alpha S2, beta, and kappa-casein – within the same plant.

Other food tech companies are already producing animal-free casein alternatives, but predominantly via precision fermentation. The technology enables the programming of microorganisms, such as yeast, to produce complex organic molecules like casein.

Precision fermentation works well for a number of proteins. However to produce all four casein subtypes in one go, molecular farming is better, according to Finally Foods’ Gabbay. “Molecular farming as a concept is ideal for complex proteins before it allows the growth of all subunits together in one plant.”

cheese GSPictures — The start-up wants its casein to be used in cheese production. GettyImages/GSPictures

But the start-up will not be hamstrung by ideals of producing all four subtypes if three will do. The goal is to produce casein for dairy manufacturers, primarily for cheese production, and if three subtypes work just as well, ‘so be it’.

Although just one part of the potato plant will produce the dairy protein, Finally Foods wants to make sure nothing goes to waste. “We’re going to use the rest of the plant for which GMOs are allowed, for example in animal feed or biodegradable polymers,” we were told.

Like any novel food, regulation presents a hurdle. Finally Foods is keeping an eye on market approval regulations and which geographies are more lenient of GM crop production. “We’ll take everything into account once we get to that stage.”

BNC#6: Sean Peche Q&A – Passive investing is about to implode

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April 18, 2024

BNC#6: Sean Peche Q&A – Passive investing is about to implode

During his Q&A session at BNC#6 in Hermanus, Sean Peche emphasised the importance of investing in growing businesses without overpaying, focusing on quality rather than deep value alone. He discussed European banks like ABN Amro and Barclays as attractive investments due to low valuations and dividends. Peche also mentioned his preference for Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks like Alibaba and Baidu over US-listed ones due to regulatory risks. Despite political uncertainties, he remains focused on fundamentals rather than making investment decisions based on election outcomes.

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Summary of the Q&A session with Sean Peche at BNC#6 in Hermanus

Sean Peche, a prominent deep value investor, recently shared his insights on global markets and investment strategies. Peche, known for his keen eye for undervalued assets and contrarian approach, provided valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of today’s investment landscape.

In his analysis, Peche emphasized the importance of thorough research and analysis in identifying investment opportunities. He highlighted the significance of understanding market fundamentals, company financials, and industry dynamics to uncover potential gems overlooked by the broader market.

One key aspect of Peche’s investment philosophy is his focus on intrinsic value. He believes that markets often misprice assets in the short term, presenting opportunities for patient investors to capitalize on undervalued stocks. By conducting in-depth fundamental analysis, Peche seeks to determine the true worth of a company relative to its current market price.

Moreover, Peche discussed the role of contrarianism in his investment approach. He explained that being contrarian requires the courage to go against the crowd and have conviction in one’s analysis, even when it diverges from prevailing market sentiment. By taking a contrarian stance, investors can uncover opportunities in sectors or companies that are temporarily out of favor but have strong long-term potential.

In terms of global markets, Peche offered insights into regions and industries that he finds particularly compelling. He highlighted emerging markets as an area of interest, noting their growth potential and attractive valuations compared to developed markets. Additionally, Peche expressed optimism about certain sectors such as technology and healthcare, which he views as drivers of future economic growth.

Overall, Sean Peche’s insights underscore the importance of disciplined research, patience, and contrarian thinking in achieving investment success in today’s dynamic markets. By adhering to these principles and maintaining a long-term perspective, investors can position themselves to capitalize on opportunities and navigate market fluctuations effectively.

Edited transcript of the Q&A session with Sean Peche at BNC#6 in Hermanus ___STEADY_PAYWALL___

Bronwyn Nielson [00:00:07]:

Which stocks do you play to take advantage of? You’ve mentioned coffee?

Sean Peche [00:00:16]:

Yeah.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:00:18]:

Other companies to take advantage of AI trends?

Sean Peche [00:00:41]:

Banks. Cutting costs, growing revenue. Avoid where too much capital flows. Tesla’s example with overwhelming competition.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:01:41]:

Herd mentality play?

Sean Peche [00:01:47]:

We can’t open banks easily. Banks are interesting due to regulations.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:02:12]:

Specifics on banks?

Sean Peche [00:02:15]:

European banks. Avoiding US due to potential disasters.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:02:58]:

European banks discussion.

Sean Peche [00:03:00]:

We’re in ABN Amro, conservative Dutch bank, good dividend yield.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:03:51]:

Discussion on Japan’s market.

Sean Peche [00:04:05]:

Active management focus on small and mid-cap opportunities.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:05:24]:

How do you manage vast investment universes?

Sean Peche [00:06:28]:

Analogies to sports coaching and medical diagnosis. Use filters to narrow down investment options.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:06:33]:

Specifics on Japanese investments?

Sean Peche [00:06:45]:

Largest position in Nippon TV, focus on structural elements rather than current business model.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:08:25]:

Discussion on Nippon TV’s value unlock.

Sean Peche [00:08:49]:

Focus on discounted value rather than excitement about Japanese broadcasting.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:10:48]:

Share buybacks discussion.

Sean Peche [00:11:48]:

Share buybacks depend on price and management’s intentions.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:13:20]:

Audience question on investment strategy.

Sean Peche [00:13:36]:

Discussion on Tencent’s value and investment strategies, including Hong Kong stocks and China’s market potential. Political risk discussion.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:15:38]:

Sixty countries worldwide are heading to the polls this year, with three billion people set to vote.

Sean Peche [00:15:47]:

One thing we focus on is return on assets rather than return on equity, as equity can be managed through debt. Return on assets reflects the business’s performance more accurately. Many consumer brands buy back shares each year, reducing equity and skewing the return on equity figure. We prefer return on assets paired with price-to-earnings ratios to find good businesses at reasonable prices.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:17:20]: Nick?

Community Member [00:17:22]:

Sean, I mentioned it was an easy question.

Sean Peche [00:17:26]:

Describing oneself as a “deep value” or growth investor often oversimplifies. Quality is subjective, but essential. It’s not about avoiding rust-bucket cars but finding value without overpaying. Quality evolves; what was once a robust business may lose its edge due to changing markets or technology.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:19:38]:

Let’s shift gears to Bitcoin…

Sean Peche [00:19:59]:

I don’t understand it, and I don’t need to. If I can invest in solid companies with growth and earnings, why complicate matters?

Bronwyn Nielson [00:20:57]:

As a deep value investor, what’s your take on South African equities amid election uncertainties?

Sean Peche [00:21:15]:

Inflationary environments demand growing businesses to sustain profitability. Currently, we don’t hold South African equities, but we continually reassess opportunities.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:22:38]:

Does the China question interest you?

Sean Peche [00:22:38]:

We favor Hong Kong-listed shares over U.S. ADRs due to regulatory uncertainties.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:24:57]:

How might the U.S. election affect your investment strategy?

Sean Peche [00:25:23]:

My personal views aside, I focus on companies’ fundamentals rather than political outcomes.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:26:06]:

What’s your view on gold?

Sean Peche [00:26:15]:

We don’t invest in gold companies.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:26:31]:

Thoughts on passive investing?

Sean Peche [00:26:40]:

Passive investing’s popularity poses concentration risks; active management offers flexibility in navigating market changes.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:28:44]:

You’ve raised concerns about passive investing. Can you elaborate?

Sean Peche [00:28:51]:

Passive investing may overlook concentration risks inherent in index funds. Markets are dynamic; diversification remains crucial.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:32:53]:

How do you manage risk within your portfolio?

Sean Peche [00:33:14]:

Active management allows us to identify strong and weak competitors, ensuring we capitalize on opportunities amid market shifts.

Bronwyn Nielson [00:35:55]:

I won’t press you further, but can you share another stock pick?

Sean Peche [00:35:55]:

eBay stands out for its potential to leverage AI technology in improving user experience, backed by solid financials and reasonable valuation.

Bronwyn Nielson:

Thank you for your insights, Sean Peche.

Read also:

BNC#6: Sean Peche – Unlocking the power of AI, transforming industries and investing wisely
BNC#6: Duvenage Q&A – Holding government accountable, fixing SA’s broken system
BNC#6: GG Alcock Q&A – Why SA’s unemployment figures are way overblown, supporting the ‘Kasi’ economy

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Campaign for Home Rule: Advocating for provincial autonomy in SA – Woode-Smith

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April 18, 2024

Campaign for Home Rule: Advocating for provincial autonomy in SA – Woode-Smith

The Free Market Foundation’s Campaign for Home Rule in South Africa advocates for provincial autonomy, citing the benefits of decentralised governance. Despite constitutional provisions, the ruling ANC’s centralisation impedes progress. Home Rule promises local accountability, efficient governance, and tailored policies, addressing issues like corruption, economic empowerment, and infrastructure. However, challenges persist, requiring provinces to assert financial independence and legal rights. The campaign aims to spur a national dialogue toward federalism, envisioning a future free from centralised mismanagement.

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By Nicholas Woode-Smith*

‘South Africa is a federation. Start treating it that way!’ That is the resounding message from an illuminating and powerful launch of the Free Market Foundation’s (FMF) Campaign for Home Rule.

On the 11^th of April, at the Fire and Ice Hotel in Cape Town, the FMF concluded a roadshow that took them through Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hermanus, Paarl, and ended in the Mother City.

Head of Policy Martin van Staden, a legal scholar who has recently been recognised by the international community (including Liechtenstein royalty) for his contributions to legal theory, has made it clear that South Africa not only should embrace a federal system, but that its constitution already enshrines the right for provinces to govern themselves.

The ruling ANC has forced a corrupt system of centralised control on South Africa, insisting that the country is a unitary state, and opposing calls for a federal system, whereby provinces can responsibly govern themselves through home rule. This centralised control has led to nothing but strife in the country, where the ANC’s terrible governance drags everyone down with them.

Virtues of Home Rule

Home Rule would allow provinces to escape the clutches of ANC’s bad policies and bad governance. Local governments are closer to their people, providing more accountability and efficiency.

A visitor at the Home Rule Launch on the 11^th described how he wanted to setup a transport hub between two underprivileged Cape Town communities, to help with day-to-day travel and to aid in economic upliftment. While the local government promptly approved the plan, they are still waiting years later for the national government to even notice the idea.

Why should local communities be beholden to some elites in Pretoria whenever they need to get something done?

As FMF CEO David Ansara said: “Nobody from Pretoria is coming to save us.”

So, we must embrace a system where all provinces can help themselves.

Home Rule would allow the quick adoption of good ideas, accountable governance on the ground, and the adoption of good policies that reflect the needs of a province.

Foolish legislation like Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) have devastated South Africa, enabling corruption, cadre deployment, and exacerbating the unemployment of the very people it claims it benefits. Home Rule would enable provinces to do away with such bad legislation, enabling economic growth and genuine deracialisation.

The decentralising factors of Home Rule is also necessary to solve violent crime, the energy crisis, and infrastructural collapse.

Provinces should be put in charge of local law enforcement, cutting the chain of corruption that rots the entire police force from the top down. The Western Cape, which has seen its SAPS devastated by the government in Pretoria, would finally be able to address gangsterism.

Eskom needs to be decentralised, debundled and privatised, with private electricity companies working with provinces and municipalities to provide electricity to local consumers. This works in other parts of the world, and it is insane that South Africa still thinks an electricity monopoly works.

Without needing to work with national government to get things fixed, provinces who benefit from their local infrastructure will finally have the power and incentive to fix roads, ports and railways.

Current Limitations

The problem with adopting Home Rule and a federal system in South Africa today is while the constitution considers provinces autonomous and gives them the power to rule themselves, the ANC does not recognise this.

The ANC is a socialist organisation that wants absolute power over the country, so it can steal money through corruption, and push a racialised and Marxist ideological agenda.

Provincial autonomy is held back by threats from the national government, and the fact that provinces are currently required to give their tax revenue to the central government, receiving only a fraction in return. Local governments have to subsist on a fee attached to electricity sales, and local rates. This holds them back from funding projects to fill in the void that the incompetent national government has filled.

For Home Rule to become possible, provinces need be allowed to keep more of the funds they earn. This requires provincial governments to stand up to the national government.

As Martin van Staden puts it, they must “ask forgiveness, not permission” (the title of the FMF’s handbook on Home Rule).

The law is on the side of provinces to embrace Home Rule. So, provincial governments must start establishing local police forces, sidelining the national government where it has no right to have a say, and embracing increased autonomy.

South Africa’s provinces would all benefit from Home Rule. And, hopefully, the FMF’s Campaign for Home Rule leads to a renewed cry for federalism and autonomy in a country that has existed for too long under the incompetent and unethical rule of corrupt and authoritarian central governments.

Read also:

Helen Zille on how DA selects MPs; Zuma, coalitions, Western Cape and McKenzie
Imagine the Western Cape with federalism: Prosperity through autonomy – Woode-Smith
From anxiety to action: Arnie Witkin’s lessons in life for Western Cape schools

*Nicholas Woode-Smith is an Associate at the Free Market Foundation and Western Cape coordinator of the FMF Campaign for Home Rule.

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Time for UCT alumni to step up and save the institution: Richard Wilkinson

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April 18, 2024

Time for UCT alumni to step up and save the institution: Richard Wilkinson

The University of Cape Town embarks on a digital electoral journey, determining its future through the hands of its alumni. With twenty contenders vying for four seats on the esteemed Council, the stakes are high. From classical liberalism to human rights advocacy, nominees like David Ansara and Mark Oppenheimer bring diverse expertise. Upholding academic integrity, candidates like Professor Brian Kantor and Kelly Phelps stand as beacons against ideological capture. It’s a critical juncture for UCT’s identity and values.

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By Richard Wilkinson

The University of Cape Town is conducting online elections for its primary governance body, the Council, which comprises 30 members. Four members are elected by the “Convocation,” meaning the entire alumni community—anyone with a diploma or credit-bearing certificate from the university. The four elected individuals will serve from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2028, and this year, twenty candidates have been nominated.

I have long known two of the nominees, David Ansara and Mark Oppenheimer, through the South African Institute of Race Relations. David, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, is a classical liberal think tank leader and a prolific writer on policies that foster economic growth and job creation in South Africa. Mark, one of South Africa’s leading advocates, has excelled in human rights, particularly in freedom of speech.

Although I am not personally acquainted with Professor Brian Kantor or Kelly Phelps, I understand their strong commitment to restoring the University of Cape Town as a beacon of genuine intellectual freedom and high academic standards. Both are distinguished figures with deep ties to the university. Professor Kantor, a former Dean of Commerce, has held notable private sector roles. Ms. Phelps is an independent criminal justice consultant with 18 years as a lecturer in UCT’s LLB and LLM programs.

Readers of my essays know my frustration with the “Woke” activism that has debilitated most of South Africa’s universities and many schools nationwide, a phenomenon I call “School Capture.” This includes pseudoscience, personal bullying, and, notably at UCT, severe violence, harassment, and intimidation over the past decade.

Addressing these illiberal trends requires more than writing; it necessitates gaining control over our institutions. This means nominating individuals opposed to Marxism and its modern variants—Critical Race Theory, Wokeness, Fallism, Gender Ideology—to govern. Our goal must be to win elections and secure majorities so those who value freedom of speech and academic rigor can reform illiberal policies.

UCT is a pivotal battleground for combating School Capture. I was pleased to request and receive a ballot last week, casting votes today for David, Mark, Professor Kantor, and Ms. Phelps. The process was quick, and I strongly encourage all UCT alumni to vote.

Email [email protected] and copy in the following text:

“Dear UCT

I am a former student of UCT with the following details:

Student number / ID number:

Degree:

Year of graduation:

Please may I request a ballot for the Council election?

Thank you”

You should receive a response providing you with details on how to vote online. Please note that the deadline to register to vote is 4pm this coming Monday 22 April 2024, with the deadline to cast your ballot being 4pm on Tuesday 23 April 2024, so please act immediately.

Read also:

SLR: Cambridge University – slaves to virtue signalling
Valenture Institute founder Rob Paddock on UCT Online High School disrupting basic education in SA
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