Mhambi started out at Mhambi.blogspot.com in April 2006. It was born out of a need to try and make sense of political and social upheaval in South Africa: The unraveling of a dream, the fading of the rainbow nation.
I chose the word Mhambi, because it means traveler in isiZulu. I am currently part of the South African diaspora but have not settled in any particular country.
This blog mainly covers current South African social & political events, but does at times meander to take in other issues as well, like art, photography, technology and film, as well as history.
My name is Wessel van Rensburg and I work as a web producer & documentary maker. Besides this blog I keep another together with Gerrie Smits on Social Media, Video and Digital strategy called RAAK.
You can follow me on Twitter here.
I used to work as an investigator and evidence analyst for the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission, where I specialised in investigating a number of high profile massacres that took place in the early 90’s.
Before that I was a young activist and the editor of the University of Pretoria’s student newspaper – Die Perdeby – circa 1994. Hence my keen interest in the South African transition.
I studied law in Pretoria (Tswane) , but I also have a degree in Hypermedia at the University of Westminster (London).
Motherland Azania
PS: The picture in the masthead of this blog is of General De la Rey, one of South Africa’s great leaders. He embodies courage, integrity, and a human touch.
In the masthead he wears Che Guevarra’s iconic beret, but although he was a decorated war hero, De la Rey was against war, so his beret has a dove as an emblem.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Msengana // Jun 1, 2009 at 9:01 am
Well, thought provoking, I must say.
2 Rachel // Oct 28, 2009 at 12:57 pm
In the article I read about you in The South African News it mentioned that you read news from SA each morning as well as studying up on the “inner workings of South Africa’s power complex.” I’m wondering what sources you find best for people living abroad who would like to stay current on SA politics as well as gain a better understanding of the political structure and problems. Thanks! R
3 Kameraad Mhambi // Oct 28, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Rachel Phew.
Well the Mail & Guardian and Business Day is very good I’d say and they both contain more analytical pieces.
Politicsweb.co.za is also good.
I’d also recommend Constitutionally Speaking, a blog, as well as Saffer politics for very good debates. I link to them to the right.
But recently I found that following the right people on Twitter is best. You often get the story before the papers do on Twitter.
4 Rachel // Oct 29, 2009 at 3:48 am
Thank you so much!
5 Rachel // Oct 29, 2009 at 4:07 am
Oh and any good book recommendations while you’re at it?
6 Kameraad Mhambi // Oct 29, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Will write a blog post soon on a reading list and let you know.
7 marlee // Feb 4, 2010 at 10:40 am
I just heard about Dieantwood today and loved finding your site because i wanted to know more about them. I love the statements they make in their songs, even if the lyrics are thought of as a tad repulsive, i enjoy them
~US citizen
8 marlee // Feb 4, 2010 at 10:41 am
i spelled it wrong! its 4am here im sorry!
9 Kameraad Mhambi // Feb 5, 2010 at 4:23 pm
No worries.
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