Homeboy vs Goliath (MTN)

What the Consumer Protection Act and heaven have in common. The Consumer Protection Act of 2008 (CPA) is probably one of the greatest pieces of legislation that South Africa has ever produced. It shows that despite the railroaded Protection of State Information Bill (aka the Secrecy Bill), our politicians do actually care about us. Now it may be that the most likely reason for its existence is the fact that they themselves are consumers and they would like to protect themselves from corrupt businesses (and even maybe other politicians). But whatever the reason or purpose for its existence, we benefit.

I have used the CPA now for the second time in the very few months of its existence (see end-note 1) when I listed a number of sections of the act that MTN (see end-note 2) was contravening. It resulted in stunted silence and the required effect – action. I would urge every South African to get themselves a copy and start using it. Knowledge is power.

And then it struck me just how very true that statement is – knowledge is indeed power! And what greater power is there than power over death? Eternal life! Salvation!

You see, as Christians we fall under the power of the BPA, that is the Believers Protection Act (Act 1 of ‘the very beginning’). After Adam and Eve sinned, God announced the beginnings of the BPA when He said, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15 NIV). Right from the very beginning, God made it clear that the devil’s head WILL be crushed. No maybe’s – WILL.

Then the BPA was confirmed when God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, saying “… And in you all the families [nationalities] of the earth shall be blessed” (NKJV). Not ONLY a chosen race or nation of people but all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

Then God formalised and ratified the Believers Protection Act (BPA) in Genesis 15:9-17 when God performed an ancient cultic covenant ritual with Abraham, and announced it by the prophet Isaiah (equivalent to the Government Gazette): “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. … The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken'” (Isaiah 40:3-5 NKJV – emphasis mine).

And then finally, the BPA was promulgated (enacted) when Jesus of Nazareth died on the cross, bearing all our sin and guilt, saying “… It is finished. …” (John 19:30 NIV). What God had started in the garden of Eden, God brought to completion in the death of His Son.

All so that you and I can live.
All so that you and I can call on Jesus our Advocate.
All so that you and I can demand that we be treated in accordance with the Believers Protection Act (Act 1 of the very beginning).

But just as the Consumer Protection Act is only effective if you’re South African, so too the Believers Protection Act is only of value (enforceable) if you’re a believer. So the question is, are you a Christian? Are you a follower of Jesus? Have you accepted Him as your personal Lord and Saviour? Because if you haven’t, you have no case! You have NO protection! You have NO rights!

But you now have the knowledge which means that you now have the power. Make the choice and call on Jesus. He’s waiting.

my name is darryl
and this is what I have to say

End-notes:
1 : The Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008), only got promulgated in May 2011
2 : MTN is one of the two biggest mobile phone carriers in South Africa

Scripture references
Genesis 15:9-17
So the LORD said to him, “Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon.” Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half. Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then the LORD said to him, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions. You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.

Black Tuesday – What will you do?

My son said, “Dad. Please protect my future.” So I wore black today!!! How many pieces of silver are YOU placing in the hands of politicians by NOT making a stand? Herewith attached is a letter from an old friend. I support the content of this letter 100%.

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Open Letter to Mrs Borman. ANC member of parliament.

Dear Mrs. Borman,

I like you am a member and worship at the same church in Durban. Manning Road Methodist Church.

This coming Wednesday the Protection of State Information bill comes before you, for you to vote. You must be aware of the contentious clauses contained therein that have been raised, by NGO’s, civil society, the official opposition, the press, foreign governments and even from within your own political party. This is virtually the last area of our South African democracy that keeps you and your political colleagues accountable to the public that voted you into parliament.

Currently, every major department within the criminal justice system has been politicised in your political party’s favour, from the highest court in our land, to the South African Police Force. I accept that as a democracy your party has the right to do this, but, it is patently clear to any intelligent person in South Africa that portions of this Protection of Information Bill, that you will be voting on, is being introduced only to protect those members of your political party from accusations of crime and defrauding all the citizens of South Africa.

Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer has accused your party of taking South Africa beyond apartheid with this bill. Surely, you as a devote Christian who is married to a retired Methodist minister can see the damage that this bill will do to our democracy.

I am aware that there are good members of the ANC that are working towards the improvement of the lives of all South Africa, but I am also well aware that there are members of the ANC who are only there for self enrichment.

My question to you is, “How will you vote?”.

My opinion of you is that you are a lady of principal and I would be surprised if you cannot see the faults in this piece of legislation.

On Wednesday I will reflect on the bible story of the crucifixion of Jesus, and ask, “How many pieces of silver does it take to betray the people of South Africa”

On Thursday maybe you will have an answer for me.

Graham Sessions
Manor Gardens
Durban

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my name is darryl
and this is what i have to say
(well actually what Graham has to say 😉

Are you a dog?

Am I a dog?

That is the question that many South Africans may be asking themselves in the wake of the comment “The African National Congress (ANC) has not gone to the dogs, but the dogs have left the party” by the ANC Women’s League President, Angie Motshekga, on Monday 20 October 2008 (see Mail & Gaurdian article).