South Africa is an extremely interesting place, with at least a zillion different faces and even more stories to tell. You could therefore say that this country is a writer's and photographer's paradise. There is so much to observe, think, write, feel, encounter, hear, and see. That is what my weblog about.
No,
And even if the process of ‘getting’ David was shorter then usual: she saved a child from a life that is more difficult we could ever imagine.
Miriam Mannak / Africa in the News - Cape Town
posted by Miriam Mannak at
11:22
I am a natural born Dutchy and a self-made global citizen who lived in various places all over the world. Today, as a freelance journalist and photographer living in South Africa since 2004 in search of greener pastures, a better climate and an international career in journalism & photography. At the moment I work as a text writer and photographer for a prestigious Cape Town PR company, without giving up my freelance activities. I am writing for the two in-flight magazines of Emirates Airlines, doing photography on the side and writing for various online publications. There is always room for more, so if you seek assistance: Let me know!
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2 Comments:
Hi Miriam,
First of all, nice Blog and VERY nice pictures on the jazz festival - jealous I wasn't there!
But now about your blog regarding the adoption of a baby from Malawi to Madonna: I'm living in south africa myself, found your blog through africa-interactive.net; and have no idea what international comments are on Madonna's action, so regardless from that, lets first put good things on the table: she just saved a live. Upmost respect for that - I hope I will ever can do the same. Fantastic that she did. But now let's look at some facts:
- Madonna is making an income of about 28.000.000 US $ / annum;
- Madonna has an estimated fortune of 420.000.000 US $
- The average daily spending money of an Malawi is about 2 US $
Now I have some questions rising: is this a good deed or decadency? First again: it is fantastic that a living soul has been saved, but why did Madonna not improve the LOCAL circumstances dramatically by spending her money locally? Why did she had to pick ONE baby to 'save' whereas she could have financed a whole community or family easily with the same money of one ticket for the one baby and their body guards? Why did she have to involve herself personally into the saving of one baby?
I do not agree per definition that a saved soul from a difficult situation is the best thing to do. Considering the circumstances is at least as important.
Looking forward to your comment,
Salan
Dear Salan, Thank you for you comment and the compliments about my pictures. What you say makes a lot of sense, I must say, but some would find that it is better to make a huge different to one than a marginal difference to many.
You say that Madonna is not doing anything for the local people in Malawi. This is not true. She has raised awareness amongst her audiences on the dramatic situation in Malawi, one of the forgotten disasters these days. Second, she will start various programmes for orphans in Malawi, which she will support with over 3 million dollar each year. Third, in the area her son is from, Madonna will fund the construction of a center to feed and educate about 1 000 orphans. Fourth, she will fund a documentary to wake up the world and show us what (forgotten) tragedy is taking place in Malawi.
I think we should not be so harsh, and look a bit further int the matter.
Back to you! :-)
Regards, Miriam Mannak
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