The middle class in Africa has tripled over the past 30 years from 111 million in 1980 to 313 million in 2010, or from 26% of the population to 34.3%. On the back of relatively strong economic growth, the trajectory suggests growth to 42% or 1.1 billion by 2060. Besides opportunity, however, the continent’s population boom presents a dilemma.

The world is improving better than most pessimists know, but future dangers are worse than most optimists indicate. It is clear that there is more agreement about how to build a better future than is evident in the media. But when you consider the many wrong decisions and good decisions not taken — day after day and year after year around the world — it is amazing that we are still making as much progress as we are. 

As falling commodity prices compelled mining companies to cut operating costs, tensions flared between workers and mine owners over wages and jobs. Heavily armed workers went on strike and confronted police and mine bosses. Political agitators exploited the situation and the unrest quickly spread. As workers barricaded townships, the government finally sent in the army. Many died, were injured or arrested. This happened 90 years ago.

The time for thinking about magic and hoping for miracles to rescue the world from the “long emergency” when the “oil taps” run dry is over. It is time to begin preparing in earnest for the emergency that has already begun. 

While negotiating with someone about the price of something the other day, the expression “he wants everything pasella and for mahala" came to mind. It led to the discovery that, although our indigenous languages have had a tremendous impact on South African English as a spoken language, these words are sadly lacking in our dictionaries.

It was not entirely surprising that Moroka Swallows ended a 33 year wait for glory in the MTN8 by defeating SuperSport United 2-1 in the final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night. And, they were deserved finalists, as these are the only teams to have beaten Orlando Pirates since the beginning of the season, both scoring three goals against the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MTN 8 champions. 

The past weekend’s T20 World Cup action was revealing and gave observers an opportunity to assess who the realistic title contenders are. South Africa’s Proteas emerged as an early favourite to lift the trophy. 

Johan Goosen looks likely to start at flyhalf for South Africa in the Castle Rugby Championship test against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, despite the fact that struggling Morné Steyn has been retained in the squad of 30 for the final two South African tests in the Rugby Championship. South Africa plays Australia on Saturday in Pretoria and against New Zealand in Soweto on the 6 October.