By Mvume Ndimba
Donald Trump, South African refugees, American healthcare and a media landscape that seems to get stranger by the day. In his latest opinion column, Mvume Ndimba takes a satirical look at the contradictions of the Trump administration, the South Africans seeking a new life in America and why the grass on the other side might not be quite as green as advertised.
Back to Trump, whether we like it or not
A few days ago we heard from our on again off again nemesis, Donald Trump. In a recent post from some or other white house account they began doing the same old song and dance of “do what we say or you’ll face consequences”.
Now, I had made a concerted effort to avoid any news related to the Americans, unless it directly affected me as a citizen of South Africa, sadly, however, here I am, “back-sliding” to Trump again.
A travel sanction has been placed on certain South Africans, barring entry into the US if you are an apologist, perpetrator or supporter of the ongoing “genocide” in South Africa. While no Israeli envoys have been sanctioned, South Africa has been targeted and highlighted as a threat to America, for reasons I’m probably too “low IQ” to understand.
The refugee family and the American healthcare dream
Another story I’m probably to low IQ to understand is the story of the brave Afrikaans family who sought refugee status in America and were forced to return to South Africa to undergo medical treatment.
The patriarch of this family was suffering from some or other illness that I can only assume was pre-existing before he moved his family to the US. However, tragedy struck when the illness had gotten so bad, he had to bring his whole family back to South Africa with him so he could get treatment.
After getting the medical help he needed, he attempted to go back to America and continue his brave journey toward freedom and equality in the good ol’ US of A, just to be held at the airport for lacking the necessary documents to re-enter, additionally, they also forfeited their refugee status by returning to a country that so viciously prosecuted them for the colour of their skin.
The irony of it all is, this family was unable to access adequate healthcare in America, they had enough money to continue paying for their medical aid in South Africa, though, so they were able to fly back, get treatment and fly back to America for the same money it would’ve cost them to just see an American doctor.
When the grass on the other side isn’t even grass
Now, some might say that it’s “fake news”, or that the only reason the family was able to re-enter South Africa (as citizens of South Africa) was because of… I actually don’t know what the racist mind would say to explain this, but the sane, logical mind of the average human with an IQ above 30 would draw a few natural conclusions, namely;
The family in question was doing well enough to be able to afford to maintain their medical aid, even under “oppressive laws”, the fact they maintained their medical aid says they had every intention to return to South Africa, either on holiday or permanently and the American healthcare system is so broken, that it would be easier to go back to the “oppressor” than to see a doctor in their new home.
In real-time we get to witness the proverb unfold, that the grass is not always greener on the other side, sometimes the grass isn’t even grass, it’s just an algae filled reflecting pool with tyre marks all over it.
This family is the perfect example of what the Americans have done to their own country, they took a perfectly comfortable situation and ruined it, for no other reason besides the fact that they wanted to be racist again.
No personal gain, in fact, they may have lost more than anything and all without any rational South African directly impacting them, they do it to themselves, and that is the funniest part.
Fake news, Trump TV and a little 4-D chess
Thankfully, we won’t have to witness much more of this, because at the time of writing, Donald Trump has also banned the “fake news” from appearing at his press briefings, so basically CNN, BBC, Fox News and CNBC cannot cover anything Trump does anymore, because they’re “fake news, and write disgusting stories” about him…
But this is 4-D chess, guys! Trump is the mastermind, the saviour, the swamp drainer!
And how does he plan on ensuring his press coverage continues through the ongoing media ban?
You guessed it, Trump TV!
A brand new, all Trump, all the time, all good-news, state sponsored Youtube channel that will protect you from the “woke” liberal nonsense they feed you at all those other channels.
And honestly, having seen the Trump watch, Trump sneakers, Trump phone, Trump steaks and Trumpcoin performance, I can say with a degree of certainty, that Trump TV will be equally as successful as all these other ventures!
A masterclass in contradictions
The Trump administration has been characterised by hypocrisy, and that is the single most consistent thing about the man.
They preach meritocracy, then award jobs and contracts to their friends, they claim to be against corruption, then actively participate in insder trading, they want more secure borders, chase out brown immigrants then invite white refugees in, they complain about a welfare state then offer welfare to people who don’t even need it.
This administration has been nothing short of a circus and for once, South Africa looks like a well-oiled machine next to a western nation… what a time to be alive.
Beyond the jokes, there are real lives at stake
While I did have a little bit of fun with this one, I must send thoughts and prayers to those currently affected by the actions of the United States.
The wars in Iran, Ukraine and Gaza continue with support or direct involvement from America, and my heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflicts and our hopes are for a peaceful resolution across all 3 battles.
War is not fun, it is not glamorous, there is no glory in the act of murder, only pain.
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of Mvume Ndimba and do not necessarily reflect the views of 041Online.
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