Gracious NIKKI shows the way - while the US bulldozes markets

ACCORDING to the ANC’s twisted thinking, it is worse to vote against the budget than to receive smoking money. Consider the quest by DA cabinet ministers while a certain minister sits pretty allegedly with several dodgy payment-fortenders.

- PORT POURRI BRIAN INGPEN

But let’s leave the world of odious politicians and delay our weekly sojourn in Disasters as we marvel at the incredible accomplishment of completing two Oceans-Ultra Marathon at last Saturday. Among those running in dreadful Nikki weather, were two aged Kiwis, a combined George, now 80 and with several two Oceans and a Comrades Marathon veteran.

Nikki encapsulated it perfectly, she made it in good time, but none was prouder of her achievement than George, sadly now with health issues. Despite his struggles while ascending Chappies, Constantia Nek, or that deceptive little climb to the finish, Walvis Bay, George was determined spirit to complete the race for the 2nd exemplary, encouraging and inspiring.

Other like-minded and similarly-motivated runners also tackled last Saturday’s race - and hopefully some of their incredible spirit will spill over into broader society.

Over the weekend shipping continued its gentle circulation continued regarding the effect of the US trade tariffs on South Africa that can translate into fewer exports - especially fruit and frozen fish - to the US, with the prospect of job losses in our marine fruit-processing factories and associated fishing boats sectors.

Because it is convenient to that country, our mineral exports to the US largely are unaffected by the maniacal tariffs, meaning that bulk carriers will continue to load manganese, titanium slag, chrome ore, mineral sands, zinc and other sinewaks for US patrons.