Phindi Kema's response to John Freeman

To: john@johnfreeman.co.za
Subject: South African horse racing

Dear John,

Your letter directed at me came at a time South African horse racing is anxious about its future. I hope you agree that this moment calls for positive action and not people standing on the sidelines blaming other people instead of doing something. Someone has to take responsibility... This is what is called LEADERSHIP! I accept that few people are prepared to stick their neck out and do something because of the risks involved.

Coming back to your letter, I wish to point out the following:

1. There is no doubt about the fact that, we all start at the lowest of our competence and in this case, this what happened with me. My interest grew and the more I became interested is the more I realised the need for the market to be developed. I could not sit and wait for someone to develop a market for me hence I decided to roll up my sleeves and do something.

2. This led to the idea of setting up a big race for Africa with the understanding that this would add value to the entire industry. Whether you find this practical or not, this is what I believe will create the interest in the market I am developing. I understand that such a project will not be everyone's cup of tea! The issue here is the old compared with the new thinking. I am of the view that there is scope for both schools of thought. The old becomes the foundation and the new becoming the catalyst for change to ensure that horse racing becomes relevant in South Africa.

3. I was never under the illusion the task was going to be easy, given the vested interests of the select few opportunists, busy scheming the cream off the milk. I observed that these opportunists have manipulated the system against the people who have been most loyal to this industry.

4. This is one of the reasons I took it upon myself as a citizen of this country to challenge the system. It appears from your letter that you are aware that I lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission against Phumelela, Goldcircle and the National Horseracing Authority (NHA). Further to that, I lodged a complaint with the Public Protector to investigate the involvement of SASCOC and the corporatisation of Horse racing by the Gaunteng Provincial Government and the sale of racecourses. Recently, I have taken legal action against the Gauteng Provincial Government, challenging the unfairness of the the Agreement entered into with the so called "Racing industry".

5. To do all the above, I did not need to have been in this industry for as long as yourself. I acted as soon as I was satisfied with information to backup my complaints. I accept that not everyone is prepared to take these risks but those who do should not be be condemned by those who cannot. What has happened to the "CAN DO" attitude of South Africans? It seems to have been undermined by the corrupt and opportunistic behaviour that seems to be the norm. Let us get out of this mindset and speak up and have the strength to do something.

6. As you said in your letter, you have 35 years of experience in this industry in addition to what previous generations have imparted to you, this is truly enviable! I hope you find more relevant ways of using your pedigree.

7. Quite clearly, I do not have the pedigree and the money as you have stated in your letter. However, I accepted that I am one the few South Africans (not BEE) who have started from zero and still proud of where they come from. I hope you note that none of this takes away my ambition to pursue my aspirations.

8. You may not know that the very same obstacles that have been put in my way have only strengthened my resolve to continue along this path.

John, I have no interest in taking what belongs to other people or horse racing for that matter, if anything I would like to contribute to the success of South African horse racing. You and I may not necessarily agree on what needs to happen to ensure that the sport grows, but what is comforting is knowing that we both care about the future success of South African horse racing.

I hope this clarifies my position on the matter.

Best wishes,

Phindi Kema

This is not really a reply to John Freeman is it?

do you guys use polyfilla in South Africa?

My dear Hibernia,

The whole objective is to build South African horse racing and not to get distracted by lies, misconceptions and people's agendas.

As far as I know Polyfilla feeds parrots!

What racing needs is honest, humble, committed people without personal agendas who lead by their actions, not words.

My guess is that Phindi lacks all of these attributes.

Saksy Wrote:

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> What racing needs is honest, humble, committed
> people without personal agendas who lead by their
> actions, not words.
>
> My guess is that Phindi lacks all of these
> attributes.


And the current lot are just that...:

gregbucks Wrote:

---

> Saksy Wrote:
>

---

>

---

> > What racing needs is honest, humble, committed
> > people without personal agendas who lead by
> their
> > actions, not words.
> >
> > My guess is that Phindi lacks all of these
> > attributes.
>
>
> And the current lot are just that...:

I hear John Plumtree will be looking at some Racing Administrators to boast his team next year.

I have to check what the hell this bar man is putting in my vodka. My head is spinning.

Sweety Wrote:

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> My dear Hibernia,
>
> The whole objective is to build South African
> horse racing and not to get distracted by lies,
> misconceptions and people's agendas.
>
> As far as I know Polyfilla feeds parrots!


well you guys will never Suck Seed ()

Phindi Kema has not asked for employment in horse racing, she is pursuing her own aspirations as any other citizen of this country. You seem to be the best candidate for the job if there is a job since you know the required attributes. I encourage you to stop talking and get in so we can see what stuff you are made of.

We have seen so many theoretical experts...talk is cheap my dear!!

Sweety Wrote:

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> As far as I know Polyfilla feeds parrots!
yes and the term "speciman collected for analysis" is the diagnosis of an Italian Astronaught

To SUCCEED it is important not to lose perspective.

hibernia Wrote:

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> This is not really a reply to John Freeman is it?
>
>
> do you guys use polyfilla in South Africa?

I must agree , poor reply .