Iraq - a sensitive subject as far as the whole world is concerned. Even more so for the Americans. The perfect project for Bill Clinton which turned into a pumpkin long before midnight.

A recent TV program on our local SABC 3 highlighted the plight of many South Africans in search of fame and fortune (well, mostly fortune) trying to make a decent living doing contract work in a foreign country. With the state of affairs in South Africa it is not surprising to learn that there are over 4 000 South Africans in Iraq.

Black empowerment (which most of us refer to as "reverse apartheid") is taking it's toll. The unemployment rate is currently over 45% and for a white man the chances of decent employment is just about zero. The white policemen especially (and I suppose most white government employees) are having a tough time. Promotions long overdue become non-existant as only black candidates qualify. So are increases. On the West Rand (my area) there are just about no white policemen left on the force (compared to five years ago).

Teachers, nurses and the police are losing staff faster than what the replacements can be trained. And those filling vacant posts (mostly black) are under-qualified in every possible way. Teaching our kids no longer require a matric certificate (no matter what government says). Nurses re-use needles on as many as thirty patients (in one case) and police are readily accepting bribes. Another Nigeria being born where anything is possible as long as you have the money? This possibility is the here and now. It's reality.

Back to Iraq - a U.S. soldier earns about US $3 000 in Iraq. Contractors earn anything from US $9 000 per month. What is Clinton's story? So little respect for his own people or trying to cover up the biggest farce in modern history?

Back here there are serious issues for South Africans working in Iraq. Due to the circumstances in that country (as we all know) safety is of paramount importance. And thanks to the years of war against the communist threat from the North, South Africans (on average) are well-trained and respected in many quarters of the world as far as knowledge and tactics are concerned.

It is no surprise then that South African contractors working in Iraq choose to train the locals in matters of warfare for personal protection during their stay in Iraq. One group, which was featured on the TV program have been contracted to rebuild radio and tv stations in Iraq. Obviously this makes them one of the prime targets in that country. Providing jobs at the same time (probably with suitable pay) to the locals by training them in weapons handling and tactics, should the group be attacked, has no influence on one Defence Minister Selebi here at home.

Providing military / weapons support in any foreign country is breaching South African law on foreign military aid. Therefore these "contractors" will be arrested once they return home. No "buts" or "ifs", no passing GO, no collecting R200 (who still plays Monopoly?).

In spite of the high risk of being "kidnapped" or killed (same thing really over there - it's just a matter of time), white South Africans are drawn there by the prospect of working for BIG money. From contracts to drive busses or trucks to rebuilding buildings to VIP protection. You'll find them all over.

And with the money made there it certainly won't be a problem "paying off" the right people on this side in order to be "left alone". Only time will tell.

Maybe Bush will put in a good word for them?

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