Like the song by Morrissey, the editor of The Guardian wished the ANC an unhappy birthday on Friday. David Astor will be spinning in his grave as his erstwhile organ, The Observer, switches from helping to grumbling. O tempora, o mores! Of course music will play an important part in today’s centenary celebrations in Bloemfontein, and rightly so, as the ANC shares a birthday with David Bowie. And while Bowie sang about a “starman, waiting in the sky” the SA politician with maximum stage presence, Julius Malema, at least, will be singing about a showerman, “giving me a hard time.” Heck, Juju can even use the same tune!

Juju mimes taking a shower

One local songster unlikely to crack an invite to the Waaihoek jol is David Kramer, who’s on record as calling Bloemfontein “the kakest place I’ve ever seen.” But have you been to Odendaalsrus (also estd. 1912) lately, Dave?

Jack Parow reports in Rolling Stone Issue 2 that David is on his new album and confirms reports of a switch from Ricky Louw (Richlieu brandy) to Hunter’s Cider are premature. Although my correspondent in the Tool Bag (Tulbagh wine appellation) reported the season’s first case of a person melting yesterday, so brandy sales will be under seasonal pressure in warm regions.