Articles written by Kirk Olivier

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About me - Kirk Olivier

I am 47 year old male living in South Africa. I am happily married and have 4 children, 1 grandchild and another to 2 grandchildren on the way.

I have a passion for writing, and plan to write my first novel in the near future. My personal goal is to become

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Politics, News & Issues > Politics in Africa Reflections: The South African Government: 2 of 9
Apartheid or "segregation" as it is otherwise called, is not unique to South Africa. It is a disgusting way of life that affects people on all continents. South Africa was used as an example for the rest of the world, mainly due to it being a relatively wealthy country, rich with raw materials that were coveted by the major ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Death of a sibling: 5 of 17

It's already been 17 years and 8 months since my brother Anthony, (Tony as he was called) took his own life. His death was sudden and horrific and devastated my family. The events leading up and on that fateful morning of 11th January 1992 are still vivid in my mind and although I have tried for so many years, they cannot be... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Hunger, Disease & Poverty The proper role of criminal law in checking the spread of AIDS: 2 of 6
Many years ago, if you had leprosy you were not considered a criminal, however you were expelled from the city. Now HIV has come along but it is not practical to expel people from cities anymore. These people cannot be called criminals, but it most definitely must be a crime to have sexual intercourse or share ones needles w... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics in Africa South Africa: A war zone of daily violence and fear: 1 of 3
To say that South Africa is a war zone of daily violence and fear is a total understatement. More people are murdered every single day in South Africa than are killed in most war torn countries throughout Africa. People are terrified to go out at night. Most South Africans live in fortresses not homes. These unfortunately ar... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics in Africa South Africa: The unnecessary death of a 13-year-old: 1 of 1
He came into our lives in 1995, his name was William Hammond. He was 7 years old and in grade one at school with our second born son Russell. They met on the first day of school and immediately hit it off and became best friends. To Russell, William was his home conversation. William and I did this and that. William was a ki... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Economic News What does it take to make poverty an important news story?: 19 of 35
Its dinner time, the man of the house sits at the head of the table patiently waiting for his loving wife to hand him the pot roast. He dishes himself a fair sized portion and hands the plate onto his wife and down the line to the rest of the family. The meal is enjoyed by all, even the family pet who gets the leftovers. Whe... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Facts & Resources The smallest monkey in the world: 5 of 9
Marmoset monkeys are the most adorable little creatures. They each have their own unique personality. They one of the most sought after pets in the world, prices ranging to as much as $5000.00US each. Although they do adapt to humans very well, they also have their like and dislikes. We have two marmosets, one male and one f... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Racism: 16 of 25
"Racism", could someone explain to me exactly what the word means? I grew up and still live in South Africa, yes, the country that turned heads all around the world with the word "apartheid". I guess this has the same meaning as racism. The only difference with South Africa is the fact that the white man is the minority. Yes... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Hunger, Disease & Poverty Poverty and inequality in South Africa: 6 of 9
Poverty and inequality do exist in South Africa, however, no more than in many other countries. It is not fair to say that divisions based on race left a privileged and prosperous white ruling class. There were many impoverished white South Africans during the apartheid era. The difference was that the white impoverished peo... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Terrorism Defining terrorism: 6 of 9

Freedom fighter or Terrorist, how do we knowthe difference? Lets start with the freedom fighter, someone who is fighting for existence or self preservation. Usually, these would be people living in jungles and fighting for a rebel organisation that is trying to overthrow some dictator who has his armed forces slaughtering in... More..