WATERKLOOF MILITARY BASE FIRE
President Cyril Ramaphosa must change his ways, his micromanaging of the State Security Services by putting it in his office over fears that it might be used by his opponents is really not working. Ever since he did this the country’s national key points are burning. First it was Parliament in Cape Town, then the Constitutional Court’s windows were damaged, now the Waterkloof Military Base was set alight. Mr President, can you really not see that something is amiss here? Sometimes advancing peace is better than charging just a bunny. We really need a leader who will put people’s interests first, not his and his friends’ and business associates’. ANON
It is no fun with all of this, someone must restore safety and security and people committing such acts need to be arrested. BONGA NYEMBEZI
There are fires all over the country’s national key points in South Africa. After Parliament in Cape Town, we have also witnessed here in Durban a Chinese mall building burnt down, so much that the fire department could not extinguish it. I hope it does not continue, for the sake of our economy and trust in the government. XANDER LES
The corrupt do not respect the health and safety of the country’s citizens. All the state-owned-entities are bankrupt, now there is destruction by fire due to neglect and indiscipline. What is next? Collapse of the harbours? Or invade the Union Buildings? QINISO GUMEDE
ODDS AND ENDS
Dear Backchatters, I want to congratulate all matriculants for passing through a gate that should enable them to gain entry into tertiary institutions that would help them to advance their careers. Many, many matriculants have failed, others have scraped a pass but do not have enough “points” for acceptance at tertiary institutions. Those who achieved top results are gifted and burnt the midnight oil. No taking away the ecstasy and justification for their hard work. Exams were written under trying conditions. How can two years of study be tested in two or three hours? Those who have failed should not despair, exams are not a measure of success. I have noticed that many family members and others have gained great heights of achievement. RABBIE
Say what you like about people like Zuma, Botha, Trump and the likes. These people have one thing in common, they have (or had) nerves of steel. Yes, they did crazy things in life, but you do not ever mess with them or you will be history. No commission of inquiry, no hearing, no plea bargain – you are a goner. Our friend is sitting on a sinking ship and he is still wondering what he has to do. He has not even got the guts to tell the crew to take out the life jackets let alone the life boats. When you have a weak leader you have “yes men” working with you, who do not know the head or tail what their job description is. Get off your high horse and smell the coffee, Mr President. You are a good storyteller, but as for action: zero out of a hundred. AHMED KAJEE
How can anyone accept that ministers, premiers, and mayors get paid millions a year but have no success stories? We have a failed state, dysfunctional provinces and municipalities let alone departments, but those in charge are more than sufficiently rewarded. ANONYMOUS
Home Affairs, departments such as Transport, Water and Sanitation, as well as Education, are a few examples. I say salaries must be slashed by 50% and be based on a scorecard. These clowns forget that rates and taxpayers pay their salaries. Some 144 people died at Life Esidimeni, many people died during the July unrest last year. For the latter, it was the public that was fingered, but the government for the other. One case is being expedited and the other is dragging on for years. Why? ASH
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