WAS OUR FREEDOM, THAT CAME AT A HUGE COST, WORTH IT
OFTEN people are frowned upon when it is claimed that in some cases South Africans are worse off in our new democracy compared to pre1994.
Let us look closely at these seemingly outrageous claims.
Currently our public transport is dysfunctional with almost half the trains in the Western Cape not operating, resulting in hundreds of thousands of commuters not arriving on time at work daily. What is baffling are the number of train carriages going up in smoke due to arson.
With no transport to work, workers become less productive with a huge loss to our economy.
The disregard for traffic rules by minibus taxis are shocking.
Pre-1994, this disrespect was not tolerated by the traffic authorities and taxi drivers complied with the traffic laws.
Currently, taxi drivers overtake stationary cars in long queues and drive in the opposite lane towards oncoming vehicles and jump red traffic lights. These are but some violations. To add insult to injury, taxi unions then periodically ask the traffic authority to write off the massive traffic fines accrued by its members. This type of behaviour was unheard of before 1994.
Prior to 1994 the state provided learners at all public schools with textbooks and stationery with some schools charging minimal school fees.
Former model C public schools are now charging huge school fees, often exceeding the fees of some universities.
Parents must also purchase expensive school uniforms, textbooks and stationery.
Our healthcare is in shambles, while many newly qualified junior doctors not being offered posts to complete their internship and community service. The latter services are the responsibility of the state.
This points to lack of proper planning by the current National Department of Health. These matters never featured prior to 1994. The delivery of health services by public institutions are shocking.
Remember the loss of over 100 lives of psychiatric patients not too long ago?
Many houses offered recently to the poor are falling apart even before the warranty of the houses expires due to poor workmanship and inferior building materials used. In comparison, the buildings on the Cape Flats built almost 50 years ago are still standing with no sign of structural fatigue or cracks visible.
Prior to 1994 there was sufficient water for all citizens.
Literally with the undoing of the Bantustans, those in power should have considered the impact of the massive influx of people on infrastructure such as water, electricity and sewage.
But it seems that the new regime was fast asleep and too busy enriching themselves.
It seems that disrespect has accompanied our freedom in 1994. Learners are attacking teachers. Police are being shot and killed. These were unheard of prior to 1994 and it seems that human life has devalued since 1994.
Indeed, I am extremely grateful to Nelson Mandela for ensuring our freedom in 1994. But did our freedom come at a cost as highlighted above? You be the judge. ADIEL ISMAIL Mount View