Time is ripe for input

OUR sixth general election next year will be the most important and defining one our country will ever have.

Some newspapers have already started to invite incisive, wellresearched views in the form of longer articles about topical and sensitive issues from their readers.

Since the dawn of our hard-fought democracy in 1994, some newspapers continue to rely on the views of columnists to inform, enlighten (and even influence) voters.

Since ours is still an evolving democracy the time is ripe for more input from readers which will test how far our democracy has grown.

This will also encourage them to explore various means of information and stimulate debate about pressing issues.

Ours is still a gullible electorate which is dangerous for a young democracy such as ours.

Politicians seem to dominate not only space for their own views in the form of articles, but some also take advantage of taking up valuable and limited letters column space. Already some politicians are playing on the fears and perceptions of especially minority groups to whip up anger and hatred.

Our media has a vital role to play in making sure our country will not degenerate into anarchy and even civil war like so many have floundered when they could have been successful, by becoming beacons of light and hope to others, as our country has proven; so many still come here to learn how we succeeded in transforming from one on the brink of the abyss, to a shining light not only for our continent but for the rest of the world.

We cannot afford to drop the baton irrespective of all the negative perspectives as far as rampant crime, racism, longing for the past etc, are concerned.

A greatly worrying aspect is the large numbers of folks still longing for the death penalty to be brought back. Should not newspapers be in the forefront to enlighten their readers about sensitive issues.

Our 2019 elections will be a makeor-break event in our history. Koert Meyer Welgelegen