Chance at better life wasted
WHEN international donors give equipment and training to previously disadvantaged citizens who are unemployed, in the expectation that they will willingly grab the opportunity of both employment and income, and they then fail to do so, what does it say about how serious such people are in improving themselves and their families?
A few years ago some 84 large vegetable tunnels were donated by various German business enterprises to the community in Potsdam and west Mdantsane as a gesture to encourage self-sufficiency and independence among those fortunate enough to have such an opportunity.
Unfortunately, this outcome has not materialised as the tunnels and the equipment now lie derelict and the training given to the community remains dormant.
It had been intended that those working in these tunnels would produce large quantities of vegetables, especially tomatoes, for which major supermarket chains had entered into contracts to purchase.
Alas, neither BCMM nor the community has maintained these tunnels, no vegetables are being produced and what had been expected to provide employment and income for the workers now lies in ruins, a testimony to failure by those who had opportunity given to them.
It is not a very sophisticated technology to grow tomatoes in plastic tunnels, equipped with spray mist irrigation. It can even be adapted to propagate hydroponics and aquaponics in tandem to farm fish using water which is recycled rather than wasted.
This is an initiative which could be easily resuscitated to achieve its original objectives.
But do BCMM and the community have the willingness to do what that takes?
A wise man once said that selfactualisation was never achieved by sitting on one’s hands, only by getting off them.
Cllr Andre Swart DA BCMM Caucus
Zoos belong in past
It is with sadness that we read in the Dispatch about Jenny, our bear that had to be put to sleep. Then we also read that Daron Mann, from the DMB on Algoa FM is being taken to task because he tried to help the East London Zoo, which has been a disgrace for many years.
Wake up East London and stop criticising people who are trying to help the animals. The zoo needs to be closed down and the animals saved.
Zoos are a thing of the past. Children can learn about animals on the internet.
Gail Fisher Beacon Bay
Quran forgotten
The cutting up of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi into small pieces and smuggling his dismembered torso out in suitcases by the agents of a country whose laws are supposedly based on the Quran is a stark reminder of how the rulers of most Muslims countries have diverged from the teachings of the Quran.
Freedom of expression does not exist in most Muslim countries, yet the first verse revealed says “Read, in the name of thy Lord who created.”
How can one read when journalists are imprisoned and killed, and news is censored?
Another important verse says: “Guide us to the straight path”.
How can one be guided to the straight path if there is no freedom of expression to discuss what the straight path is?
While the Muslim world is ruled by kings, dictators and the priesthood (Iran), there will never be freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is hated by the kings, dictators and priests – it exposes their filth.
Until there is true democracy, freedom of expression will be a pipe-dream and terrorism, violence, oppression, torture, revolution, bombings, assassinations, misogyny, poverty, etc, will be the order of the day.
Naushad Omar Athlone, Cape Town
Big hand for Sars
The South African Revenue Services deserves a big hand of applause. Services get better every year and the consultants and floor staff are dealing with the long queues in time. The staff are really effective, dedicated and industrious and need to be commended for a job well done.
Keep up the good work guys, as you are doing a sterling job under strenuous and difficult circumstances.
Roy D Claasen via e-mail
What had been expected to provide employment and income for the workers now lies in ruins, a testimony to failure ...