Steel collapse shows capitalism flaws

IN his article, “How about a new, fearless SA capitalism” (May 29), Peter Bruce’s starting point is that “there is no substitute for profit in an economy”.

Yet he fails to see that it is precisely capitalism’s obsession with making profits that has caused South Africa’s (and the world’s) massive economic problems, which he laments.

It is particularly ironic that the example he cites to illustrate what is wrong with South Africa’s economy — the imminent collapse of its steel industry, and the fact that nearly all Eskom’s new power stations have been built with imported steel — has come about as a result of the capitalist policies of steel-producing companies such as ArcelorMittal South Africa, in particular import parity pricing — selling steel to local consumers at the same price they would have paid for imported steel — which forced consumers to buy cheaper steel from overseas and has led to the collapse of the local steel industry.

This was not some sort of blunder, but a conscious strategy to maximise their profits in the short term — regardless of the long-term damage to the economy, their workers and the communities where they operated. That is how modern neoliberal monopoly capitalism works.

The good or bad intentions of individual capitalists, let alone the interests of the wider community, are irrelevant, as strategic investment decisions are taken by investment brokers and fund managers based on computer programmes that indicate where the quickest and biggest profit can be realised.

The German Mitbestimmung model was only achieved in the middle of the world’s longest boom, during which countries with different strategies also prospered. To imagine that this system could be revived in our current global recession is a pipe dream. South Africa’s rapacious capitalists are fighting against even minimal wage increases.

Capitalism is long overdue for replacement by a democratically planned, socialist system that uses the world’s resources to benefit the majority and not enrich a greedy, selfish, elite minority. — Patrick Craven, Brackenhurst

Alison Botha: always shining

“MIRACLE that can’t be told often enough” (May 29) refers. The story of Alison Botha is one of divine, supernatural strength and courage. Alison, you have overcome trauma and trial beyond human comprehension. Your story is one of revival of hope and faith. Living and loving is what we are here to do irrespective of challenges. You are a real-life inspiration. —Shiraya Naidoo, by e-mail

Ban Ritalin — go natural

“‘KIDDY cocaine’ lets students aim for the highest marks” (May 29) refers. Ritalin should be seen as a huge money maker for the pharmaceutical companies. The depressing story of my friends is of their two teenagers, who were homegrown Ritalin users and are now heavy drug addicts. All mind-bending drugs have long-term, negative effects and 30% to 50% of children and teenagers in treatment centres report abusing Ritalin.

When Ritalin is prescribed, it is to be introduced in slow, steady doses, which simulates the brain’s natural dopamine production. Research has shown that addiction seems to occur when large, fast amounts of dopamine are rushed to the brain.

One of the issues surrounding Ritalin abuse is its prevalent issuing to children by doctors. What is required is alternative, natural therapy for the treatment of ADHD, along with better teachers and parents. South Africa should ban it. — Andrew Johnston, Fairways

Dad’s miracle run for kids

AFTER reading about “kiddy cocaine”, drinking at age 12 and children as young as three suffering from anxiety, what a pleasure to see “Dad clocks 2 000km to be there for his kids” at the Comrades.

Marius Brown visited 33 towns to raise awareness of the impact absent fathers have on their children. He has been there, done that, but the run brought him and his children together. Those with unstable backgrounds are so vulnerable and ill-equipped for the future. Unfortunately, so are many parents. — Vivienne Lloyd, by e-mail

Asbestos devastates families

YOUR article “Silent asbestos killer in class” (May 29) brings back painfully raw memories. My parents would have celebrated their 59th anniversary in May, but my father, Etienne, acquired malignant pleural mesothelioma (asbestos-induced cancer in the lung) while employed at the then-Mobil refinery in Durban more than half a century ago.

It can take up to 50 years for any inhaled microscopic asbestos fibres to form into terminal tumours on the lung. My formerly healthy, strong 83-year-old dad was diagnosed early in July last year and what little was left of him was taken from us just seven traumatic months later.

I urge our government to take this matter extremely seriously.

Asbestos is a cold-blooded killer that takes no prisoners. Get rid of it everywhere in South Africa, before it takes any more innocent lives and shatters more families. — Rowan du Toit, Pinetown

Why we kicked out DA man

THE letter by Narendh Ganesh (“Dirty DA politics behind closed doors”, May 22) refers. Ganesh had failed in his bid to stand as a councillor candidate due to the fact that he had a criminal record, which he failed to disclose to the party.

With regards to the branch election process that he complains about, he was responsible for ensuring that every member received full and proper notice of the meeting.

Our investigations revealed that he only invited his own supporters and for this reason the branch election was nullified. — Haniff Hoosen, DA KZN provincial chairman

Yes, but have you asked us?

I WOULD like to convey my heartiest congratulations to Hlaudi Motsoeneng on his well-deserved Mampara of the Week accolade. Although some might appreciate the 90% local content move, others may be a trifle shell-shocked.

He did a great job of simply putting in place a policy, clearly without a well-thought-out strategy. The questions he should have asked was: Will it be sustainable? Will listeners be content?

He did a great job of not gauging what the youth think. The public broadcaster wants to force-feed us local content, at a very sudden 90% rate. This mampara is also playing the censorship role and trying to “protect” us from disturbing protesting scenes. Why? Does he derive his inspiration from higher up? — Yuven Gounden, Pretoria