Guptas the tip of ‘capture’ iceberg
‘MANTASHE ‘ignored’ spy report on Guptas’ influence” (June 5) refers. Reporting the outcome of the national executive committee meeting, the secretarygeneral of the ANC said the investigation on “state capture” allegations had been set aside.
This did not go down well with the SACP; the issue of state capture has been central to the debates within it. The state was captured long before this obsession was popularised. The problem here is when you mention the Guptas. People seem to think that when one talks about this state capture, one means the Guptas’ role or alleged influence in our state.
I think the only reason the “investigation” was called off is that it was going to expose a lot of rot, including some ANC leaders and business people. Beans were going to be spilt that would compromise the ANC in future. Pointing fingers at the Guptas alone is narrow. They are just the tip of the iceberg.
When South Africa is being threatened with ratings agencies, we have to raise the debate even higher, because it was not coincidental that the major banks in South Africa chose to end their relationship with Oakbay, a company owned by the Guptas. This action is obviously as a result of this phenomenon, although they can’t say it in the open.
The ANC has to be bold enough to reopen the investigation or send the matter to the relevant authorities. — Tom Mhlanga, Braamfontein
A local, lekker voting system
ZWELI Mntambo’s “Counting the cost of the blank cheque that shortchanged us” (June 5) is spot-on regarding electoral problems we have in the country today.
However, the constituency-based electoral system is not necessarily the best solution as it does have its shortcomings, such as encouraging the formation of a two-party system.
Perhaps the solution could be a hybrid system of constituency- and proportional-based representation.
The main problem is that many voters do not understand the power of their vote.
The people have the power to hold their leaders to account even in the current not-so-good electoral system, but they unfortunately do not know what to do. — Geoffrey Ngonyama, Kempton Park
Strength in voter unity
ZWELI Mntambo is right to point out that the “joke is on us because we let the state of affairs repeat itself”.
However, there is a way to alter that. Every municipal ward in South Africa should form “voter blocs” that reflect its political-party affiliation.
An individual voter is a solitary bee with only one sting. If it uses that sting, it dies right away. It is, therefore, in a very weak position. A “voter bloc”, however, is a hive of bees that no one will dare to agitate. Moreover, it is a hive that will produce honey.
That is how people power can increase democracy, demand transparency and command accountability.
Acting together and keeping together for the elections and beyond is the way to get service delivery and satisfaction. — Farouk Cassim, COPE, Cape Town
Tender logic jumps tracks
“BOTSWANA probes huge SA train deal” (June 5) refers. Transnet’s spokesman is quoted as saying that “the coaches were engineered and manufactured to exact specifications at Transnet’s state-of-the-art facilities in Koedoespoort, east of Pretoria, and Salt River, Cape Town”.
Really? So instead of these wonderful, state-of-the-art facilities being used, with the accompanying creation of many much-needed jobs in Pretoria and Cape Town and huge savings, why was a “middleman agency” used to purchase trains (from Spain) that can’t even be used here because they were “incorrectly” designed by the brilliant Transnet engineer who wasn’t one?
These machinations involved in government tenders are nothing short of sickening. — Lorraine Braid, Cape Town
Gordhan culpable, too
IN “Is this the quiet before the ratings storm?” (June 5), Peter Bruce says: “The entire country should be on its knees today thanking two men for the fact that we are still afloat — Gordhan and Jabu Mabuza.” But should we?
Bruce blames President Jacob Zuma for halving growth and doubling debt. But who facilitated Zuma’s profligate ways, and appeased him and his grasping ANC comrades? As Bruce admits, Gordhan and Nhlanhla Nene.
At the moment Gordhan is doing his job as one expects him to. As a humble finance officer myself, I give Gordhan a D grade for his performance over the years. When South Africa gets downgraded to junk status later this year, that will turn to Fail, with expulsion. — Thomas Johnson, Cape Town
Loss of a true patriot
LAWYER and human rights activist Jules Browde, who has passed away, was a fearless promoter of human rights in the dark days of oppression.
Jules was patient, incorruptible, dignified and respectful. He was a single-minded civil rights champion, a courageous advocate of human rights.
It heartens me to see him celebrated so thoughtfully by so many in South Africa.
May he find a niche where there is everlasting peace. We mourn the loss of a true patriot. — Farouk Araie, Benoni
Safety for net surfers?
“FREE Wi-Fi has Soweto surfing in the streets” (June 5) refers. Thanks for great news. What security measures are in place to prevent it becoming a crime hot spot? — Annette Viljoen, by e-mail confrontational interview, which I consider childish and unproductive. The minister was quite correct and diplomatic in her replies to ridiculous and uncalled-for questions about President Jacob Zuma and Donald Trump. More could have been achieved using a respectful and tactful approach. — Noreen Easton, Benoni
Not fair, not just
THE letter “Why we kicked out DA man” by Haniff Hoosen (June 5) is misleading in the extreme.
I was not “kicked out”. I resigned due to the execrable actions of certain elements of the party’s KwaZuluNatal provincial leadership.
At a media briefing at which I announced my resignation, I produced documentation to prove that the DA acted contrary to all that was fair and just. The entire branch executive also resigned.
It is strange, if not inexplicable, what “investigation” Hoosen refers to.
He knows full well every detail with regards to the so-called “criminal record” he alludes to, having interviewed me with the then provincial leader of the DA, Roger Burrows. — Narendh Ganesh, by e-mail