There’s a better way to deal with the Bo-Kaap

Change is often painful, and change hastened by gentrification is often even more so, as residents and former residents see a much-loved neighbourhood such as the Bo-Kaap changing beyond all recognition in the course of a few years.

Gentrification is, of course, nothing new, as communities negatively affected by this process all over the world can attest, so the Bo-Kaap is not alone in experiencing this type of development.

Thus, while I sympathise with the sense of loss expressed by the residents quoted in Jonathan Ancer’s article “Bo-Kaap losing its spice” (July 1), I am also disturbed by some of the sentiments and assumptions made.

First, it seems to be implied that the Bo-Kaap is the traditional home of Cape Muslims. While it is certainly true that many Muslims have historically made their homes in the area, this is a fiction that was perpetuated by the apartheid regime because it fitted into their ideology of “separate development”.

As one of the residents himself makes clear, before the implementation of the Group Areas Act, the Bo-Kaap was home to a diverse community — it was definitely not homogeneous.

We need to bear in mind that no culture is static, nor can any community immunise itself against change. So surely a move away from this apartheid-era legacy is to be welcomed as an integral part of the democratisation of South Africa?

Second, one resident notes that while it may be legal to sell land and property to foreigners it is not morally right, that tourism is intrusive and that residents do not benefit from tourism or development.

The problem here is that anger directed at legal initiatives will not resolve them — ways must be found to mitigate the problems caused to Bo-Kaap residents and for residents to benefit from these initiatives, since in a democracy the sale of property, tourism initiatives and development cannot be prohibited.

Thus, it is up to Bo-Kaap residents themselves to take the initiative in establishing their own culturally sensitive tourism and development initiatives, as some have already done.

Democracy in South Africa has brought us many gifts, among them the freedom to live where we choose, buy property where we choose and sell property to whom we choose.

Granted, these rights are sometimes a double-edged sword and come with unforeseen and unlooked-for disadvantages, but surely none of us, including Bo-Kaap residents, would wish to turn the clock back to the apartheid era?

Let us rather find ways to mitigate gentrification and benefit from tourism and development.

Farieda Khan, Cape Town

Round them all up

Jessie Duarte’s claim that Tony Yengeni should not have been found guilty of fraud “Tony should never have been jailed” (July 1) is outrageous. Is she secondguessing the courts of South Africa?

She admits that many other MPs were also guilty of this type of offence. This is no excuse and now should automatically lead to criminal investigations.

Philip Danford, Fish Hoek

Stroke of genius

The appointment of Yengeni as chairman of a working group on crime and corruption is an ANC masterstroke that will surely make the world sit up and take notice.

I sincerely hope that other states follow this sterling example of political wizardry and anticipate major breakthroughs of radical decision-making, such as: Donald Trump heading a scientific advisory committee on climate change and natural resources; Grace Mugabe in charge of security for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s election campaign; and Boris Johnson chairing the Brexit “Remain” campaign. David Lawson, St Lucia

Dawning disillusionment

The reality of the New Dawn is another petrol price hike every month. This will affect everybody, especially the poorest of the poor. More pain. More increases in the cost of basic needs.

These increases leave commuters with very little option but to cut down on other basic needs in order to cope with transport costs. The New Dawn is a false one.

Tsepo Mhlongo, Soweto

In plain English, please

When the South African Social Security Agency gives people a letter to say that their application for a disability grant has been unsuccessful, the letter reads: “If aggrieved, return within 90 days.”

Many rejected applicants think this means they must stay away for three months. When they return they find that all their papers have been thrown out and they must obtain new documents recommending them for disability pensions.

Sassa needs to explain its use of the word “within” to applicants, so that people know they can come back the next day if they are unhappy.

Mrs RN Stapersma, Bellair, Durban

Don’t snap at dentistry

In the article “Doctor exodus feared as NHI proposes bold cure” (June 24), a photograph of a dentist treating a patient was used with the caption: “Some doctors could find the NHI proposals painful.”

Our members believe that this portrays them in a negative light as health professionals who administer pain instead of treatment.

There are many procedures carried out by dentists that are not painful and do not align with the caption.

Punkaj Govan, South African Dental Association

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