Readers’Views
Eskom is a symptom of the malaise that paralyses SA
Will the New Dawn bear fruit at Eskom? There are no consequences for those involved in the graft, bribery and cronyism that are bedevilling state entities. It’s the norm for the government to bail out a loss-making parastatal ridden with corruption.
Eskom workers vowed to settle for a 7.5% salary increase plus a bonus despite the power utility being in the red. In the midst of this, Eskom management found a scapegoat — “it is important that the price of electricity migrates towards cost reflectivity”. This sounds scholarly, but it simply means Eskom wants more money in the form of an electricity tariff increase to settle R19.6bn of irregular expenditure which the previous executives plundered. On top of this, taxpayers are expected to pay more for services due to the VAT increase, and find a way to absorb the escalating costs of fuel and food.
On one hand, the department of co-operative governance & traditional affairs failed to achieve its performance targets because municipalities obtained adverse audit reports — undermining the delivery of services to our people. On the other hand, billions of rands were lost by municipalities that participated in unauthorised investment transactions with a disreputable bank. It is a sad indictment on parliament. Opposition parties seem to lack a cause for justice, resorting to playing hard ball instead of discharging their oversight role diligently in the best interests of the country.
Is there hope? There’s certainly hope, given that our society is blessed with seasoned activists of character who speak truth to power without fear or favour. With the passage of time the mischief of intransigent politicians, mediocrity and falsehoods will be exposed. Everyone is tired of politicians who consort with hypocrites and sit with the wicked to impoverish the country.
Morgan Phaahla, Ekurhuleni
Who is right about Rupert?
“Fencing off property rights” (August 5) refers. Johann Rupert’s comments will only be heard by those who own “assets and or property”. Those who don’t will only hear a wealthy white man trying to keep the poor excluded. The ANC will only respond to votes and personal enrichment.
Talk about wasting your sweetness on the desert air.
Dermot Quinn, Businesslive
Junior partnerships won’t wash
“Acsa, Swissport fall out over BEE clause” (August 5) refers. Swissport is not against transformation if it has already “given” 49% to empowerment partners. Our government will have to learn that many foreign firms would rather walk away than be junior partners or shareholders in their own businesses. Some of these firms can be replaced but others have skills and licences which cannot be replaced. Derek Salzmann, Businesslive
Too many humans
“Small dairy farmers squeezed out of business” (August 5) refers. Sadly, this is the way the world is going. Too many humans, too much emphasis on efficiency and scale. Small-scale entrepreneurs need to feed into niche markets rather than try to run with the big dogs.
Mr Kiepie, Businesslive