L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TOR Let your footprint speak of reconciliation

Saturday was the Day of Reconciliation. In a world marked by pain, division and destruction, reconciliation is an ongoing process — not an item to simply tick off your to-do list.

A question we must ask ourselves is: Do I extend a hand of reconciliation to those around me and to those outside my circle?

I’ve lived in many countries with different cultures and religions over many decades. I have learnt through personal experience that you are not defined by your language, the colour of your skin, your culture or your religion, but by the kind of human being you are and the footprints you leave behind on your journey through life.

You are not defined by the language you speak. What may define you is how you express yourself towards other human beings. Does it reflect respect and kindness, or is it cruel and discriminating?

You are not defined by the colour of your skin. It is merely a pigmentation and does not dictate your inner being. Most South African families have “mixed blood” in their veins, and increasingly so in the global village we are living in.

You are not defined by a culture. You are not defined by your religion. Most religions preach peace, love and high moral standards.

We hail from diverse nations, cultures and communities. Are we embracing the diversity that we are fortunate to have around us and do we make it a better place for those with whom we interact?

Dawie Jacobs, Pretoria

Ramaphosa not like Steenhuisen

Why is the Sunday Times proud of the fact that it treats John Steenhuisen and Cyril Ramaphosa the same?

Ramaphosa is the leader of a criminal government that has been destroying our country ’ s infrastructure, education, health care and police — enriching themselves while millions of people are suffering.

Steenhuisen, though not perfect, is the leader of a party that has grown infrastructure, health care and education, and created jobs and opportunities for millions of people. Imagine what the DA could do if it got our tax money?

Sue Koen, Durban

Laugh out loud

So, like Ramaphosa’s claims of having been best placed as deputy president to fight the Zuma government’s corruption from within, it appears that Mavuso Msimang is spinning the same nonsense in explaining his return to the ANC. LOL. Gordon Upton, Port Elizabeth

Real insight into Zahara

I had heard of Zahara (“I just wanted to be me ”, December 17) but learnt so much more about her from Bongani Madondo’s insightful report about this talented singer. Well done, Mr Madondo, for bringing Zahara to life again.

Brijlall Ramguthee, Durban

Coalitions on the horizon

The ANC Titanic has struck the Zuma iceberg and captain Cyril Ramaphosa is unable to steer his ship to safety. We are entering uncharted waters, one-party dominance is over, a coalition will govern the country. We cannot afford political instability, which is harmful to economic performance. The combined will of all political parties must prevail if sanity and political order are to be maintained.

Provocative and obscene profanities must not be allowed in urgent negotiations as our nation lurches from crisis to crisis. Who on earth could govern in such precarious political circumstances? The country as a whole has matured and is now sufficiently resilient to face the rapidly evolving challenges that lie ahead. Sanity and moderation must prevail.

There should be some norms and values to be followed in our civilised society. The party of Nelson Mandela is about to shatter; the ANC juggernaut is being ferociously disassembled ahead of the approaching political hurricane that will make landfall in 2024.

Farouk Araie, Johannesburg

On track to transform farming

The fall in production costs and improved output as a result of infrastructure development in the agricultural sector creates sustainability, especially for smallholder farmers.

Agrarian transformation as a concept calls for the government to create a conducive environment in which rapid and fundamental change is driven by the provision of land, infrastructure, funding, access to markets and training. This makes farming a sustainable business for everyone, including those who were previously disadvantaged.

Improved growth in revenue will be realised and ultimately this will lead to food security and job creation. This model of agricultural development is a blueprint for sustainable development, and the government must be commended when it implements policies such as the comprehensive rural development plan, which makes provision for infrastructure development for emerging farmers.

The recent handing over of 15 cattlehandling facilities to Rust De Winter farmers in Tshwane by the Gauteng provincial shared services centre of the department of agriculture, land reform & rural development is a step in the right direction.

Since occupying state farms, the Rust De Winter farmers have been negatively affected by a lack of infrastructure such as adequate fencing, cattle handling facilities and the equipping of boreholes.

While the cattle handling facilities will offer some relief in terms of livestock management, more infrastructure development will create temporary jobs for locals and prevent stock theft. This assistance by the government lives up to the imperatives of agrarian transformation. Themba Mzula Hleko, Pretoria

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