We are at mercy of callous criminals

Is mayoral rift jealousy or political rivalry?

ETHEKWINI mayor Zandile Gumede has snubbed her deputy, Fawzia Peer (“Collective choice more preferable than slate politics”, Sunday Tribune, March 19).

During a week-long visit to the US, Gumede put in her place Mondli Mthembu, chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development Committee.

This is not only unusual but undemocratic. It does not say much for Gumede’s character and leadership qualities.

Even if there are no rules to say your deputy takes over your role in your absence, surely in the timehonoured tradition of democracy your deputy automatically deputises in your absence?

So why did Gumede act so irrationally and like an autocrat? Do her actions imply she has no confidence in her deputy? Could it be that Peer is in the limelight too often, overshadowing the mayor?

Or, like President Jacob Zuma, she wants to surround herself with acolytes? Women often complain about gender inequality in the workplace. But when they have an opportunity to uplift their own, they trample them. You often hear women say they would rather work under a man than a woman. Is it feminine jealousy? T MARKANDAN

Silverglen WE ARE arguing about colonial rants and making that a hot topic for discussion when there are more pressing issues to discuss, like serious and violent crime.

Crimes like rape, hijacking and murder have become rampant and it seems the SAPS cannot cope. The blame for this should rest with our ruling party. The ANC cannot govern this country.

Its focus is elsewhere; sport, live pop shows, parties and other “money-making” projects. They are clearly not visionaries putting their energy into building more schools, universities, colleges, dams, prisons, hospitals and securing our borders.

As citizens, we pay taxes. Where is all that money? It is squandered by corrupt officials in our municipalities and government institutions.

The ANC has failed us. We are at the mercy of callous criminals who know the climate is conducive to their nefarious activities. B Sanilal Westville

Mayor Zandile Gumede, holding the mic, and her deputy, Fawzia Peer (striped dress), at the launch of the anti-corruption campaign at Durban City Hall. A letter writer speculates on causes of a possible rift between them.