Excuse me, Mr Earl Coetzee, check your facts
For the writer to suggest that 22% of the population in the United Kingdom live in absolute poverty is ridiculous to say the least, writes
Rob Golding
Iam absolutely furious that The Citizen should choose to publish the column by Earl Coetzee concerning conditions of the “poor” in the UK. As both a British and South African citizen, I am aware of the living conditions in both countries but to state that 22% of the pop- ulation of the UK live in absolute poverty is ridiculous. The UK has a welfare system that ensures that nobody lives in poverty.
In fact, those claiming benefits in the UK are mainly unemployable or choose not to get a job because the welfare payments far exceed the average wage (not the minimum wage).
An unemployed couple or even a single parent with several children can often claim up to £500 per week in benefits plus free housing, free medical care and free education. If living condition are as Coetzee states, then one wonders why hundreds of economic migrants are camped out in Calais waiting for a chance to sneak into Britain to enjoy the benefits that the country offers.
Although Coetzee qualifies his statement by saying that conditions are better than in South Africa, he fails to say that there are other countries in Africa where people do live in absolute poverty.
Your (The Citizen) correspondents should check their facts before making such outlandish comments in print.
we please have honourable leaders.
The EFF’s behaviour at the weekend says everything that has to be said about that party.
Walkerville
Don,
So the metro police stood and watched while EFF members ran amok. Are these officers not paid to maintain law and order?
Scud
Simphiwe, is it possible that Ashwin Willemse’s perceived undermining is a result of his own inferiority complex?
Mike
Murdoch, you’re simple indeed. Why must Naas Botha and Nick Mallett go? They know their rugby so why should they go?
David
Will the Sport Minister Tokozile Xasa apologise for the uncalled racist outburst about Nick, Naas and Ashwin. In fact, she must resign as she lacks what it takes to be a minister.
FelixG
We are all people who just want to work, play sport and give our kids a better life. Can’t we leave all the name-calling in the past.
Lynn
Brendan Seery, your sober and insightful words made my Monday morning. Thank you.
Deon
Real Madrid showed us how champions play. I hope our local teams can learn from them in playing in the Caf competitions.
Big fan
What Ramos did to Salah in Kiev, in rugby terms would have been classed as a spear tackle, a red card offence! Go figure!
Sharks fan
Who paid the Liverpool keeper to throw the match?
West Ham fan
The Irish people have crushed the governing dominance of the evil church’s influence in their lives. And rightly so!
Michael Floyd
Thami, great article on the travel rituals of black people.
Boksburg
Graham,
I have stopped listening to Radio 702 and I feel as if I am out of an abusive relationship. I now listen to LM radio on AM 702.
Jason Deib
Thank you, Rassie, for picking Kwagga Smith – at last someone who can see talent.
Colin L
This country will never move forward because the ANC is too busy trying to solve its own internal problems. Could
Ediv
BEE, when one becomes a big shot in the ANC Comrades’ Club, you are set for life and will continue to receive a moerse salary.
Jake