Communists enjoy trappings of wealth

A HOT topic across the Freedom Day speeches was the issue of the minimum wage.

It is, as the president stated, a move in the right direction in that it will help many of the population who work for less than R3 500 a month.

I have an issue, however, with the SACP, especially those who appear to have dual membership of the SACP and the ANC.

These proponents of communism are happy to enjoy the trappings of wealth that their positions as cabinet members or MPs give them.

When they buy cars, based on the parliamentary handbook, they always buy at the top limit.

When they roll up at rallies, the sheer extent of their opulence is reflected in the cars as well as those of their entourage.

Why on earth would you trust these parasites of the public purse when they display an attitude of “do as I say, not as I do”?

The government harps on about poverty and, while I would be the first to support that our president and a hopefully smaller cabinet should receive a reasonable salary and perks, it should be mandatory for all government officials to seek medical help at government hospitals and clinics.

The broad population would start to believe in them at last. You would not get these “once in a blue moon” visits by officials to check on hospitals and clinics. They would be jacked up in no time. Could you imagine Mrs [Baleka] Mbete, for instance, having to provide her own blankets or wait on a gurney while the nurses enjoy their tea break?

It would not happen, so why don’t we make it happen?

I don’t think the population of this great country are going to continue to support this form of economic arrogance displayed by their leaders.

Hopefully they will use their votes wisely in 2019 to really make a difference that leads to a better life for all, not just for a few well-connected fat cats.

Malcolm Dodds, Port Elizabeth