A fog of confusion about officers’ responsibilities

ANDREW Donaldson is confused about roles and responsibilities (A Famous Grouse, June 29). His rambling comment about the General Vearey dagga T-shirt incident cannot be taken seriously. If it was meant as frivolity, it did the trick.

The critical point Mr Donaldson missed is that General Vearey’s personal preferences in music, religion, politics or herbal remedies notwithstanding, he is first and foremost a senior police officer in charge of one of the most important and crime-ridden police precincts in South Africa.

His only task is to uphold the law and to lead by example.

As a major-general, one who carries the crossed marshals baton (signifying administration) and sword (signifying operational command) insignia, he has accepted an enormous responsibility and all his actions are constantly under public scrutiny.

They, like politicians, have little private life and are held to a higher level of account.

General officers do not take “a dare”. Many examples exist where general officers have had to resign for seemingly minor infractions. General Petraeus (for having an affair) and General McCrystal (for injudicious remarks) are well-known recent cases.

Yes, they are American examples, but it is precisely because, in the South African context of the total absence of accountability, we find a scandal-ridden civil service and continue to appoint totally unsuitable persons to the most sensitive posts.

This is called cadre deployment, where political affiliation is more important than ability. My job, as a duly elected politician, is to hold civil servants to account and to ensure that appropriate legislation is in place.

There may well be merit in having

The SAHRC should do its homework on wheelchair access in the public sector. Most homes and public places would be deemed “an infringement to their dignity”. Most in that position have to solve their own problems at their own cost.

To all the little Irish crybabies, it’s been obvious that Brian O’Driscoll is not as good as he ever thought he was and it’s time for a change. Looking forward to the game. Welcome back George Smith, he too will learn from O’Driscoll’s lesson.

Wanting to pension off older teachers to make way for younger ones is crazy. That’s what the ANC did to get rid of whites in education and other government departments. And the rest is history. – Thomas

I can’t understand the constant call for blood by the blood transfusion unit. Pay people to donate blood and you will have a mega supply, as is done world wide. After all, the end- users are paying their butts off via medical aids and hospitals for blood. – Al

I agree with the SMS that says it a debate on the legalisation of some drugs, but as the judge replied to the lawyer who told him that “the law is an ass”: “You may be right, but it is not your role to tell me this.”

SAPS officers have no discretion in the matter of illegal drug use – only to ensure that the law is upheld and not to confuse the public.

Next time an SAPS officer wants to support reggae music, let him wear a Bob Marley T-shirt. seems Naushad Omar and his buddies get all the space to sprout their hatred and ignorance and we who send fair and informed comments get ignored.

The continuous rise in the petrol price has become one big scam. It’s not only about the weak rand, we produce our own fuel, but get no benefit, and the high fuel levies are government controlled. Consumers are like lambs to the slaughter. – Thomas