Wrong place and time

SIR — Jonny Steinberg’s assessment of the science of discontent is off the mark and has no relevance in African politics (New phase begins when the poor lose patience, September 18).

What we see in SA is no different from what is happening in Nigeria and Kenya, the only other states in Africa that have a relatively educated population and a substantial tax base that the ruling elite can loot.

This creates a sufficient income base among their constituents (mostly from their tribal base) to smooth over disgruntlement.

Another factor, probably of lesser consequence, is the acceptance of the African people of a chieftain political structure that allows for unconstrained control of wealth.

Economic migration becomes the safety valve where remittances are sufficient to sustain the families and reduce the level of dissatisfaction.

We see this now in Zimbabwe, which is effectively subsidised by its expatriates after the Chinese stopped underwriting the despot.

Mr Steinberg should be asking what effect social media will have, with young Africans being educated and informed outside the control of their elite governments. He should take his cue from the Middle East.

John Catsicas Johannesburg