Let the Beirut blast be a lesson in the need for civic activism in SA

THE editorial of August 12 is a reminder to all of us going about our business heedless of what is going on in South African politics. The tragedy of Beirut, as the editorial pointed out, was “years in the making”.

The politically connected elite was self-consumed in its own interest and greed.

The editorial of a day earlier bemoaned the fact that illdisciplined politicians in our country were “being caught with their dirty hands in among the cookies”, while our brothers and sisters were being pushed “into a life of anxiety, poverty and uncertainty”.

The dastardly act of criminals in the Gauteng Health Department brazenly defrauding the state by allegedly using “a front company,

Ledla Structural Development, to pay Royal Bhaca Projects R80 million to supply personal protective equipment” is reminiscent of the Bourbon kings of France, who learned nothing and had forgotten nothing.

While kings and politicians bathe unrepentantly and arrogantly in their reflected wealth and splendour and people go on suffering, there comes a moment when the old order gets blown away.

The massive explosion that happened in Beirut a week ago saw the resignation of the government, and the storming of the Bastille 231 years ago saw the king and queen beheaded by the guillotine.

The editorial of August 11 emphasises the point that the government continuously offers investigations and commissions as a sop to the nation. Sadly, prosecutions are a rarity.

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa continues “pussyfooting” and remains in the straitjacket in which Luthuli House keeps him.

There is a way forward for South Africans to end both the charade and the corruption – it requires the formation of a federation or coalition of South Africans from across the political divide uniting in “Common Cause”.

Only vigorous civic activism can save South Africa from the economic crunch that is coming. It is up to the people to save themselves and secure a future for their children. FAROUK CASSIM | Cope, Century View