A time for reflection by the government

AS THE 27th year of democracy in South Africa comes to an end, it seems inappropriate to link the word “freedom” with our democracy.

Freedom without food on the table, without a roof over one’s head, without employment, without education, without adequate protection from crime, is just a word. Democracy heralded the collapse of SA Airways , Prasa, Eskom, Denel plus dozens of state-owned enterprises. Democracy smoothed the way for corrupt government, state capture, the Guptas era, the theft of money and resources running into trillions, tender fraud, people living on the street in tents, the proliferation of stolen stateowned guns on the streets, gang warfare. You name it and it all travelled on the back of democracy .

April 27, our Freedom Day , is a time of introspection and reflection by government on the past and a specific plan of action on how to fix our broken country.

There are, however, signs of hope. People like Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Zweli Mkhize, Dr Thuli Madonsela, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo give reason for hope.

Industrial giants like Johan Rupert, Jan Pickard, Piet Mouton, Patrice Motsepe, who could live anywhere in the world, choose to live here. These are reasons to live in hope for the future. As the Zondo commission draws to a close and those implicated in the rot that is destroying our country are called to answer for their deeds, hopefully the years ahead will usher in the real freedom that comes with democracy. COLIN BOSMAN | Newlands