Why no transparency from Roebert on use of funds?
THE story “Christian TV network war – TBN International washes its hands of EC magnate André Roebert” (DD, November 27 refers). I have always wondered how André Roebert managed to acquire such an astonishing number of expensive businesses in such a short time. I know the family well and their major asset was their farm with a few holiday cottages in Igoda Mouth. André must have found huge amounts of capital to fund his business acquisitions from another source.
Paul Crouch’s son Matthew could be forgiven if he was wondering whether TBNI’s $10-million in gifts to TBN Africa could possibly have given André and River Corporation a little push into the land of mega wealth … and especially after TBNI was refused access to the records of where their gifts to TBN Africa went. Why no transparency? For eight years I pastored the East London church in which André spent his teenage years and I was initially impressed by the spiritual change in him. However, I have become more and more concerned about the unanswered questions and controversies which seem to follow him.
I retired some time ago as head of innovation and entrepreneurship at the BusiTech division of the University of Johannesburg. I witnessed first hand the struggles young people go through when trying to start a business with little or no capital. André must have had a fortune to invest when he started his businesses.
Matthew Crouch is still wondering where André got the bucks from … and so is every person with any grey matter.
God will be the judge of this and whatever a man sows he will reap. Selah. — Piers Steenekamp (Rev), Ugie
Top EC cop must act
IT IS so sad that it took an appalling incident to highlight the state of policing in Hamburg (“Teacher’s harrowing rape ordeal at home – cops, 500m away, never arrive” DD, November 26).
The officers themselves have previously asked me, as a member of the community, to complain to Bhisho as their requests are ignored.
Unfortunately they are also responsible to the community and need to sort out their grievances themselves.
I have been to the station on a Sunday afternoon to find it locked!
Police vans are allegedly used by unauthorised people and damaged – and never replaced – hence no transport!
I was once stopped by someone looking for the Bell Police Station and could not find it as the sign had been lying on the ground at the entrance to Hamburg for the past two months!
I just hope the provincial police commissioner takes appropriate action. — J Capper, Hamburg q HORROR of horrors, a teacher and mother of a 10-year-old boy was brutally raped in the early hours last Monday. Who is to blame?
The police did not respond despite being called repeatedly, why?
Get this … because their official vehicles (and apparently their legs) were not working.
My question is how many police vehicles can be purchased with R246-million?
What if this had been your mother or your child? — Lucky Mgijima, Gonubie
Parents have a role
ZISANDA Nkonkobe’s report “Parents set to feel fees pinch” SD, November 8) refers.
My problem is that parents say they pay high school fees for their children to attend these city schools.
The present education on offer is equal but the current parents, enlightened as they may be, do not support the school governing boards and principals to demand the equipment necessary for the educators of their children.
This is a very serious matter that needs to be addressed by the parents so that they can let their kids be taught at rural schools.
Whatever money they have should be kept for further education, as was the case before. “RIVAL parties to snub BCM mayor’s gala bash” (DD November, 26) refers.
Once again ratepayers’ hard earned money goes to an outrageous gala bash for the ANC-led council of Buffalo City Metro.
Meanwhile our roads are falling apart, the beachfront is a disgrace, service delivery is almost non existent, the city museum is closed on weekends (what a joke!!!), the list goes on.
But despite this, at every little opportunity these BCM officials want a party.
If these they could work as hard as they party and “strategise” at luxury resorts and hotels, East London would be one of the best cities in South Africa.
How about a party for shelving forensic reports. — Leon Strachan, Haven Hills
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