Schools must be fixed first
While your Sona (State of the Nation address) is debated, I am particularly interested in your undertaking that tablets will replace textbooks in six years (“Cyril places SA on fast-track to digital revolution”, DD, Feb 8).
Before this can happen, all schools (including mud schools) must be refurbished, raised to and maintained at first-world standards.
This includes the replacement of all pit latrines with waterborne sewerage, safe and reliable water and safe and reliable electricity.
All schools must have fast and efficient wi-fi connection to the internet. Without these facilities, tablets are simply hi-tech paper weights.
All educators and pupils must have all of these facilities at their homes for the same reason.
All educators and pupils must have access to safe and reliable transport on safe and reliable roads between home and school.
All of the many and varied crimes that plague our schools must immediately end through strict, impartial and effective law enforcement.
Mr President, for 25 years the ANC has been unable to achieve even one of these desirable goals. Please explain how you intend to achieve all of them in six years.
– Dave Rankin, East London
Stan is ‘the’ man
For several years I have driven past a stranger selling newspapers every morning and always admired the manner in which he goes about his early morning duties. He is a smart, tall gentleman that wears a very happy smile every single day.
He wears his blue Daily Dispatch uniform with pride and knows exactly which side of the road to stand on as he is fully aware of the timing of his customer’s morning routine.
He greets many that drive past him as he is a familiar and friendly face to most commuters travelling from Nahoon Valley, Abbotsford and Dorchester Heights.
His newspaper sales are swift as he is always ready for the customer and works his street like a pro!
Towards the end of 2018 I needed to take my cat to the vet and noticed that the newspaper guy is also employed at Abbotsford Vet.
I was curious about this familiar stranger and asked a few questions. His name is Stan and has been selling the Dispatch for many years. He then went on to find employment at the vet, where it seems to me that he has become a shining star.
I was told how friendly and helpful he is and that he is now being trained to assist with animal care. He loves animals and is wanting to further his ability to work with them.
The receptionist told me a heartwarming story about his perseverance with regard to building himself up in life and planning towards a better future for himself and his family.
Stan wakes up incredibly early to sell his papers with a very big smile on his face and then continues off to his next job which is around the corner in Abbotsford. Come rain or shine everyone gets their morning paper and their friendly thumbs up for the day.
He sure is a shining example for all those who aspire to make the most out of their lives and to face life’s challenges with a smile on your face.
I encourage the Dispatch to celebrate their very special employee for his hard work and dedication throughout the years, as I for one always enjoy the happy wave and big smile I get every morning from Mr Dispatch.
Stan is an example to many that no matter what your circumstances are in life, happiness comes from within and is free to give away to others.
– Sheryn Ferrucci, via e-mail
Social cohesion?
The Daily Dispatch once again contained a “high gloss expensive insert” – Masiphatisane – (let us work together) – I noted with interest the “social cohesion programmes breaking down barriers”, the notable quotes on page 3 and the list of many commendable achievements.
However, I need to pose this question; Is this an exclusive or an inclusive insert?
The rainbow nation of SA is certainly not reflected anywhere in the writing or photos of this document, even though it was the dream of the late Nelson Mandela as penned in his famous quote of a SA comprising all races.
– Trevor Watson, Gonubie
Stan is a shining example for all those who aspire to make the most out of their lives and to face life’s challenges with a smile