John Buckley

We started a neighbourhood watch via Zoom during the hard lockdown because of a rampant increase of crime in our area, related to the state of the economy.

I follow the news every day with growing despair.

What happened to the heady days of the announcement of the National State of Disaster, where, in my opinion, Ubuntu raised its forgotten head and ... Simunye, we were one in obedience?

Sadly, since the announcement of budgets and related tenders to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, I have read little inspirational news, nor have I witnessed again that moment of national unity at the announcement of our first hard lockdown. As you guys are articulating well, things are not on track.

I live in a middle- to lower-income community and witness a daily decline in service delivery. Our neighbours lost their jobs and were evicted, our refuse collection has become intermittent, there are interruptions to our water and sanitation supply, and now even more so, due to eThekwini not having “stock” of equipment.

The increased number of vagrants, scrap collectors and beggars is obvious. I have customers declining statutory inspections because of budgetary constraints, customers who have already closed and some who are considering the option.

Since Ace, our hypochondriac deputy president and that twit Supra, among others, have been sent to the naughty corner, I feel that the news feeds have run dry. Seems to me that all things ANC are now too busy “canvassing, seeking legal advice or packing” to worry about that other little concern – the pandemic.

Dunno, sister, I’m just an old oke living in the borough ... Escombe, to be exact. I served two terms as a local councillor in the exciting era of 1994 to 1996 and have grown steadfastly Daily Maverick-minded. The status quo is not working.

If ever you need some local digging done for a story in Durban, I would be happy to assist where possible.

I appreciate your enthusiasm and wish you all the very best going forward. Keep it up!