Durban weather, TV forecasters, Sharks and Eskom all get Chatter flak
Load shedding
Load shedding is back with a vengeance. The new boss at Eskom can’t perform any magic to solve the energy problem. Actually, the problem can only be solved if we fire all the brainless ANC cadres from Eskom and reemploy all the competent and qualified people the ANC removed when they were elected to govern SA.
Once again Seaview in the dark 6pm to 10pm every time. Heard that there is virtually no load shedding in the northern suburbs?
Would the dimwits who prepared the schedule for eThekwini explain why blocks 17 to 24 are unaffected by stages 1 and 2? Also, when Eskom announces stage one shedding, eThekwini implements stage 2. Why? Who are the privileged customers who live in Durban North (block 18), for instance?
Is there any truth that Eskom is installing prepaid meters for free? How do we apply for this meter to be installed?
F*** Eskom. Give us a damn schedule and stick to the damn thing.
Education
I agree with what Nothando Mdluli has to say in his letter (Daily News May 7). However, I don’t believe our government is doing enough in education. Lowering the percentage pass mark for our matriculants was not a good idea. We are now producing quantity and not quality for potential employers. Employers need qualified people in top positions of their companies and businesses. They cannot afford to have underqualified people in positions that demand good knowledge in what their job description requires.
Point taken, EG, drugs and alcohol can destroy a beggar or a doctor, but I don’t agree that it has has nothing to do with education. Many beggars are begging because they refused to study and get good results when they had the chance. Many doctors are successful because they studied hard and got good results. Having said that, you are quite right in implying that drugs and alcohol can destroy you, whether you are a beggar or a doctor.
Sadtu has no interest in the education of our youth. They call members to meetings at 10 am. Their agenda is never of an educational nature and reflects only their own personal and selfish interests. The Department of Education is no better either, for bowing to Sadtu’s whims and fancies.
Xenophobic attacks
I can’t believe whites are being blamed by Zuma for xenophobia. It is now down to apartheid that has made us a violent society. The infrastructure and economy that was passed on to the ANC in 1994 was by far the most advanced in Africa. This is why all the people are trying to migrate to this country and not the other way around. Sorry only the “whites” that can leave or can afford to are leaving, as the future looks bleak with the new BEEEEE laws and affirmative action policies put in place by the government. It is blatant oppression in reverse, that a majority by 90 percent would pass laws against a small minority to stop them having equal opportunities in the workplace and business because of their colour.
Xenophobia and the king. Taxpayers support 6 000 chiefs and 10 expanded royal families – in KZN the king receives R60 million to support his six wives, 28 children, multiple palaces, cars and luxury privileges – yet he is not accountable to anyone and can hold us to ransom at any time. Not fair. Mikey.
Hostel dwellers will definitely feel the increase in Chatsworth and KwaMashu. Phoenix people are seen selling vegetables on the roadside and they are happy with their takes. Why, I ask, don’t the hostel dwellers do the same? Many foreigners have gone home to their country. Here is your opportunity: start small and from there you will be successful. Church leaders, guide them to get permits and work in a safe area so as not to interrupt traffic flow. Good luck to all.
Weather
Weather forecasts. I wish these weather reporters on eTV would remove their smiles off their dials when they announce to us hot and dry or nice and dry, no rain. Don’t they realise we are in the throes of a drought? Of course they probably like water restrictions and water cuts that could be imposed on us that are going to cause such untold misery to millions. Dave Overall, Woodlands.
Dear Dave, be grateful you live in a sunshiney place where Eskom can implement solar power. But simply and truly, it is the planet’s way of telling you it’s getting too hot. #Climate Change #The El Nino cycle. Get used to the distinction between seasons blurring. From an environmentalist.
Dave Overall, as usual you ask where has winter gone. Well, the last I heard was that it was part of the old apartheid system. EG.
I respond to Dave Overall moaning about our lovely weather here in Durban. He should go live in the north of England, where it is always cold and NEVER stops raining. He will soon change his mind. Terry, Pinetown.
Politics
Gigaba, the Minister of Home Affairs, seems to be hurrying really slowly. He promises better border controls by 2017. When? Yes, 2017! That is the distant future. Hello! The disaster is happening now. Can you believe this dreaming clown? By then illegal immigration will have doubled our
population. Mike.
Radio DJs
Lotus FM DJs. Agree with BackChatter. There are no DJs on Lotus FM that are professional in their approach. It seems that to be hired as a male DJ one needs to have a hoarse, smoker’s voice, ability to tell crude jokes and not have any morals. They should hire educated people who can uplift the community, not embarrass it.
Why did ECR radio cut the classic from 45 minutes to 25 minutes? Please explain. VP, Stanger.
I agree that ECR has gone to the dogs. No intelligent DJs any more, just silly childish people. They might as well just join the SABC group. No difference. Used to be able to tune in by ear.
Sport
How about the boozing in the stands during the game by the p*** cats? And safety for families at night? Yet you seem to think we are concerned only about whether the Sharks are making good profits. Going to rugby has lost its appeal for many reasons. Sad, but true. CM.
Yep, it’s a sad day when you sacrifice your reputation for money. The Sharks have always had an excellent reputation, but sadly John Smit, for big bucks, has become the “YES” man and so those top managers who know nothing about the game will continue to ruin what was once a super team.
John Smit et al: have you sorted out the loud music at the game, which most dislike because it hurts the ears and should be reported to the Health Department?
The Sharks need some decent lock forwards in the mould of Mark Andrews, Rudi Visagie and Steve Atherton, and not some long, slapgat old farts from Saracens. They also need a decent full-back and good backline and defence coaches and then things should get better. CB.
Empty suites, poor attendance and expensive squad. The Sharks must be in financial trouble. No amount of spin doctoring can convince the disappointed fans. Ex-Sharks supporter.
Odds and ends
RE: “I love Hitler and admire Rushdie”-type-ofutterances. If I remarked that I found Malema’s ability to think on his feet as extraordinary, would I get lynched by others who took exception to the parliamentarian’s other
traits? e.s.e.
Kloof: BackChatter should google “gerrymandering”. Sutcliffe was head of the demarcation board and they did the same to expand the borders of eThekwini to ensure the ANC always win elections.
Editor’s note (Thursday, May 7, 2015) refers. Get your spelling right! “Received”, NOT “recieved”. From Eshowe teacher.
Torching of train coaches. Why is it always if you do not like anything you vandalise and burn? Maybe some twisted gene. If your car stalls, would you burn it? Think before you burn, idiots. Pravesh.
The reason doctors are anti-assisted suicide is because they make a real killing prolonging life.
We bought pizzas from an outlet in Overport, Durban. On tasting it an hour or so later, we discovered the tomatoes were a bit sour for our liking. My wife phoned the manager to complain. He asked us to bring it back and he would let us have another. When told we were living almost 40km away, he took our details and said the next time we were in Durban he would ensure we were given a free pizza. We asked what should we do with the one we had? He asked us to dispose of it as we saw fit. I recently returned and the manager replaced it without any fuss. Now this is what you call customer service; this is what customer service should be like. Well done. Prem.
We have advanced so much with technology, but one thing still lags behind: we still have to wait seven days for a cheque to clear. What do the banks have to say about that?
Pavilion “smart” theatre number one: if you gave pensioners discounts, you would not have four patrons watching Far From The Madding Crowd in the morning. We would fill your theatre to watch quality. We care nothing for food and wine at the cinema. The reclining seats are nice, but not worth R105.
Brilliant article on train museum in Thursday’s Daily News. Well done. CC.
Wasn’t it refreshing to see articles on the old railway and also Sir Edwin Swales in Thursday’s Daily News? Makes a pleasant change from all the usual crime reporting. More please. Kinks.
Pole falls on two men’s heads, no mention of damage to the pole. Why? Just curious. Bob Curtis, Waterfall.
It’s time the local SA citizen was welcomed to the Tourism Indaba. This is a showcase of what SA and Africa have to offer for holidays. With the price of the dollar and pound, more South Africans are looking to spend time touring their own country at a fraction of the price of international travel. This is a world-class event. Themed “Africa open for Tourism Business”, how about the Indaba being open to the public for one day? I’m sure locals would be blown away. M Vincent.