Income grant: opportunities, not handouts needed
ODDS AND ENDS
THE SACP has called for the introduction of a universal basic income grant following the release of the latest unemployment rate, which stands at 34.4%.
South Africa needs opportunities, not handouts. The government should revive the agriculture and textile industries as they have a potential to reduce unemployment. We need to produce what we consume, we cannot get everything we consume from China. l KHUTSHO
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has run out of ideas. He is seeking attention because he is very much aware that the current administration is struggling with finances. Debts are way beyond the limit. He is trying to sound relevant but I am disappointed with this move in particular. l LESLIE MATSOBANE
According to news reports, signs of decay begin to manifest in the ANC but I see nothing decaying here. I see the light at the end of the tunnel just as Covid-19 has come to the stage with the progress of what people in government leadership had once dreamed to achieve. We cannot blame nature if this virus is not manmade for financial profits. l LESLIE
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed on Sunday during a press briefing that the amended 2021 school calendar must be retained as it was from its very last amendment. I believe that our education system is dead. There are way too many holidays as it is. The Covid-19 pandemic made things worse. l GHAITH MURABIT
ZUMA
Former president Jacob Zuma's legal battles are costing him an arm and a leg. To make matters worse, he no longer enjoys the privilege of a state war chest to foot his legal bills. l CHANTAL
I am of the opinion that Jacob Zuma must pay his own bills. We also pay and cover our bills as ordinary citizens. He should also have taken out his own medical aid and not expect handouts from the government and the people. Corruption has cost the country billions. | JOHN GROBBLER
Why did Jacob Zuma get continuous representation if they knew he "could not afford" it? This does not happen with any other South African citizen. So please, it can not be the citizens’ responsibility. l KATLIMOLE
CRIME
Intelligence says they knew that suspects were following Babita Deokaran for a month before she was assassinated. Why did they not arrest them or provide protection for her? l G
The Hawks, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence, have recently arrested another two suspects for incitement to commit public violence in Gauteng and Kwazulunatal. It was alleged that the KZN suspect, a 35-year-old man, was involved in the incitement of public violence through social media and other platforms during the July unrest in Kwazulu-natal. I am so relieved that more and more people will be held accountable for the acts that left many jobless. Thank you to the Hawks and the Crime Intelligence Unit for doing theirw job. l GUDDERA
HEALTH
Premier Sihle Zikalala is thrilled with the 18-34 group’s vaccination response while some of us are still waiting for responses with regards to our registration process. We also want to vaccinate. l NGWAKO
Covid-19 herd immunity is reportedly not likely viable as
the virus is expected to survive vaccinations and I tried to explain that vaccines are not the solution to the problem. They are part of the symptoms of the problem but nobody listened.