Last thing school literature should be is PC
IREFER to “Old classics axed as SA schools embrace Africa” (November 29). While I commend the prescription of a classic work together with a local work, I have many gripes with this tendency of throwing the baby out with the bath water owing to political correctness or ignorance.
Firstly, there are certain classics that must continue to be read by high school students “till the last syllable of recorded time” (Shakespeare: Macbeth). Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984 are two such examples. The democratic, civilised world would be morally bankrupt without them.
Secondly, when we choose local authors, we should select those who have served their apprenticeship as writers. This is where I concur with Professor Houliston when it comes to the omission of Njabulo Ndebele.
Thirdly, I am opposed to the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to the choice of prescribed books. We are a culturally diverse country and I would not expect every student to read the same book.
Fourthly, when we speak of the racial and cultural dynamics of South Africa, we should be mindful that we have local writers from all racial groups in this country. I don’t see this representation in the proposed curriculum, unless the newspaper report is not comprehensive enough.
And finally, we must avoid books that depict gratuitous sex and violence, and books or authors that are so intractable to read that university students and academics will be intellectually perplexed.
In short, academic probity and common sense should prevail over thumb-sucking and political correctness. — Harry Sewlall, professor: University of Venda and former school inspector for English
From whence it comes
“JUJU backs down on Madiba jibe” (November 29) refers.
Mandela was the quintessence of freedom, probity, humility and affability. Motsepe is the epitome of simplicity, charity and entrepreneurship. And Malema is well known for disrespect, an acerbic tongue and an ostentatious lifestyle.
Lest people forget, this is a man who destroyed a R5-million mansion to build a R15-million megapalace; this is a man known for allegations of corruption and racketeering.
His unsavoury antics are well documented: in the Congress of South African Students he was known for looting the wares of poor hawkers during marches; in the ANC youth League he was known for exposing his buttocks at conferences.
All mortals have faults, but Malema is the last person to criticise Mandela and Motsepe. — Erick Mhlanga, Thohoyandou
Train deal difficult to derail
“TAKE back your trains” (November 29) refers. Refund for trains? In your dreams. All the supplier has to do is present the contract, signed by representatives of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.
It will include a specification of the goods to be supplied. The goods supplied were exactly as per contract. In addition, there will be drawings of the goods (prepared before manufacture), again approved by representatives of Prasa.
If the contract is terminated now, there will be penalty clauses. Even if only 13 of 88 have been delivered, there will be others in various stages of manufacture.
One has to ask: what was Popo Molefe doing during the manoeuvring to insert Swifambo into the deal? — Peter Darley, by e-mail
An example must be made
THE woes of Prasa come as no surprise to those who know that it was run like a fiefdom.
Strange that, despite many articles, legal challenges and safety mishaps, no politician acted sooner. In fact, the silence from the minister and her predecessor is deafening.
Credit goes to the print media for its role in exposing the fake degrees and mismanagement at Prasa.
On a larger scale, someone somewhere has to take political responsibility for the disasters.
With no political and managerial accountability and responsibility, these sagas will be multiplied in other state departments and make South Africa look like some Wild West tenderpreneur’s paradise. — Muhammad Omar, Durban North
A conclusion too far
“PATRICE Motsepe and the (judicious, obligatory) redistribution of wealth” (November 29) refers.
It’s a menu, not a law
“SWEET and sour for Noakes” (November 29) refers. I have met Professor Tim Noakes, who is the humblest and kindest of medical men, making time to chat to all laymen who cross his path. The aphorism “one man’s (fatty) meat is another man’s poison” is of poignant relevance. Professor Noakes recommends his diet, without prescribing it.
My grandmother — who lived to a ripe old age — made the most delicious spread, by frying chicken fat with onions.
If the Banting diet does not work for you, go out and eat all those potatoes, but please leave a man who has noble intentions to help those who believe in him — and for whom his recommended diet has really worked. — Raymond Chait, Cape Town
You saved my Piet
TIM Noakes, thank you for saving my husband’s life. For many years
The report about the Motsepe dynasty was an interesting read.
But the conclusion that the switch of Ngoako Ramatlhodi from mineral resources to public service and administration was due to Bridgette Radebe’s influence is without basis. — Tim Gatuke, Centurion
Stamp of approval
“A STATE posting that should give us hope” (November 29) refers.
Private sector banker Mark Barnes becoming CEO of the South African Post Office is a genuine bright spot on our gloomy economic outlook and approved by President Jacob Zuma, nogal!
Lord give Mark the strength. — Keith Cousins, by e-mail
Deployed to ease looting
“HEADS must roll over wastage of billions” (November 29) refers.
Mr Makwetu said: “People in political office, who have legitimacy, appear uninterested in holding department officials to account for fruitless and irregular expenditure.”
Mr Makwetu, the persons who are Piet has had nearly all the illnesses listed in medical books.
We bought The Real Meal Revolution, and very strictly followed all the suggestions. Piet started your eating plan with the green list and the result was: a total loss in weight of 12.9 kilos in six weeks.
His doctor has reduced his medication considerably. — Grateful Banting supporter, by e-mail placed in positions where they control the purse are placed there by the same political heads precisely so that the looting can go smoothly and undetected. Just look at the SABC as a classic example. Look at SAA. — Othafa Odinga, Stilfontein
The unkindest cut
“LIFE ban for Jewish circumciser” (November 29) refers. Although I have studied and try to understand diverse cultural rituals, I think that any act involving deliberate injury to yourself or someone in your care or causing unnecessary suffering to animals for religious or cultural purposes is cruel, superstitious nonsense. — David Lawson, St Lucia