Does government think we are fools?

SOUTH Africa is burning. We are told these are criminal elements. But the reality is that South Africans have been sold a pipe dream.

In that dream, they were promised houses, land, jobs and opportunity. But now, 23 years later, South Africans are poorer than they were before 1994.

Do not tell me of the few who received golden handshakes during the so-called transition and have thus amassed wealth. Do not tell me of those who are politically connected and have received lucrative tenders. Do not tell me of corrupt politicians who have used state coffers to enrich themselves.

Ordinary South Africans have had enough. The reality is that many of us are struggling to make it. The reality is that it does not matter whether you are educated or not, South Africa is a difficult country to live in. Yes, I said educated. Master’s degree and all, yet one remains unemployed.

Recruiters in South Africa add to the misery. You apply; they do not acknowledge your application. If they call you, you have to go through the hoops and then are simply left hanging. You go to interviews and receive no feedback. No one tells you anything.

We are also told to be entrepreneurs. Would you like to see the proposals I have sent to government departments and funding institutions? What did I receive in return? Nothing.

I chose to come back to South Africa because I am educated, with experience and talent. I believed in who we are as a people and a nation. I felt I could make a positive contribution to enable South Africa to reach greater heights.

Education means nothing in South Africa. Experience means nothing. Intelligence means nothing.

Where are the real South Africans grounded in reality? These riots, the outrage, the looting, are simply a drop in the ocean.

Continue to pacify and justify through political channels why South Africans must not lose hope. Continue to pacify and justify why you — the perpetrators of this inequality — through your inept policies and unsound decisions, should remain in power. Continue to pacify and justify that things are going to get better. Do you think we are fools? Do you think we do not see through you? South Africans are gatvol. Take your National Development Plan and shove it where the sun don’t shine! — Nokwazi Hlubi, by e-mail