Re-evaluating many assumptions in light of state capture

The testimony emerging from the commission of inquiry into state capture illuminates the erosion of the political conscience we ought to be able to expect from our political leaders.

The assumption that a president of SA will be preoccupied with the national agenda has proved to be fallacious.

During the tenure of Jacob Zuma, “uBaba”, the republic as a statutory body was appropriated for personal gain, through the intentional subversion of public institutions and destruction of governance principles as guided by the legislated framework.

The developments elucidate that the functionality of SA’s public institutions was subcontracted to private and foreign individuals, namely the Guptas, with the endorsement of the presidency of Zuma.

Self–interest/enrichment permeated and was systematically ingrained during “uBaba’s” tenure.

Our assumption that “uBaba” had our best interest at heart has been violated. Zuma and his cliques have ruined our national trust.

Our national fiscus has scars, the legitimacy of our public institutions has been eroded.

Some of our finest public servants, people with high moral authority, were deprived of the opportunity to contribute to the functionality of the state machinery.

Chiefly, “uBaba”, the ANC deployee, has violated our assumption that we can entrust the party with governance or state power.

Perhaps, as the South African populace, we should continue to employ assumptions. However, the preliminary evidence emerging from the commission empowers us to make those assumptions premised on factual evidence.

Consequently, the 2019 election brings the opportunity to make informed choices via the expression of our votes. See you at the polls.

Mokgophana Ramasobana, Northcliff

Roadblock this crazy bill

In a recent parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on transport we discussed the proposed Road Accident Benefit Scheme (Rabs) Bill.

It proposes that anyone claiming from Rabs (which would replace the Road Accident Fund) would not have to prove a vehicle crash was caused by any party involved in that crash.

This means that even if an accident was caused by someone, that person will still be able to claim from Rabs.

To put it bluntly: a drunk driver could cause a fatal accident and would be able to claim.

I know, this sounds unbelievable! I specifically explained this scenario to the portfolio committee.

Unbelievably, the ANC members all understood this — and still agreed that the crazy draft legislation should go ahead as is.

The DA will continue fighting against this mad legislation.

Manny de Freitas MP, DA transport spokesperson

Tackle food fraud, not traders

Food fraud is on the rise and needs our urgent attention on all levels. Food categories that are especially vulnerable are fish and seafood, liquids, spices, fruit and vegetables, and meat products.

The majority of food companies are ethically sound, but you only need a few cases of food fraud to damage the reputation of an entire industry.

Consumers should adopt caution when shopping for food and visiting restaurants. They should look for inconsistencies in pricing and quality. If a food product is much cheaper at one outlet, perhaps the deal is too good to be true.

Regulators should encourage consumers to come forward with anonymous tips. Also, the government should establish research centres that could help with random testing to detect problematic sectors affected by food fraud.

This is where our focus should be — rather than attacking foreigners who own businesses in SA and looting their stores. Mahmoud Rangila, Isipingo Hills

Cheap shots at Vytjie Mentor

I am disappointed in the cheap shots aimed at Vytjie Mentor by Hogarth and the Sunday Times cartoonist last week.

We all have our flaws, and those of Ms Mentor cannot detract from her selflessness and courage.

The very features mocked in your paper may well be the reason she would be considered a “pushover” by those approaching her.

Lynn Watson, Diep River

PET bottle recycling doing well

As the national body for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) recycling, PETCO would like to clear up the misconception that PET plastic is not recyclable, as stated in “Rubbish reincarnated” (August 26).

PET plastic bottle recycling in SA is doing extremely well. In 2017, we reached a 65% recycling rate, which means we are collecting more bottles than are going to landfill. A total of 2.15-billion bottles were collected last year, equating to 5.9-million bottles per day, which created 64,000 income opportunities for waste-preneurs. Almost 800,000 tons of carbon and over 3-million cubic metres of landfill space have been saved to date.

The manufacture of PET thermoform products (such as the one mentioned in the article) makes up less than 20% of the total annual PET consumption in South Africa, and it is worth noting that PET thermoform packaging in SA contains high levels of recycled content — thus reducing the need for virgin raw materials.

Cheri Scholtz, PETCO CEO

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