‘Apartheid crime’ debate a chance to work on goodwill

On February 23, I was a co-signatory to the declaration on apartheid issued by a group of concerned South Africans following the debate on whether apartheid is a crime against humanity.

There have been varying reactions to our apology. On both sides, some raise the question: why now?

The pain and anger on the black side, caused by the manner in which FW de Klerk and his foundation handled the debate, show that there is unfinished business about the past.

Our declaration is a spontaneous reaction of people who feel that they, as beneficiaries of apartheid, can no longer be silent.

It was not an attack directed at De Klerk and his foundation. They were not even mentioned. It arose out of a genuine conviction to reach out to fellow citizens whose wounds have been ripped open again, with an unqualified admission that apartheid was a crime against our people and to offer a genuine apology.

We are surprised by the positive responses from all sides. People are offering to add their names to the declaration. We are developing a website where people can join in solidarity with the declaration. We want to channel this positive energy to bring our people together and to take our country forward.

We do not want to remain in the past, but we also do not want to be burdened by the weight of unfinished business as we go forward.

There is still widespread goodwill in SA that unfortunately only manifests during events like world cups. We must make that goodwill part of our everyday lives.

Dawie Jacobs, Sterrewag

Get creative in funding UKZN

The most revered academic institution in KwaZulu-Natal, the University of KwaZuluNatal (UKZN), has been in the media spotlight as a result of the chaos that erupted on the various campuses, leading to the destruction of property and the suspension of academic activities.

The issue regarding the historical debt of students is a threat to the survival of this first-class institution. The university must look at other sources of income.

UKZN in conjunction with the eThekwini municipality should construct a first-class port city campus. It could run courses similar to those offered by the world maritime institute in Malmo, Sweden. It would attract students from Africa and beyond. Besides a college, the port city campus should house a five-star hotel with a helipad to be used for Durban city tours, and recreational facilities such as yachts to generate extra income.

UKZN’s research-based courses have contributed to its being named the no 1 research institution on the continent. Many African students have benefited from this flagship project. The establishment of a fee remission beneficiaries’ endowment fund will enable alumni of this great institution to help sustain this great initiative.

What about an annual “UKZN for Africa” conference to trumpet this noble idea? The proposed conference will attract the likes of great researchers, educators, education ministers and heads of missions from countries that the majority of the fee remission beneficiaries hail from.

And what about an agreement between the UKZN management with the major soft drinks bottling companies to offer special discounts so that the university earns a cent from every cold drink bought on its campuses, to assist needy students?

I am highly optimistic that with the right policies and ideas, UKZN will stand tall and still be counted among the top 3% of universities on the planet.

Ebenezer Frimpong, Durban

Passing PCs to those who need them

Governments as well as the private sector and civil society have an important role and responsibility in the development of a people-centred information society, by getting involved in the diffusion of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.

In line with organisations that advocate for global connectivity, I commend asset managers at the Gauteng Provincial Shared Service Centre of the department of agriculture, land reform & rural development for embracing the challenge by utilising their assets disposal management policy to register nongovernment organisations, schools, churches and other grassroots organisations on the department’s database so that they can be eligible to receive second-hand computers from the department.

For me this is not only the true meaning of Batho Pele but it is the department’s call for all government entities to follow suit in creating a conducive environment to overcome underdevelopment and embrace the fourth industrial revolution.

Themba Mzula Hleko, Pretoria

Rural schools lack sports facilities

The absence of proper sports facilities in our rural schools is impeding transformation. In ideal circumstances, talented athletes advance from school sport to community federations and eventually to the elite level.

We can organise workshops for teachers or sports facilitators but without proper school sport facilities we are failing to plan and planning to fail.

We don’t just need soccer fields. We need tennis courts, basketball courts, athletics tracks and proper facilities for cricket, netball and rugby in rural areas.

The municipal infrastructure grant, intended to build sport and recreation facilities, needs to be allocated to rural school sports facilities to enhance transformation in South African sport.

Vusi Masilela, Kwa-Mhlanga

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