Logic demands that sugar should join the banned list

The petty bans on alcohol and cigarettes have quite rightly infuriated both addicts and moderate consumers alike. A famous judge once noted that an individual has “an inalienable right to make a fool of themselves” and this could probably be extended to having “an inalienable right to kill yourself”.

Let us examine the issue of tobacco. It is being banned because Covid-19 has been classified as a respiratory disease and it is no secret that smoking causes lung disease and that heavy smokers are at higher risk.

A number of things — first, it is increasingly evident that Covid-19 deaths are triggered by a second-wave cytokine inflammatory “storm” that can trigger strokes, cardiac events and organ failure that may not be unduly exacerbated by being a smoker. Of course it is better not to smoke, but tell that to the addicted.

Second, bans on sin-tax products always promote bootlegging and a flourishing black market that will be better established when the lockdown restrictions end.

Third, the fiscus is being torpedoed. SA was bankrupt even before the pandemic and cannot afford to lose tax revenue.

Fourth, it is nonsensical to link unruly behaviour and defying authority with cigarette smoking. Ask correctional facilities why they allow cigarette smoking in prison.

If the move to ban cigarettes was taken to reduce the health risk of potential Covid-19 patients, then the government should possibly also consider banning other products that increase risk.

What about a ban on sugar, which is well linked to obesity? Obesity is projected to be a leading cause of mortality in SubSaharan Africa. It triggers metabolic syndrome, which embraces conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that appear to increase the mortality risk in Covid-19 patients. Just imagine the furore if sugar was banned. And how many more foodstuffs and products could start appearing on Dr No’s banned list?

Last, the epidemiology of (very) moderate alcohol intake has been linked to better rather than worse health, but I can get it that the government feels some

South Africans are likely to go off the rails and act irresponsibly. Responsible citizens pay the price. I end this by stating I am a moderate drinker and a nonsmoker. Professor Kurt Sartorius, Wits University commerce, law & management/University of KwaZulu-Natal public health

In a zoo, lockdown is forever

Lockdown has given human beings a taste of how it feels to be living an enclosed life. It feels claustrophobic, imprisoned and restless.

That is exactly what animals go through in a zoo. What good does a zoo do except entertain humans who pay to watch animals and birds in distress? The environment for an animal or a bird is created [in its enclosure], however it can never match the natural environment in which they prosper. Moreover, conditions in zoos are pathetic.

Injuries to these poor creatures aren’t treated meticulously, more often they are ignored. Animals show signs of depression due to their imprisoned life. They pace, undergo social stress, are disturbed by irritating visitors. Numerous ones die prematurely.

We have no right to cage, kill, and torture any living being. It is time we lived in harmony with our fellow beings and stopped the torture of these creatures who can’t speak for themselves.

Constancio Fernandes, India

Column’s credibility gap

In his column, S’thembiso Msomi, “Of course we love Cuba like a brother” (May 3), uses Time magazine’s figures for “leasing health-care professionals” by Cuba. Last week’s edition of The Economist confirmed this: “Sending health professionals abroad generates 46% of the island’s export earnings, not to mention diplomatic prestige. (The state, for which they all work, keeps most of their foreign wages).”

In Sango Ntsaluba’s column, “As usual, white business is the first to benefit”, he states that white-owned companies are the winners from Covid-19. It would be beneficial if he defined the source of the information that classifies a company as being “white owned” or “black owned” and to which companies he is referring.

Is there a handbook issued by the government? If so, how often is it updated? Is there an app that analyses the shareholding of the company, as well as that of its foreign investors and the local finance houses and pension funds that make up the bulk of its shareholders? The Public Investment Corp falls into the last category.

Because of this, the credibility of the article is brought into question.

Ellis Mortimer, Northcliff

Still bothered, 46 years later

In 1974 the greatest rugby side ever to tour this country, the British Lions, went unbeaten during a bruising tour of 22 games. In the fourth test, which ended in a draw, flanker Fergus Slattery scored a legitimate try in the closing minutes. The try was disallowed by the South African referee, Max Baise.

This blatant error robbed the Lions of a historic clean sweep and a 4-0 drubbing of SA. The try was also scored in front of a South African linesman. Baise, according to match officials, also ended the game prematurely while the Lions were camping in the South African half.

During a recent interview on BBC, Gareth Edwards, one of the stars of the side, said it was a travesty of justice that the try was never awarded.

Robert Brown, Port Elizabeth

Write to PO Box 1742, Saxonwold 2132; SMS 33662; e-mail: tellus@sundaytimes.co.za; Fax: 011 280 5150 All mail should be accompanied by a street address and daytime telephone number. The Editor reserves the right to cut letters