Bullies pervert the concept of black excellence

One of the more important articles in your paper, Zimasa Matiwane’s “This is not how we reclaim blackness” (August 23), was hidden on the back pages.

I have watched over the years the way discourse in SA is often a matter of bullying and superficial analysis. Social media is often used not just to bully but to intimidate and shut down legitimate concerns.

Ms Matiwane hit upon a perfect example of this. She was right to uncover the bogus doctor, but did those brainless enough to intimidate her and call her a “sellout” really believe that posing and lying are commendable?

The idea of a bogus doctor being an example of black excellence is revolting. Did these same trolls consider, if one of their own was mistreated by this person and possibly suffered irreversible damage or even death, whether they would still be so proud of this blackness?

I think not. The health department has a lot to answer for, as well as those who suspected but said nothing.

This ties in with the corruption that is engulfing SA. Is it a sign of black excellence — these are not my preferred words but I need to use them in relation to the article — that tenderpreneurs, who act as middlemen and skim off money illicitly, drive around in fancy cars?

I think not. I have a higher expectation of excellence.

Under apartheid we were forced to seek excellence because it would be proof of our capabilities and a show of both our strength against the odds as well as proof that we really were all equal.

I would rather we go back to that mindset where real excellence and nobility of spirit were paramount. It gave us a dignity that no tenderpreneur or liar or thief will ever have.

It is time for society to take stock of what we celebrate and what we spurn.

It is time to call out the anonymous bullies and thieves. It is time that we look up to those who really are the epitome of excellence. And while we’re about it, should this not be about excellence without any mention of skin colour? Shouldn’t that be our starting point?

Under apartheid we had to work hard to prove our humanity and excellence. Let us go back to doing something similar. It’s not too late to inculcate better values and ethics because in so doing we turn our backs on those who besmirch and sully the struggle for liberation.

This will vindicate the Ms Matiwanes who expect more from us. Let us rather celebrate that.

Nina Hassim, Kenilworth

Tough questions for ANC

The Covid-19 pandemic requires firm steps to challenge, control and defeat it, but in SA billions are reported to have been used or taken unfairly in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This astonishing behaviour has left many asking whether the governing party still cares about the poor.

With the ANC or its leaders implicated in corruption, people are asking whether the party can change a society that is divided and impoverished.

I strongly believe that if the ANC is to restore trust among its voters and supporters, it has to take a difficult yet important journey to correct itself and deal with party members who have been found guilty of wrongdoing in dealing with state funds.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said a lot before his election but so far he has not demonstrated any real actions. So much wrong still persists.

There has to be action taken by the ANC and the government, especially by the president, against those who have wrongly obtained money that was meant to save and protect people, especially the poor.

Such people do not deserve to lead or to be in public office.

Surely there has to be a change of attitude and behaviour.

The ANC has a mammoth task to convince voters and to demonstrate its seriousness.

Time will tell if voters will buy its story. It will be interesting how the organisation responds to Ramaphosa’s letter where he has spoken harshly to party members on corruption.

The public needs to look at the response carefully and will scrutinise it with the highest interest.

Lonwabo Busakwe, Driftsands

Put crooks in jail, Cyril

State and private sector responses to the coronavirus crisis should include methods to prevent, detect and prosecute corruption.

Our president should act with transparency to avoid giving way to corrupt acts during the procurement of medical supplies and promote open and transparent contracting, prevent price gouging of medical supplies, and share information about all relevant processes.

The government should also monitor service delivery in the health sector, ensuring transparent procurement processes and management of funds.

It is time for our president to act and send people implicated in corruption to jail. As WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said regarding PPE corruption in SA: “It is criminal and it is murder. It has to stop.”

Hiresh Ramthol, Sandton

If it’s Ace, we’re doomed

Some brilliant articles in the Sunday Times (August 23): William Gumede, S’thembiso Msomi and Barney Mthombothi all hit the nail on the head. If President Ramaphosa does not show some backbone, Ace Magashule could seriously be our next president. Then God help SA.

Mike Manson-Smith, Noordhoek

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