People have lost their jobs – but it is their votes that count
MY FIRST reaction to the article in last week’s Sunday Tribune, “Chemspec workers’ black Friday” was one of empathy and sadness. The liquidation of Chemspec is not only an economic tragedy for the city, but also a major dilemma for those who have lost their jobs.
The shutting of the doors of a major company that employs 400 people means heartache and suffering. The adage “here today, gone tomorrow” is so indicative of the times we live in.
This must surely sound the alarm bells that while some businesses appear to be thriving, nothing is guaranteed in a transient world.
My sadness became anger as I read the end of the article. ANC ward 16 councillor Simphiwe Mzimela’s greatest concern about this horrible situation is next year’s local government elections. “To me this is a political crisis and we will lose lots of votes,” he lamented. Is this a man serving the interests of the people?
But we should not be shocked. This is what the ANC has become. When people’s lives are being decimated by economic woes, their prime concern is how to hold on to power and retain votes. This epitomises the value citizens have become to the ANC – a ticket to power only.
It is a travesty that in a desperate situation, an elected servant of the people shows scant regard for their plight, but rather bemoans another “impending tragedy” – a loss of votes.
Chemspec must be a stark reminder that this could happen to anyone and any company, and I truly hope that the workers who are now jobless will be able to secure other employment to keep the home fires burning – even if their votes do not count anymore.
NARENDH GANESH
Durban North