We must help those in need
TO ALL readers, a warm welcome to the blessed month of Ramadaan.
The holy month of Ramadaan is a month of compassion, love and forbearance. It is hoped that people around the world, irrespective of their religious beliefs and ideology, will make use of this month to further peace, especially by bringing an end to upheavals and warfare.
Ramadaan is also a month of solidarity for those who are suffering oppression, injustice, exploitation and poverty around the world.
It’s a time when we hear and answer the cries of the oppressed, exploited and suffering people.
Let us all spare a thought for those suffering political, social, economic, racial, ethnic and cultural injustices wherever they are. NASIFF KADER Pietermaritzburg
Time for Israel to negotiate peace
ISRAELI forces shot and killed 57 Palestinians and injured more than 2 700 during mass protests on Monday along the Gaza border, while a few kilometres away Israel and the US held a festive inauguration ceremony for the new American embassy in contested Jerusalem.
The Palestinian people have a right to be dismayed, if not enraged, by this move, which violates the spirit of the
1948 partition agreement that Jerusalem would be administered by an international impartial body.
If there is to be peace, then, Israel should replace the occupation with a UN peacekeeping force, bring home the illegal settlers, tear down the apartheid wall, and negotiate in good faith for peace. The result may be a renewed respect for Israel in the world community. EMMANUEL PEEK
Glenwood
Israel, US... when will the killing end?
ISRAEL’S killing machine keeps moving at the same time that Israelis and the administration rejoice in Jerusalem with the opening of the US embassy there.
Apologists for Israel will go to great lengths to excuse it from responsibility for the appalling treatment of the Palestinians.
They will blame the victims or other parties, such as Hamas. Yet, the real problem is the Israeli occupation and the apartheidlike policies of the state of Israel towards the Palestinians.
According to international law, the Palestinian people have the right to resist occupation.
Israel calls itself a democracy, yet 6million Palestinians in that country still have no rights, cannot vote and are now being massacred while the Trump administration celebrates in Jerusalem.
SATISH DULLAY
Johannesburg
Graft does not benefit citizens
I WISH to express my concern over the abuse of power and corruption in government.
In our 24 years of democracy there has been blatant corruption by officials put in place to manage our affairs and develop this country.
We have seen the privilege granted to some individuals to manage the affairs of this country misused and abused.
Dynasties have been created as some enriched themselves and their cronies while the people who elected them to serve have been neglected.
It is unfair for educated individuals with the right qualifications not to get the jobs they deserve due to nepotism.
With our Health Department under scrutiny every now and then, we can expect more to come.
We must find solutions to our problems such as crime, unemployment and poverty as they all undermine the development of our country and our position in the international arena.
We must stop officials who plan to get rich through government.
We need to take care in placing the right individuals who have the right mindset and qualifications to take this country in a direction that will be of benefit to every South African.
DINEO MABOE Kwamashu