Database update a ploy to create new jobs

WHAT nonsense is eThekwini asking us to swallow now (“Ratepayers face lights switch-off”, The Mercury, July 28)?

They are threatening to cut off our lights and water if we do not cooperate in enabling them to update their new database. Why is this? They already have all this information. Does the Rates Department not share their information?

We all know that in order to transfer property to new owners we have to get a rates clearance certificate to submit to the deeds office. On that rates clearance application, the name of the seller and the new purchaser is compulsory so, hey presto, all the information they require is there!

The necessary information is then entered on the rates roll, or at least that is what is supposed to happen, but how long this takes is anybody’s guess.

Owners of property are now liable for any tenants’ outstanding rates, electricity and water accounts so they do not need to know if the property is rented. How can we supply false information?

Why must we now have to apply for this rebate that was formerly automatic? It is obvious that a lot more people will have to be employed to attend to the huge influx of applications.

Methinks it is a ploy to have “a good story to tell” when the ANC has to account for the number of new jobs they have created. Do they think we are all idiots? H CALDWELL

Bluff

SA can help end the Mideast conflict

PEACE-LOVING people all over the world are exploring ways to assist Israel and Palestine to bring an end to the confrontation that has claimed too many lives.

Former National Party (NP) government officials and ANC members who were part of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) talks can help the two nations bring an end to this violent conflict.

The NP realised – even during the days of the “total onslaught” – that talking to the liberation movements (those in prison and in exile) was the viable political solution to end our conflict.

As a result of those negotiations, political prisoners were released, liberation movements were unbanned and exiles returned home, levelling the playground for Codesa talks that eventually led to the democratic elections of 1994. This would not have happened if both sides did not realise there was a need to talk to the “enemy”.

It would be good if South Africa could put together a delegation made up of the former NP government and the ANC to assist Israel/Palestine to negotiate.

Such a delegation would have the necessary experience and expertise required in a conflict situation like this. The belligerent parties (Israelis and Palestinians) can learn something from our experience that can assist them to find a workable political solution. BONGANI DUNYWA

Ntuzuma

Proud of Sloane’s salvage operation

“ALL stop. Finished with engines.” As the derelict cruise liner Costa Concordia made its final port of call outside the harbour of Genoa on Sunday, it marked the end of one of the greatest maritime salvage efforts.

The raising and removal of the wreck by South African salvage master Nick Sloane has been hailed as a great engineering feat in maritime circles around the world. The four-day voyage from Giglio to Genoa was completed without incident, in spite of fears that it would end in disaster. Worries concerning a major ecological incident en route to Genoa proved to be misplaced.

Earlier, the Italian environment minister chided his French counterpart to have more faith in the salvage team and allow them to get on with the job. This they achieved with sterling results and marked the closing chapter of an odyssey that began months ago.

As preparations get under way to begin scrapping the ill-fated cruise liner, the final curtain has yet to fall on this senseless and avoidable tragedy.

The committee and members of the Ship Society of South Africa join many in the maritime fraternity in congratulating Nick Sloane and his team on a job well done. We are all immensely proud of your achievement. Proudly South African!

TIMOTHY KENYON Chairman: Ship Society of South Africa

Cape Town

Swop astrology for science column

IT IS a sad reflection on the mentality of the general population that most newspapers (including The Mercury) find it worthwhile to publish a daily astrology (horoscope) column, while there is no significant demand for a daily science column.

About one in four Americans still think the sun travels around the Earth and one in three do not believe in evolution. Some US presidents have even been known to consult astrologers about affairs of state. The situation is probably no better in this country.

Even at the most fundamental level, the scientific ignorance of the general population is astounding.

It would be a step in the right direction if the media would stop lending support to fantasies such as astrology and other delusional belief systems and, instead, tried to instil some basic scientific literacy into the general population. GAVIN PECKHAM

Empangeni

Comrades, we must run towards change

WHENVic Clapham established the Comrades Marathon on May 24, 1921, it never crossed his mind that that dream would outlive his life.

The race is approaching its 90th anniversary and it’s imperative for organisers and ardent runners to inject it with fresh ideas that will enable it to remain relevant, stand the test of time and witness the dawn of the 22nd century.

One way to ensure the race adapts and moves with the times is to summon former champions like Bruce Fordyce, Alan Rob and Frith van der Merwe.

These runners know the race and have a prodigious interest of the Comrades at heart. No one should expect the Comrades of the 21st century to be run and organised in a similar manner to that of the 1990s. The race should adapt in innovative ways. Baby Comrades races need to be introduced to enable more upcoming runners to be determined and ambitious in running the ultramarathon.

Change is inevitable like death and getting old, and no one should be afraid of it. It is through accepting it that people develop. THEMBA J NKOSI

Newcastle

‘Shalloway Road’ is littered with potholes

WHEN the bridge over Inanda Road was damaged several months ago, Galloway Road in Hillcrest became the main detour route or access road for traffic going from Hillcrest to Waterfall.

This increased traffic, including heavy vehicles along Galloway Road, has caused the road to deteriorate to such an extent that there are more potholes than tar.

The worst part is that the road authorities have done nothing (at the time of writing) to repair the situation, and there is a real danger of motorists veering on to the wrong side of the road (or damaging their tyres) to avoid the potholes and thereby increasing the chances of a collision.

In the circumstances, Galloway Road should appropriately be renamed Shalloway Road, due to the shallow potholes that make up this now dangerous road. CLIVE GEORGE

Hillcrest the polite from the lazy – it takes effort to stand up, give a bit of eye contact and wobble your arm up and down.

For anyone with a dash of imposter syndrome, handshakes are a quick way to feel equal to and be accepted by scary-looking, suited important people when you feel so inferior you may as well be wearing your pyjamas.

Handshakes are an antidote to the awkwardness of greetings, a standard in a sea of ambiguity and uncertainty. I’ve had many what-Ithought-were-going-to-be-hugs-buttheending in someone kissing the side of my head in a one-way hug.

There is no valid alternative to the handshake. People hold out a fist or hover a hand in the air, expecting you to reciprocate their juvenile greeting.

We feel obliged because people can spot a hanging fist bump from miles away, and if you leave one hanging they’ll look at you as if you have just dropped a baby.

A handshake is discerning and understated – more importantly, it’s easy to reverse or style out into a glance at your watch (people who shake hands are the kind who wear watches).

If a fist bump goes wrong you could end up winding someone.

Barack Obama, the coolest person since The Fonz, is known for fist-bumping.

How are we mortals supposed to live up to that? I can barely pull off trainers.

There is an alternative: scientists say a weak handshake is better than a firm one, and could still lower the spread of infectious diseases. It’s just a shame that limp handshakes are worse than a bad kiss.

I don’t want to lose the handshake, even if it means wearing plastic gloves or lubricating ourselves up with enough antibacterial hand gel to perform an ultrasound. Please, anything – just don’t make me fist-bump. – The Independent