Media criticism of DA leader unwarranted

THE voters expect, and indeed are entitled, to demand political parties, especially the official opposition, have sensible policies, advice and criticism of the government. It helps to know what you are talking about.

It has been dumbfounding to note criticism of opposition leader John Steenhuisen’s visit to Ukraine. The government makes such a mess of most areas of our national life it earns a constant barrage of criticism.

Therefore, one realises that opponents of the DA – especially the media – grasp almost any opportunity to say something nasty about the opposition, doing so in pursuit of “balance”.

Steenhuisen speaks on most areas of government. His shadow ministers and the chief whip must do the same. He heavily criticised the presidential response to Ukraine. Ramaphosa all but came out on the side of President Putin, doing damage to South Africa’s international standing. The democratic world sees our country for what it has become under the ANC: in love with every dictator in the world and seldom on the side of human rights and democracy.

The complaint on social media (by opponents of the DA) is Steenhuisen should stay in Cape Town, resolve problems there (in what is the best run Metro in our country) and be informed by journalists about Ukraine. One journalist worried about the DA using its funds collected from donors to go to Ukraine. I’d bet she would rather die than give money to the DA. You would think she might have commented about the totally refreshing use by the DA of its funds, rather than swanning around Africa and the world to every important and unimportant conference and meeting using taxpayers' money, as the ANC does.

One usually sensible former editor wanted Steenhuisen to pay for journalists to visit the Cape Flats because newsrooms do not “have the funds”. About a litre of petrol would enable the press contingent in Cape Town to go and see for themselves.

Others thought the DA leader had a cheek to see for himself instead of relying on war correspondents for information. The extent of the propaganda churned out escapes them: Victories and defeats are claimed with justifications for killing thousands of innocent civilians and millions of fleeing civilians – not soldiers.

Putin apologists constantly use social media to blame Biden, the West, Europe, and the “Nazis” in government in Ukraine.

Instead of the opposition leader addressing Parliament and the nation, having some personal knowledge and insight after going to see for himself, one should perhaps suggest that critical journalists should address the National Assembly and the country from the heights of their superior vision and knowledge of international affairs.

Many people have not grasped the huge change coming in South Africa. The ANC government is on the skids in a big way. It is likely to be turfed out by the voters. There is a strong possibility of a new centrist coalition governing us from 2024.

One hopes the people in the government will have the foresight and courage of John Steenhuisen to help steer us in an enlightened, democratic direction with policies framed in terms of realities, personal experience, knowledge and what the interests of the country demand.