EN PASSANT

AS A South African citizen I would like to express my concerns regarding the senseless killings, rapes, robberies, hijackings, muggings, bullying and the many other forms of anti-social behaviour that have plagued our country for many years.

I may appear to be apathetic or a pessimist but before anyone shoots me down, allow me to explain.

People rant on social media platforms, hold vigils, mobilise to march and shout at the top of their voices. Unfortunately, all this falls on deaf ears.

Just remember, if the law of the land does not change to punish serious and violent criminals with harsher sentences, there is no deterrent.

The government is turning a blind eye to our concerns.

Violence has become a way of life for some in South Africa.

Change is inevitable and the sooner the better. Mervyn Pillay Durban AFTER 42 years at the helm of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is finally calling it quits. We hope that this is not another publicity stunt like he has done before.

Forty-two years is way too long for one man to be leading an organisation.

When they say the future belongs to young people, that should be done in practice.

Young people must given an opportunity to lead or groom them to be better leaders.

The unfortunate part is that the IFP has no future in South African politics because of its founding principles.

Any party built along tribal lines is bound to fail.

We live in the modern era where tribalism has no space.

Let’s wish Buthelezi a happy retirement.

He has played his role in our country, both for the good and the bad.

Let’s hope he won’t be running the party from the grave and will give younger generations the space to lead. Tom Mhlanga Braamfontein