I’M TIRED OF BEING TOLD WHAT I MAY DO

Our constitution is heralded as a great example of what it means to protect the rights of human beings. Yet now the government is telling us what to do, what we can and can’t buy, what we should or shouldn’t do and even to whom we may give money or food!

We’re asked to help others but hear about many instances where the rights of South Africans have been violated.

I’ve lost faith in the government’s ability to govern the country. Why should I do what they expect of me simply because it’s what they think is good for me? Graham, email

Having to live the way we’re living right now is difficult and can be more challenging for some people than others. You might feel that some of the restrictions and regulations are unfair, but keep in mind that none of us – the government included – has had to deal with anything like this pandemic before.

The government is acting on the advice of experts in various fields and there is a rationale behind each decision, even if it’s later been found not to be valid. Decisions haven’t been made with malicious intent. Figuring out how to guide the country through this crisis is a difficult and complex job, and mistakes will undoubtedly be made.

You have the right to criticise the government, of course, but it’s also important to try to appreciate the enormity of what it’s trying to do and that fact that this is new to us all. We all need to adhere to the lockdown rules in spite of how difficult it might be. The fact of the matter is that there’s a bigger picture here than our discomfort.