So the Ekurhuleni municipality has launched a job creation project – something along the lines of R1-million per ward or municipality.
In theory this is a great idea, but let’s be realistic here – R1-million is hardly a large amount of money when it comes to upliftment. Over and above the salaries paid to the aspiring workers, we have the kick-backs, take-backs and ‘greasing’, all of which must come out of the same budget. Eventually, not much will be left for the poor folks trying to become economically active.
I must commend the municipality for the fundamental basis of this idea – poverty alleviation and job creation, a notion I whole-heartedly support and encourage.
But am I just being overly negative here? Perhaps I am, as a result of being over-tired, bugged by the usual repertoire of road-hogs, faulty traffic lights and e-tolls. I just cannot shake the notion that the money allocated to this project will disappear, like so much money before.
Nearly every day we read about money which has been lost, ‘mis-administered’, wrongfully allocated or sent to Nkandla.
Let’s not beat about the bush any longer – the money was stolen, is being stolen, from the very people who so desperately need it.
I do not intend this to be an indictment on the handful of non-corrupt, hardworking, honest councillors and ministers. We all know there are roughly four or five of these types. The Prince of Nkandla made sure the rest were replaced with buddies, friends, family, long-lost cousins and comrades. Perhaps I just wish some of the money pilfered would find its way to my bank account. I’m not greedy, R10-million would suit me just fine. I mean, what would R10-million be out of the R200-million or more spent on Nkandla? The loss of a second fire pool perhaps? Or maybe the loss of the amphitheatre? Oh, wait, it was stepped reinforcement to prevent erosion. Just like the chicken run which will prevent intruders. Old JZ must be keeping some wicked chickens over there.
The culture of corruption has spread so far and wide throughout our country that I despair of it ever being rooted out and solved. I fear we are reaching a point of no return in the growing tide of corruption. Need more evidence? Just take a look at all the filth coming out about the SABC.
With the high level of corruption, it stands to reason that crime is going to grow. Just take the marvellous suburb of Bedfordview. Recent events have had residents most concerned. I do say, many now fear leaving their fortresses for that imported salmon or caviar.
This fear was created by the actions of one man (we all know who). But whether this man is or is not just a simple (and honest) businessman, one cannot deny that bombs are hardly the best way of encouraging investment. Although, perhaps they are – just ask the USA and a certain Mr Bush. The USA’s B-52 strategic bombers have been delivering many payloads of democracy to countries in the Middle East.
But this brings me to a certain Prince Sam guy, who is the focus of some rather interesting allegations from the Rapport newspaper. I hope he reads this and takes the time to contact me, as I would love an interview with such a colourful individual.
I digress (as usual), so let me return to the main focus here. With so much being printed about the corrupt actions of those in government, is it possible to really become positive about any initiative?
I hope I am proven wrong and that the latest poverty alleviation project takes off and benefits many of South Africa’s poorest. I hope I am proven wrong, and that no money gets ‘mis-allocated’. We have had so much negativity lately, what with the e-tolls and the Proteas being soundly thrashed by the Australians, that we could do with some positivity.
I guess one upside is that the Lions beat the Cheetahs a week or so ago. And my team (the Sharks) beat our arch-foes the Bulls.
I think I am just really concerned that e-tolls are going to remove what little disposable income we had left, which could have been invested in poverty alleviation and job creation projects. It’s pretty hard to market Johannesburg as a good investment vehicle right now when so much money will be spent by a company on e-tolls alone. But hey, what do I know? I’m sure Sanral thought of this.
