The one thing my sons don’t miss about SA

Both our sons have emigrated against their will, with careers ending in a cul-de-sac called affirmative action.

Not a day goes by they don’t long to be back in the land of their birth. They miss the interchange between typical South Africans with their diverse and distinctive accents. And the unique humour of their country’s indigenous peoples. They long for physical contact between family and friends.

And of course, the weather, koppies, mountains and sea with pristine beaches – and not forgetting the magic of the Karoo.

But one element they don’t miss is South African politics.

For starters, the non-education system in which pupils are on the way to an unsettled future without experienced mentors.

Our boys don’t have to listen to and be irritated by politicians who lie, cheat and plunder without being fired or jailed.

Where they are, ministers are fired – often resigning on their own accord – when caught out for the slightest (in our book) demeanour. Here, a former president is still calling the shots. despite ruining the country.

In their new-found countries, basic services like transport, postal and electricity actually work. Here, trains and buses are set alight with daily shoot-outs between taxi owners. Air transport has ground to a halt. Power outages are an accepted practice with only a smattering paying their electricity bills, while thousands of illegal users get away with it.

The son living in New Zealand compares political leaders. There, they boast with their first woman prime minister.

“She might not be an oil painting, but oh boy, what she says goes,” he said. “There’s no waiting for things to deteriorate – emigration a good example – but she acts immediately. When terrorists struck recently, she put a stop to migrants landing in boats. Only immigrants who add value to the country are welcomed with open arms”.

The ANC is not only divided within its top ranks, its leaders, with one or two exceptions, maybe, are punching above their own weight. They lack experience, intellect and logic.

They fume, flounder and fail, leaving a trail of debris of no use to the citizenry. And remain unaccountable while earning inflated packages.

Cliff Buchler.

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