Duvenage, who received a certificate of appreciation at the meeting for championing the fight against e-tolling, told guests that government refused to listen to anyone opposing the user-pay system. He also indicated that courts seemed unwilling to judge on matters related to law making. Reports have since suggested that e-toll gantries would be switched on before the end of the year.
The eloquent and humorous speaking, Jansen received the achiever of the year award from the Rotary club for his fearless criticism of unworkable education policies, and his outstanding achievements as vice-chancellor and rector of the University of the Free State.
In his acceptance speech, he mentioned that problems being experienced in the education sector were attributable to a weak government. Instead of providing every child with a roof over their heads, book and competent teacher, Jansen said government tended to complicate matters.
The e-toll saga has turned into something more than plain service delivery and citizens need the courts to look into all arguments.
In essence, South Africa has a weak and indecisive government that refuses to listen to its people. It also tends to complicate matters when the way forward seems straightforward.
The courts, in an acknowledgement of looking after the hand that feeds them, are helpless against the monster that is government.
But people get the government they vote for and deserve, and the polls are a few months away.
