On recent TV news, one of the ministers in our government, who was in attendance at one of the series of ‘meet and eat and blue label old boys’ club meetings’ made an interesting remark.
He stated that he had heard (from sources unnamed) that things had been better under the Apartheid regime.
I presume he was referring to a comparison being drawn between the Batho Pele experience we are enjoying now and that which was available to the general public back in our recent history.
Surely, Mr Minister, one would have done a bit of research, using some of your cadres, to find out just what had sparked this remark.
I have also heard similar comments from South Africans of all cultural backgrounds and ethnic groups.
Again to say, why would such remarks be made?
Is there legitimate evidence to bolster this statement based on present circumstances?
I did notice the minister looked totally confounded that how dare such be said about his country, the country that supports him and his family; the country that has gone to the dogs since we were gifted, at great cost to non-white South Africans, this ethereal commodity named freedom.
Unfortunately, freedom does not repair potholes, does not make the staff at the provincial clinic/hospital more efficient and less rude and certainly does not put a stop to maladministration and misappropriation of funds.
Freedom has responsibilities attached to it and these responsibilities are to be expected from our government officials.
So, Mr Minister, do not look so indignant. Go out there and do some engulfing and get out of your ivory tower of privilege.
TREVOR BARNES
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