South African patients live and die in pain

 

Many ill South Africans live and die suffering from unnecessary and excrutiating pain. It is estimated that almost all HIV patients (96%) and more than two in three (70%) of cancer patients experience severe pain during the course of their disease because they do not have access to cheap and effective pain medication.

Morphine is a safe, effective and cheap treatment for pain, yet, many people don’t have access to it, and in fact, many South Africans die in agonising pain because it is not made available to them. “Pain, pain, pain. The last two weeks of that man’s life was just pain from beginning to end,” recalls Sister Delores Cano, a nurse at the Nightingale Hospice in De Aar in the Northern Cape. Cona had to stand by helplessly while a 49-year old cancer patient died in unbearable pain because the local health services refused to issue him with more morphine.

Nurses said South African doctors are scared to prescribe morphine and that they  have to put up a big fight to get it for their patients, often when they get morphine, the doses isn’t enough to cover the pain for long.

When a patient’s disease has progressed to a certain point, some medical professionals are of the opinion that they have done all they could and then stop treatment, often because they don’t want to spend any more money or resources on a patient who will day in a couple of days anyway. But Hospice nurses don’t work that way. The patient still needs everything. It is not in our hands to say he will die now, or die later.

Proper pain management is an issue not only in the rural communities of South Africa, but all over the country, according to Dr Liz Gwyther, CEO of the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA). Doctors have been taught that pain is a sign of something else, and in their quest to find and treat the cause, they often neglect to treat the pain, says Gwyther, who also teaches palliative care at the University of Cape Town. “They often don’t even assess the pain adequately.”

But there is hope for patients. A new law that will enable trained and registered nurses to prescribe scheduled medicine, including morphine, are expected to come into effect before the end of the year. This will mean that patients can be prescribed morphine at clinics that operate without doctors – as most clinics in the country do. Although this new legislation will put patients one step closer to accessing pain treatment, there are still more barriers to overcome.   

In 2009, at least 200 000 South Africans died while suffering moderate to severe pain, 111 307 of them without receiving any treatment for it. This is according to the Global Access to Pain Relief Initiative, who calculated these figures using South Africa’s cancer and HIV/Aids death statistics. These numbers therefore do not include traumatic injury, childbirth or other painful causes of death, and numbers are possibly much higher.

 

Even more alarming is that the number of cancer cases is estimated to double over the next 20 to 40 years, and the greatest increase is expected in low and middle-income countries, like South Africa. By 2030 it is predicted that there will be 26 million new cancer cases and 17 million cancer deaths per year. People with cancer and HIV equate the illness with pain, and many don’t realise that treatment for pain should be available.

In South Africa, morphine is on the Essential Drug Lists (EDL) for clinics, hospitals and specialists, which means that its use is widely recommended by the Department of Health and should be available in all healthcare facilities in the country. However, stock outs occur regularly in hospitals, and many clinics do not even stock it. When nurses ask the question why the clinic is not stocking morphine, the pharmacist will say the doctor is not prescribing it. And when they ask the doctor why he is not prescribing it, he will say it is because it isn’t kept in the clinic, revealing some of the rationalisations they have heard while investigating morphine shortages at clinics.

Barriers to morphine use

The stigma and fear of morphine among doctors and other health-care workers is so common that an informal quip was created to describe it: “Opiophobia”. Morphine is an opioid, a psychoactive chemical which has been used for centuries to treat acute pain. Opioids have also been found to be invaluable in palliative care to alleviate the severe, chronic, disabling pain of terminal conditions such as cancer, and degenerative conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Medical morphine is often associated with heroin, which is also a form of morphine and is highly addictive. However, various studies have shown that patients do not become addicted to morphine sulphate, which is used in South Africa for pain treatment. According to Gwyther, morphine sulphate doesn’t provide a feeling of euphoria. In fact “it gives you a kind of ‘out-of-it’ feeling that makes you feel stupid and sleepy – in fact, many people don’t like that aspect of it.”

But despite the scientific evidence, many doctors still don’t prescribe morphine out of fear that patients may become addicted, Dr Milton Raff, president of Pain SA said in a talk at the South African Medical Association’s conference last year. He believes this is the result of inadequate education about pain management and opioid therapy.

Gwyther also is of the opinion that many South African doctors are insufficiently trained in pain management and assessment. “When I was at university I was taught that that morphine is dangerous, but actually it is not a dangerous drug. Morphine is simple, easy-to-use, very effective and inexpensive.”The only time that morphine is dangerous is when it is given intravenously after an operation to someone who has never used it before. In these instances a single large dose can lead to respiratory problems. “And that is the only thing any doctor or nurse remembers about morphine: it is dangerous, it causes respiratory depression, and people can stop breathing.”

Another barrier to accessing morphine is the form in which it is available. In South Africa there are two types of oral morphine, a slow-acting tablet, and powder, which has to be prepared by a pharmacist and converted into a liquid that can be taken orally. “There is no commercial preparation available, so different strength solutions have to be compounded by pharmacists on a per-patient basis,” explains Andy Gray, senior lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. “Morphine oral liquid preparations will therefore not be available where there is no pharmacy service, which means many clinics and some community health clinics. The long-acting tablets are available in the state, but are expensive, and therefore access is limited to specialist clinics and services.”

Current legislation also hampers patients’ access to morphine. At the moment, morphine can only be prescribed by a doctor or dentist, with the result that morphine is not available at any health facility that does not have a doctor – which means most clinics. This creates problems for patients, like those being nursed in De Aar. The Northern Cape is vast and most of her patients live in rural areas and have to travel long distances to see a doctor for a prescription, often while they are sick and in a lot of pain. “The same legal restrictions prevent palliative care nurses from prescribing morphine to patients at home,” says Gray. “Also, all Schedule 6 prescriptions are valid for only one issue, limited to a maximum of 30 days’ supply, which creates another barrier for patients with ongoing needs for pain relief.”

There is however some light at the end of the tunnel. Revisions to the Nursing Act have resulted in new legislation that will allow specifically trained and licensed nurses to prescribe opioids and other schedule drugs. Having nurses prescribe medicine fits into government’s plan to shift tasks from doctors to nurses in order to fill the gap in health resources. Government’s initiative to have nurses initiate anti-retroviral treatment (ART) has been a good thing to piggy-back on.

“This will solve the problem [of access to pain medication] 100%,” says Cona. But she warns that many nurses, just like the doctors, are insufficiently trained in pain management and therefore fear the use of morphine. “If their skills are sharpened up, the problem will be solved. Solved 100%.”Once the new legislation comes into effect, nurses will have to undergo training and be licensed to prescribe opioids and other medicines. “Currently this will be an additional qualification for nurses,” says Gwyther. “It puts the safety net in place, and as nurses are more empowered, there will be more effective pain control for our patients.”

There is a problem, however. The Pharmacy Council’s current regulations specify that pharmacists can only dispense on a doctor or dentist’s prescription, and not on that of a nurse. A request has been sent to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to direct the Pharmacy Council to revise their regulations to allow pharmacists to dispense from nurses’ prescriptions. “In South Africa we need to loosen these regulations so that nurses can prescribe. The whole task-shifting concept is blocked because of an arcane law.”

Source: Wilma Stassen

Half of South Africans live in poverty

About 22 million South Africans live below the poverty line, fixed at R419 a month. Overall unemployment is mired at around 25 percent, but for the Caucasian population, it is closer to six percent.  Around half of the population (i.e. 22 million) live in poverty in South Africa. Most of them live in households that have no access to any kind of social security. But over the last decade, the government’s Black Economic Empowerment programme has helped foster a growing middle class. About three to four million people — or 10 percent of the black population — are now considered middle class. While the exact estimates vary, experts agree the number is growing and nearing the size of the total white population of 4.5 million, meaning South Africa has doubled the size of its consumer class. That makes a big new market of people who shop in malls, read magazines… and rack up debts. And because of the growing middle class parts of Soweto are now at the forefront of South African fashion. These new state-of-the-art malls in townships have brought a lot of shops” that were never there before, he said. Wine drinkers in South Africa are traditionally Caucasian, but the culture is starting to change as black wine researchers and consumers are growing.

In South Africa many things divide along racial lines. That includes alcohol consumption. For example wine. Wine? That’s what white people drink; while black South Africans favour beer or so it used to be. That is long gone. I see people sipping wine in comfortable lounge chairs.  

For too long wine has been seen as a white person’s drink. More than 95 percent of the country’s vineyards are Caucasian-owned. Almost all the wine makers are Caucasian. And most people visiting the dozens of vineyards near Cape Town are Caucasian. But South Africa’s black middle class has been growing steadily and more blacks can now afford to buy wine. Many of my friends are embracing the culture because it is our wines so why not tasting them before exporting it. People are appreciating it more and are collecting wines and going to wine farms, just enjoying the experience of just wine and the lifestyle that it comes with.

 Like South Africa, Africa’s middle class is a reality and widening by the day. It is a trend marked by changing lifestyles, greater spending power, more recreational time, the harnessing of technology and a new political assertiveness and cultural self-confidence.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) says Africa’s middle class had risen to 313 million people in 2010, 34% of the continent’s population – compared with 111 million (26%) in 1980, 151 million (27%) in 1990 and 196 million (27%) in 2000. I see the new African middle classes have smaller families, own their homes and have salaried jobs or small businesses. They tend to opt for private education and health services and send their children to overseas universities. Some are turning into conspicuous consumers, running up debts on credit cards like their counterparts in the west, eating western food and suffer from western diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, strokes, cancers and much more.

There are now more than 100,000 Africans with at least $1m to invest, according to Merrill Lynch consultants. This year’s World Wealth Report says the number of Africa’s super-rich grew by 11.1% in 2010 – faster than in any other region. What’s more, the report says, their combined wealth grew by 13.6% last year, to $1.2 trillion. having said all that, Some of Africa’s wealthiest are also philanthropists: Dangote gave millions to a fund for small businesses in Nigeria last year, and Theophilus Danjuma, an oil tycoon, put aside $100m for NGOs working in the country. According to a 2010 report from Barclays Bank, South Africa’s super-rich are among the most generous in the world – second only to those in the US.

I am troubled by the fact that very little has changed since and that my attempts to change this in my own circle of relationships have been largely fruitless. In South Africa the middle class is a very small proportion of the total population and although it is the overwhelming class among Caucasion people, it is still too small. With unemployment at about 28%, the number of the poor is much larger than the middle class.

In the mobilising efforts I have made, I have been astounded by the low level of consciousness about how to bring about change, how government systems work and what rights we have to demand better support and services from our government.

Yet, like the poor in their areas, they are disgruntled about poor leadership, weak government services, corruption and incompetence. It seems that unless we meet this disgruntlement with information on how they can stand up and be counted, challenge their government officials with complaints and advice, and establish their own community initiatives, there will be no change for the people of South Africa, where I come from.

The country’s Constitution provides for the fight against poverty in South Africa through social security:
“Everyone has the right to have access to […] social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependents, appropriate social assistance.” Well, it’s certainly not the first time that a constitution doesn’t become reality – it tends to be an expression of a nation’s ideals – but in this case, the country is quite far off that picture.

Source:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/may/05/one-three-africans-middle-class

Twenty Wealthiest South Africans

South Africa is among the world’s most unequal countries in terms of income distribution, and the gulf between rich and poor has only widened since apartheid ended two decades ago. But researchers have found a surprising change in the racial composition of the country’s wealthiest few: while a white minority still dominates the economy, there is an unexpectedly fast-growing number of wealthy black South Africans.

A study of South Africa’s richest 10 per cent — once almost exclusively white — found that today nearly 40 per cent are black, according to the University of Cape Town’s Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing and RamsayMedia.

A study of South Africa’s richest 10 per cent — once almost exclusively white — found that today nearly 40 per cent are black, according to the University of Cape Town’s Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing and RamsayMedia.

The Sunday Times Rich List, released today last year shows that the top 20 make up more than 70% of the wealth of SA’s 100 richest people – which stands at R152.72-billion.

Two years ago, the top 20 had a total fortune of R70.57-billion and the richest 100 R94.16-billion.

Most are much richer than is recorded, as they have other investments including cash, property, offshore investments and business interests which are not on the JSE.

The number of billionaires has slipped from 30 last year to 28 this year, but many of SA’s richest have increased their wealth, despite the economic crisis.

The Rich List is dominated by entrepreneurs, many of whom changed the face of their industries.

Seven of the top 10 are self-made, and those who come from family money have made even more than the wealth created by entrepreneurial parents and grandparents.

Patrice Motsepe, who for the first time tops the Rich List, has JSE-listed investments worth R22.99-billion, up from R19.91-billion the previous year.

This reflects his stakes in African Rainbow Minerals and Sanlam, though it excludes the value of his other investments, including Premier Soccer League club Mamelodi Sundowns.

A lawyer who went into business, Motsepe was ranked 336th on the Forbes list of richest people in the world this year, with an estimated fortune of $3.3-billion, about R23.36-billion.

He has ousted Lakshmi Mittal, who is not a South African but is on the list by virtue of his local shareholding in ArcelorMittal SA. Mittal’s waning fortune, of R20.87-billion, down from R21.5-billion the previous year, reflects that of his investment, the troubled ArcelorMittal SA.

In third position for the fourth consecutive year is Nicky Oppenheimer, whose family retains a 2% stake in Anglo American worth R11.1-billion.

The estimate of his wealth excludes the family’s 40% interest in De Beers, believed to be worth £2-billion. The family also owns SA’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Kalahari.

On the Forbes list, Oppenheimer is ranked significantly higher than Motsepe. Oppenheimer is the 136th richest person in the world according to Forbes, with a fortune of $7-billion (R49.5-billion), up from $5-billion last year.

Shoprite chairman Christo Wiese retains fourth position, but his fortune swelled to R10.73-billion, up from R7.3-billion last year.

He also owns wine producer Lourensford Estate and a private game reserve in the Kalahari.

Wiese, a lawyer who joined Pep Stores as an executive director in 1967, owns stakes in Shoprite, PSG Group, Invicta Holdings and Tradehold, but the bulk of his listed wealth is his 15% stake in retailer Shoprite, with a market capitalisation in excess of R59-billion.

Ranked 10th last year, FirstRand founder Laurie Dippenaar has jumped to fifth with a fortune of R5.2-billion, up from R3.05-billion last year with a larger stake in First Rand coupled with a rising share price .

FirstRand and RMB have also made fortunes for non-executive chairman GT Ferreira, in 10th spot, and former FirstRand CEO Paul Harris, who jumped from 28th to 17th position. They are worth R2.52-billion and R1.78-billion, respectively.

But FirstRand is not the only banking group to make billionaires out of its founders. Capitec, after a stunningly successful few years, propelled chairman Michiel le Roux from 26th to 14th position. He is worth R2.19-billion.

Capitec, listed in 2002, has taken away market share from traditional banks through innovations such as lower fees and opening on Sundays.

Capitec’s strong performance also helped buoy the fortune of Jannie Mouton, who made the top 20 for the first time. He is ranked 16th, and worth R1.98-billion. Mouton is executive chairman of PSG, which owns 34.6% of Capitec. Capitec CEO Riaan Stassen is ranked 58 with a listed fortune of R411.74-million; former non-executive director Tshepo Mahloele has R267.5-million, and non-executive director Chris Otto holds a stake in Capitec that contributes to his fortune of R238.1-million.

Billions have also been made by founders of businesses that gave consumers what they want in housing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Giovanni Ravazzotti, the chairman of Ceramic Industries and founder of Italtile, is ranked 12th with R2.42-billion. Ceramic Industries director Giuseppe Zannoni’s stakes in Ceramic and Italtile are worth R1.7-billion.

Aspen Pharmacare founder Stephen Saad is ranked eighth with a fortune of R4.27-billion and financial director Gus Attridge is 23rd with R1.45-billion.

Something of a “serial entrepreneur”, Saad was already a multimillionaire when he founded Aspen after a R2.4-billion hostile takeover of SA Druggists, running the business at first from his garage in Durban.

Discovery Holdings’ founder Adrian Gore is worth R2.1-billion and is ranked 15th, while director and co-founder Barry Swartzberg is 26th with R1.1-billion.

While the list includes many people wo have made their fortunes in the past two decades, the old money has got richer.

The Rupert family, ranked in fourth position in 2008, are now in sixth through the Rembrandt Trust, with wealth of R5.14-billion, significantly more than the R3.13-billion in 2008.

Johann Rupert’s wealth is listed separately. He is ranked 25th, with R1.3-billion. If Rupert and the Rembrandt Trust’s wealth is added together, they would be worth almost R6.5-billion, in 5th position.

Forbes, however, estimates Rupert’s wealth at $4.8-billion (R33.98-billion), making him the 219th richest in the world and second only to the Oppenheimer family in SA.

The Ackerman Family Trust, whose stake in Pick n Pay Holdings is worth R4.98-billion ( R4.6-billion) dropped one place to 7th.

The fortunes of Royal Bafokeng Consortium edged up with investments in Astrapak, Impala Platinum, Merafe Resources, Metair Investments and Zurich Insurance company now worth R2.48-billion.

Cyril Ramaphosa’s stakes in Assore, Bidvest, Mondi, MTN, SABMiller and Standard Bank are worth R2.22-billion, bringing him up to 13th position from 17th last year.

Resources such as coal and iron ore have made a number of people very rich in recent years.

Optimum Coal, SA’s sixth-largest coal producer, has six shareholders in the top 100 following last year’s JSE listing.

CEO Mike Teke is worth R608.3-million.

Among non-executive directors, Peter Gain is worth R515.4-million, Tom Borman R498.3-million, Mlungisi Kwini R432.4-million, Eliphus Monkeo R425.6-million, and non-executive chairman Sivi Gounden R387.8-million,

Exxaro, SA’s second-largest coal producer and a major supplier to power utility Eskom, has also made a lot of people rich. CEO Sipho Nkosi is worth R1.6-billion, followed by directors Vincent Mntambo (R914.9-million), Leonard Sowazi (R622.8-million) and Dalikhaya Zihlangu (R466.36-million).

Directors of Famous Brands occupy five of the top 100 positions.

Chairman Panagiotis Halamandaris’ 12.5% stake in Famous Brands is worth R437.4-million, deputy chairman Theofanis Halamandaris is worth R379-million, director Perikles Halamandaris R328.86-million and John Halamandres R261.51-million.

Hymie Levin’s stake in Famous Brands (along with Netcare and Adv-tech) gives him a fortune of R249.74-million.

Famous Brands CEO Kevin Hedderwick, meanwhile, is worth R47.6-million.

Altron chairman and founder Bill Venter has dropped from eighth in 2008, with a fortune of R1.89-billion, to 16th a year ago and 20th this year, with R1.64-billion.

His stake in Allied Electronic Corporation has remained the same but the value of the shares has dropped.

Source:

http://www.therichest.org/nation/richest-people-in-south-africa/

Taxpayer waste

The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is very disappointed by the findings of Auditor-General Terrence Nombembe’s report of financial irregularities, poor financial controls and poor reporting by departments in the 2010/2011 financial year end audit.

“We must applaud the good work being done by the office of the Auditor General and support his calls to prevent wasteful expenditure, improve supply chain practices and ensure adherence to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). FEDUSA is pleased that the Auditor General is keeping departments on their toes and has conducted investigations into the financial affairs of at least 23 departments and 48 public entities,” stated FEDUSA General Secretary, Dennis George.

FEDUSA fully supports the Auditor General’s report that recommends vacant positions be filled with competent staff in all government departments and public entities. The report continues to say that effective audit committees should be in place to ensure effective governance structures in the form of internal audits and risk management.

“Cadre deployment or appointments based on certain affiliations and general nepotism rather than skills and merit, has resulted in turning a number of municipalities and state owned entities into poor to mediocre institutions and political playing fields. A lack of performance management and monitoring combined with unwillingness or inability to maintain discipline has led to a number of many ‘well-connected’ employees becoming a law unto themselves. Non-compliance must have consequences and accountability must be enforced at every level,” commented George.

During its recent National Congress, FEDUSA members took a number of resolutions to combat the problems of poor service delivery and skills shortages within government run entities. Firstly, FEDUSA will urge Government to cease its policy of cadre deployment and combat corruption in local, provincial and national government so that the necessary services can be delivered to the South African people. Secondly, FEDUSA is demanding the filling of crucial vacancies in all tiers of government, supported by artisan development and vocational training programmes and thirdly, FEDUSA calling for the implementation of a coherent supply-chain strategy, supported by a technological solution as a long-term answer to effective service delivery initiatives and potential achievement of more value for every rand spent

Is taxpayer money well spent or wasted

Officials in government entities throughout South Africa wasted or misused almost millions of taxpayer money put together by Facebook Carala Viana. This is a very long list, but worth the time to read through. This list does not even mention the nepotism and all the tender corruptions! Someone has to pay for the upkeep, maintenance and improvement of our grand roads so that we can be proud of our roads when compared to the rest of Africa, BUT HOLD ON this ANC government and their petrol fuel levies has already been collecting vast billions over many decades for this exact cost. ANC appointees have indeed squandered and depleted the reserves intended for the poor and vulnerable. The ANC appointees pay themselves and award themselves multi million rand performance bonuses from the taxpayer money.

South African government tax-spending 

• Nomvula Mokonyane: More than R 2 million Refurbishing of her government house from the budget of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development.
• Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane []
• R 570 000 Seven month stay at top hotel in Pretoria for Nonhlanhla Mkhize and her assistant who were seconded from the KZN Premiers office to the Dept of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Former Minister of Women, Children & People with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya
• R 3.7 million A new official residence For National police commissioner Bheki Cele, though several less costly official residences were available in Silverton. National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele . Oct 2010 R 1.2 million Furnishing for National Commissioner’s ‘official residence’ National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele 

Here follows the long list of the taxpayer’s money wasting while the poor are getting poorer every day! And the government still blames poverty on apartheid, while busy enriching themselves!: R 2 million Refurbishing of her government house from the budget of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane  R 570 000 Seven month stay at top hotel in Pretoria for Nonhlanhla Mkhize and her assistant who were seconded from the KZN Premiers office to the Dept of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Former Minister of Women, Children & People with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya R 3.7 million.

A new official residence For National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele, though several less costly official residences were available in Silverton. National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele Oct 2010, R 1.2 million Furnishing for National Commissioner’s ‘official residence’ National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele. 

Oct 15, 2010 R 235 000 66 days at the 5-Star Table Bay Hotel by Minister Nathi Mthethwa and eight department officials The Minister also stayed in the Presidential Suite for one night and four body guards in luxury rooms for four nights.

Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa Oct 2009, R 2 million Prolonged stay at 5-star Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria while official residence was refurbished

Minister of Communications, Roy Padayachie,  Nov 10, 2010, R 32.4 million

Over R70 million spent on the President’s 5 official residences over the last 5 years. Jacob Zuma has presided over a large portion of this expenditure since 2009, which totals a minimum of R32.4 million. This number excludes staff salaries for the 5 residences which would add millions more per year. Department of Public Works

Cars – wasteful expenditure on luxury vehicles for politicians – R69 735 000 Cost Details Minister/ Department/ Entity responsible RDP Houses foregone R 2.4 million BMW 750is (X2) at a cost of R1.1 million each plus R150 000 on extras, including items like rear seat entertainment And a sports leather steering wheel

Dept of Communications, Minister Siphiwe Nyanda, R 1.7 million BMW 730d and Range Rover Sport TDV8

Dept of Education, Minister Angie Motshekga R 11 million

The Free State Provincial Cabinet purchased new Mercedes-Benzes for each member (11 in total) 10 Mercedes-Benz S500s and 1 Mercendes-Benz S600 for Premier Ace Magashule Free State Provincial Cabinet R 795 000 Mercedes-Benz S350

With extras Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Buyelwa Sonjica R 1.4 million BMW X5 3.0d and BMW X5 Si 3.0 with R202 000 worth of extras

Dept of Police, Minister Nathi Mthethwa R 1.3 million Mercedes-Benz S250 (X2) with R150 000 worth of extras each

 Dept of Science and Technology, Minister Naledi Pandor R 1 million Toyota Prada – R480 000 and BMW X5 – R550 000

North West provinces Moretele Mayor, Asnath Molekwa R 1.1 million BMW 750i

Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education R 740 000 BMW X5 Bitou Mayor Lulama Mvimbi R 795 000 Mercedes-Benz S350

Tina Joemat-Petterson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries R 760 000 Mercedes-Benz E500

Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health R 820 000 Range Rover HSE

Phumulo Masualle, Eastern Cape MEC for Health R 615 000 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI

Pemmy Majodina, Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works R 770 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Mcebisi Jonas, Eastern Cape MEC for Finance R 620 000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI

Sibongile Manana, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety R 580 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Dikeledi Mahlangu, Mpumalanga MEC for Health R 700 000

Mercedes-Benz ML350 Mohlalefi Mokoena, Mpumalanga MEC for Traditional Affairs R 845 000 BMW X5

Madala Masuku, Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements R 730 000 BMW X5

Pinky Kekana, Limpopo MEC for Transport R 880 000 BMW 740i

Boitumelo Tshwene, North West MEC for Agriculture R 900 000 BMW 735

 Mahlakeng Mahlakeng, North West MEC for Public Works R 900 000 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Desbo Sefanyetso, North West MEC for Housing R 875 000

Mercedes-Benz GL500 Johannes Tselapedi, North West MEC for Education R 795 000 Audi Q7 4.2

Grace Pampiri, North West MEC for Sports and Culture R 890 000 BMW X6

Gordon Kegakilwe, North West MEC for Local Govt R 1.5 million BMW 550is (X2)

Thokozile Xasa, Deputy Minister of Tourism R 720 000 BMW 550i Sedan

Deputy Minster of Arts and Culture, Paul Matashile R 1.6 million Mercedes Benz GL320 CDI for Pretoria office and Audi Q7 4.2 TDI for Cape Town office Deputy Minister of Communications, Dina Pule R 670 000 Mercedes-Benz E350

Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Enoch Godongwana R 900 000 BMW X5 4.8 with extras Dept of Water and Environment Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi R 1.2 million BMW 7 Series with extras Minister in the Presidency,

Trevor Manuel R 575 000 BMW 530d Deputy Minister of Human Settlements R 660 000 Volkswagen Touareg V8 4.2 Minister in the Presidency R 750 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Deputy Minister Minister of Trade and Industry Ntuli R 2.4 million Audi Q7 (X4)

Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform R 7 million Fleet of Mercedes-Benz cars including four E-class sedans

Minister of Defence Lindiwe Sisulu 2010 R 6 million Fleet of Mercedes-Benz ML 4x4s for traditional kings Eastern Cape Provincial Government R 2 million Six Mercedes-Benz E-class cars for members of the Zulu Royal Family KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government R 850 000 Two Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4s for members of Eastern Cape House of Traditional Affairs Eastern Cape Provincial Government R 1.1 million Three Toyota Fortuner 4x4s for executive members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Eastern Cape Provincial Government R 1.2 million

BMW 750i with extras Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane R 1.4 million BMW X5 3.0d and a Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI

Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi R 1.4 million Two BMW X5 3.0Ds

Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa 4 Aug 2009 [] R 1.6 million BMW 740i with extras, and Mercedes-Benz ML500 with extras

Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula R 2.3 million Audi Q7 4.2 TDi Quattro Tiptronic, Mercedes Benz S320CDI, Two Volkswagen Toauregs (X2) Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo Schiceka (and Deputy)  Oct 30, 2009.

Party – wasteful expenditure on parties, conferences and other events – R160 870 000 Cost Details Minister/ Department/ Entity responsible RDP Houses foregone R 10.6 million Inauguration party for Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Zweli Mkhize May 2009, R 7 million Opening of the Free State legislature Dept of the Premier, the Free State Provincial Govt June 2009 R 300 000.

A project launch celebration party Department of Rural Development and Land Reform R 350 000 End-of-year function for 150 department officials Minister of Labour Mdladlana Dec 2009 R 40 million National Police Day, involving the summoning of one out of every three police officers in the country to Bloemfontein. Minister has refused in parliamentary questions to confirm exact amount spent. R40m is a conservative estimate based both on figures made available to us by senior police officials. Minister of Police Jan 2010 R 920 000 Ten SETAs threw parties to celebrate the tabling of their annual reports: BANKSETA – R 104 709 , CHIEFA – R 47 485 , FASSET – R 235 885 , FOODBEV – R 16 500 , INSETA – R 9 513 , MAPPP – R 22 681 , MQA – R 150 000 , MERSETA – R 242 251 , SERVICES SETA – R 31 000 , W&RSETA – R 58 072 , TOTAL – R 918 097

Minister of Labour 2009 R 165 000 Performance of Lady Salsa – show to commemorate the establishment of bilateral relations between South Africa and Cuba. This included nearly R 20 000 of state funds spent on the bar and drinks vouchers, R 25 000 spent on the venue, and R 60 000 on purchasing tickets to the show for the 150 guests. Minister of Arts and Culture July 2009 R 2.7 million Trips by Armscor executives to international arms exhibitions with their wives staying at 5-star hotels and flying first class, while the SOE is in financial straits Armscor and Minister of Defence (2009) R 2.6 million.

 Several National Departments held unnecessary budget vote parties:

Arts and Culture R 223 281;

 Basic Education R 267 000;

 Correctional Services R 101 594;

 Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs R 67 768;

Energy: R 412 077;

 Health (two parties) R R65 639;

Home Affairs R52 365;

 Human Settlements R 114 184;

International Relations R 160 440;

Police R 56 695;

Justice and Constitutional Development R 24 323;

 Public Service and Administration R104 407;

Public Works R84 240;

Science and Technology R 33 000;

Social Development R 180 02;

Sports & Recreation R 105 000;

State Security R 41 558;

Trade and Industry / Economic Development R 43 000;

Transport R 461 228 = R 2 597 825

Various Departments June 2009 R 585 000 Womens Day Celebration in Soweto which did not benefit commuters Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA),

Dept of Transport R 350 000

End-of-year function for 150 department officials Jimmy Manyi, DG of Dept of Labour Dec 2009, R 5.7 million

Golden handshake to music producer Lebo Morake to walk away from World Cup opening and closing ceremony project City of Johannesburg June 2010 R 300 000;

 Party to celebrate executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa’s State of the City address and a gala dinner at the Pretoria City Hall Tshwane Metro Council March 2010 R 1.2 million

 Luncheon commemorating the re-opening of the Camden Coal Power Station, feeding 300 delegates (including President Zuma)

Minister Barbara Hogan and Eskom CEO Brian Dames R 83 million; The National Youth Development Agency’s anti-imperialism conference, sponsored by The Presidency (R 29 million) and National Lotteries Board (R 40 million) along with smaller amounts from the DTI and Arts and Culture.

NYDA, The Presidency and the Dept of Trade & Industry Dec 2010, R 2.5 million. Party thrown by SASSA for Jacob Zuma using RDP funds

Fezile Makiwane, head of SASSA 17 May 2009 R 2.6 million.

The DPSA spent R54 million on 22 conferences during the period 1 January 2006 to 30 September 2009. Within the first few months of the Zuma administration, it had already spent R 2 576 000 Dept of Public Service and Administration. 

Tickets– wasteful expenditure on tickets to sports events and other entertainment – R196 975 000 Cost Details RDP Houses foregone R 16.2 million World Cup Tickets: National Departments: International Relations (200 tickets) R 10 297 500; Science and Technology (12) R 25 200 , Tourism (180) R 1 127 129 , Trade and Industry (320) R 4 738 960 , Total (712) R 16 188 789 R 116.5 million World Cup Tickets: State Entities: Airport Companies South Africa (170 tickets) R 4 760 000 Air Traffic and Navigation Services (143) R 1 400 000 CEF Group (1 224) R 12 865 375 CSIR (20) R 314 991 Development Bank of SA (300) R 2 348 897 Denel (48) R 256 000 Eskom (1 080) R 12 273 518 GEMS (25) R 65 400 IDC (2 734) R 12 000 000 Mhlathuze Water Board (1 Hospitality box) R 1 900 000 NERSA (2) R 2 240 Onderstepoort Biological Products (12) R 24 000 PetroSA (1000) R 12 500 000 PRASA (4 570) R 10 800 000 Road Accident Fund (600) R 1 821 405 SAA (1 633) R 22 500 000 SABC (2 190) R 3 332 250 SAMSA (40) R 2 226 989 SAPO (800) R 800 000 Sentech (96) R 1 067 325 Transnet (962) R 13 344 209 Total (17 650) R 116 512 597 R 12.3 million

World Cup Tickets:

1. Provinces Eastern Cape R 280 000
2.  Free State R 6.8 million Gauteng R 4 million
3. Mpumalanga R 1.2 million Total R 12 280 000 R 20.7 million World Cup Tickets: Municipalities Johannesburg R 4.5 million (with paraphernalia) Mangaung R 15 million Mbombela R 730 000 Tshwane R 500 000 Total R 20 730 000 R 4.1 million World Cup Paraphernalia: National Departments Arts & Culture R 175,027 Cooperative Gov & Traditional Affairs R 4,231 Defence & Military Veterans R 22,900
4. Health R 964,764 Justice & Constitutional Development R 1,143,324
5. Mineral Resources R 30,000 Police R 386,725 Presidency R 84,994 Public Enterprises R 4,694 Public Works R 166,747 Science & Technology R 50,474
6. Social Development R 11,000 Sports & Recreation R 871,870
7. Transport R 144,781 Total R 4 061 531 R 21.3 million World Cup Paraphernalia: Public Entities Book, charge and REFUND then we talk and never the other way around !!!! REFRAIN from attempting to silence and close down such whistle blowers, reporters and journalists and your taxed South African citizens !!! R 32 million Cost of 10% of the value of a major housing project for cancelling contract due to inadequate research prior to awarding the tender Department of Public Works ~ R 35 000

The Gauteng Commissioner of Correctional Services undertook a series of trips of little or no relevance to her mandate as Commissioner. The trips included hiring a Mercedes Benz at a cost of R2 000 per day and attending the Grahamstown Festival. Department of Correctional Services;

Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: R 90 000 The North West Education Department spent about R90 000 to pamper their officials at a day spa

North West Education MEC Johannes Tselapedi R 3 million Sending a 200-strong delegation including councilors, a netball team, cultural ensemble, choir and soccer team to Lusaka to attend Zambia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Mayor Zoleka Capa of OR Tambo Municipality R 3.6 million VIP protection costing R 300 000 per month for ANC Youth League President Julius Malema from November 2009 to October 2010.

South African Police Service R 9.5 million Dedicated DoD VIP lounge at OR Tambo International Airport for use by Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, department officials and official guests. Department of Defence R 3 million Statue of Shaka Zulu for Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport KZN, Premier Zweli Mkhize R 1.5 million Statue of an elephant that was removed because it resembled the emblem of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) eThekwini municipality R 6.8 million 6333 traffic fines incurred by the SA diplomatic staff in London.

Dept of International Relations & Cooperation R 935 000 Paid to Queenstown education district chief education specialist Mzwandile Bula despite the latter failing to turn up to work for two years in a row Eastern Cape Education Department R 14.9 million Rivoningo Magazine (a SAPS magazine) 50 000 copies per quarter over 21 months, at an average cost of R37 per magazine.

SAPS: 15 Oct 15, 2010, R 160 000 Payment above and beyond the statutory salary of National Commissioner of Correctional Service, Tom Moyane Dept of Correctional Services,  R 11.7 million R11.7 million was spent on a cancellation fee for reserved heads of state accommodation for an African Diaspora Summit.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation R 155 000 Sponsorship of former Portfolio Committee Chair on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, on trip to China Transnet 7 Dec 10 [] R 76 million Four Department of Transport Conferences of which R 12 million was spent on VIP shuttle services alone Department of Transport

March 10, 2010, R 50 million Misappropriation of Parliamentary funds for personal expenditure on luxury homes and hotel stays Parliament

December 2, 2009, R 15.5 million The National Lottery, in probable contravention of the law, paid out a total of R15.5m to the Jazz Foundation of South Africa, even though the CEO of the Foundation – Mr Leabua (Oupa) Salemane – is also a member of the Lotto’s Arts and Culture Distributing Agency.

Department of Trade and Industry, Minister Rob Davies R 75 million For Presidential inauguration President Jacob Zuma 29 April 2009 [] R 23.7 million For defending department against lawsuits emanating from individuals being denied services.

 Dept of Home Affairs 12 Oct 2010 [] R 20.6 million Charter flights booked by the Presidency for former President Mbeki.  Presidency Mind-blowing stuff! There should not be one single person homeless or hungry in SA. Government HAS (or had) the money to help the poor!!! They will not get one extra cent tax money (in whatever way or means) from my purse before this out of control spending has stopped. No wonder government wants to silence the media they don’t want information like the above and the now pension fund scandal surrounding the e-toll system to leak out!! The above list is not even complete!!

Carla Viana

Rugby liefde

Die World Cup Rugby is aan die gang en ek kan nie ophou kyk na al die spele nie.  Ek hou van rugby. Ek hou van alle sport maar rugby het n baie spesiale plek in my hart. Dit was meer n apartheid sport  maar dit het nie saak gemaak nie.

As n kind het ons baie rugby gespeel met mekaar. Dit was goeie oefening gewees. As n kind het ek nie geweet dat rugby so controverial was nie. Ek was opgebring dat ek vir die All Blacks moet skree. Vir jare het ek alle oorsese spanne voor hande geklap. Dit is lank tyd gewees. Vandat ons land verander het, kan ek nie meer vir n ander land ondersteun nie.

Rugby is n harde sport vir groot en harde manne wat baie fiks is. Dit is a sport vir mense wat nie bang is om te val en aan te val nie. Rugby is anders as sokker waar die spelers altyd n bal soek. Hulle soek so bal dat hulle eintlik vuilspeel net om a vry bal te kry. Hierdie sport is baie anders. Dit is meer gevaarlike as sokker en ander sports. Dit is hoekom ek daarvan hou. Ek hou van gevaarlike kragtige groot gevaarlike Lomo type manne wat vir niks bang is nie. Hulle styl laat my glimlag.

Ek het groot geword op die strate van Beaufort West en in die pragtige Kaap. As n kind het my family met die radio geloop or gesit sodat almal daar rondom gesit het. Dit was wonderlik. Jare later het on TV gekry en toe word weer n sociale geleentheid waar ons almal sit en kyk. Ek onthou die dae toe ek nog n student was. Ons het groepies gevorm en rugby gekyk.

 Ek hou daarvan om rugby te kyk met vriende en n braai, met baie slaaie. Elkeen het iets te se. Dit is hoekom groot westryde soos die world cups en so aan bring mense nade na mekaar.

Ek het lank in Amerika gebly en daar het ek nie rugby or sokker gesien nie. Elke dag was dit net American football. Dit lyk soos rugby maar dit is nie. Ek sou graag baie meer na die sport gekyk het, maar ek so baie van die football nie, want ek verstaan nie die reëls nie,. Miskien moes ek dit geleer het om daarvan te hou. Ek hou nie van mense wat nie hou van sokker en rugby nie.

Daar is baie van die spanne wat special is vir my. Japan is n team wat nie opgee nie. Vandag is Japan uitgegooi deur Tonga. My hart is met Canada maar France het vir Canada gewen met 46-19. Canada is my hart, maar Suid Afrika is vir wie ek hoop.

Suid-Afrika se paaie is gevaarlik!

Suid-Afrika se paaie is definitief gevaarlik.Padongelukke eis baie onnoddige lewens. Ons mense gaan vroeg dood van iets wat prevent kan word. Hoekom is ons land so swak met die paaie. Waarom word daar nie ag gegee op die pleit van mense nie en waarom is daar nie respek vir die pad nie. Dit is asof die mense lawless gewod het.

Ons is nou weer naby die Desember vakansie. Dit is die tyd tydent en kort ná die Desembervakansie is die “slagting” op die paaie kort-kort weer n die nuus. Die minister van vervoer het gese dat meer as 1000 mense gemiddeld elke maand op Suid-Afrikaanse paaie sterf. Hy sê daar is jaarliks ongeveer 14-duisend sterftes op Suid-Afrikaanse paaie. Volgens hom plaas die meer as 50-duisend ernstige beserings weens padongelukke ‘n reuse las op die gesondheidsorgstelsel. Die minster se ook dat padongelukke kos die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie jaarliks 48-miljard rand. Ten minste probeer hy sy toespraakskrywer ook aandag daarop vestig. Ek hoop so.

Ongelukkig kan mens egter nie veel sien van wat gedoen word nie, maar darem besef die minster blykbaar dat dit nie slegs tydens Desember is dat die paaie onveilig is nie. Daar is baie redes vir die hoe sterftes op ons paaie, oorlaaide taxis is die groot oorsaak van meeste ongelukke en sterftes is. Ongelukke is ook groot in Suid Afrika omdat daar so baie onpadwaardige voertuie, “gekoopte” lisensies, patetiese paaie, dronk motoriste en voetgangers wat nie ag slaan op die pad nie. Voetgangers doen jaywalking as of die pad ook aan hulle behoor.

Ek vooel dat daar in SA te veel klem op spoed en drank geplaas word en te min aandag aan wetstoepassing en sigbare patrolering van paaie ens, verkeersmanne onder bome en spoedkameras is nie veel werd nie. Ons paaie is vol gate, potholes in nou die nuwe manier hoe ons paaie lyk.

In ’n ongeluk gisteroggend op die M5 naby Klipfonteinweg is ’n vrou dood toe ’n wit Opel-bakkie na bewering teen ’n hoë spoed in haar motor vasgery het. Sy, haar man en nog ’n vrou was in die motor toe die ongeluk net ná 11:00 gebeur het. Paramedici het op die toneel probeer om die vrou by te bring, maar kon nie daarin slaag nie.
In nog n ongeluk is ’n vrou is gister dood toe ’n taxi en Ford-sedan in Omurambastraat, Marconi Beam, van voor gebots het. Die motor het in die rigting van die stad beweeg.

’n Motorfietsryer is Saterdagmiddag dood en nog een is ernstig beseer toe hulle met ’n motor op die N1 naby die Paarl gebots het.
Drie vroue en ’n man het Saterdag in ’n botsing reg van voor naby Graafwater en Lambertsbaai gesterf.

Op die R27, tussen Silwerstroom en Yzerfontein, is ’n drie maande oue babaseun Saterdag dood toe ’n voertuig se band gebars en die bestuurder beheer daaroor verloor het. Mnr. Harold Williams, provinsiale verkeerswoordvoerder, het aan Die Burger gesê ’n 11-jarige meisie is Saterdagoggend naby Clanwilliam dood toe sy deur die wiel van ’n vragwa getref is.

Die bakkie waarin sy ’n passasier was, het onklaar geraak en sy het langs die pad gestaan. Die wiel van ’n verbygaande vragwa het skielik los geraak en haar noodlottig getref. Passasier en ’n taxibestuurder is gister tydens ’n botsing op die brug van die Eeufeesweg-afrit op die N14-suid in Pretoria meters van die brug tot in die bosse geslinger. Die is van padongelukke is oorweld. Ek kan blaaie vol skryf.

Sommige kere is die bystanders ook n probleme. Om nie eens van kaare te praat wat verby ry nie. Hulle rys so stadig en hou die verkeer op en veroosaak meer ongelukke. Ek het so paar maande terug, toe daar ‘n groot ongeluk op die N4 was net voor die N1 split, gesien hoe ‘n persoon die toneel met haar video kamera afneem, en doodstil staan in die regterbaan om dit te kan doen! En tot my skok kom daar ‘n ander taxi in haar in vasjaag, want altwee se oe oe was op die toneel en nie op die pad nie!

Die groot aantal padongelukke in Suid-Afrika maak motorversekering ‘n noodsaaklikheid. Min mense weet egter dat jy jou voertuig teen verskillende waardes kan verseker. Elk van hierdie dekkingsopsies het voor- en nadele. PSG Konsult Korttermynversekering verduidelik die omskrywings. Hie is hulle link vir die mense wat nie weet nie. Lees entire article on http://www.PSGKonsult.co.za

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http://www.psgkonsult.co.za/news/press/index.php?page=view_entry&var=161

Melwin Whitebooi

Ek was gisteraand bietjie morbied. Ou vriend, hardloopmaat, en iemand was soos my broer was is skielik dood aan ‘n hartaanval. Hy was nie sieklik nie en ek het ‘n week gelede nog met hom gepraat.

Hy is net so oud soos ek, bietjie ouer, 55 jaar oud, te skielik and te jonk. Dit is waar, Suid Afrika en Kapenaars het met groot hartseer verneem van die skielik dood van Mr Melvin Whitebooi. Mellie se dood is a groot terugslag vir die Wes Kaap en Suid Africa

Ek het hom in 198i ontmoet. Ek onthou die ontmoeting nog so goed. Dit was by die Joseph Stone Auditoruim toe ek vir die drama group Typro gespeel het. Die was wonderlike tyd want ons het een belangstelling gedeel – drama and musiek. Dan was daar die joernalistiek. Mellie was a regte Joernalis, uitstekende en hardwerkende een. As joernalis het hy by gewerk by Die Burger. Hy et daar begin werk. Daarna is hy oorgegaan na Rapport en met sy dood het hy gewerk by die Son. Toe ek hom leer ken het, was hy by die Ekstra Rapport.

As joernalis in die jare tydens apartheid het hy diep spore getrap. Deur noodtoestande, mediaregulasies, die UDF, die opheffing van die verbod op die ANC, die vrylating van Nelson Mandela … hy het baie in sy leeftyd gesien en baie gedeel met andere. Mellie was n journalis. Hy het gese hy het as a jong kind geweet hy will eendag skryf: “weet nie hoekom nie,” het hy gese.

Mellie was ‘n baie kosbare persoon. EK het hom gevra of hy nie asb self sy verhaal wil skryf nie. Hy het my uitgelag met sy sagte laggie. Hy het my geterg. Mellie het gese ek moet leer om te skryf, en dan alles in my journal skryf en dit vir hom gee as ek lande in Afrika besoek. Hy kon nie glo dat my lewe so uitgedraai het nie.

Melly het ’n fyn sin vir humor gehad. Hy was liefdevol, talentvol en stylvol. Mellie was n warm mens wat eerlikheid en weerloosheid met dieselfde onstag bejeen het. Soos een vriend dit gestel het: “’n Mens kon dit nie help om sommer net van ou Schef te hou nie.” Sy dood laat beslis n leempte. Ja, groot leemte in ’n gemeenskap waar hy bekend was as iemand wat altyd gereed was om ander te help. Die dood bevat a finaliteit en a skrikwekkende dimensie. Dit bring a gemis mee and laat a groot leemte. Mellie, jou vroeë heengaan laat a rou, maar ook wonderlike herinneringe.

Melly was n man van taal. Afrikaans was sy liefde. En vandag het ek nie die regte woorde in die taal wat hy so lief gehad het nie. Ek voel daar is nie woorde om te beskryf die leegheid in my hart nie

Mellie word oorleef deur sy vrou, Rose and twee pragtige dogters vir wie hy baie omgegee het. Ek hoop en bid dat gesond sal voel en voort gaan met die lewe. Ek weet julle hart voel swaar, maar die leegheid was weggaan. Dit neem tyd, en die tyd sal regmaak.

Liewe Mellie. Baie dankie vir die voorbeeld wat jy geleef het, jy is vir my ‘n inspirasie!

Andries Tatane

Ek is hartseer oor die dood van Andries Tatane.  Ek voel net so geskok en woedend soos duisende Suid oor die dood van Andries Tatane. Die man het net soos baie ander wat ek die laaste paar weke ontmoet het gekla van swak dienslewering in die Vrystaatse dorp Ficksburg. Dit is n nare gebeurtenis wat nooit in ons land moet gebeur nie, nie dit nie, nie deur swart polisiemanne nie, nie vir dienste nie.

Maak nie saak wat die polisiehoof se nie, daar moet n deeglike ondersoek ingestel word en die regte tugstappe moet gedoen word.
Die man was aangerand deur ses gewapende polisie manne! Hoekom het hulle hom nie gewond nie, waarom “shoot to kill.”
Dankie aan die SAUK wat die beeldmateriaal van die voorval uitgesaai en die gebeure veroordeel soos dit moet. Mense kla dat die SAUK dit nie moes gedoen het nie maar jare gelede het die SAUK geen probleme by die mense gekry oor die skietery van die AWB man tydens die eerste eleksie van die land 

Wanneer polisiebeamptes menseregte skend en mense sterf vir hul reg op basiese dienste, moet die gevaarligte sekerlik begin flikker dat ons afstuur op ’n mislukte staat wat nou al 17 jaar in beheer van die land is.  Wat n skande! Die regering het genoeg geld vir onbelangrike luukshede en twak soos partytjies en oorsese ryse, duur motors, huis opknappings en noem maar op, maar basiese dienslewering is heeltemal te duur vir hulle. Ek hoop die mense skrik wakker.

Kom ons kyk waar Andries Tatane bly. In Meqheleng is die strate ongeteer,  en vol slaggate. Sommige strate is niks meer as riviere van vullis nie, met onverwerkte rioolvuil wat uit gebarste pype vloei.  Die township het drie klinieke, drie hoërskole, vyf laerskole en duisende werklose mense. Daar is nie genoeg personeel vir die klinieke nie, dit is oorvol en sommige dae is daar geen medikasie nie.  Die mense is baie siek en niemand gee om. Die inwoners kan nie onthou wanneer laas  instandhoudingswerk aan die pype gedoen is nie of beplan is om te doen nie.

Dit is hartseer dat Andries se kinders nou sonder n pa moet. Laat ons hoop die man het nie verniet gesterf nie. Dit is hartseer om te dink hoeveel mense nog hulle lewe gaan verloor voordat iets gedoen gaan word.

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