The curse of our no-care society

Zululand examples clearly illustrate why nation-building in South Africa still has a long way to go, writes CARL DE VILLIERS

Economic and political aspects are vital components of any nation-building strategy - something South Africa is still deeply immersed in since 1994. Yet, without the active and committed support of society, the rebuilding processes, public relations plans and marketing initiatives all come to naught. Individuals and communities are central to the re-establishment and maintenance of order, as well as promoting peace and goodwill among people. A healthy social fabric is the critical binding factor to ensure progress - as opposed to destructive actions steering us ever closer towards the abyss. So far, generally speaking, South Africans are failing. Scratch beneath the surface of all the superficial feel-good trumpeting and one finds a disturbing trend of unproductive and unethical social behaviour, stripped of moral values. Examples abound, but three instances we reported on in Zululand over the past week serve as verification. Residents of an Empangeni complex complain of non-stop drunken parties at a neighbouring complex housing Ngwelezana Hospital staff. After their all-night booze binges, they go straight to work attending to ill patients expecting professional care.

Dismissive attitudes
In this issue is the story of a frantic mother rushing her baby who battles to breathe to a nearby Mzingazi clinic. She is told to join and wait in a queue. The CPF chairperson says there is a distinct no-care attitude among the medical staff there. Even sickly old pensioners who deserve respect are treated like dirt. These are frightening stories. Do nurses comprehend their responsibilities when they solemnly stand with their lit candles at graduations reciting well-meaning oaths of serving the community to the best of their ability? A letter writer tells the tale of police at a City station not in the least interested to deal with their case after her mother was attacked and robbed. One excuse was a shift change was imminent and in the words of one officer on duty, ‘Even if someone was being murdered and asked for help, they would have to wait for the shift change before anyone would help.’ It is such despicable attitudes we find throughout our land that is bedeviling our hopes for the future. Government can throw all the billions they like at boosting body counts and higher salaries. But until all responsible parties start kicking butt and enforce ethics and productivity in the workplace, we’ll remain on the road to nowhere. Money doesn’t buy loyalty and commitment - moral values do. Are they teaching this at our schools?

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