Letter of the week
Teachers are out of touch
Teachers are the most important people because I believe if it was not for them, many people would not be who they are today.
I have respect for teachers and the job they do.
However, I think this ill-conceived action of striking proves they are out of touch and selfish.
Their pay is comparable to many other professions and although they work long hours during term time like many other professionals, they do benefit from significantly longer holidays than most people.
They have chosen to strike for more than two weeks, so how can they still claim to be dedicated to our children’s education?
I have listened to teachers defending their action by complaining about inflation, and the cost of living.
Do they think that they are the only people affected by the increased cost of living?
As a student, even if I am not affected by this action, I must say that I am highly disappointed by the teachers and alarmed by how out of touch they are.
NTHABISENG MAKHUTLA
Control protest marches
While protest marches are a way for people with grievances to express their feelings and make a statement, they must be done responsibly, taking route and time into consideration. It is usual for marches to take place in Central Business Areas (CBD) during the mornings. Why should the largest revenue earning area, the CBD, always have to suffer loss of earnings because:
• they are not responsible for the grievances or frustrations;
• when there is a protest march, customers leave town for fear of the consequences, and the CBD’s business is ruined for the day;
• crime increases during the marches as criminals take advantage of the unrest.
Protest marches should be held outside normal business hours with no protest marches through the CBD. They should be controlled, responsible and peaceful. While appreciating the efforts of all hands, both seen and unseen, there is a need to have ground rules which the union leaders sign and then take responsibility for a protest march including intimidation and threats. The eyes of the ratepayers are upon you.
FRANK DU TOIT
Facilities not up to scratch
I write this as a concerned tourist who often visits St Lucia.
The town is relatively safe at night and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, as many foreign tourists wander between the restaurants in the main street.
One Sunday evening we went down to the public jetty and wanted to go into the ablution block.
I was surprised to find that there were no lights and the whole area was in total darkness.
Surely this makes it dangerous for visitors and holiday-makers who fish and use the jetty.
The next day I went to the iSimangaliso offices to report the problem and whilst telling the receptionist about the situation, a lady who I assume to be the top official came out of her office and informed me that they would not be repairing the lights and I should take a torch with me next time.
Then she turned around and walked off. That isn’t what one expects from people in authority.
What happened to the plans for lighting the beach parking areas to make them safer for visitors?
Money has been donated to uplift the Wetlands, but nothing is visible in this area.
Even the road in that area, going down towards Sugar Loaf camp, which is supposed to have been resurfaced has been very poorly finished and is still uneven.
Do we just accept that what these people do is fine and nothing further will be done?
VERY CONCERNED -
Pretoria
Response from CEO iSimangaliso Wetlands Park - Andrew Zaloumis
Over the last decade there’s been several tragic crocodile and hippo encounters.
The large number of warning signs pays testament to this and use of the area after sunset and before sunrise is not encouraged by the Park.
To minimise the opportunity for negative animal encounters the use of a powerful and reliable torch is strongly advised.
The public ablution blocks on the estuary and beachfront are locked and have been locked over the past three years from 6pm to 6am.
These are locked to decrease the opportunity for loitering and opportunistic crime that goes with it, as well as to curb the unacceptably high level of vandalism that was taking place at night.
A heartfelt thanks
We would like to extend our most sincere gratitude for the support and compassion shown, as well as contributions given, by the community of Mtubatuba after the unexpected passing of Greg. It has been absolutely overwhelming. There must be few places left where people unite as you have done during this sad time. Greg would have been overawed with the generosity shown considering he loved to give for the sake of giving. Unfortunately we have not been able to thank everyone personally and would like to take this opportunity to do so now.
JANIE, KIRSTY AND BRONWYN BRASH
Who is to blame for the strike?
We never hear that our leaders are on strike. Does it mean they earn what they deserve because they are leaders, or is because of the qualifications they have. Perhaps it is because they increase their salaries by themselves without negotiating with anyone? Why do public servants have to fight so much to get what they deserve? These people play a big role to all of us as South Africans. Like for instance teachers - we are all products of their time and qualifications, and hospital staff are our lifesavers. People are dying in hospital and children are all over the streets with nothing to do. Our leaders seem to ignore all of this. Is it because they use private hospitals and their young ones are using private schools? I think our leaders have to perform their duties as real leaders. Who should we blame, our government leaders or public servants?
SIFISO FREEDOM MASINGA
Teachers striking at the cost of Matrics
I think I will be right to say that money is the root of all evil. Look at what the teachers are doing, they are thinking about themselves and their needs but what about the Matrics who need to start their trials this week? Students need teachers’ guidelines in order to be well prepared for their exams. The teachers talk about rights and change when they take away students’ rights.
F NCUBI
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