From Matrics to Ministers: Triumphs, Injustice and Controversy Across South Africa and the World

Letters to the editor

Can the matric class of 2026 take notice?

Dear Sir,

I’d like two raise two things, if I may?

Firstly, the recent court decision to set aside a multimillion-rand tender for the issuing of drivers licences to a French company is to be highly lauded.

This was as a result of miscellaneous concerns raised around the matter, including costs and security.

The court ordered that the tender be re-advertised within 30 days and in the interim Home Affairs would issue such licenses.

The foregoing ensures that the good use of courts and the legal system would result in fairness and justice, noting that state coffers are made up largely of the hard earned moneys of cash strapped and heavily burdened taxpayers.

Secondly, well done to the matric class of 2025 on the excellent overall performance in which records were broken. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for the future.

Learners, educators, parents and others concerned are commended. Special thanks go out to the educators who offered learners additional classes, free of charge. Hopefully retired and current educators would follow suit in the spirit of ubuntu, and many learners will proceed to tertiary studies. Be wary of bogus institutions and exercise due diligence before registering as there are fraudsters everywhere.

Being a doctor, lawyer and engineer isn’t for everyone and we badly need artisans in all fields, for example, essential electrical, plumbing and carpentry services. Persons could also venture into business/self-employment especially as places in tertiary institutions are limited and financial constraints could prevent one from furthering his/her education at this early stage.

To the class of 2026, note that working hard and smart with constant and persistent dedication and sacrifices from the beginning must be practiced and you will reap their rewards at the end of the year.
Regards, | Simon T Dehal Verulam

Equal exams, but unequal recognition

Dear Sir,

I’m keen to know why Independent schools are not included in the accolades afforded pupils at ‘normal’ schools.

They write the same exams, namely the National Senior Certificate, and from day one they follow the same curriculum.

That is an anomaly in my opinion.

Regards,

| Mrs Sandra Thomas Rondebosch East

The rule of law is on trial in America

Dear Sir,

US President Donald Trump’s latest statement, “I don’t need international law”, should send a chill down the spine of every person who values democracy.

Translated plainly, it means he believes he is above the law. If that does not alarm you, then nothing will. He has gone further by claiming that he governs by “his own morality”. The problem is that Mr Trump has no consistent moral compass. His so-called morality is little more than personal opinion, and the law be damned.

What we are witnessing is the rise of a modern-day political warlord, a leader who sidelines Congress and does as he pleases without restraint or accountability. That is not how a democracy functions. It is how strongmen rule.

Until the world finally sees the back of Donald Trump, hopefully when he returns to the golf course in 2028, it is the duty of Congress to keep him in check, even if that means taking the strongest possible action to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

History will judge this moment harshly. When the books are written, they will not only examine Trump’s conduct but also whether the current Congress had the courage to act when it mattered most.

There is an old saying that the worst criminal is the one who stands by and does nothing while a crime is being committed. Congress would do well to remember that.

Sincerely,

| Colin Bosman Newlands

Why fight over what’s on the plate?

Dear Editor

Harry Sewlal’s recent letter about Muslim-owned restaurants raises a troubling question: do we not already have enough hatred in this world without importing arguments even over what people choose to eat?

Jewish-owned establishments generally do not serve pork. Nobody makes a fuss or calls anyone names. Vegetarian restaurants, many owned by Hindus, do not serve meat at all.

Yet places such as Kapitan’s, Bhagat’s and Patel’s were for years well patronised by people of all faiths. No one blinked an eyelid – even while enjoying the garam-masala sauces and melt-in-the-mouth moorkoo.

Smoking, too, was once permitted almost everywhere. It is now banned in most public places, and few people argue about their “right” to inhale nicotine in restaurants or planes.

There have always been rules and exceptions. Saudi Airlines prohibits alcohol and pork on its flights. Emirates does not serve pork but allows alcohol. These inconsistencies may be debated, but they hardly justify hostility toward people of faith.

Some Muslims are strict about dietary laws; others less so. That is their personal choice. In the past, people in South Africa – and in India – often celebrated holy days together, across religious lines. Sadly, we now seem far more eager to highlight differences than to find common ground.

Religion, once a simple part of daily life, has become yet another bone of contention – whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian. That is a loss for all of us.

Yours sincerely,

| Ebrahim Essa Berea

The GNU gravy train is out of control

Dear Sir,

Ministers’ written answers to recent ActionSA parliamentary questions revealing that the GNU Cabinet spent over half a billion Rand on travel and accommodation costs in their first 18 months ring serious alarm bells, but the fact that DA ministers appear just as profligate, excessive and evasive as their ANC counterparts left me sick to my stomach.

We’ve long expected arrogance and evasion from ANC ministers and the deputy president, but what makes this so disgraceful is seeing how quickly and easily many DA cabinet ministers have climbed aboard the GNU gravy train and spent OUR tax money on their luxury travel and overseas accommodation.

I really expected better from the DA. It’s excessive and extreme. It’s inexcusable. Worse, we read that DA ministers like Dean Macpherson and John Steenhuisen have been evasive and have avoided having to declare their expenses by using some petty excuses including, they don’t have the capacity to record and keep accounting records.

This is just a clever way of avoiding having to provide the amounts spent. It is beyond shabby. They are as bad as the ANC and Nats before them. The DA should be better than this. What has happened?

Helen Suzman is turning in her grave, while Helen Zille remains silent.

Sincerely,

| Mark Lowe Durban