Setbacks, Struggles and Survival – readers speak out

Letters to the editor

Gunners haunted by their old enemy

Log leaders Arsenal suffered a serious setback to their title hopes at the hands of their old enemy, Man United.

They were sitting comfortably on top of the league with 50 points and were expected to increase their lead by 7 points by beating United. But a resurgent Man United under new manager Michael Carrick dented their hopes, beating them 3-2 in front of their fans at the Emirates Stadium.

It was back-to-back wins for interim manager Michael Carrick and Arsenal's first home defeat this season. While Arsenal fans buried their faces in agony, United fans celebrated Carrick is an old enemy of Arsenal and has come back to haunt it. He has now beaten Arsenal both as a player and as a manager.

Just a few weeks ago it was all gloom and doom for United under previous manager Robin Amorim. But Carrick has turned United around with the same players. He is motivated and wants to show the United management that he is the right man for the job.

It just shows how a new manager can instil a new spirit in a dying team and make them believe again. Good for United but bad for Arsenal. | Thyagara Markandan Kloof

Time youth change their future and SA’s

It is very refreshing to see a number of letters warning throughout Independent Newspapers about the possible decline of democracy, and the threat of repression, especially by Trump’s power-grabbing gambits. It’s good that people are awake, and warning others.

Ali Khan’s article on Iran pointed out that repression can come from religion (“...when religion becomes institutionalised power...”), but it still boils down to bad leadership, and that’s where we can make a difference with our votes (maybe not Iran, though).I still have the fond hope that something will inspire our youth to throw off the chains of poor education and bleak employment prospects, and make a strong showing at this year’s Local Government Elections – a message that the current government has been in for too long, and has lost the plot.

It would be proof that democracy can be better than fascism and dogma. | Rob Johnston Tokai, Cape Town

Respect floodlines, save lives & property

The recent floods that ravaged Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Kruger National Park are a stark reminder that climate change is a reality, leaving devastation in its wake.

These floods have had a severe impact on people, animals and the natural environment, and flooding events are becoming both more frequent and more intense as climate change fuels stronger storms.

With these extreme weather patterns now upon us, it is imperative that we act to mitigate the devastating effects. Heavy rains, overflowing dams, and rivers bursting their banks have caused immeasurable damage to infrastructure, homes and ecosystems. Tragically, many people have lost their property, livelihoods and, in some cases, their lives.

One of the most effective ways to reduce flood damage is to respect floodlines and to stop building homes on floodplains. This has never been more important than now, as extreme weather brings recurring floods. Floodlines are essential tools that inform developers, landowners and residents of potential flood risks, guiding safe construction and responsible land-use planning.

Floodlines must be included in township establishment and building plans, and developments in high-risk areas must be restricted. Municipalities and relevant authorities must ensure compliance, while individuals must take responsibility for their own safety. Building or settling on floodplains exposes people to unnecessary danger and places lives and investments at constant risk.

Illegal land invasions and unauthorised structures in restricted areas such as floodplains must be strongly discouraged and stopped. Lawlessness in this regard leaves communities vulnerable to disaster and must be addressed decisively by law enforcement.

These floods have once again shown that water follows its natural path, and during heavy downpours it can transform familiar landscapes into life-threatening hazards within minutes. People living downstream of dams must respect floodlines, especially as dams increasingly overflow during intense rainfall.

Responsible behaviour can go a long way in preventing and reducing flood damage. Rivers, streams and watercourses should not be used as dumping sites, as pollution disrupts natural water flow and increases the risk of flooding.

Water safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, respecting warnings and making cautious choices, we protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Adhering to water safety protocols is no longer just a precaution – it is a necessity for survival. | Themba Khoza Department of Water and Sanitation, South Africa

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