What goes up doesn't always come down.
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The energy crisis has hit the world with soaring oil prices.
Countries around the world are releasing oil reserves to help their citizens, but I have not heard anything similar from our government. Must ordinary people simply take the full brunt of these rising fuel costs?
Another concern is that when the fuel price rises, everything else goes up as well – taxi fares, bus fares, fresh produce, groceries, electricity, and other essential costs. However, when the oil price drops, these same prices rarely come down. Consumers are simply expected to keep paying more.
At the same time, we see politicians implicated in wrongdoing avoiding real consequences. Instead of facing justice, they are often moved to other portfolios. This creates the perception that ordinary citizens must tighten their belts while those in power escape accountability.
I also recall a time when the fuel price was adjusted far less frequently, rather than the regular changes we see today.
Ordinary citizens deserve transparency, accountability, and meaningful relief during difficult economic times. | Pastor Romeo Lyners Belville South
It is false to assert that President Trump is mocking Cuba’s sovereignty by his intentions to end the communist dictatorship of the island.
For 66 years, Cuba has been a Marxist fiefdom, nearly half of that period as a vassal of the USSR. The reality, therefore, is that the people of Cuba have been denied sovereignty for 66 years. Free and fair elections have never been held. Instead, Cuba has been, and still is, an island prison, which is why more than one million have escaped to the US.
Trump’s idea of a Western Hemisphere Shield is to embrace nations that aspire to be free of the socialism and cartelism that has been imposed on them. Also, in the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine, the Western Shield is intended to ward off interference by China.
Bleating about the UN and what it should be doing shows a lack of recognition that the UN has long been toothless and hypocritical. Trump is upending belief in the ‘theatre of the absurd’ – an overdue development – and reshaping the international chessboard.
The prospect of a free Cuba – free from 66 years of repression, intimidation, socialist poverty, and dystopia – should be welcomed. | Dr Duncan Du Bois Bluff
Recent tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran have raised fears of a wider and potentially long-lasting conflict.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared confident that Iran could be quickly subdued. Early reports suggested that the conflict began with targeted strikes against key Iranian leadership figures, with expectations that such actions would weaken Iran’s resolve. However, history has shown that leadership losses do not necessarily lead to surrender and can sometimes strengthen national resistance.
Reports also suggested disagreements over Iran’s future leadership, with Iran’s Assembly of Experts expected to determine its own political direction despite outside pressure. These developments highlighted the complex internal dynamics of the country and the limits of foreign influence.
The conflict has also had serious global economic implications. Following attacks on key oil infrastructure, including facilities linked to Kharg Island, tensions reportedly spread across the region. Concerns about security in the Strait of Hormuz – through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes – led to volatility in global energy markets and rising oil prices.
Some European countries, including Britain and Germany, appear cautious about becoming involved in another costly conflict, particularly given the lessons learned from wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
There have also reportedly been internal disagreements within US policy circles. The reported resignation of a senior counterterrorism official amid concerns about the conflict highlights the differing views that often exist within governments during times of war.
While the US–Israeli alliance may have significant military strength, history shows that air superiority alone does not guarantee success. Ground conflicts often prove far more complex and costly. There is growing concern among analysts that any prolonged conflict could have consequences similar to other difficult wars of the past.
The world can only hope that diplomacy and cooler heads will prevail to prevent further suffering and global instability.| T Markandan Kloof
The eThekwini lawn and verge trimming department team have just trimmed both sides of our road.
Nice job too. A bit rushed, but I don’t like to complain. Well, not too much…
Do you think any of them took notice of all this water pouring out of the ground and down the road into the drains? Nope. Didn’t even twitch. Not their department, apparently. Not their problem. They can’t even send a red flag back to head office to follow up. Kill two birds with one stone, if you see what I mean.
After all, it is the second quarter of the 21st century and we spend billions (and billions) of ratepayers’ rand on consolidated billing systems that don’t work, and even more on staff that don’t deliver. Hell, we’ve got R22 million for “struggle hero” statues and millions more for 215 councillors’ salary increases (4% backdated a year to April 2025).
But there is nothing in the kitty to stop the leaks, fix the broken pipes, and save our precious water. Nothing at all. Apparently, we don’t even have any spare water meters in stock. Along with the street-light globes that also are not in stock. Call them “stockless”. Or just bloody useless. Well, I did.
It’s like a three-ringed circus with extra clowns dressed up as politicians. All that’s missing is the deputy mayor singing…
Which brings me back to the verge cutters and lawn trimmers who disappeared very smartly when I showed up. Bless them, they probably went off to the municipal “Wellness Centre”, newly opened in Mitchell Park for “traumatised employees”.
You can’t make this up.| Mark Lowe Durban
DAILY NEWS