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School safety fears must be addressed
I am writing to express the profound distress and concern shared by parents regarding a recent security threat at Edgemead Primary School.
On Friday, March 13, it was discovered that a Grade 6 student had authored a “hit list” targeting specific classmates.
In the days following, more alarming details have emerged. It has been reported by students that the individual in question has a history of inappropriate behaviour toward female students, including following them into restrooms. Furthermore, he reportedly brandished photos of his father’s firearms to other pupils.
While we understand that the school must follow certain protocols, the subsequent silence from the administration has been deafening. This lack of transparent communication has left many children traumatised and afraid to attend classes. Several parents have begun keeping their children home out of fear for their physical safety.
Our intention is not to vilify a child, but to demand a learning environment where our children are safe and where threats of violence are met with transparent, decisive action. We urge the school board and local authorities to prioritise the safety of the student body and provide the community with the reassurance we deserve. Brenda Hakime, Edgemead
Curbs on worship raise serious concerns
During this rare period when Easter, Ramadaan, and Eid coincide, Jerusalem would usually be filled with worshippers, prayer processions, visitors, and celebrations.
Instead, access to the Old City in Jerusalem has been restricted by the colonial Israeli Zionist occupiers.
Important holy sites, like Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have been closed.
In Hebron, the Ibrahimi Mosque has also faced similar limits. Places that are normally teeming with worshippers now feel empty and quiet.
The Israeli regime says these steps are needed for security reasons. But for many people and believers, the closures are seen as going against long-standing agreements about access to holy sites, and as a violation of religious rights and international law.
At a time meant for prayer, unity, and spiritual connection with the Almighty, this is hurtful and deserves unequivocal condemnation.
It raises important questions about access, dignity, and the right to worship. Mohamed Saeed, Pietermaritzburg
Trump’s legacy will be judged harshly
Master of mayhem, Donald Trump is sure to go down in history as the most destructive, autocratic and bombastic president to have ever graced the Oval Office.
His rudeness, arrogance, lack of decency and disrespect for all those that oppose him will forever be a stain on those who voted him into office.
Trump is solely responsible for igniting the flame that set fire to the Middle East.
The illegal attack on Iran is Trump’s war and his attempt to drag European allies into the fray was quite rightly dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
An old saying comes to mind: “Never grab a tiger by the tail.” Colin Bosman, Newlands
Political theatre hurts accountability
There’s something deeply troubling about the conduct of Julius Malema in his latest attack on General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and it has nothing to do with robust political debate.
Let’s be clear: no public figure is above scrutiny, but what we are witnessing here is not accountability – it’s calculated political theatre.
Malema could not attend Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee when General Mkhwanazi was testifying, citing a funeral. But what raises serious questions is how, in that same window, he found the time and energy to attend an EFF rally and use that very platform to launch a direct, unchallenged attack on Mkhwanazi.
That’s not leadership. That’s avoidance dressed up as defiance. Parliament exists for a reason – it is where claims are tested, evidence is interrogated, and leaders are held to account in a structured, credible environment. Choosing instead to respond from a rally stage where there is no rebuttal, no cross-examination, and no balance undermines democratic accountability. It’s easier to speak at someone than to engage with them.
More concerning, however, is the tone and consequence of that attack. By publicly discrediting Mkhwanazi in front of a charged crowd, Malema is not merely expressing disagreement – he is actively shaping a narrative that risks inciting hostility.
When supporters begin chanting “Mkhwanazi must fall,” it stops being political commentary and starts resembling mob mobilisation.
This is where the line between political movement and personality cult begins to blur. Strong leaders build institutions. They respect processes, even when they are inconvenient. They don’t bypass accountability mechanisms only to weaponise public platforms for one-sided attacks. Encouraging blind loyalty while discrediting dissent is not the hallmark of democratic politics – it’s the blueprint of control.
South Africa’s democracy is still maturing, and it demands a higher standard from all its leaders, especially those with influence over large, passionate followings. Critique must be grounded in facts, delivered responsibly, and tested in the appropriate forums. Malema’s conduct in this instance falls short of that standard.
If we are serious about building a society rooted in accountability and respect for institutions, then we must call out behaviour that undermines those very principles, no matter who it comes from. Thulani Dasa, Khayelitsha
DA opposes proposed Umhlanga bingo hall
The DA strongly opposes the proposed application to establish a bingo hall with 150 electronic bingo terminals and 30 limited payout machines on Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga.
While eThekwini Municipality’s Development Planning Unit has issued a decision recommending approval, the DA believes this development is inconsistent with the long – term interests of the Umhlanga community.
A high-intensity gambling facility of this scale undermines Umhlanga Rocks’ established identity as a family-oriented, upmarket residential and tourism destination. It also risks attracting opportunistic crime, which would erode the safety and security efforts of residents and businesses.
The proposed development will further exacerbate traffic congestion on Lagoon Drive, an area already under significant pressure. Existing infrastructure is not equipped to support this level of intensified land use.
Residents have raised legitimate concerns that the proximity of a gambling facility will negatively affect the desirability of the area and place downward pressure on property values.
The DA maintains that the scale of community opposition reflects a clear lack of social licence for this development and remains committed to ensuring that the voices of residents and stakeholders are heard.
The DA will continue to advocate for development that protects the safety, character and long – term sustainability of our communities. Cllr Bradley Singh, DA Ward 35]'
DAILY NEWS