Double standards the world over, but thankfully our doctors care

Letters to the editor

Where are the flags for Yemen & Sudan?

Luai Ahmed is a Yemeni-Swedish journalist and activist and is openly critical of radical Islam and antisemitism.

Ahmed has posted a video of a speech he gave to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), asking everyone who had been “Waving the Palestinian flag since 07 October 2023” a simple question: “Where is the flag of Yemen?"

More than 500 000 people have died violently in Yemen in the last 10 years, Ahmed pointed out. The death toll in the Syrian Civil War is estimated to be in excess of 650 000. Then there is Sudan, where the casualty figures hover over 150 000, with millions of abused and displaced people. Why does no one care when half a million Yemenis die, asked Ahmed, and where are all the Sudanese and Syrian flags waving in solidarity?“

"Why is it that when Arabs kill millions of Arabs,” Ahmed asked the UN council, “no one bats an eye? Where is the outrage? Where are the protests?"

Ahmed continued with his line of questioning.

"Why did the UNHRC never condemn Iran for human rights violations but mentioned Israel 188 times in a recent report? Why did the council not denounce Yemen for spending millions of dollars firing missiles at Israel instead of feeding its own starving people?

"Why does Qatar have a seat on the council when that country houses Hamas’s leaders in luxury living?"

Their response?” Ahemes said. “Silence!”

Ahmed hits the nail on the head: when Israel can be blamed, the world erupts in outrage; when it cannot, the silence is deafening!It is certainly time to call out these double standards. | Kevin Meineke Summerveld

Speaking truth in a nation of silence

In a political landscape where speaking the truth has become a dangerous act, few leaders have shown the courage and consistency of Helen Zille.

For years, she has been a relentless voice against corruption and cadre deployment, standing firm even when unpopular. Her defence of liberal values has clarified a political atmosphere clouded by race-based rhetoric and moral compromise. By speaking out against cadre deployment and corruption disguised as Black Economic Empowerment, she confronted a system hollowing state institutions and denying opportunity.

Her outspokenness inspired many to challenge power, speak truth despite harsh consequences, and believe integrity matters in public life. In today’s South Africa, truth is dangerous – but silence is deadlier. Those who remain quiet while the ANC loots the state, undermines accountability, and shields deployees from justice are complicit.

History is being documented in real time.

When the story of this era is told, no one can claim ignorance about state capture, betrayal of trust, and destruction of opportunity. The evidence is everywhere: collapsing municipalities, broken SOEs, and despairing jobless youth. South Africans are waking to the truth: Real empowerment comes from clean governance, equality before the law, and policies that unlock potential rather than privilege the connected.

Zille reminds us democracy dies in silence – freedom must be defended, not inherited. As citizens, we have a duty to speak, question, and demand better. The days of fear are over. We will speak – and will not be silenced. | Thulani Dasa Khayelitsha

Local doctors praised for selfless service

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Drs S Gopal, R Singh, S Harilal and N Ramjasof Tongaat who organised a Wellness Day in Tongaat recently.

They, together with others in the medical and allied fields, along with volunteers, did a sterling job offering free medical advice and testing of diverse kinds, together with providing some medication and toiletries and sundries for the benefit of over 700 local residents.

Well done folks in giving back to the community.

The yeoman efforts of the abovementioned benefitted the community, especially the aged and indigent, many of whom have financial constraints that preclude them from having required medical care ordinarily.

It is acknowledged that similar ventures are launched from time to time by religious and community organisations and are much appreciated. May all these persons and organizations continue with their noble and altruistic efforts and noteworthy campaigns. They are indeed a big blessing, especially to our hard pressed senior citizens, many of whom barely survive on their meagre state pensions. Some of them have double jeopardy – firstly by being sick and secondly by having financial limitations, especially for required medical care.

Acts of kindness and compassion and much needed help provided, such as the aforementioned, are welcome ones and alleviate the plight of those in dire need. May such good Samaritans continue their humanitarian efforts and may God bless them in their service to mankind.

Many elderly folk are lonely and need to be assisted and acknowledged and have their dignity restored, particularly in their twilight years. | Simon T Dehal Verulam

Double standards in outrage over wars

Ali Khan accuses South Africans of “sitting on their hands”, and not reacting with full support for Gaza after the Francesca Albanese speech in Cape Town, but overlooks some important points.

Firstly, Albanese only presented one side of the issue, despite the October 7 Hamas atrocities, and one-sided stories are often suspect.

Secondly, both sides have done evil things, and moral people aren’t going to side with evil.

Thirdly, the hype about justice and liberation can be applied equally to the Ukraine war, where Ukraine didn’t do an October 7 on Russia, but is still having their women and children killed by Russians – where is the same righteous indignation about that war?

Does SA’s BRICS membership conflict with taking Russia to the ICJ? Or is it a skin colour issue?

Whichever it is; clear-thinking, moral people are not going to rush off and take action until some perspective is brought to the issue. | Rob Johnston Tokai

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