I have been a South African since birth. My
parents were both South Africans- born here! I have fought for South Africa
(literally & figuratively). I have studied and taught in my own country for
over 45 years. I have always been a proud South African even more so post 1994!
As a voting South African and a believer in
Democracy, I have fully understood that even if the party I voted for is not in
power, I then must support the government. This is what democracy wants me to
do. This I have done. Yes, I may well have voiced concerns at times, but that
is also part and parcel of being a citizen in a democratic country.
Today though I find myself asking more
questions than I feel comfortable asking. Let me share some of them with you,
my reader.
·
Russia
is at war with the Ukraine- perhaps more appropriately I should rather state “at
war with most of the rest of the world”. This is a statement, not a question-
or is this still under debate? It would seem to be so in South Africa!
·
Why
do we continuously abstain from voting in the UN when it comes to matters of
sanctions etc on Russia?
·
Why
do we refer to the WAR as a conflict?
·
Why
do we seem to be avoiding (at all costs?) confronting Russia?
·
Why
does it seem to be the idea that “razing cities to the ground” is not an act of
war, but simply because the inhabitants are defending themselves and in essence
“it is their fault”?
·
Why
does it “seem” that South Africa is in a tight allegiance with “Mother Russia”?
·
Why
does it seem that the idea of Communism rather than Democracy has more support
in Government? (Am I the only one who
detects this in certain policies that are stated?)
It is not my intention to simply castigate the
government in power over these matters, as I would also suggest that the
Opposition Parties, due to their deafening silence in most cases also deserve a
tongue lashing at the very least!
In the immortal words of Martin Luther allow me
therefore to say: “Here I stand, I can go no further”-
I am no longer a “proud South African”- My
citizenship rests uncomfortably on my head (apologies to the Bard)
