The question is … do we really need a postal service?

I was reading the front page article about the postal service and I have to bow my head in shame.

I didn’t even know there was a postal strike.

I mean, generally the Post Office’s service is so poor (and they still call themselves a postal service) that their general lack of service when they are not striking is pretty much only a fraction better than when they are.

Which begs the question – do we really need a postal service?

I think not. I mean, modern electronic technology has outstripped the need for the archaic services of a post office.

Ninety per cent of all the written communication I do on a daily basis is via e-mail; of the remaining 10 per cent, nine per cent I do on my phone, whether it is SMS, whatsapp or actually talking to people.

The other one per cent, where I actually need to send “real” packages and hard copy documents, I make use of other means (ie not the Post Office) simply because I need speedy and guaranteed delivery.

Surely, if the government contracted the services to the various courier companies and places such as Postnet, sold off the property that must surely be valued in excess of a billion Rand and took the banking services to a government-owned bank, they could shut down the postal service and save hugely on salaries and the like, and would not be dragged down by a loss-making business for which I, the taxpayer, have to pay?

Just a thought.