I have been so torn up about assisting at the site of the Kya Sands shack fire. However, my conscience has got the better of me, and I will be doing something.
My point is that the people there have complete disregard for any “rules” that are put in place, and then are left homeless when things go wrong. Is there a way to educate everyone involved, or issue heavy fines or community service when they disobey the rules?
If this was a formal environment, there would have been enough water available to stop the fire, and fire trucks could have arrived sooner if the roads had been made wider.
Now the city can sit back, yet again, while the surrounding communities help those in need. Are they putting up a tent? What happens if it rains? Who is going to replace the assets lost? Who is feeding the people?
Are parts of this country going to spiral into third world slums, or is some action going to be taken to get rid of illegal shebeens, electricity connections etc?
The answer is simple. Remove illegal immigrants and create an environment of law-abiding citizens. Create an area with rules that are upheld and collect a small amount of tax; then everyone’s needs will be met.
We need to encourage every South African citizen to obey the law.
