ESTEEMED deputy president, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa.
As a business owner and taxpayer in our troubled country, permit me to express dismay at your unfortunate rhetoric delivered at today’s ANC convention.
As a member of the huge swath of people who have seen you as the only serious hope South Africa has of maintaining its place in the hard-bitten free-market global village, it was disappointing to hear the outrageous mantra of “We Want Our Land Back!”.
No land was ever stolen, Sir, nor seized – it was tamed and developed by the early settlers who pioneered the principle of capitalism which, like it or not, still governs the civilised world to which South Africa belongs.
Further, you disappointed many by invoking the memory of ‘Madiba’ in what amounts to a brazen attack on the now beleaguered White minority – completely overlooking Nelson’s ideal of the “Rainbow Nation”. It would have been heartening to hear you promote the idea of meritocracy…the ‘right man (or woman) for the job’ – regardless of race.
The purpose of my letter, Sir, is to pose a respectful question; if you were me, would you dispose of my business, dismiss employees, cease to be a taxpayer and emigrate to a country where I am not vilified for my complexion or capability?
Nevertheless, I wish you success on the basis that any other contender would seem to guarantee the collapse of this country which will be of benefit to no-one.
Roger Service (Dr)
Kloof
