Letters – 2 May 2014

Make it count on May 7

I can understand everyone feels differently, but to all those detractors who say ‘I’m not voting as it is pointless’, ‘by not voting I am showing them that I am dissatisfied’, or simply you believe the notion that the main opposition is anti creating an equal playing field, anti correct demographic representation and no other party is viable.
This, my fellow countrymen/women, is so misleading. In my opinion the main opposition is not making false improbable promises, rather they are laying solid foundations so that a better life for all can be attained realistically. So let’s see – how do we send a loud and clear message that enough is enough and we will not stand for this non-governance and self-profiteering any longer?
We vote so that is how no matter who you vote for, it is a vote less for them. And how does this make a difference?
It hurts them truly by taking away their 65-66% hold on the electorate. Average voter turnout is 50% so that means 10 000 000 cast their votes and 10 000 000 don’t (I use round figures for illustration only).
Let’s now consider that of the 50% who do not cast their votes, 80% are truly disinterested and really don’t give a hoot, but the other 20% are on the fence and just disillusioned and want to make a point by staying away.
Don’t, because if you do cast that vote for anyone – no matter who – voter turnout is now at 60% so now instead of them achieving 65% they will only achieve 55%. That is truly sending them a message not letting them maintain 65%. I implore all level-minded people to reconsider their stance and make it count.
May 7, go vote.
WALTER SCHOTTER
Ballito

A wake-up call for ANC

I have come to realise that one way or the other these elections are going to be interesting and a wake up call to the ANC.
Finally they are going to come out of their political comfort zone for the first time and compete and work hard for votes like all other parties big or small. People are going to be spoiled for choice come voting day. New parties are out in full force and I don’t think there’s going to be obvious votes for the ruling party this time. They have to work hard to convince citizens that they still deserve to rule this country.
Even if they win, it’s not going to be their usual comfortable win. My view is that even if the ANC win these elections, they should take a good look at themselves as to why people are leaving the ANC for even small new parties. People are not satisfied. They should get off their political high horses and listen to the people. It doesn’t take rocket science to see that something is chasing people away from the ANC.
Recently we saw leaders like Kasrils coming out saying they would rather spoil their votes than giving them to the ANC. When the likes of Arch. Desmond Tutu openly tell the world they won’t vote for the ANC, it’s hair raising. It’s time for the ANC to work hard for votes, because by the look of things it’s going to take more than history, rallies, t-shirts and slogans to convince some of us.
NTOKOZO MCINEKA KA MAKAMU
Groutville

Three-point landing at Food Lovers’

Ann, you came to my rescue when I landed flat on my face and skidded along the cobbles in Food Lovers car park on Wednesday.
As my sympathetic husband says “Walking too fast as usual!”
I was a bit shaken so thank you again for your help and doing on-the-spot damage repairs. My nose now looks like Mohammed Ali on a bad day but the good news is that my lips could vie with Angelina Jolie. Brad Pitt here I come! Amazingly we then discovered that we went to school together in Durban roughly 65 years ago. I don’t know your married name but would love to chat again sometime when I am less woozy. Phone 032 525 5727.
WENDY FERGUSON
Salt Rock

Thank you for your dedication

I would like to send out a huge thank you to Jeremy and Debbie from Aloe Vet for taking such good care of my Miko. It is not often that we see such dedicated, loving and caring people. Without your dedication and affection my Miko would not have survived and I will always be truly grateful to you. Thank you for being so gentle and kind towards me during this time too.
DORET SNYMAN
Ballito

Just bin it

Once again a local company has come up trumps when approached by the Conservancy to supply litter bins for our beaches.
Over busy periods such as Easter and long-weekends, the bins which usually cater adequately for our beach-going public become full too quickly, and the resultant overflow of litter becomes unhygienic and unsightly. Mica have previously generously supplied us with bins when requested and we thank them for their continued support of our local community. Now all we have to do is persuade beach-goers to dump their litter into the bins instead of on the beach, promenade and verges!
DI JONES
Dolphin Coast Conservancy

New look Dog Box is a must-see

The time has come for the Dog Box to send out a begging bowl to people out there!
We now have a refurbished Dog Box. This is due to Checkers giving new shelving, new flooring, new desks, lighting and painting. We are absolutely ecstatic with our new shop. It has put a spring in the steps of our young and not-so-young volunteers. Thank you is not a big enough word to the volunteer who started the ball rolling and whose husband, I would think by now, is tired of hearing about the Dog Box! Checkers, you are wonderful.
Now the begging. Having a new shop has brought in a lot more customers and a lot more customers mean a lot more goods are required. We ask you, the public, to donate any unwanted, clean and useable items, for a very good cause. Our shop is the only means of income to help our kennels function. We have lovely, dedicated staff running the kennels who do a wonderful job taking care of abused and lost animals but this does cost money. We are proud to say that not one of the volunteers at the shop is paid a cent, therefore all monies raised are going towards to taking care of our furry and not so furry friends.
Thank you to the people who donate on a regular basis, also to those who donate on a one off. Also we have people who drop off bags or boxes of coins. I think if you were to count those coins, you would be very surprised how much you donate to the SPCA. A thank you to you also.
I could rant for ages about the kindness we see every day from people. It helps to cope with the immense cruelty that also takes place.
So people, clear out those cupboards, you know you want to, and help us help our animals. We open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 12.30pm on a Saturday.
Also visit our book shop which, I feel, can beat a lot of libraries in KwaZulu Natal. Annie is always there to help the young and old alike. The kids have a drawing table so Mums and Dads can browse. See you there!!
MAGGIE ANDERSON
Ballito

I’ll be saving R16 a week

I am wondering if it is only me or has anyone else noted the subtle but distinct change in the content/reporting of our best-selling regional English language Sunday newspaper?
Ever since the new, ANC-leaning company purchased the newspaper group a year ago the political reporting has subtly changed (from my perspective) week by week.
However with the appointment of a new editor from beginning of April, I have noted a speeding up of the process. In the last issue the only thing DA related was a picture of Zille’s shoes, whilst plenty of pics of No 1 campaigning and other ANC related campaigning. The editorial opinion piece also lauded the column (half page) of the Minister of Finance. Unheard of before.
We need to remember that the same group now owns the Cape Times whose editor was suddenly dismissed, reportedly for not toeing the new owner’s line.
I have purchased the said Sunday paper for the past 50 years (when in its distribution area) but from now on I will certainly be saving myself R16 per week.
RODNEY MATTHEYS
Ballito
No worries – I hope you’ll donate the R16 to the Courier Orphan Fund – Editor.