Pent-up anger comes out on social media

It was most interesting to read the comments made on the letters page of the North Coast Courier (April 24) regarding the reactions to the death and injuries of the EFF supporters in Ballito recently.

While it’s absolutely true to say that many of the comments in the social media stating that the demonstrators deserved their fate and at the same time using the occasion to make racial slurs, is despicable and uncalled for.

There seems to be a huge pent-up anger, mostly in the white and Indian community, which is manifested in the social media, online news comments pages and more so in private conversations where there is large degree of anonymity.

Duncan Austin alludes to ‘something dark in our community’ which needs to be opposed. But its not simply in our community, its across the country. Xenophobia is one such manifestation.

The ineffective leadership – highlighted by another reader, B.B. Cele as well as the editor, who stated in his editorial that “It is the unscrupulous politicians who are to blame, not these simple folk” that is the cause of this simmering discontent and vindictive anger.

The ANC – under the so-called leadership of Zuma, has been responsible for this huge polarisation of the races and there continues to be a worsening seismic shift in race relations, as a consequence – when compared to the euphoria of post 1994.

The complete abuse and manipulation of power and the failure of the largely black electorate, who continue to support the current leadership has created a massive sense of frustration amongst those who know and understand that the situation can and should be so much better – particularly for the previously disenfranchised.

B.B Cele in his letter, correctly makes the assertion that the people have the right to vote for a government of their choice but why does he have to make reference to a ‘black government’ as if ethnicity is the main criterion for casting a vote for the ANC. I would have thought that principles, good governance, honesty and integrity, leadership skills and effective service delivery would have been the primary consideration. Non compliance with these prerequisites should be sufficient reason to vote any party out of power.

There are other options – and I say that we collectively need to agree to give them a chance.

CLAUDIO FERRI

Zimbali