DEAR Editor,-
In my humble opinion, Margate is shooting itself in the foot. When formerRhodesians moved down south, they were nicknamed the ‘when we’s’. Us ‘Margaters’ have surpassed this.
In the summer of 1978, Margate was fantastic. The summer of 1998 saw huge changes starting to take place in Margate and the rest of RSA, and by the summer of 2008, the changes were here.
Back in 1978, we had a European-based country with all its traditions, cultures, etc. Today we have an African-based country with all its traditions and cultures. The 1978 status will and can never return, so is it not time we really start embracing the changes and adapting to them?
To me Margate is still a super, ideal family place to come on holiday. However, we keep running everything about it down in the newspapers. I do not believe values are going down because of a pothole in my street or a prostitute hiding around the corner because every town has them.
I do however believe that we are taking Margate down ourselves with our constant newspaper gripes. Our newspapers thrive on this because they would far rather put the negatives on the front page than the positives.
Before hanging out our dirty washing publically and discouraging people from coming here, let us directly approach the people who are employed to take up the problems on our behalf. The leaders of the political parties, the municipal managers, ward councillors, Margate Business Association, Tourism Margate, etc.
These bodies can collectively and constructively take problems forward. Approach these entities first and newspapers last. Take time to look for the positives, there are many.
The only people embarrassed by the letters to the press are the people of Margate – property owners , shopkeepers and business people. I doubt if a single letter to the press is read by the officials who we are trying to embarrass. They are sadly read by thousands of potential investors and visitors.
Jacob Zuma says ‘together we can do more’, so can we, fellow citizens of Margate. Only when we adopt a positive attitude, will we have a chance of re-establishing Margate as South Africa’s first choice as a family holiday destination, to the benefit of all.
BRIAN BLUMRICK
Ramsgate
