Get a head start by following us THE MERCURY J THURSDAY on Twitter @TheMercurySA Opinion FEBRUARY 25,201615

TELL THE EDITOR These pages are a forum for debate. Send your opinions in the form of letters, faxes, e-mails, SMSes, tweets or Facebook posts. Write to, The Editor, Defuse the bomb The NFP PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023; fax 031 308 2715, e-mail [email protected]; tweet @ One Your TheMercurySA; or write on our wall at facebook.com/themercurysa. NIVERSITIES are the art works off walls and public- Please include your name, address and telephone number. The right to edit submissions, nursery of tomorrow’s ly burnt them, burnt buses and which should be no longer than 200 words, is reserved. Pseudonyms will be published only leaders – and in South even abortively tried to pet- needs views in exceptional circumstances. wrong Africa’s case, we could rol-bomb one vice-chancellor’s Ube excused for feeling incredibly office. despondent. This week the protests ratch- to face on We have been witness to a eted up, with appalling scenes tsunami of protests; running the of violence at the University of gamut from the contestation of and at Free State Univer- curricula to access to education. sity. Today both universities re- reality top of These two campaigns, better main closed as university leaders known as #RhodesMustFall work desperately to defuse the and #FeesMustFall, have been time bomb that is threatening THE recent press conference ad- another widely supported by the broader the social cohesion of our coun- dressed by Maliyakhe Shelembe, non-university community, be- try like nothing else in the past national chairperson of the Nation- cause of the fundamental agree- two decades. al Freedom Party, cannot go unchal- ment that education is the great- University leaders, like our lenged. est hope we have of breaking the mainstream political leaders, The leadership of the National DNA of the past. have been at pains to note that Freedom Party is in great political Alistair There is also an acceptance the violence is the work of a denial that it is running its last mile Tamlit that we need curricula that minority, aided and abetted by in politics. The longest political move with the times and do opportunists, some of whom leave of its leader Zanele kaMag- not reflect a dogma, learnt and aren’t even students. waza-Msibi and the internal leader- COMMENT lived, that is often unrepresent- It is heartening to see the si- ship squabbles tell a lot of about ative and out of touch with the lent majority joining hands in this writing on the wall. As the local ON JULY 13, 2015, 13 Plane Stupid changing demographics of our a veritable rainbow praying for government elections are drawing activists – including myself – occu- tertiary institutions. peace on our campuses. to a close this fact becomes clearer pied the northern runway at Heath- Another reason has been We would suggest a secular than before that the NFP will be a row Airport. At around 3.45am a that, rhetoric notwithstanding, solution: those who are found to toothless bulldog soon! hole was cut in the perimeter fence. this was largely a peaceful and have broken the law, destroyed We fail to understand why the We walked over to the runway, erect- orderly protest on principle. property and hurt people must NFP leadership keeps on saying ed a tripod and some Harris fencing, Last week, the shape and the be expelled – or fired – from uni- “she will be with us soon” but every and locked on to each other using tenor of the protest began to versity and prosecuted. There’s now and then KaMagwaza-Msibi arm tubes, D-locks and chains. Our change in scenes reminiscent of no place for mob rule in this does not pitch up. Are they still be- occupation lasted more than 6 hours Nazi Germany as mobs ripped country. lieving that she is still a crowd-pull- duties she is paid for. What is un- so obvious to evolutionists and it fits how to come to terms with it in a and 25 flights were cancelled as a er or trump card? This tells us that acceptable is that the qualification the neo-Darwinian “hypothesis”? truly religious context. result, saving hundreds of tons of

there is a great possibility of her she is studying for is of no benefit to What is certain is there is no THILLAY NAIDOO CO2 from being emitted that day. We not coming back again into active her position. scientific proof for this hypothesis North were eventually removed, arrested politics. As a ratepayer in Durban I ex- however obvious it might seem. and charged with aggravated tres- The NFP leader might not come pect the employees of the council to C B ROGERS pass and unauthorised entry into a back for ever and its leadership devote their full efforts to their jobs, Durban restricted zone. Second take “campaign” to keep her fresh in the which clearly is not the case in this Compton quite During our trial in January, we From The Melbourne Age minds of her supporters is now run- instance! Questions about right on Klusener argued that our actions were rea- ning out of strategies. So they are TONY BALL Muslim marriage sonable, proportionate and neces- aware that the more they say she is Durban PATRICK Compton’s story on the sary in order to prevent death and recovering and coming back soon, a MANDLA Mandela’s marriage to axing of Lance Klusener and the serious injury via air pollution and fire of optimism keeps germinating an attractive Muslim woman rais- state of in KZN is to be com- climate change. Globally, 300 000 Free media access key in the hearts of people. Question turns to es many questions that people who mended. people are already dying each year We respect and admire KaMag- the atheists wish to know how this fits in with For more than seven years fans because of the effects of climate FREE and independent voters to be properly informed. waza-Msibi and continuously pray the culture of an nkosi marrying have seen a succession of coaches change. They are mainly people media, committed to pro- But advances in digital tech- for her recovery, but we should not IT IS that time of year when the outside his community. and board members, leaving the of colour in the global south, in Amoting a multitude of nology have overwhelmed the be blinded by the reality. “bible-misquoting” atheists slug it The question to ask is: Just how state of cricket in the province in poor communities and indigenous diverse voices and views, is the rationale for laws that limit Her health is better than any out with the “religious bigots” in the much does Mandela know about the tatters. groups. They are among the most bulwark of a democracy. media ownership by virtue of other political position or fame – letters section and, to paraphrase religion to which he has converted? Past players to recent, such as marginalised and the least respon- A vibrant media environ- the type of platform or by audi- that is why we pray for her full re- Kipling, with never the possibility One suspects that he converted Jackie McGlew, Trevor Goddard, sible for causing catastrophic cli- ment disseminates information, ence reach. covery more than coming back into that the twain shall meet! not because he was attracted by its Grayson Heath, Roy McLean, Neil mate change. facilitates the exchange of ideas The proliferation of new active politics. Whereas all theists at some time teachings but to satisfy an Islamic Adcock, Barry Richards and Mike Judge Deborah Wright said it and opinions, fosters debate and media platforms, of new ways It is therefore high time that the or other have doubts about their regulation. He should ask why there Procter, must despair at the bum- was “indisputable” that aviation critical analysis, and in so doing of accessing content, coupled NFP stops living in political denial. faith, atheists are convinced that, is such a regulation at all. bling power plays at board level and caused climate change, yet she still helps to hold governments and with the rise in citizen-journal- It is impossible to see their leader since there is no scientific proof, Others might suggest that he interference with coaching staff. found us guilty and told us to “ex- others with power to account. ism, independent online media coming back and chances are slim all belief in a supreme being is non- stays with his faith and allows his Why did , now one pect jail”. Today we are to be sen- Such media provide voters outlets, and the vast range of beyond description. sense. new wife to continue in her trad- of the world’s greats, take himself tenced. If we go to jail, we will be the with the range of information mainstream social media outlets Wake up from your slumber, In his letter, “Tone down on su- ition. Later developments would be off to the ? first climate activists to be impris- they need to make crucial de- have punctured the potency of NFP leadership. premacy and hell”, (The Mercury, taken care of by them privately, but One of the premier league oned in the UK. cisions. Yet the existing laws, the major media groups. You have so much on your plate February 14), Robert Nicolai typi- in this case after consultation with teams, African , continue which limit ownership of media The anachronistic laws must rather than cooking stale meat with fies this when he says “atheism re- elders in the Mvezo community. to be humiliated, hardly ever scor- Runways platforms in Australia and curb go. The Age welcomes Cabinet’s different recipes instead of throw- quires no one to believe in it to be To regard him as a traitor to his ing over 100. What coaching do they the reach of any single media in-principle decision to scrap the ing it away. true”. culture is not without foundation. get to lift their performances? Much of the attention surround- group, do not aid these princi- two-out-of-three ownership rule MFANA CHARLES KHUMALO Since theists are constantly chal- Why did his wife not give up It would not be surprising if ing our action has focused on the ples. and the 75% reach rule. These Soweto lenged to prove the existence of a Islam to convert to the African cul- Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, And- injustice and draconian threat of On the contrary, they serve are sensible proposals, which we supreme being or God, permit me to ture of her husband? Many thou- ile Phehlukwayo, David Miller and being locked up for our actions. to hamper the free exchange hope the broader Coalition and turn this around and challenge Rob- sands of non-Muslim women em- Khaya Zone all rush off after Klus- Clearly none of us would choose im- of views, because the intention Labour will support. Studies should ert and all other atheists to prove, brace the Islam of their husbands ener to better run cricket opportun- prisonment. However, it’s import- is to limit media organisations’ Laws designed to shackle benefit positions scientifically, of course, that there is in many parts of the world because ities. ant that this is not singled out as access to consumers, and thus competition, or that limit con- no such thing as God and that athe- of this regulation. Now coach Shukri Conrad could the main injustice in our campaign. they limit consumers’ access to sumers from accessing news, LAST week the premier of KZN was ism is “true”. Many questions can be asked be appointed. His SuperSport crick- The real injustice is climate change. content. views and opinions, have no forced to tell MEC Peggy Nkoyeni Similarly in his letter in the about Islam having respect for other et commentaries are substandard The real injustice is that the major- That is anathema to the ideals place in our modern, sophis- to stop her studies for an MBA as it same column, “Creationists find cultures. If the new Mrs Mandela and with a average of 21, ity of the world’s population – those of free speech and the right of all ticated democracy. was distracting her from her public evolution a threat”, John Drake is to be queen of her community who would seriously respect him? in the global south, those who suf- servant duties. states, “There is no published scien- would she not seriously consider KZN Cricket sponsors should fered at the hands of colonialism – Today I read in Network that a tific paper in a recognised scientific following her new-found culture out suspend their sponsorship, and are the ones who are affected by the Pumla Mzizi is the chairwoman of journal that refutes Darwin’s hy- of respect for her people? cricket-lovers stay away, until con- exuberant lifestyles of the few. the board of Shaka Marine World pothesis.” Can he give reference to In a letter (The Mercury, Febru- crete evidence of a way forward! The science is clear: aircraft Thought for the day and founder of Jama Consulting any paper that proves the “hypoth- ary 18) Saber Ahmed Jazbay raised Patrick Compton is an outstand- emissions are the fastest-growing and Projects. In addition she is esis”? many questions about the way in ing cricket writer and is our eyes source of CO2 in the UK. With cur- It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up working towards a Master’s in com- And, for instance, can he provide which Islam expresses itself in our and ears on the goings on at King- rent growth rates in the aviation merce in transport economics. a scientific paper that proves how modern world. smead. He should be encouraged at sector, it is highly unlikely that their passion, than to restrain them and direct It is commendable that she wish- our extremely complex eye evolved I have studied Islam over several every turn to report with transpar- we will meet our legally binding them toward the patient labours of peace. es to further her qualification, but from light-sensitive cells on the skin years. One day I may meet a schol- ency, not be fobbed off and told it’s commitments in the 2008 Climate I believe that as she is essentially a of a slug? ar who would answer my questions none of his business. Change Act. This is without expand- – Andre Gide (1869-1957) French author public servant she (like Nkonyeni) Or should we just have faith that about this faith that leaves me and VINCENT WARRINER ing airports or building new ones. If is distracted from performing the this evolution occurred because it is very many others wondering just Umgeni Park we are to take climate change ser- iously, there can be no new UK run- way at all. BRIEF insights on willing to appear to Following decades of failed ne- (real) bravery Rod fail or appear to be gotiations on climate deals, broken Smith less than success- promises by this government over ● The person ful so a student may being the “greenest ever”, a com- who is willing to tell learn or experience KZN again the epicentre of violence plete U-turn on David Cameron’s the truth despite the YOU & ME something new – suc- “no ifs, no buts” pledge for no third possibility of fallout cess breeds success. runway at Heathrow, it is clear that or the incurrence of ● The parent who HORRIFIC murders, pre-local-elec- the democratic process is not work- personal cost – a word is a bond. knows how much to tell a son or tion assassinations and the general As in the ‘80s, political assassinations, Imraan ing. There is growing outrage over ● The person who self-edits daughter and how much to with- culture of violence seal our reputa- Buccus the broken promises, and also over and chooses truth in the minu- hold from a son or a daughter so tion as a dangerously violent soci- police torture and driving of activists the fact that people like me will be tia of life rather than expressing he or she may be necessarily and ety. repressed for taking action. The half-truths or “little” lies which appropriately informed and yet And while we all share the hope from their homes are all worse here COMMENT momentum that is building behind may make life easier or more con- at the same time not unnecessar- that murderers will spend the rest our campaign means there will only venient – truth begins within. ily burdened – love includes and of their lives in prison, the real- ists have been killed too. With this We will have to refuse the cul- step back from now. be more effective and disruptive ● The person who could legit- love edits. ity is that the police are often the degree of political violence it’s clear ture of violence and the machismo We have all kinds of urgent chal- actions against aviation and fossil imately expect to be served by ● The person who knows and perpetrators of horrific violence. A that we cannot rely on politicians that often goes with it. We’ll have to lenges facing us. We need to deal fuels. others but who chooses instead understands that love is about recent survey showed that 70% of and political parties to reform the oppose it in every community and with mass unemployment, with Currently, 15% of the population to serve others – joy comes from listening and supporting and young people don’t trust the police, police and society at large. wherever it rears its head. the education crisis, with rampant take 70% of flights in this country. serving. learning and making room for and in the light of recent scandals And while the media takes the We’ll have to think about how corruption, endemic gender-based These rich, frequent flyers are the ● The person who repeated- the needs and concerns of others regarding police murder and bru- murder of someone like Reeva we raise our sons and what we ac- violence including rape, and the ones driving aviation expansion. ly believes in the best of others – love makes room for others. tality, there are good reasons for Steenkamp very seriously, the lives cept from our politicians, police complete lack of any real vision in To build another runway would be despite the repeated failings of that. of people who are poor and black and media. We will have to isolate party politics. to act on behalf of a rich minority, others – there is gold in all. ● Smith is a family therapist in The crisis that we face is a crisis are usually not taken seriously people who turn to violence and But we will not be able to deal who benefit from this decision, ● The teacher or coach who the US. He can be e-mailed at of society and it is a crisis of the at all. This means build cultures of with any of these problems if we while the rest of us are left to mop sees talent in a student and is [email protected]. police. We need to move beyond sim- that the media is peace and spaces don’t take the urgent challenge of up the mess in terms of pollution plistic calls for tougher policing. also often part of where these cul- rooting out the culture of violence and the advance of dangerous cli- We need radical police reform, in- the problem. Some tures can flourish. very, very seriously. mate change. The effect aircraft cluding demilitarisation, and we people think that This is not a task We need to stop celebrating the emissions have on global warming need radical social reform too. But the answers are in Our freedom that we can leave to narrative that falsely claims that lays bare the hideous inequalities the problem we face is that, espe- the family. did not flow anyone else. It has we owe our liberation only to our that are so prevalent in our world. cially in KwaZulu-Natal, political But the family is from the barrel to be a responsibil- armed struggle – that it was central The fight against aviation is not Newsdesk ...... 031 308 2332 violence is rapidly becoming en- where most gender- ity that we all take to our liberation. limited to Heathrow or Gatwick. Editor ...... Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya Deliveries 080 020 4711/031 308 2022 trenched. The province was the epi- based violence hap- of a gun and on and that we all It wasn’t. It was the commun- We stand shoulder to shoulder with Deputy Editor ...... Bruce Colly E-mail ...... [email protected] centre of the civil war in the 1980s pens. The family is, share. ity struggles organised into the other struggles around the world, News Editor ...... Philani Mazibuko On the web .... www.themercury.co.za and, once again, it is the epicentre therefore, also often neither will a If we keep going UDF, and trade union struggles from the Northern Forests Defence Sports co-ordinator .....Simon Osler www.facebook.com/themercurysa of political violence now. part of the problem. down the road that organised into Cosatu, that won in fighting a third airport in Istan- Arts Editor ...... Billy Suter www.twitter.com/themercurysa better future Advertising ...... 031 308 2004 Political assassinations, police There are no easy we are currently us our freedom. This is shown bril- bul, to La Zad in Notre-Dame-des- torture, and the practice of driv- options for deal- on we’ll end up like liantly in Stephen Ellis’s book Ex- Landes, calling for a day of action THE Mercury is printed and published by Code of Professional Practice, which prescribes that ing grass-roots activists from their ing with the crisis Colombia. The rich ternal Mission. on Saturday, to which Plane Stupid Independent Newspapers KwaZulu-Natal, 18 news must be reported in a truthful, accurate, fair Osborne Street, Durban, for the proprietors and and balanced manner. If you feel we don’t live up homes are all worse here than any- of violence in our will be barricaded Our freedom did not flow from is planning to respond in solidarity. publishers, Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited, to the Press Code, contact The Press Ombudsman where else. Recent reports claim society. It is not a into private spaces the barrel of a gun and neither will When we say no new runways, we at 18 Osborne Street, Durban. The copyright in in writing at 3rd Floor, 9 St David’s Park, St David’s problem that we can and protected by a better future. the literary and artistic works in this newspaper Place, Parktown, 2193 or PO Box 47221, Parklands that most political murders occur mean no new runways, anywhere. and its supplements, as well as in the published 2121, or e-mail pressombudsman@ombudsman. in KZN, especially in recent years. expect the police, the politicians, private security guards while the – The Independent editions and any other content or material org.za (www.presscouncil.org.za/). The circulation This is just incredible. “gangster leftism”, the family or the poor will be at the mercy of all ● Buccus is a senior research (including any online version), belongs exclusively of the Mercury is certified by the Audit Bureau of ● to Independent Newspapers (Pty) Limited unless Circulations. Much of the political violence media to solve for us. kinds of thugs – some in the police, associate at ASRI, a research Tamlit is a member of stated. The copyright, including the reproduction in the province is linked to power If we are going to take a decisive some in political parties and radical fellow in the School of Social Plane Stupid, a campaign group and adaptation of any content or material in this struggles within the ruling party, step away from the culture of vio- groups and some in criminal or- Sciences at UKZN and academic that takes direct action to newspaper and its supplements, is expressly reserved to the publisher, Independent Newspapers and some is linked to rivalry be- lence we, as ordinary citizens, will ganisations. This is a nightmarish director of a university study highlight the effects of the (Pty) Limited, under Section 12(7) of the Copyright tween the ANC, IFP and NFP. In re- have to take responsibility for this future. It is a future that we must abroad programme on political aviation industry on global Act of 1978. The Mercury is committed to the Press cent times many grass-roots activ- on our own. step back from and that we must transformation. climate change.