We need to ignore meaningless commissions and build on our hard-won freedoms

IOL News

4 days ago

The irony of the map of Africa
With reference to the spat between the ANC, EFF and MKP regarding Jacob Zuma's visit to Morocco, it is amusing to observe their defence of colonialism's biggest legacy in the light of their fervent anti-colonial rhetoric and historical "struggle" against colonialism.
The territorial demarcation of the map of Africa is colonialism's most enduring legacy. The boundaries of colonies were the result of territorial and economic greed among the European colonisers, each scrambling in the late 19th century to aggrandize their empires. Through invasion and conquest, the intervention of European powers in Africa was a violent collision between Western and African cultures the aftershocks of which persist to this day.
The biggest mistake the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) made on its formation in 1963 was its failure to redraw the map of Africa based on tribal and cultural integrity.
Instead, the newly emancipated pursued power and prestige as presidents of the "states" bequeathed to them by colonialism.
The only territory to break free of the colonial map is Eritrea – after a brutal and devastating 40- year war with Ethiopia.
History shows that boundaries are not permanent. Eastern Europe's boundaries changed twice in the 20th century – post World War I and after the collapse of the USSR.
Currently, separatist movements exist in Scotland and Spain. There is even one in the Western Cape.
So it is ironic that the ANC, EFF and MKP are vociferous about preserving national sovereignty based on colonial boundaries. It's a pity that fondness does not extend to some of the worthwhile legacies of colonialism, such as medicine, education and infrastructure. | DR DUNCAN DU BOIS Bluff
A tale of dreadful suffering and woe
This is the most severe and devastating phase of starvation the Gaza Strip has experienced.
Without exaggeration or distortion, the population is currently enduring a real famine.
Humanitarian aid is virtually nonexistent. Available goods are extremely scarce and limited. Prices have reached astronomical levels, unaffordable even for those who still possess financial means. Most citizens, already exhausted by war and repeated displacement alerts, no longer have any money.
The commission fees on withdrawing funds can be up to 45%.
Numerous individuals have reported that for several days, they and their children have not eaten bread – the staple and often sole item on the table – because the price of 1kg of flour has reached $20 (R355). Other food items are simply inaccessible.
Despite claims made nearly a month ago, when Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza – including the entrance of aid trucks through border crossings and the operations of Israeli-­American companies distributing food in high-risk zones (which, according to the latest UN report, resulted in the deaths of 798 civilians) – the reality on the ground remains starkly different.
From the beginning, we warned that these aid deliveries were nothing more than misleading media propaganda intended to silence international criticism and obscure the ongoing campaign of military extermination being carried out by the occupying forces
.In truth, more than 80% of the population does not receive any of this aid due to multiple factors: The general scarcity of aid, widespread theft and looting along the supply chain and in storage facilities, and serious deficiencies in logistical organisation and distribution mechanisms.
In practical terms, civilians in Gaza have been under total siege and subjected to deliberate starvation since March 2, 2025 – the date the occupying forces closed the border crossings. That was 131 consecutive days ago. Since then, nothing new has entered their homes.
Moreover, the population has been completely deprived of all meat products, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. The limited aid that does arrive consists solely of canned goods, dried legumes, and starchy foods such as rice and pasta. Additionally, the complete lack of access to essential medications has led to thousands of preventable deaths.
This is an urgent message to all concerned parties: Gaza's people are enduring one of the most extreme forms of starvation, torture, and denial of their basic human rights – especially of late.
The narrative that aid is entering Gaza and reaching those in need is profoundly misleading. The reality is that most of the population – those who are paying the price with their lives and health – continue to be denied access to food and critical resources, while propaganda serves the interests of those benefiting from false claims about aid distribution. | Alaa (full name withheld) Gaza Strip
Commissions of inquiry rarely of value
A few weeks ago, South Africans heard serious allegations about the existence and operation of a sophisticated criminal syndicate that has allegedly infiltrated law enforcement structures.
On Sunday, July 13, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to focus on the shocking allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and how the alleged deep-rooted corruption will be addressed.
While I agree that the allegations must be attended to with the necessary diligence and that all parties must be given a fair chance to express themselves, citizens are tired of the many costly, time-consuming and unsuccessful commissions of inquiry.
The most famous commission of inquiry, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, also known as the Zondo Commission, has yet to see its recommendations fully implemented or justice served against those who benefited from the abuse of power and state capture.
Instead of a 'leave of absence', Ramaphosa should have suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu as a deterrent measure, thoroughly investigated the allegations, and then, if proven on a balance of probabilities, dismissed the minister after a fair hearing.Commissions that have the potential to uncover the truth only matter if their findings lead to action and are backed by consequences, sanctions, and justice. | MOHAMED SAEED Pietermaritzburg
We need to build on the freedoms we won
As we navigate the complexities of our 30-year democracy, it's essential to remember the principles that guided our struggle for freedom and continue to shape our path towards a more just and equitable society.
In South Africa, we have made significant progress since the dawn of democracy. We've built a Constitution that enshrines the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, or creed. We've made strides in promoting social justice, addressing the legacy of apartheid, and building a more inclusive economy. However, we still face significant challenges.
Inequality, poverty, and unemployment remain pressing issues, and we need to work together to address them. As liberals, we believe that individual freedom, equality, and democracy are essential to creating a society where everyone can thrive.
We need to promote economic growth, investment, and job creation, while ensuring the benefits of growth are shared fairly among all South Africans. We need to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions, ensuring that they remain accountable to the people and responsive to their needs.We also need to celebrate our diversity and promote social cohesion. South Africa is a rainbow nation, and our diversity is our strength. By embracing our differences and promoting tolerance, we can build a more harmonious and inclusive society.
As liberals, we believe the answers to South Africa's challenges lie in our shared values of freedom, equality, and democracy. We need to work together, across party lines and sectors, to build a brighter future for all South Africans.
Let us continue to uphold these liberal values, working together to build a South Africa where everyone can live with dignity, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the greater good. A South Africa where freedom, equality, and democracy thrive. | Thulani Dasa Khayelitsha
DAILY NEWS