Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Les linges sales se lavent en famille (Family affairs are solved under closed-doors)

This is a preferred “say” used in French speaking countries as to maintain that; it is wise to solve family differences in secret.

It is a natural instinct that human strives to give a better impression to outsiders. African culture common sense leads us to arranging our space, wearing clean clothes and portraying at best our social belonging whenever we are receiving guests.

With the FIFA 2010 World Cup, South Africa has the opportunity to show case to the world what it has to offer from its touristic attractions to economic and infrastructural achievements. This is a golden change to write off pessimistic comments about this country readiness to stand among first class countries, world best destination says experts.

While I do understand that people in this country have right to a decent live and fair income, with the FIFA 2010 World Cup billions of Rand have been invested in infrastructure that the South African government is under huge pressure to deliver. Unfortunately, since last year on a national level, almost every month, public servants exercise tremendous pressure on the ANC government asking between 7 and 16% percent salary raise despite a recovering economy due to the global economic meltdown.

Taking in consideration the time frame before the kick off of the world biggest event, I have the impression that the government has no choice than taking memorandum, accept trade unions demand and give unrealistic promises just to avoid tumults during the World cup.

Indeed, It seems for me that ministries are giving up to pressure from trade unions. After municipal workers get what they wanted after splashing bin in many cities, now train commuters, petrol station owner and motorists may pay high price due to another national strike by transporters and public office workers. Still, many other strikes are looming such as that of taxi associations.

I wonder who bluffs who?

Once the world cup is over, we will all realise that many of these promises are just unrealisable.

The truth is, if successfully organised, the country will be better off for years to come and public servants (South Africans) at first place.

So, let’s wake up! Is this really the time to toy-toy when guests start arriving in the country? Which impression will South Africans give to the world? Do we really want to see the South African police charging dancing mobs on television worldwide?

At this time, I would call for more patriotism than self interest