A report full of ‘maybes’. He’s not gone yet!

It’s concerning that broadcasters, reporters, political analysts, opposition party leaders and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s detractors in the ANC have not bothered to read the report on Phala Phala before calling on him to resign.

The report insinuates that the president erred but doesn’t present concrete evidence to back this up.

It does not contain definite accusations. The entire document is strung together by words like “might have”, “could have” and “possibly”.

These are untested accusations and suggest doubt and hesitancy. It is therefore too early to call on the president to resign. The matter should go to parliament for further investigation so that actual and not perceived wrongdoing can be determined before we hasten to any conclusions.

Let’s not pre-empt an outcome when we’re only at the beginning of the process. Grant Son, Gauteng

Red card to the moral high ground

I have been watching a lot of rugby lately — first the URC matches and more recently the November internationals in Europe and Britain. What initiated the idea I wish to share was the incident in the Springbok-France game which led to Pieter-Steph du Toit being sent off the field, red-carded, fairly early in the contest. I was reminded of a personal experience at Twickenham 21 years ago, when Jannes Labuschagne was sent off around the 20th minute for a late tackle on Jonny Wilkinson.

What made it mind-boggling was the fact that we met Labuschagne the day before, during which it became abundantly clear that the man is a devout Christian, certainly not the type who would intentionally harm a fellow human being. From what we have seen, there is no doubt Du Toit follows similar principles.

So why these incidents? The answer is simple: most rugby players are thoroughly good people who simply play the game hard, and sometimes these things happen in the heat of the moment, without any intent to cause harm. In Labuschagne’s case, the result was devastating: we lost the game 53-3. In Du Toit’s case, we were lucky not to suffer a similar fate. Sadly, when players receive cards, it often kills the game as a contest.

So here is my suggestion: when a player receives a card, the opposing captain should send the corresponding player off for the same amount of time, saving the contest from becoming a farce.

I suggest the Springboks take the initiative and start the tradition. Just imagine the respect we will gain internationally for such a sportsmanlike gesture. I bet soon other teams would do the same. So, come on, Rassie and Siya, I challenge you to implement this, and win back the moral high ground.

Finally, whenever the captain believes the carded player offended intentionally, he should simply hold back the gesture.

That would lead to that player losing the respect of his peers and the public, which would have the effect of cleansing the game of intentional wrongdoing.

Riaan van Greunen, Gauteng

Respect for all life, every day

We are again at that time of year when the 16-day campaign highlighting violence against women and children features in the media.

As a social work and child protection organisation, CMR Gauteng (Caring, Mentoring & Restoring) sees this scourge every day. Not hundreds but thousands of victims are assisted by us every year.

Women who have been physically assaulted, as well as children, are placed in alternative living arrangements to get them away from their aggressors and set them up for a new life. This is but one part of the situation.

Just getting out physically is not the end, or the solution. These women and children have been battered emotionally, mentally, perhaps spiritually. And the damage done to their humanity goes deeper than physical wounds, which heal faster than emotional ones.

We render support in many ways, and counselling has become a growing need across the board. Our social workers are trained to help with many issues, and where needed refer clients to other community resources. We have networks in place for this.

However, everything comes at a cost, and some clients cannot afford this. The battle also rages on the financial front. As an NGO we are always thankful to those who help us help others.

But helping after the fact is like putting plaster on a wound. Our society needs to take heed. Our attitudes need to change. And the basis of all life is respect. Abuse is a sign of disrespect. Therefore the work should start when a child is born. Growing up respecting others and their rights to life and safety should make the change and over time lessen the violence brought to bear on the vulnerable.

Henda van der Merwe, director,

CMR Gauteng-East

Rhymes with ‘cash’

Your startling piece entitled “Make nursery rhymes gender neutral” (November 27) refers. As opposed to the apparently “PC” version of Old McDonald Had A Farm, may I propose this equally appropriate and unquestionably home-grown alternative: “Ramaphosa had a farm / EIEIO

And on that farm he kept some cash / EIEIO …”

That’s all I’ve got so far, but you need be in no doubt that the remainder of the rhyme will unfold in due course.

Dave Southwick, Glenwood