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Adriaan

South Africa
News24 User

Time for a new voice

by Adriaan
2009-10-29 15:01

Dear Editor

There is a desperate need for the voice of the people to stand up against all these uncalled comments and actions made by political leaders.

They need to be reminded that we are living in a democratic country and that they are where they are because of our vote. Therefore they can also be removed from where they are by our vote/voice.

For too long were we as public too quiet about the actions of our so called leaders and did we leave it for the opposition parties to handle, but obviously they too are incapable. The time is now for a fresh vehicle through which the voice of the people can be channelled.

The new voice is not a political party, it is not an opposition party, it is merely a vehicle through which the public can raise their concerns, others can give their support and then by using the vehicle as a tool, pressure can be created to move our leaders either into action, or force them to step down. No need to wait till the next election, we need to act now!

It is not just that they are misusing their positions to utter stuff we as the people disagree with, but they are also spending our money on themselves instead of those who are in need.

I am not calling for a country ran by the people, but merely a voice that will keep the politicians accountable for their actions - true democracy!

Adriaan

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LSA 10/29/2009 3:06:56 PM
Good luck on that!!!

Spiderman 10/29/2009 3:08:20 PM
Start SATPA - South African Tax Payers Association!

LAL 10/29/2009 3:17:04 PM
It won't help either way.

Sinudeity 10/29/2009 3:19:12 PM
Unfortunately our politicians only listen once you start burning shit down.

Zizo 10/29/2009 3:20:18 PM
"I am one of those who believe that there is no permanent home for even a section of the Bantu in the white area of South Africa and the destiny of South Africa depends on this essential point. If the principle of permanent residence for the black man in the area of the white is accepted then it is the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it in this country." PW Botha Speaking to parliament in 1964 as Minister for Coloured Affairs (The Guardian 7 February 2006)

Tshwarelo 10/29/2009 3:21:06 PM
Nice thought, but who are you speaking for? The media loves nothing more than a stray opinion from a politician. And we must differentiate between a government official and a politician as the two are totally different, democratically speaking. No such forum or vehicle will ever work because we ('diverse 'South Africans) do not see eye to eye as yet. So, sometimes a person would support a stupid politician just not to agree with an opposition party that is always looking for something wrong with the ruling party. That's where debate loses its morale and gains racial undertones.

Glock 22 10/29/2009 3:21:38 PM
Nice try I realise everyday more and more its not that much the leaders( yes they steal and spend as they please) But its their supporters who cant find a problem with the way the run the country. Until that changes we are stuffed. I dont see a change.

garyh 10/29/2009 3:30:27 PM
Good idea, needs work though! Concerned tax payers unite, we need leverage on these suckers, its definitely doable. Some Adult League or whatever. @LAL, we cannot just sit back and let this continue, the clock is ticking and we are picking up momentum as we slip down the slope. We might not have the nuimbers, but we have brains and more power than we realise as we are carrying SA financially, lets discuss!!

Sarah 10/29/2009 3:33:40 PM
Excellent Zizo - you managed to once again misuse the forum to get your own opinion across. The excerpt you cut and pasted as your comment, bears no relevance to the subject at hand.

SimonP 10/29/2009 3:35:06 PM
Accountability in South Africa? "I lied, but what did I do wrong?" Convicted fraudsters sitting in parliament, R6bn missing in one municipality and the leader keeps their job. ANC stands for Accountability No Chance.

Sarah 10/29/2009 3:37:44 PM
Excellent Zizo - you managed to once again misuse the forum to get your own opinion across. The excerpt you cut and pasted as your comment, bears no relevance to the subject at hand.

JJ @ Zizo 10/29/2009 3:38:26 PM
Uuuhhh and that means WHAT?? Are you trying to prove a point or just rehashing the past. It's been done to death, and by now only boring. Give it a rest will you!!

@ZIZO 10/29/2009 3:38:53 PM
it is up to the people to make a change but the majority are scared things go back to the way they were so they accept what is happening now.

1964 is a long time ago Zizo get over it.

Joeman 10/29/2009 3:39:41 PM
Great stuff Adriaan, but who's going to drive the vehicle to convey the message to lords in parly? It's frustrating as they do as they please no matter how much we complain. The opposition is always negative instead of being critical. I belive that all politicians are the same, even if we were to remove those in the admin now and bring the fresh ones, they'll be there to enrich themselves. the DA will not attract black support to unseat ANC because its supporters keep on insulting the very same majority as being stupid, uneducated, dependents of handouts etc. who can support a person who regards to be inferior compared to him/her?

garyh @Tshwarelo 10/29/2009 3:39:43 PM
Tshwarelo, good take on things and I tend to agree with you. However it does not feel right just sitting and bitching on this forum, we need a voice!

Sarah @ Zizo 10/29/2009 3:39:45 PM
Excellent Zizo - you managed to once again misuse the forum to get your own opinion across. The excerpt you cut and pasted as your comment, bears no relevance to the subject at hand.

THE MAN 10/29/2009 3:40:06 PM
his name is the new messiah FUTURE PRESIDENT JULIUS MALEMA. ladies and gents we must all get behind this man he will be the guy to eventually unite the country black and white. Mr Malema calls a stone a stone and those who step out of line will face the malema mania. Unfortunately even though President Zuma is trying the zuma tsunami seems to be fading he is scared to make some decision about the future of this country but Mr Malema he is not afraid to do what needs to be done. Viva the new messiah

garyh 10/29/2009 3:43:54 PM
Zizo, I am so tempted to retort: "Shite PW must have been a prophet", however, why quote speeches from before we were all born, how is it relevant to this frigging century, and the frightening question to you is what the hell do you do everyday, do you sit an poison yourself, jeez, you are a freak!

SimonP@Zizo 10/29/2009 3:44:47 PM
What has your post got to do with the letter. Are you trying to make it a race issue?

Halfwise@Adriaan 10/29/2009 3:46:39 PM
I don’t understand this part “they are where they are because of our vote.” Obviously you didn’t vote for ANC, that’s why you are unhappy. Take my advise, in 2014 go out there and do a door to door campaign for your little party and I mean a real campaign not a Stop Zuma campaign. And stop telling us about a voice and vehicle.

PAR 10/29/2009 3:47:49 PM
I wish the local political parties would do what Britain does on Sky News - confront each other face to fact and have their say. It would quickly show who has a brain.

garyh 10/29/2009 3:48:23 PM
Actually Zizo, I tend to agree with your post(3:20:18), it is a bit racist though, but coming from you everyone will realise that it is not meant as such!

@Tumelo 10/29/2009 4:21:37 PM
Dont bother posting a reply, we all know you will quote sub sub-committee of a sub-committee is dealing with it.

Point Blank@Zizo 10/29/2009 4:26:05 PM
Yes Zizo, I understand that some people are still stuck in the 60's, it's ok we understand. Maybe at some stage you would like to move forward to 2009?

Hopeful! 10/29/2009 4:41:44 PM
The SA Taxpayers Association sounds like a good idea.

Zizo, stop living in the past. Start thinking about the future and where our country is heading at the current rate. We have to act now to bring it back on track by ensuring that govt acts in our interests and now in their own.

Boerseun 10/29/2009 8:28:54 PM
The only way they willunderstand we mean business is by us finding a legal way to withhold taxes. The majority will always vote ANC, but without money, they have no power and will have to adapt to acceptable ways of government.

AJ @ All 10/30/2009 6:33:34 AM
Everyone keeps on and on about needing a 'voice'. You get to vote, municipally, provincially and nationaly. That IS your voice. That IS your vehicle. Like myself you just dont like the outcome of the voice. Like Glock said, as useless as govt is, until voters learn to use their vote (voice/vehicle) responsibly, things will just get worse. Which they will.

Peter R 10/30/2009 8:30:45 AM
The only time that we will begin to see positive changes in South Africa is when the majority come to realize that the Minority are no longer a threat and will never again rule South Africa.
When this happen, I believe that we will see a huge change in the dynamics of the political make-up in South Africa. Now is the time for people to start thinking for themselves and not be misled by politicians who's agenda to maintain power at all costs ..even it is means dividing its people ..If we look at each other without our prejudices we will soon see that most of us have the same desires and needs .. And this should be common cause to change South Africa for the better of everyone .

Lou 10/30/2009 11:46:44 AM
Be vocal, but be informed. It is great that topics are at least being looked at. Freedom is an enabler; we need free speech, freedom of association, expression, religion and all those others protected in the constitution. We are, and will be, vocal about our rights and we will hold politicians accountable. We do not need a new voice; we already are a new voice. Do not let anyone try to tell you otherwise.!!!

J 10/30/2009 12:10:47 PM
I like the idea Adriaan, best of luck!

stevie 10/30/2009 2:07:53 PM
The only way we can fight this is with an OPPOSITION who can challenge the government on EVERY level. Is it really "that" difficult to sort out?

Eles 11/2/2009 7:31:59 AM
I agree but feel we need to educate voters about the consequence of their vote and what they are voting for. I watched carte blanche's feature on the reitz four last night Prof Jansen is clearly an intelligent leader and could substantiate very clearly the ANC youth league president blatantly lied that he had been taken out of context, he not only looks and sounds like a fool he is a fool - which now leads me to the unfortunate conclusion that our president is a fool because seriously if he is someone that people look up to - well all I can say is I can't respect a liar nor someone who promotes racial divide which is just what he does.

Bertie 11/23/2009 7:51:10 PM
Taxpayers association is not just a good idea, it is a must. It is not racial or prejudiced.I have read all these replies and came to the conclusion that nobody has an answer to the dilemma. It is out of pure frustration that I decided to see if we even had a taxpayers association. The only way that our voices will be heard is through action, not complaints.We are being screwed by the taxman, Escom, Telcom, and lets not forget the petroleum companies, (paying levies to taxi owners). What I propose is passive action. Let us all stay away from work for 1(one) month. The taxman must then do without 1/12 of his budget. Can he do it? I don't think so. We don't have to use petrol as we don't have to go to work. Last but not least, we cut cut down on our elect. use and see what they do with the excess electricity. Think about it and let me know. It is time to use our power

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