'Leaders should set example
by DD Maule
2009-05-29 09:44
The long arm of the law is so crippled by corruption that it could very well claim for a disability grant, and it will take more than just throwing money into the copper's coffers to solve the problem.
Bringing criminals to justice should be a process that happens from the top down, but how can we expect to solve crime when our leading political lights are famous for various sins, both criminal and social - should they not be setting an example?
Why should politicians be driven around in police escorts that drive faster than the legal limit? Why do police officers not wear safety belts or use hands-free systems for their cellphones? why should they get away with breaking the law ultimately setting the precedent for younger South Africans?
Our esteemed leader Jacob Zuma sings a song about a machine gun. Oh yeah, that sets the right tone for getting the teenagers to work. Why work when you take what you want at the click of a trigger?
But JZ and his cohorts are not the only ones to blame for the reckless abandonment of laws and common decency.
We the average South African have also sunk into the depths of the law breaking society. Now I know you're going to ask me "but I haven?t killed anyone, or stolen from any one just how am I breaking the law"?
And the answer is easy - driving over the speed limit is breaking the law, talking on your cellphone with using a hands-free kit is breaking the law, changing lanes without using an indicator, using office equipment for private use, hell tossing your cigarette out the car window is breaking the law, albeit the law of decency rather than criminal.
So if average South Africans began a mass return to abiding by the law, would we not free up the law keepers to do just that - keep the law?
Yes I know that they're all a bunch of corrupt officials who'll do anything for a bribe, but if we don't give them the chance to ask for it, will they still be corrupt?
What about some kindness and compassion, what about letting that person in the space in front of you next time you speed down Malibongwe, after all one good turn deserves another. And I have often found that the small favour granted here, means one granted to me in the future!
What about smiling at the cashier next time you go shopping? What about helping you colleague when they're under pressure and living up to the name of Sunny South African?
You never know. Your sudden heeding of the law may just set an example for someone to follow, to lay down the life of crime and embark on a journey of peace, work and nation building.
Get published on MyNews24 by sending your letter, story or column to us.
Send us your news photos
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.