What is the real South Africa

The other day I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I watched countless flags flap around cars all over Johannesburg. I was so excited for the scores of foreigners arriving soon to experience the infectious warm-hearted attitude of the people of our wonderful nation. I have been to a number of countries in Europe and no where have I met people as friendly as South Africans.

Then I had a reality check and realised how jaded I (and so many others) have become; I am very hesitant to stop for someone who is broken down on the highway, open my window for beggars or speak to strangers, all for fear of being a victim of crime. I get the feeling that we have lost what makes us such wonderful group of people. We don't trust each other and close ourselves off to those around us; think boomed-off communities. It would be an absolute tragedy if a few hundred thousand tourists don't get experience what we are truly like simply because of a crime problem created by a few thugs and political ineptitude.

I am sick of hearing politicians spew out rubbish about being committed to fixing crime. If the 'powers that be' were really interested in fixing the crime in our country they could; they simply do not have the will. Human beings have proved that if we have a will, then we can make it happen. China was able to increase their literacy rate from about 20% in 1950 to over 90% within 15 years. Literacy is a lot harder to achieve than fixing crime; it involves educating teachers before educating the people. They had the political will and made it happen. Politicians in South Africa have no desire to solve our most burning issue.

There is a problem and there are many possible solutions. I propose one: until the crime situation in South Africa is fixed up politicians should not be permitted to have body-guards and private protection. Take that away and watch the crime-scourge plummet.

Added to this, the same politicians should be forbidden from sending their kids to private schools. How can they justifibly be responsible for government education but not trust it enough to use it themselves. Force these politicians into over-crowded schools and I can guarantee there will be a drastic change in quality.

Thoughts?