July 15 2004

Something that doesn't happen often here (that we hear about) is abductions. Unfortunately this has happened last weekend. A girl got abducted from an exclusive "university" on Friday. Her parents were contacted with a ransom demand which was paid that same evening. Since then this girl has disappeared. The money was picked up and in spite of the "business transaction", she is still missing. She turned 21 on Saturday.

It is indeed sad that criminals now resort to acts like these. According to the father, the abductor sounded professional and to the point. The fact that this child was picked is also no coincidence. The father is the MD of the biggest independent local computer distributor in South Africa and as with any parent would move the earth to protect his children. It is surprising though that in spite of the inherent selfish culture in this country, how people from all walks bonded to give support to this devastated family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rob.

We've had a good visit from Bill who came over from the States for the christening of their godchild. It is surprising to hear (firsthand) that the Americans are very critical of their government. Especially as far as foreign policy go, specifically looking at the whole Iraqi saga. We tend to get so tied up with what's happening in our own country that we forget (sometimes) that even the superpowers have their crosses to bear. If 70% of Americans are like Bill and Polly then I'm the first to declare that I love them all! Dankie meneer for you visit. Now I just got to convince him to write us a piece on his thoughts about our country.

Back to Alberton where municipal accounts gone up by 300% from July 1. The Ekurhuleni mayor decided a roadshow will be the best recourse on "educating" homeowners about this increase. He got boo 'ed off the stage at his first appearance. The Democratic Alliance reckon that a 6% increase would cover the proposed budget for the area, but the council decided on "cashing" in on the property boom by determining the rates on property value instead of the land value as is the case in other areas. This is sure to put a damper on the property market.

Public servants at Home Affairs in Pretoria got evacuated out of a condemned civil services building after a waterpipe burst last week. This does not make sense at all and can only point to government officials being ignorant of the safety of their workers in order to make more money. The 34 year old building was condemned in January already (declared unfit for human occupation) - does this mean that the hotshots in power do not consider their staff as human?

Another tension point came to boil. That is Diepkloof. A transit area for the homeless waiting for government to make good on their promise of housing. 300 000 people flock to Gauteng every year in search of a better life. Government can only provide 40 000 house a year. With a backlog of half a million houses these people had enough. Buildings were set alight, rubber bullets were used, roads were barricaded and eventually closed, people were arrested only to be released again. And that because of government's inability to commit itself to it's people. The cause of it all was a leaflet distributed stipulating points of discussion for a meeting by the civic association. It stipulated discussion around the moving of people from Diepkloof Ext. 1. Of course people jumped to conclusions and thus a riot was born. A real test for the former MEC of safety and security (yes, my ex-neighbour) who is now in charge of housing in Gauteng. She did a poor job of her previous responsibilities, what made them think that she could handle this? All the overseas trips in the world is of no use if there is no personal commitment to the people!