Where did that come from? Seems our Selebi (of Agliotti fame) has decided to throw the gauntlet down in the fight against crime.

In a couple of days some 15 criminals were shot dead with the loss of one law enforcers' life. We've become accustomed to cash in transit heists, especially over the festive season. And this year the cops were ready. Eleven armed robbers were shot dead in one "ambush" and one caught - all accounted for. Brilliant!

On eTV (free to watch Cape Town based alternative to the state run SABC) had a poll the other night with 99.6% of viewers praising this police action - from over 20 000 votes. It shows that South Africans are tired of crime and want action. The death penalty was scrapped shortly after the ANC came into power and way too many criminals live off our hard earned tax money. Costs are spiraling with "protection against crime" driving it and the people have had enough.

The criminals (or those contemplating armed robbery) sat up and noticed, and they're scared! The people have spoken with the most important single factor, reporting these things to the police. Which of course shows a new confidence in the SAPS. Let's hope this trend continues and spreads to all things involving crime! Bravo South Africa!

Rapists and killers are also suffering (if we can call it that) at the hands of the courts. South Africas' worst criminal (50 counts of rape) were sentenced to 50 life sentences with no parole option and over a thousand years for numerous other violent crimes. There is no action like real action by trained cops on the ground. Too many criminals are getting away due to bungled investigations and bribery. Train the right people, give them the resources and we'll see action.

From this massively positive action, we're still in the dark (literally) with Mbeki confessing to ignorance as far as South African power requirements are concerned. What a surprise to hear him admit that they were at fault when they were warned about the impending electricity crisis! Alas, too late now and not much that can be done to alleviate this growing problem.

Our power supplier warned of "brown-outs" for the next five years with the earliest new (coal) power station online in 2014. What, you may ask about 2010? Diesel generators of course! And with the Gautrain project in full swing and a timeline that will see completion before the world cup starts, one can only wonder what will happen when there's power cuts. No use really to have a world-class train with no power?

It's not a question of 25% less power than required, it's a question of growing demand. It's a question of promising "the people" what can't be supplied, it's a question of theft with thousands of dwellings utilising illegal electricity connections and even more not paying at all.

Eskom wants an 18% increase, South Africa can ill afford that. Food prices have rocketed with some food products showing an increase of over 500%. Farmers have had enough of stock theft and the slow eradication of their colleagues through senseless murders. Less economically active farmers, less produce, more imports, higher prices. That's how it goes.

Someone has to pay for the new power stations, and come 2014 (and 2015 for the new nuclear power station) the demand will be higher. Face it, South Africa has some of the cheapest electricity in the developed world and even if the timing is totally out, we'll have to get used to paying more (or just pay) for electricity.

With rising interest rates, extremely expensive fuel, a massive (and growing) deficit in government coffers with a political time bomb (ANC presidency), the Rand will under perform and hard times are with us.

As with most South Africans my coffers aren't exactly healthy, but the time is here to bite the bullet and hope for the best - more than that we cannot do. Work wisely with your money and make sure that your car is not one of the 5 000 a week repossessed by Absa every week. And that's only one credit provider!

Let's have your ideas -

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