OH! Brother Chris Barron, why waste your time interviewing Ubuti Jackson Mthembu, "So many questions" (November 20)? I admire your tenacity, but from the first question it was clear he would answer in, let us say, a diplomatic way. He forgets that he is a spokesman of a ruling party and is answerable to any question from any Tom, Dick and Harry, even in a shebeen. Comrade JM, you did not impress me with the way you responded to valid questions.

 In essence your response to the party's centenary celebrations was just shallow and vague. The position of spokesperson is too big for you. Let me remind you, transparency is a value enshrined in a democratic government. Convince the nation by breaking down the R100-million cost for the ANC anniversary (income and expenditure breakdown, bro). This round figure is misleading unless you, as a party spokesperson, prefer your sushi served on a unique platter. Ubuti JM, man-up and give the members answers! - Motlabaile J Seemela, Mabopane

CHRIS Barron, I am a first-time reader of your column and I think you are spot on, even though you will be called names like counter- revolutionary. Codesa never liberated the poor citizens of SA. Jackson Mthembu's Q & A sums up this ignorance on the plight of poor citizens. Press freedom is necessary. - Mawande Mtshazi, Gugulethu