The front page article headlined "Voters not stupid, warns Gordhan" (yesterday), while 20 years too late, is an ominous reminder that while politics is ever-changing, the electorate expects a certain standard of civil service.
If Pravin Gordhan's veiled warning is ignored, and if the people's needs are ignored, there will be serious repercussions.
The ANC' s smug belief that it will rule in perpetuity has been jolted on many fronts.
While Gordhan is on the mark with his warning, it made me think: Should not this warning have come from the president himself? But, alas, you cannot point a finger at yourself, can you?
Narendh Ganesh, Durban North
Finally a leading minister with excellent advice to other politicians.
We cannot continuously read about taxpayers' money being used for politicians' personal gain and simply shrug it off.
There is no common sense in voting for a party that continues to disappoint.
Our president has been caught out, and though there is proof of his personal benefit from the upgrades to his Nkandla homestead, he denies all fault and refuses to be held to account.
We have a hearing on the e-tolls, at long last. But why was there no referendum on the e-tolls? Had this been done, then perhaps no unnecessary loans would have been taken out to try to impose a system that would benefit a few to the great detriment of many.
The Times asked if members of the public believe our president will finish his second term of office. I don't think so. And certainly not if voters wise up.
Sandra Zach, by e-mail
Gordhan says voters are not stupid. So why do so many stage a protest against the very government they voted into power?
While he was finance minister, Gordhan called on elected officials to tighten their belts. His appeals fell largely on deaf ears then, just as they will fall on deaf ears now.
Most politicians and government employees are incompetent and have too much to lose by doing the right and moral thing.
This attitude goes all the way up.
Wilby, by e-mail
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