LETTER | President for 100 days can learn from ‘president for a day’ dreams
Open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa:
Dear Mr President, As a successful businessman, you are no stranger to the struggles that many South Africans face in their journey to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Many of us toy with the idea of being president for a day and all that we would do to change the state of our country.
With your first 100 days in office over, I took it upon myself to ask small business owners: “What would you do if you were president for a day?”
Responses poured in and I was overwhelmed with the answers I was given. What was remarkable was each person knew exactly what he or she would do to change the course our country is on.
“I will decree for peace more than freedom. I’ll apply a strong law that will respect every human, and take away the freedom that allows criminals to deprive innocent citizens. Because abuse of freedom in South Africa is taking the country into the ditch.” – Phumza Matwele
“A lot of people in our country are struggling; struggling in different ways. Therefore, if I were the president for a day I would invest resources in instilling hope and encouragement of unity – helping one another with our struggles.” – Lerato Kgaswane
“I would introduce and pass legislation that advocates radical economic transformation, and pass legislation on free and compulsory education in SA. I would also pass legislation that empower small and medium enterprises through funding and training.” – Anonymous
“Over afternoon tea I’d cut the defence force by 80%, reintroduce an active citizen force of all colours in case we ever need an army. The excess soldiers I’d utilise as a workforce to fix roads, build houses and do community work. Communities with needs could apply for their help.
The navy would be put to work protecting our coasts from drug smuggling and illegal fishing. The air force would be used to swell the numbers in anti-poaching teams.” – Simon Kerr
“No tolerance for crime will be allowed and the Justice Department will receive all the support it needs. Police recruitment and EE criteria will be addressed to ensure that the police get people who want to be in service and not just have a job! Rhino and any animal poaching for that matter will be addressed as a matter of urgency.” – Anna Harris
“I am so over race . . . Not because I am mostly interracial, but we need cooperation between black and white. South Africa is the only country that is loved by most countries in Africa and the only country that has managed to keep its citizens both black and white after its liberation.” – Pakama Punguzwa
Mr President, your people have spoken. Will you listen?
-CATHERINE WIJNBERG, FETOLA FOUNDER AND CEO
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.