Bantu Holomisa's 'go to hell' remarks sum up GNU'S agenda

WHEN Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa told a listener to ‘go to hell’, not only did he sum up the arrogance of the government he is part of, but also confirmed how divorced the Government of National Unity (GNU) is from people’s frustrations.

His remarks during a live interview on a popular KwaZulu-Natal-based radio station Gagasi FM with nearly 1.5 listeners, represent how the majority of his colleagues view the plight of the people of this country but have not yet expressed it publicly.  

However their actions or the lack thereof show exactly what Holomisa meant by his remarks.  

If not, then how does one explain the continued disregard of grant beneficiaries, who now have to  resort to marching to parliament demanding better treatment.

Very few, if any, people can justify the alarming unemployment levels, especially among young people. The unacceptable levels of crime in our communities especially against women and children are indicative of a country that is fast becoming a failed state. 

The inequality gap paints a picture of a government that has run out of ideas on how to effectively govern the country. 

Just recently, more than 100 people were killed during severe floods in the Eastern Cape, mostly in areas neighbouring Holomisa’s home, yet he could not explain the absence of SANDF resources to help retrieve the bodies of missing residents. 

The  plight of ordinary South Africans is beyond ‘hell’, deputy minister Holomisa and that is something they never voted for. In fact they entrusted you to play a role in lifting them out of hell.

If criticism of this government is not welcome, then step down and allow those with energy to lead. 

A senior government official who insults the people he is supposed to be serving should be nowhere near state resources. President Cyril Ramaphosa should have been the first to reprimand him publicly. 

However, the president is not really concerned by the conduct of his ministers and deputy ministers. It’s business as usual at the Union Buildings so long as the Phala Phala scandal does not see the light of day.