President Ramaphosa, Newcastle residents would like to ask you the following:

As South Africans, we find ourselves in unchartered waters, we find ourselves waging war against an unseen enemy, whilst dealing with non-sensical regulations.

From the pandemic to industries crumbling, to millions of people losing their income and facing an uncertain future. We have been left feeling around in the dark, as Government is more focussed on driving agendas over dealing with the current problems in its people’s lives. 

These misguided regulations which allow for this, but condemn that, have now gotten to the point of laughable. I can go to McDonald’s but not to a game lodge. I can travel around but must be home by 9pm. I can’t buy cigarettes due to sharing, but now everyone shares more than ever, due to supply being limited. 

Industries are falling, millions are losing everything and the Government just keeps on doing Government every day and not its job, which is looking after us, its people. The wheels of the bus are not going round and round anymore and we need our fearless leader to take control before more damage is injured in SA.

However, during these trying times, South Africans are no longer remaining silent.

Over recent months, social media has been ablaze with South Africans questioning the actions of the country’s leadership. And we at the Newcastillian applauded patriotic, forward-thinking South Africans. 

People are looking for answers on issues on blatant corruption, misuse of power, as well as double-standards within the Government. Also, let us not forget about how South Africans want answers on some of the ludicrous lockdown regulations.

As people search for answers if we could ask or tell President Cyril Ramaphosa one thing, what would it be?

The Newcastillian decided to find out. We asked members of the community what they would ask or tell President Ramaphosa if they had the opportunity. This is what they had to say:

Craig Pedersen:

“Mr President/Oom Cyril, When you announced this lockdown you said it would last 3 weeks to give your cabinet the time to prepare the necessary facilities to accommodate the masses that this virus was going to infect. We are now day one hundred eleventy forty and nothing has been done?”

Furthermore, Craig says, “You also announced a COVID fund of some 500 billion (March). Now come July that fund is empty and you applied to the IMF for more funding and announced that you will launch an investigation to the missing millions…”

In conclusion, Craig adds, “Sir, the problem with your cabinet is that they lack the knowledge of being in those positions. Not one person is held accountable for their misleading actions and possibly long fingers in the pie. What is going to change?”

Buyisiwe Nozulu:

“I would want to tell and ask President Ramaphosa a lot of things,” Buyisiwe laughs. However, she says the most important topic for her is the safety of children at school.

“I will tell President Ramaphosa to cancel the school year and start afresh in 2021. The number of COVID-19 cases is high, and people are dying. Even here in Newcastle, the situation is bad, I know people who have died from the virus. I believe the president should find solutions to prevent the spread. After all, prevention is better than cure.”

Renisha Naicker:

“I would tell President Ramaphosa to start focusing more on the economy and job creation. For me, poverty is a major cause of concern and it needs to be addressed.”

Mark Jacobs:

Mark believes the first thing he would tell President Ramaphosa, would be to look at corruption, Especially corruption within the ANC.

“Corruption is the main thing that I feel needs to be addressed. I also want to ask President Ramaphosa, why is it that when a prominent figure passes away, there is a massive funeral and other South Africans are not allowed to have more than 50 people?”

Irfan Khan:

As a foreign national within South Africa, Irfan Khan says he has but one request for the president.

“I would request that the President starts looking at controlling crime, as it is a major issue in South Africa. I know a lot of people who have been affected by crime. There is just too much crime in South Africa.”

Nadia van der Westhuizen:

Nadia says she would love to ask President Ramaphosa why the ban on sales of tobacco products and alcohol is still in place.

“Everything else is open to the public. Why can’t we buy just liquor or cigarettes?” she asks.

Andy Hsu:

“Actually, there are too many questions to ask. For a simple question, I would like to ask him, do you like the nation as it is today? Is this what you expected?

Louis Joubert:

“I would like him to address the nation more often. From teaching history, Franklin D Roosevelt had a weekly chat with the Nation during the crisis caused by the Great Depression. He called his weekly chats during the crisis His Fireside chats,” says Louis.

Through his chats, Louis says Roosevelt reassured his nation.

“I would ask  Ramaphosa to chat with the nation once a week. I don’t want to hear his ministers giving instructions and making up rules as they go along. Cyril, please be a strong decisive leader.”

Cindy Furter:

Regarding the R3,5 billion loss of revenue due to the tobacco ban, Cindy says she would like to ask President Ramaphosa, how does he and Minister Dlamini-Zuma plan to cover the said loss?

“Many South Africans are starving and you ‘allow” NDZ to “override” your decisions resulting in “huge” income loss to the government – unfathomable.”

Furthermore, Cindy says she would also like to ask if the over-burdening of hospitals due to alcohol abuse honestly overshadows the loss of business, job opportunities, and once again government revenue in the form of taxes – in a country already brought to its financial knees?

“How can various ministers – in a democratic country – have the authority to prescribe what clothing, household items, etc the public may purchase? Since when exactly has SA become a dictatorship?” 

Cindy adds, “Despite the hard questions and general unhappiness that some may feel – a part of me does believe you are trying your best – in some way to “save” SA. The only thing I know for sure; is that I don’t want your job,” Cindy concludes.

Anelle Knop:

Anelle believes there are many matters to address. But there are struggles that people are facing at this stage, which she would discuss with the president.

These struggles, she says includes people not having the money to feed their families. Then there is the all-around corruption.

“And it begins with you. Stop letting other cabinet members influence your decision and discretion, build a new and reliable cabinet. Be the president your people believe you can be, whether the “truth” is going to come out or not, stand up for your nation. Stand up for us. We as the citizens of South Africa are tired of struggling, tired of paying, tired of hearing excuses. Be equal to all. Make us believe in you again.”

With residents asking valid questions; if you could ask the president or tell him something, what would it be? Do you feel we as a country should start pushing our government for answers?

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