Johannesburg 2003

by Simon Goldberg

Most people around here seem to think that South Africa's problems

ended

with the election in 1994.  That Democracy has come to South Africa,

and

with it Justice and Freedom.

Yet, how can this be true in a society where 75% of the people are poor

?

Where thousands of poor are armed, and stealing from the rich for

themselves.

A society where everyone is scared, even those with the guns.

The rich are armed to protect themselves.

The poor are armed to fend for themselves.

The unarmed are just potential defenceless victims.

Is there Justice on a street corner where somebody is mugged every 30

minutes ?

Is there Freedom when everyone is a victim ?

Is there Democracy where the politicians allow this to happen ?

The same politicians who allow it to continue.