The recent arrogant and vapid outpourings by Mr (Terror) Lekota on the subject of (white) emigrants who are cowardly enough to complain about the crime rate in South Africa are typical of a representative of a government that hasn't a clue about governing. Members of the governing party who blatantly accept bribes are treated to a short holiday in prison, Ministers spout the most atrocious nonsense almost continuously, and the President does............. well, what does he do??

Lekota raises the hoary old racist excuse that whites cannot stomach being governed by blacks – generally this is absolute nonsense – no one can stand being governed by an inefficient bunch of buffoons who seemingly are only in power for their own enrichment. Possibly one could understand a blatant redistribution of wealth, land or money, to those who are really poor, but it is also obvious that very few people support redistribution of wealth from the many to the few in  government. Personally the colour of a government means very little to me, but the level of efficiency or ineptitude is most important. The ANC government is beginning to realise that crime is far too high, but has not, as yet, formulated any plans to cope with it. The absence of a death penalty for murder is a major disadvantage when trying to reduce one of the highest murder rates in the world. The shift to less than 10% of white policemen by 2010 will surely do wonders to protect the unfortunate spectators expected for the World Cup. Will Lekota accuse them of 'whinge-ing' when they are mugged, raped or murdered?

I recall that in 1989 when my mother died, in England, I was asked by the bank, as executors of her estate, to lock up the house before returning to South Africa. I could not find the key, because it was so long since the back door had been locked – about 20 years. Even now, one only sees steel door gates in certain drug-ridden inner city areas of England, and burglar bars or electric fencing – NEVER.

Compare this to South Africa, where in urban areas it is tantamount to suicide to omit to fit burglar bars, steel access gates and electric or razor wire fences around your house or business. And this is normality?

Under the new firearms legislation it is no longer possible to defend your home or property with any vigor or lethal force unless your life is being directly threatened. In a country where over 1500 farmers (only farmers), have been murdered since 1990, a more sensibly phrased law is essential – shoot first, ask questions later?

An online petition, www.dearpresident.co.za, can be signed, but don't hold your breath for a reply or reaction. The real action will come when our beloved government ministers and staff themselves are held up, carjacked, raped or murdered – they will be the only worthwhile targets soon, with all the wealth that has been accumulated through corruption and fraud.

Contributed by C. Treen