Internationally, the world continues its relief efforts in combating the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes which occurred in Turkey and Syria. Locally, we’ve been hit with severe rainfall that has led to mass floods in multiple provinces. However, the real disaster in South Africa is the anticipated arrival of the new Minister of Energy announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the State of the Nation address.
Less than a year ago, the South African government terminated the two-year state of disaster, which was put in place to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately save lives, if not livelihoods.
During the state of disaster, numerous allegations have been made against politicians, businessmen and businesses regarding fraudulent activities, misappropriation of funds and corruption.
Fast forward less than a year later, South Africans are now facing two national states of disaster for the abnormal rainfall, which is causing floods in numerous provinces and the ongoing rolling blackouts. The latter being self-inflicted.
With the knowledge of the shady dealings and corrupt activities, which were rampant during the COVID-19 response, many South Africans, opposition parties, experts and civilians alike are wary of the government’s intent. If I were a betting individual, my money and other collections would be taken in some form by politicians or their affiliates.
Safe to say, we are sceptical. As a civilian, I already do not trust the new Minister of Electricity, whomever they may be, and I most certainly do not trust the auditor general to oversee expenditure. Corruption leaves a foul stench on the breath.
However, given the severe circumstances regarding the abnormal rainfall, the state of disaster is perceived as a necessary and required response to provinces and people affected by floods. The irony is that water is abundant in the country during a water crisis.
The state of disaster on the floods is justifiable. That’s the point. The floods have already damaged critical infrastructure, the agricultural industry, residential homes and possession and caused the loss of life. The impact could be crippling, given that drainage systems are dysfunctional due to a lack of upkeep by local municipalities. As they say, the weather is kicking a man while he’s down.
I suggest a Minister of Water, spearheaded by South African NGOs, as their responses to disastrous occurrences and their help, both locally and abroad, have been second to none.
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Potential UFO Encounters
Onto international news, The United States has recently been actively involved in intergalactic warfare. Reports suggest the US military has shot down three unidentified flying objects, including an alleged Chinese spy balloon.
The US and Chinese relations continue to be strained, and the incident of the spy balloon only exacerbated that. The Chinese foreign ministry denied the claims and refuted them by stating the US has flown not one but ten balloons into their airspace.
However, apart from the politics of the entire event, global conspiracy theorists were excited when news broke of multiple UFOs being shot down. One would expect the excitement to die as the US government denied the UFO claims, but it certainly did not.
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Turkey/Syria Earthquake
Last week, Turkey and neighbouring Syria were struck by two catastrophic earthquakes which destroyed thousands of buildings and claimed, approximately, more than 45 000 lives combined.
Shocked at what had occurred, countries and NGOs worldwide, in a joint humanitarian effort, sent forth aid to Turkey through rescue teams, machinery, food, shelter and clothing to assist and locate survivors stuck beneath the rubble.
However, for the most part, Syria was left to fend for itself. A single border crossing between the two countries was destroyed, making it difficult for NGOs and rescue teams to attend to the victims of Northern Syria.
Moreover, sanctions on the Syrian government inhibited relief efforts in the opposition-controlled areas of the country. At the height of the relief efforts, the White Helmets and the Syrian government immediately called for the sanctions to be lifted to deliver much-needed aid.
As efforts were being made by the handful of countries that offered support to Syria along with the multiple NGOs making inroads, the west was reluctant to assist via the Syrian government.
The US, days after the disaster, issued a lengthy exception to the sanctions placed on the Syrian government to assist with the humanitarian efforts made in Northern Syria. The delay, however, cost the lives of thousands of people who were in desperate need and stuck beneath rubble for days on end.
In conclusion, the world continues to mourn the devastating and fatal effects of the earthquake on the Turkish and Syrian people. It commends the efforts made by one and all.
As for South Africa’s multiple states of disasters, many of us are grateful the government finally views the electricity crisis as a serious problem. As for the trust in their plans to combat it, that will need to be earned, as our hopes have already been tricked and burned too many times.
