you said... letters Mantashe, Cele get away with murder
fm paper: reader response Gallo Images/Brenton Geach
I’ve been reading the FM for about 50 years. One of its best quips was when Dr Willie Van Niekerk was “promoted from administrator of [South West Africa] to the cabinet, where as an ex-gynaecologist he found himself in familiar surroundings”. The Nats deserved that comment, but why is the press in general so scathing of the DA while letting Gwede Mantashe and Bheki Cele get way with murder? Gwede is an obstacle, as Justice Malala points out (At Home & Abroad, December 2-8), to jobs and investment because of his obstructive attitude to BEE ownership in mining, his meddling with Karpowership and his dislike for renewables in general. Cele did nothing to stop an insurrection that killed hundreds, destroyed businesses and jobs, and cost billions of rands. They should be hammered. Why are they still there?
Two weeks ago the FM asked for readers’ feedback about our new paper as we chart a way forward. Here are some of your responses: I have no complaints regarding the new paper. The matte finish and slightly thicker paper is an improvement. I can’t understand what reader ADH Leishman is going on about (Letters, December 2-8). There is only the slightest, pleasant odour to the printed paper. A Buchanan As a long-term FM reader, I fully welcome this current paper being used. It is easier to read in all lights. It is more professionallooking and will be durable. And the old paper became crumpled quickly and looked “poor”. This paper actually “smells good”! Ashley Lattimer
Paul McNaughton Stellenbosch
We’ve fallen for the Big Stall The decent people of this country have been, and still are being, led by the nose by a psychotic, maladjusted and sick government. It has mastered the use of an unseen weapon that’s hoodwinking an entire nation into believing all’s well and the bad things, like corruption, will be sorted out soon. It’s called The Big Stall. And who better to lead by example than the wily King of Nkandla. Jacob Zuma’s been doing it for close on two decades. By means of ongoing appeals he was able to escape a proper hearing. The Big Stall has even taken root among the prosecuting and law enforcing bodies. National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi has admitted in parliament that, given the number of cases joining the queue, we mustn’t expect a quick fix. And that after being on the job for nearly four years. In that time not a single big fish has landed in the net, despite screeds of documented evidence at her disposal. To put the seal on it, Batohi warns that further cases unearthed through the Zondo commission will add to the delay in bringing criminals to face charges. If the Zuma case is still pending after nearly two decades, what chance do current ones stand to see the light of day? The Big Stall on course. Ironically, these facts can easily lend themselves to a conspiracy theory. Like, who says this wasn’t the plan all along? President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “new dawn” — and promises of investments aplenty leading to millions of jobs — was a sham. The further promises that corruption would be addressed are empty words. Why then not start with Zuma? It won’t happen, so we are left swallowing the lumps — fools that we are. Cliff Buchler Claremont
I prefer the flimsy paper — this thicker paper is certainly not the paper for a quality magazine like the FM. Cyril Glaser Your new paper has the luxurious look and feel of a Woolworths catalogue. As for the smell, I would suggest your correspondent on the topic has been hanging around petrol stations for too long, as it has affected their sense of smell. In Afrikaans it is referred to a stinkneus. It is not a serious problem and will go away after just one day of petrol station avoidance. I had a sniff and found the letters page at least smells of wood. My hat goes off to the FM for a quality publication in all respects. Mark Mentz For subscribers, the thicker paper is no good as the delivered, rolled magazine remains “rolled” even when the elastic band is removed. Andrew Honey Love the thicker paper; it’s tactile and weighty (matching the content). JC I do like the feel and look of the paper, but I agree with ADH Leishman that the smell of the print is quite strong. It is also irritating to the eyes. It also matters what is the most environmental friendly option for producing the print version of the FM. Thanks for great content from your journalists week after week. Andreas
The new paper is pleasant to hold and suggests professionalism and gravitas. Please don’t pay any attention to the “ooh, it smells funny” brigade. Janet Lopes Wow, when I opened my FM two weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised at the upgraded quality of the newsprint pages. It felt so wonderful to hold quality newsprint in one’s hands and read quality opinion and general articles. FM, I hope this is not a one-off experiment. Johnny Schwartz I’m a big fan of the new, thicker paper. It makes the FM feel like a better-quality product. Bruce Chelius My friends and I find the thick paper most uninviting to hold. Please use the traditional thin periodical paper. Alick Costa I love the thicker paper. Also, there is no “pong”. Maybe ADH Leishman has an ultra-sensitive proboscis. Robert Schroder The use of thicker paper has demoted your fine publication to the feel of a cheap magazine. Morris Getz I am a regular reader of your fabulous magazine and absolutely love the new feel. I hope the “pong” is here to stay. Kirsten
I am most disappointed that the FM has resorted to this unsatisfactory change. I did not expect this high-quality magazine to adopt such an unsuitable solution to what is set out as a temporary problem. The content is always top rate and I hope the print magazine itself will continue to be a prime reflector of that quality. Niel Howson My 5c worth is that the quality of paper selected for current editions is superb. It feels a lot more substantive and “at ease”. Long may your other supply diminish and your new choice remain. Mike The previous thin paper is far more useful and conducive to a good read than the new paper, so I hope you revert. Chris Bruorton
The FM welcomes concise letters from readers. Letters must carry the name and address of the sender. They can be sent to The Editor, Financial Mail, PO Box 1744, Saxonwold 2132. E-mail fmmail@fm.co.za
December 16 - December 22, 2021
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financialmail.co.za
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