Appeal for respect

Dear President Zuma

I am a 57-year-old Afrikaans-speaking male and I do not belong to or support any organisation that favours a specific ethnic group or ideology that could jeopardise relations or show disrespect ­towards other citizens.

I am an ordinary, good South African citizen, married, with three grown-up sons.

I am, however, deeply concerned about the ­corruption, hideous crimes, lack of respect for ­fellow citizens’ possessions, lack of tolerance ­towards one another and lack of respect for life.

I cannot accept the senseless murders, in many ­instances merely to rob the murdered.

There is no excuse for taking someone else’s life.

Mr President, each of us has a role in restoring respect for others and life, but I beg you to use your public position and every podium, whenever you have the opportunity, to address and talk about ­respect for one another, tolerance and respect for life.

I have not heard you do so yet.

I so dearly want my family, circle of friends, ­co-workers and all in South Africa to remain ­positive about their future here.

More importantly, I don’t want my children to leave the country as a result of the corruption and crime.

-Christo Pieters