25 FEBRUARY 2016 – 07:00

SHAWN Hagedorn managed to distil, most brilliantly, in not much more than 1,000 words, the conundrum that faces us in SA 22 years after the birth of our democracy (Malaise extends far beyond Zuma, February 17).

My coffee went cold as I had to reread the piece just to immerse myself in the unmitigated truths contained in it.

“As the hopes of most young South Africans unravel, the ruling party and its business leaders dither.”

How apt. The dithering, sadly, extends to more than just the two parties mentioned; it extends to civil society, church leaders and society in general. South Africans can ill afford this state of stagnation. Someone must grasp the nettle and help move this country forward.

Mr Hagedorn’s piece should be recommended reading for all our leaders in whatever sphere of influence. The notion of placing our mammoth problems on the shoulders of one individual — as if his removal can dig us out of the hole we are in — is erroneous. We have been led down that garden path for so long.

The solution is a little more complex than that.

Our political leaders would do well to reflect on the points that are raised, because if they don’t, they will come to regret the opportunity. To sit sipping cold tea in retirement, replete with a sense of guilt, must be hellish.

Thembelani Tukwayo
Via e-mail

Published in Business Day