Saturday, December 11, 2010

DEWANI: Dr.Pox Raghavjee missed and mourned


Letters to the Editor...


Dr 'Pox' missed and mourned across SA and beyond
 



WHAT has the world come to (Gunmen execute prominent EC doctor, DD Oct 30)? I had the honour as a medical rep of dealing with Dr "Pox" Raghavjee over a number of years. He was a man who always had time for everybody, cared for many and very often gave of his time and medical expertise to people less privileged free of charge.
 
Those who knew him will know that he always had some humour to share, always smiled, never complained and was motivated by the desire to make it better for all around him.
 
It is indeed very sad that he is lost to his community. He was a real hero amongst men. May justice run its course and the full force of the law be applied to the sick individual/s responsible for his death. They have robbed the world of a truly great man , a friend, a father, a husband. May you Rest In Peace Dr "Pox". – Jeremy Middleton, Durban
 


qI HAVE been living in South Korea for the past two months and logged onto the Online Dispatch yesterday. Nothing could prepare me for the lead story about Dr "Pox" Raghavjee's murder.
People are killed daily, but one only feels the sting when you knew the deceased personally. I was deeply saddened to read about the murder and angered to my core that such a barbaric act has occurred – again.
 
Who in their right mind takes the life of someone who saves lives? Dr "Pox" was respected and loved by everyone who knew him.

It is never easy hearing of tragedies like this when you are so far away from loved ones. Yet, it reaffirms my view that I am happy and safe here in South Korea. When people tell me that I should return home after my stay, I ask myself why.

Why should I constantly have to worry about being raped, hijacked or killed? Feeling safe shouldn't be a luxury. It's a right – one that I am enjoying here.

I've always been "Proudly South African", and am always the first to defend the country, but when I read of atrocities like Lucky Dube's murder (among many others) and now that of Dr "Pox", my spirit is dampened and I lose all hope. No wonder people are emigrating and to them I say, good luck! – Sheetal Makhan, Sadly-South African now in South Korea



qMY family are just recovering from the death of friend, Robbie Jones who was murdered last month in King William's Town. Now, a few minutes ago they phoned to say that their dear friend Dr "Pox" Raghavjee of King William's Town has been murdered (Gunmen execute prominent EC doctor, DD Oct 30).

He was a caring and compassionate man who gave of his valuable time to the underprivileged.

Can the authorities not find a solution to the violent crime destroying this wonderful country of ours?
South Africa is apparently considered one of the world's most violent societies, with some 52 people murdered and 144 people reportedly raped every day.

Recently the senseless murder of reggae star Lucky Dube was condemned by the whole nation. There is no justification for any of these barbaric acts. – Barry Goetsch, Gonubie.



Test public will on sentences
IT IS high time that MPLs support the public's call of a referendum to test the will of our nation regarding the sentencing of rapists, murderers, etcetera. Bet you'll see the nation hugely united, just as they were for the rugby World Cup. – JC, Stutterheim.


Minor rules teach life skills
As a teacher, constantly reading articles about how children's rights are being infringed just makes me angry. How ridiculous is it (Expulsion rumpus over school hostel discipline, DD Oct 29) to point out that the poor boy suffers from "constant headaches". What about the teachers who suffer from constant headaches from continuously having to say "Please be quiet", "Get into line", "Stop talking" or "Please do your work!"

What about the rights of teachers! Children today can threaten a teacher's life, swear at a teacher, and what can we do about it? Give them a demerit! This does not effectively teach the child right from wrong.
Teaching, as a profession, is so disrespected and unappreciated in this country. But it is because we care that we discipline children. Discipline and setting boundaries is how children learn. That is why we have rules, and that is why a country has laws – they let us know what is right and what is wrong!

It appears that certain parents set out to blame others for their children failing in a system, rather than taking a good look at themselves first. Instilling morals and self-discipline in children starts at home.
The rules that the children broke in the hostel are not simply "minor rules"; they are there to teach them important life skills. It's simple, if you follow the rules you don't get into trouble. – Vicki Parker, Quigney




qTHE actions of the educators in this incident (Community furious over drunk teachers, DD Oct 23) cannot go unchallenged by the community.
Bringing liquor onto school premises, abusing liquor and/or being under the influence of liquor on school premises is very serious misconduct.
The community of eThembeni cannot condone this behaviour from the teachers of our future leaders. Such an element should not be part of the education fraternity or our community – they will breed a corrupt and a corruptible future. The teachers involved should not be allowed to teach. — Banele M Majingo, King William's Town




Parking technology is great
I MUST congratulate Vincent Park's management on installing the electronic parking payment system. This new technology (which is in use at most large shopping centres, airports etcetera) is a huge step in the right direction and long overdue at Vincent Park. A few initial teething problems are to be expected, but the long term benefit far outweighs the initial inconvenience. At least I have some peace of mind that my car is a little safer than it would be at Retail Park! – Sam Rheeder, Baysville Extension

Greedy for wealth
YOUR Insight column (Bush seeking funds for huge bomb – Iran most likely target, DD Oct 29) is so typical of what the mainstream media vomited out before Iraq was invaded. We already know that Iran has to be invaded before Bush's term in office ends. I really fear that people will be fooled once again into believing that Iran has weapons of mass destruction and that they are a threat to someone, somewhere in the world.
This time the French have "proof" of Iran's nuke plans – last time Britain faked dossiers of Iraq's nuke ambitions. When will the media start telling the truth.

In history there is always an "official story" and a "conspiracy theory" around major events. What we are seeing today is exactly the same.


Every progressive nation needs oil and from here stems all the problems. Conflicts revolve either around money or oil. Al-Qaeda, fundamentalism (Muslim, Christian, Zionist or any other) are perfect tools for whoever is chasing oil and money.

People greedy for wealth go to great lengths in achieving it, even if it means mayhem or murder. But, alas, that's capitalism. — MS Haupt, East London
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