A recent post on 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff’s website titled “Dear Government” provoked a flurry of comments and letters to local newspapers, particularly after it was picked up by The Times newspaper.
Government sat up and took notice and Presidential spokesman Zizi Kodwa requested a meeting with Cliff so that the two could discuss the issues and Kodwa, “Can understand better the issues he is raising”. Cliff has said on air he looks forward to the meeting and can’t wait to discuss the issues that are troubling him. He wasn’t against the government, but felt they needed to do much better in certain areas.
The aftermath
Cliff has since posted a further letter titled “Dear Government – The aftermath” in which he’s explained the point behind the letter, and what he was trying to get across.
“I am surprised to have had any reaction to my ‘Dear Government’ letter. Many have said they support the sentiment, a few have decried it as rubbish and some have made the point that while they agree with the content, they cannot condone the tone. I thank you for any replies you may have sent me or have thought of sending me.
Read “Dear Government – The aftermath” here
“To address the emotive issue of the tone of the letter, I must offer some explanation: If I sound excessively aggressive then it is due to a build-up of frustration with the concerns I raised in the letter. For this I cannot apologise without being dishonest. What I will apologise for, if asked, is any perceived personal insult. It was certainly not my intention to pick a fight or sleight individuals.”
Cliff’s original “Dear Government” identified seven points he felt needed to be addressed:
- “You have to stop corruption”
- “Stop complaining about the media”
- “Education is a disaster”
- “Give up on BEE. It isn’t working”
- “Stop squabbling over power”
- “Stop renaming things”
- “Don’t think you will be in power for ever”