Congratulations to Sipho Seepe on another brilliant article (“Challenged by our times”, December 14 2001). It is difficult to add a word to his exposure of the inadequacy of President Thabo Mbeki. The time has arrived for the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) to confront this president instead of pleading with him. Once again they have won a court case against the government. Last time their jubilation at getting the pharmaceutical companies to withdraw their case against the Minister of Health was squashed when she pouted that she would not use her powers to provide anti-retroviral drugs. I predict that the TAC’s jubilation is going to be premature again. What was required was for the minister and her president to be charged with culpable homicide. As a public health specialist, I would have provided enough evidence backed up by thousands of experts and activists. Costa Gazi, Public Health Specialist
@In brief Re John Matshakiza’s “Caught by the Santa cult”: cool story I really enjoyed reading this one. And I love the ending yes, it’s all about money. By the way, “Santa Clause” was derived from “Saint Nicholas” (a Romanian priest who was good to kids in Turkey), and he was then commercialised by the Coca-Cola company for a new marketing edge. Saint Nicholas is still celebrated sometime in the beginning of December (I think) in several European countries it’s purely a celebration for kids (which has also become commercial by now). Joanna Schrap For those disappointed over false speculation that Britney Spears was to pose for PETA’s “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur” Campaign, we have good news: the pop diva who makes everyone stop what they’re doing and stare is still giving her fans an eyeful. She now appears, fully clothed, but in a form-hugging fake leather outfit a “pleather” catsuit on PETA’s Web site PleatherYourself.com. Bridgett Cherry, correspondent, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front St, Norfolk, VA 23510, 7576227-382, ext.1306, [email protected] As a lawyer I feel compelled to reply to Misheck Khoza’s letter (December 14) that the lesson of Zimbabwe is that whites must learn to share. Why single out Whites when Zanu-PF owns 50% of the land? What about the blacks that are suffering as a result of president Robert Mugabe? Like most African leaders he cannot distinguish between staying in power and state security. Julian Knight, Pretoria Please include your name and address. Letters must be received by 5pm Monday. Be as brief as possible. The editor reserves the right to edit letters and to withhold from publication any letter which he believes contains factual inaccuracies, or is based on misrepresentation.
Ends