South Africa

Press, 28 November 1988, Page 12

South Africa

Sir,— In reply to John Leslie (November 21), I am aware of many fine features of South Africa through correspondence with an apolitical South African source and African Natibnal Congress officials. However, the experience of Shareworld entertainment centre (Johannesburg) and Gold Reef City should not expect to have priority over the suffering that occurs in other parts of the country. I know there are contrasts in other

countries. I have spoken out against them as I have experienced them. My letters to the Editor have formed but a small part of my life. Mr Leslie’s earlier correspondence has indicated that as he watched “hunger marchers” in England, in the 19305, he was thankful he was a Kiwi. Did he not know about the high unemployment here, too? He has also referred to “stirrers.” I think he has yet to become enlightened.— Yours, etc., KENNETH EBER MARTIN. November 22, 1988. Sir,—K. Martin (November 18), ignores the fact that South Africa has been gradually reversing the old apartheid homeland policies as part of reforms broadening democracy and freedoms. “Black spot” removals stopped in 1984; the population of the four independent territories have had their South African citizenship restored; and the six self-governing areas will not be forced to become, independent. With his usual argument Mr Martin is now accusing South Africa of “selfishly” holding on to and integrating with these homelands, whereas before reform he would have attacked the Government for forming them and forcing their independence. He now appears to be subtly pushing the point that Bophuthatswana should be completely independent of South Africa. South Africa has “designs on its neighbours?” That is baseless. South-West Africa will soon be independent. South Africa could easily annex Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana if it desired.—Yours, etc., lAN DIMBLEBY. November 23, 1988. Sir,—For George Boston’s benefit, South Africa is not just a “supposedly” Christian country; 77 per cent of the population belongs to a Christian church, the largest and fastest growing group (six to seven million) belongs to African independent churches which have strict moral rules and are non-political. The mainline churches, Anglican, Catholic, etc., belong to the South African Council of Churches, which is involved in Marxism, violent revolution, terrorism and promotion of sanctions. It supports the infamous Kairos Document. More than 95 per cent of the S.A.C.C.’s income comes from overseas and 85 per cent of it is spent on legal defence of terrorists. Only 1.2 per cent of income is spent on pastoral matters. The S.A.C.C. has less than four million members, so is not representative of South Africans. If George Boston compares South Africa’s justice system with that of its black-ruled neighbours he will find that the South African system is far superior. — Yours, etc., L. R. WILKINSON. November 24, 1988.