Biting the hand that feeds

THERE is a disturbing letter in this edition (see page 13) regarding books and equipment donated to schools, which are then discarded or trashed.

This is by no means an isolated incident.

IT seems to be the norm that whenever people are agitated or upset, they take it out on an inanimate object.

Alternately, it appears they do not attach value to something that cost them nothing.

We see it all over.

Striking workers, angry at their employers, damage vehicles or equipment (and sometimes innocent bystanders) as they vent their frustrations.

Unsatisfied communities burn down the infrastructure that serves them: hospitals, clinics and community halls.

Learners, whether out of boredom, ill-discipline or bravado, break school windows and desks.

In every situation, whatever is damaged or destroyed has to be replaced, often at a far greater cost than the initial sum.

A great number of companies responded positively to calls for nation building as we entered the long-awaited democracy.

CSI projects were rolled out at great cost, corporates venturing into the communities where their employees live to uplift their lives outside of the work environment.

Smaller businesses opened their hearts and tills to local needs and requests, together pouring millions into improving the quality of life of all.

Sadly, in return the recipients often respond with lack of appreciation and downright ingratitude.

One wonders what goes through the minds of those who destroy want is given to them.

Do they think ‘there’s plenty more where that came from’?

Do they imagine that corporates – or governments – have an endless supply of money?

Wilful destruction of property is a criminal offence.

In all the above situations, the culprits should be identified and prosecuted.

Ingratitude is bad enough, but when it is coupled with mistreatment, destruction and violence, it deals a mortal blow to the goodwill gestures of generous spirits.