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Sir,

For just one day in a year, can we just fold the accusing forefinger and take a closer look at the three other fingers pointing in our direction and introspect on our contribution to the country’s failures. We have often complained of government’s mismanagement of funds and how very little is done about our calls for prudent fiscal management.

A new waste and excess is emerging which has more to do with our behaviours than the indiscretion of those we have entrusted with the responsibility to manage our finances and, by extension, our lives.

Subject

Many simply turn the page when it comes to this subject because it makes them very uncomfortable. But what won’t go away is the fact that we are faced with a war brought about by our own actions that seem to imitate the habits of the wasteful public officers we criticise every day.

This is a subject many parents choose not to discuss with their children and have often left it to their teachers at school, simply because it is an uncomfortable subject at home. Some say it is taboo to discuss such with ‘kids’ as it could poison their minds. Sadly, some male teachers (and female) have taken these lessons to a practical level.

Ignore

This is a subject some men choose to ignore just to satisfy their egos and their cultural right to multiple partners while putting the lives of their wives at risk.

Many who have the means have chosen to prey on the vulnerable and poor for their sexual satisfaction as if it were some perks that come with being among the privileged few in this country yet they have a responsibility to offer protection and support to this group of people.

Some women have blamed hunger and unemployment for their sexual conduct when joining women empowerment groups that engage in income generating projects or co-operative schemes could have provided for their basic needs. The cost of this attitude is escalating by the day.

Reduce

If we are to ask of government to reduce ministries and cut the wage bill, how many of us have stopped engaging in multiple sexual relations? If we demand transparency and accountability from our politicians and public office bearers, how transparent and faithful are we in our relationships?

We have all the laws in place to stop rape and abuse, but has it stopped the abuse?

So when will we take full responsibility for our lives through responsible sexual behaviour? I speak to all those who have the power and the means to do something about the choices we make.

Dlamini M