Back to the real issue. South Africa unfortunately is becoming a joke. I am not a serious MTB’ker, trying to get my 7 to 9 hours in a week. I can just imagine how the Epic riders must feel, after all the training and prep. For most the prologue is the start of a real life challenge! What better place to start this challenge than the signature mountain in South Africa, maybe in the world. I watched the Epic everyday on Supersport, and the first day is by far the best advertising of our country! These type of “unrest” nonsense never really had an impact on me, but now that my son could not write his Accountancy test today at Tukkies (he is happy it is his birthday), it is now becoming more than a frustration. He is a second year student, working hard to try and build a future. The majority of the students’ plans are derailed by a few. Why do we allow this? It is sad that we accept to bow to a few that is making life uncomfortable, in stead of addressing the problems. I believe a lack of a few basic principles of the human nature is missing. Respect for people is no more. Just look at the way most people drive their cars, and act if they are the only living beings on earth. No respect for any rules or laws. If our policing was up to standard, violent protests will be the exception not the norm. I have witnessed a number of protests in Europe, but never see police allowing refuse bags being thrown at them. https://www.facebook.com/AfriForum-136542513044323/?fref=nf&ft[tn]=kC&ft[qid]=6253041422318381624&ft[mf_story_key]=6010357480265348720&ft[ei]=AI%4072936390f6958d4234971768106744e9&ft[fbfeed_location]=1&ft[insertion_position]=54&__md__=1 So, the Epic, a world famous race, has now also fallen the “let us destroy everything that might result in pleasure for someone else” attitude in our country. I do not think this was the right decision, but would have probably made the same call, if I were organizing the event. Even Sabie almost did not happen this weekend! Good luck, and hope that the protest is not moved the Meerendal! Getting a whisky and waiting for the bullets!
