Some time ago I wrote an article slating the metro’s use of “sorry for the inconvenience” tagline when there is a lack of service delivery or something bad has happened or something is not being properly attended to.
The definition of ‘inconvenience’ is that it is the state or fact of being troublesome or difficult with regard to one’s personal requirements or comfort.
Still, today, when residents are left troubled, or left in a difficult state relating to their levels of comfort, it is simply a matter of the metro saying “sorry for the inconvenience”.
After all, the state of being inconvenienced has been caused, for it doesn’t just fall out of the sky. So to say you are saying sorry for putting someone in a troubled state just does not cut it.
We are talking about ‘inconvenience’ once again based on what recently happened in a state hospital.
This is the story you find on page three under the ‘print exclusive’ tag. This is the tragic tale of a mother losing her twins, and the shocking treatment she received at the time of her labour.
What is even more shocking, and even disturbing, is that the hospital simply said “sorry for the inconvenience”.
At what point in the history of this country have we become so desensitised, thus so numb in our sensitivity, that we can simply say ‘sorry’ when babies had just died especially when there is a question mark regarding the health care received?
But isn’t this the problem in our country? A lack of real sensitivity. A lack of understanding, sympathy and compassion.
Last week memorials were held for two liberation icons – Winnie Mandela and Chris Hani. Sadly, despite all their efforts, this country is certainly not liberated from apathy.
There is another interesting story that involves our metro, which also makes little sense.
We are talking about the duck park next to the Leon Ferreira fire station, which has not been maintained.
According to the metro, this is not a developed park for public use.
So yes, the metro says this is not a park, so it can simply fall apart. I used to stay right next door to that park and used to walk my dog there daily. Never did I see a sign that says this is a not a formal park.
It is after all a wide open space with a dam. So, of course, people will be using this piece of land for recreational purposes.
so yes, this is another case of “sorry for the inconvenience” that the park is not maintained because the metro says it is not a park even though people use it as a park. Go figure.
Questions remain. When will we truly see again servants of the people who really care, who really show interest and who really has a heart?
It just seems we have lost all respect when dealing with people, with residents and with citizens. It is an apathy that is chilling, disheartening and downright cruel.
