WHILE we are encouraged by Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale's tough line that he will not countenance the new rage of "making the country ungovernable", we wish it had come from an office that has the power to back the tough talk.

WHILE we are encouraged by Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale's tough line that he will not countenance the new rage of "making the country ungovernable", we wish it had come from an office that has the power to back the tough talk.

With all the best intentions in the world, Sexwale's mandate is to build as many houses as is possible.

He will not have the time nor the power to send out the security forces should those who frequently threaten to make South Africa ungovernable decide to carry out their threat.

Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa and indeed President Jacob Zuma's voices would carry much more weight and send a message to the rest of us that the government that was entrusted with our peace and security is still in charge.