We wait in anguish to hear what President Thabo Mbeki will say on Friday in his state-of-the- nation speech.

We wait in anguish to hear what President Thabo Mbeki will say on Friday in his state-of-the- nation speech.

Over the years empty promises of a better life have been made. We were told that "South Africa is alive with possibilities" and that we have entered "a new age of hope".

I, like many other concerned citizens, am paralysed when my president shows little empathy while too many of us are constantly trapped in the tidal crime wave. I am fearful because my president thinks crime is just a "perception" and is more fear-driven. So, as he prepares to speak, we wonder if our president will again speak about the two explosive issues - Aids and crime - in just three lines.

Frankly, we don't need statistics because they fuel our fear and anger, but we yearn for immediate and sustainable measures of averting these tragedies now. With all due respect to the president, it is time to show a greater deal of sobriety, resolve and reproach.

Percy Sepaela, Indermark