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Politicians are over guarded

It was reported in the media that when Jacob Zuma walked into the court building during his recent court appearance, he was surrounded by 10 of his bodyguards.

It was reported in the media that when Jacob Zuma walked into the court building during his recent court appearance, he was surrounded by 10 of his bodyguards.

If this is true it can be presumed the South African taxpayers are probably paying for about 18 such people to protect Zuma over a 24-hour period.

But Zuma is not the only one. ANC leaders at all levels of government are seemingly trying to outdo each other with the number of bodyguards they can employ for their personal protection. Are they afraid of the people?

Compare them to Britain's prime minister Winston Churchill during World War Two, who during those dangerous years was protected by one solitary police inspector who acted as both his bodyguard and chauffeur.

Even the most hated dictator in the world, Adolf Hitler, was often seen during the years before the war travelling in an open Mercedes.

A modern great example of leadership is of course the mayor of London and the leader of the UK main opposition political party.

They travel openly, without any bodyguards, to their offices by bicycle.

This is perhaps something that many rather overweight South African cabinet ministers and politicians should consider doing to save the taxpayers' money.

Frank Hartry, Kingsburgh

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