WE ASK if President Jacob Zuma will go to every hot spot in South Africa for a measly show of service delivery.

WE ASK if President Jacob Zuma will go to every hot spot in South Africa for a measly show of service delivery.

Zuma was out and about on Monday giving three houses to certain residents of Sweetwaters.

This was an admirable event except that the houses were built by African Musicians Against HIV-Aids.

He said he was there to show that he had kept his promise to the people of Sweetwaters.

He spoke about R12 million used to buy land for development so that Sweetwaters would really be sweet.

There are many Sweetwaters in South Africa and they are all impatient for change and a better life. They will feel aggrieved if the president fails to turn up with a few trinkets and honeyed words to quell their impatience.

This Zuma style of dowsing the flames is dangerous. It is ill thought-out. It is like a mother appeasing a squalling child with a sweetie.

How many sweeties does the president and the public purse have for the people?

It sends a message that service delivery protests and a few burnt public buildings will send the president or government scurrying to their corner of misery for a handout.

It is imperative that the government sit down and plan a future that is steady, consistent and realisable. Appeasing communities will not work once friends like Amaha run out of money and public funds dry up.

Government must govern instead of endorsing populist tendencies.