Litterbugs can pay teachers!

I am one of those patriots who have chosen to throw roots in the country which raised me, South Africa, against all odds. I cannot imagine anyone else not harbouring great pride to be ensconced in this beautiful part of the world.

However, while driving yesterday evening I had reason to believe otherwise. Along a mere 5km stretch I tallied ten litterbugs throwing anything from empty chip packets, empty cigarette boxes and take-away containers from their vehicles onto the highway. These individuals could not be discerned by class, I might add. Vehicles ranged from expensive to average, and the individuals themselves seemed admirably attired.

What possesses people to do this – and with such gay abandon? Firstly, the fact that they are driving indicates that they are in no way handicapped, so transport of waste to a suitable receptacle should not prove that difficult. By same, a destination is bound to proffer a bin eventually, so why not keep it in your car until such time that you can dispose of it correctly, instead of polluting the area you have just left behind? If a pigsty is your style, please keep it in your car at least and don’t expose the rest of us to it. If you can’t wait, may I suggest you take the nearest off-ramp and visit the bin there while you take a moment to count your blessings. And for heaven sakes, don’t tell me you’re creating jobs. When you were growing up did you want to become a dirt collector? Are you assuming that a healthy section of the population are aspiring to become the same? You have got to be kidding – and we should all have greater things in minds for our children anyway.

There is no excuse for littering – none with a morsel of justification. I recommend the government institutes a hefty fine for this act, and uses the income generated (sadly, it will be substantial) to give teachers a raise and then we can all be happy!