Disorder is at the order of the day. What a contradiction, as the daily order is almost nonexistent as it is. Mass demonstrations together with violence, corruption in the police force, murder, white poverty, unemployment and dysfunctional schools are all symbols of the decay in order.

The effect that this has on the younger generation is worrisome. How can they know what the norms are if they are daily confronted with these examples? The new history taught in schools says nothing of the times that things went better. The evolution theory and humanism are smuggled in on every field of study. Pupils have to watch how policemen guard their schools against red-shirted demonstrators threatening to disrupt classes.

At hospital entrances the risk is high that patients will be struck by stray bullets, usually from the guns of poorly-trained policemen. Those admitted to hospitals, run the risk of being infected.

In all these confusing years the Boer nation had the consolation of attending church. This, however, is also becoming an unsafe haven because of the so-called new reformation and liberal theories formulated. Churches split and new ones are formed. Mass meetings are more important than the message from the pulpit.

No-one can dispute the disorder and decay we are experiencing today, but there is still a God of Order - He who created order out of chaos in a unique way and promised us an orderly existence.

Out of consideration for this, God expects us to be obedient. Fathers must again become the patriarchs of their homes and mothers the matriarchs. Children must live and learn in obedience

In this confused world our only comfort in life and death is that we belong to our Creator.

The emergence of China as Africa's top trading partner and a leading source of foreign investment in 2009, surpassing the United States and key European Union states still struggling in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, has sharpened the focus on Chinese aspiration and conduct in Africa1.

African leaders increasingly recognise the necessity of closer ties with the rising economic giant, calling for a concerted effort to better utilise the opportunities presented by China. At the same time, a chorus of dissatisfaction among some elements in African society - concerned primarily with the socio-economic and environmental impact of Chinese involvement on the continent - points to the growing complexities that accompany the deepening of such ties. While much of the analysis of the relationship has emphasised the structure of trade in aggregate, the impact of new investment in moribund sectors and particulars of Chinese firms' behaviour, little effort has been made to unpack the normative sources of Chinese high profile involvement in Africa and the attendant implications for its trajectory. Understanding how the Chinese believe that their projection of economic and political power in Africa will ensure the development of a novel positive relationship that is distinctively different from that of traditional Western partners is crucial to assessing the capacity of China to manage the forces and stresses that will shape the sustainability of the relationship in future years.

Can unionists who storm into schools, damage cars, intimidate children and assault adults still be called teachers? Or are they only salary drawers?

It is unthinkable that so-called teachers are taken by bus to schools with the sole intent on creating chaos. Political parties and the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools and the minister of education called the teachers' union, Sadtu, to order. While accepting the one-day strike by teachers, members of the public are now fed-up with teachers tearing up test papers and damaging schools.

Letters to newspapers and Radio Pretoria's opinion line showed different reactions to the strike. Some people think the strike is justified because, according to them, the state steals from us while others said education is a profession with moral obligations.

Teachers who damage schools and tear up a pupil's test paper are probably those known for their regular absence at schools.

A recent poll showed that teachers at the less paying independent schools work harder than their counterparts in the state schools. Their pupils do better despite the fact that their teachers are underpaid.

Why are they not interested in strikes and demonstrations? Most of these teachers belong to certain communities and they are committed to education in the true sense of the word.

It is unfortunate that they are not well paid. This can change if more parents send their children to these schools.

The world was shocked when America launched two atom bombs on Japan 65 years ago, especially after witnessing the pain and suffering that followed this devastating act.

Newspapers revealed the story as television and the Internet was nonexistent. Imagine the electronic response if this should happen now! Other tragic events and disasters are now known within seconds. Pictures of the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York and the tsunami in 2004 were instantly shown on television and the Internet. From a media perspective the world shrank as satellites move over the earth.

It sounds dramatic, but this is the world we live in today. Therefore, efforts by the ANC and the SACP to muzzle the media are completely absurd. It helps for a few seconds to stop the flow with your finger, but if the water breaks through, nothing will stop it. It is better to build the dyke upright from the beginning.

A government or political party has no need to be afraid of the media if they act properly. The opposite is also true. A newspaper or a media institution with integrity should have nothing to fear from government. The few rebels can be controlled by the press ombudsman or the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.

Not even President Robert Mugabe could succeed in keeping Zimbabwe's secrets from the world. Politicians and high-ranking officers in South Africa should therefore realise that they will remain in the public eye as long as their actions justify it.