WHEN a rival lion takes over a pride after defeating the other, it kills the cubs it finds, eliminating all the DNA that could be left by the other, at the cost of the lioness.
And it will subsequently start raising its own cubs.
This could be regarded as taking over power at the cost of the lioness' expense.
Well, such can be said regarding today's Mzansi politics. The abandoned buildings by the democratic government are now being illegally owned while some are left to perish.
The buildings that had been there even before democracy were neglected by the current government as it strives to build infrastructure of their own while old buildings can still be refurbished, maintained and used.
In this regard, the lion taking over the pride is the government, while the suffering lionesses are the citizens.
ALSO READ: Mzali, your child's school could be illegal!
Day in and day out, one would see government officials embarking on soil-turning activities of some sort on new economic hubs, offices and other buildings being built. It is sad how money is being thrown around on new infrastructure while developed infrastructure can still be used.
So, many neglected buildings by the government are breeding crime and promoting lawlessness.
One can agree with me that in every province there is infrastructure or buildings that are neglected which were supposed to benefit communities.
Municipal buildings, recreational structures such as stadiums and many other buildings are left unused because the government is somewhat reluctant to inherit them. Instead, they build their own to ensure the flow of corruption money into their pockets.
The less said about the recent fire that occurred at one of the neglected buildings in the Joburg CBD in August, the better.
The traumatising incident left more than 70 people dead and many injured.
ALSO READ: Joburg Fire: Commission to start its work next month
The hijacked building, which allegedly belonged to the municipality, housed mostly foreigners who partitioned the space with zinc sheets.
This is not the first hijacked building that burnt down claiming the lives of people which could have been avoided. There are also dozens of factories and business hubs which have since been closed around the country.
Examples are those at Mogwase in the North West, Babelegi in Hammanskraal, and Ga-Rankuwa factories in Tshwane.
The government should focus on refurbishing such buildings and pull in investors in a bid to curb unemployment.
But hey, I guess no lion is willing to raise cubs that are not its own.