Of piracy and philanthropy

[Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [Divider Strip] Your Daily Briefing [Divider Strip] April 01 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, Jesus wasn't big on splashing the cash. In the Lesson of the Widow's Mite, he castigates the profligate rich who throw huge sums - yet insignificant to their fortune - into tithes and instead praises an elderly woman who gives her last coin. In an earlier gospel, Jesus made his position on hoarding wealth clear: it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. These lessons come to mind as a locked down nation fiercely debates the merits, and pitfalls, of accepting billions from South Africa's wealthiest individuals. The Rupert and Oppenheimer families have each pledged R1-billion. It turns out, however, these "donation" equate to more of a loan, albeit with lenient provisions. The EFF led a popular sentiment and said it was "disgusted" that President Cyril Ramaphosa would praise the work of a mashonisa. Others counter that the injection is vital to keep the heart of the economy pumping. Patrice Motsepe - previously known for blessing these lands with Barcelona and Beyonce - has also had the motivations behind his R1-billion donation questioned by at least one politician. An unverified WhatsApp message which is doing the rounds, claims the money is strictly for Christians. While the foundation will be working with 34 religious and faith-based organisations, other partners include traditional and state authorities, workers unions, healthcare facilities and sporting bodies. As more money pours in from the private sector, is there a risk of over skepticism? Or perhaps we were naive to think anything in this world is given without reciprocity? Maybe the true lesson is that we all have a part to play in this crisis - regardless of whether that can be quantified in monetary terms. The Mary Oppenheimer and Daughters Foundation has reportedly donated R1-billion to the Solidarity Fund, with seemingly no strings attached. Journalist Anand Giridharadas, the author of [Winner Takes All]( has written extensively about how the global elite's efforts to "change the world" preserve the status quo and obscure their role in causing the problems they later seek to solve. It's not by mistake that global inequality and philanthropy grew in tandem. One thing is for sure, these are truly interesting times indeed. In the M&G today Those who would blatantly look to profit from the pandemic are about to receive their comeuppance. Paddy Harper reports that the Competition Commision is looking into [300 complaints of excessive price hiking](. There is no lower form of humanity than upping the price of in-demand essential items; don't do it, you will go to jail. If 21 days still seems an unbearable number, consider that by the time you come out the 114 South Africans who had been quarantined in Wuhan will have completed 82 days under lockdown. Chris Gilili spoke to Sthembiso Motaung about his [fears of dying abroad]( and his frustrations back home. What else is happening in the (virtual) newsroom We may exist in a world where your cat has access to multiple iPad games but the transition to a fully virtual newsroom is by no means an effortless one. Our production team continues to swat the bugs that come with inconsistent internet and the need for high processing power. The good news is they're winning and will ensure the newspaper is with you on Friday as always. If you're able, please buy a copy of the M&G when you get a chance to do your shopping, or even better, consider taking out a [digital subscription for R99]( per month. What you get in return is critical, quality journalism. Shoot us an email on EditorOnline@mg.co.za if you have any questions or concerns. Don't forget to follow our [live blog on the coronavirus pandemic](. Get your friends and family to subscribe to this newsletter by forwarding them [this link](. Yours in solidarity Luke Feltham & Kiri Rupiah [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( You are receiving this email on {EMAIL} because 1.) You're a member of "Mail & Guardian" or 2.) previously subscribed [M&G logo] 25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092 Want to be removed? No problem! [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Email support: help@media-connect.co.za - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -