Are cellphones dangerous?

| Monday October 22, 2012 00:00

Respected oncologist and professor of environmental mutagenesis, Angelo Gino Levis, and Dr Giuseppe Grasso gave evidence that electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile and cordless phones can damage cells, making tumours more likely. Some time last year, Bakgatla called an expert to come and talk about the effects of radiation from cellphone towers. At the time the expert indicated that indeed radiation from the towers can be dangerous. This information was quickly denied by authorities here.

With this ruling which has a scientific basis, we wonder what the authorities here have to say now. Probably more has to be done in terms of educating the general public about the good and the bad of cellphones. It is always confusing when information comes in drips and drapes.

Recently, the minister of transport and communications addressed a kgotla meeting in Mochudi where he pleaded with them to allow the cellphone operators to put up towers in their villagers. Now with this information coming out, the Bakgatla could have a strong case in refusing to allow the cellphone providers to erect the towers in their village.

The Bakgatla paramount chief, Kgafela II had at one meeting argued that the radiation from the tower located close to their homestead had caused the death of his father. Obviously this could influence other people to also now think twice about allowing cellphone companies to erect these towers in their villages, let alone in their homesteads. Apparently people have been allowing these companies to do so in their homesteads because they are paid a monthly rent.

Well Done Young Zebras

The Kagiso Kobedi led Under 17 national team needs to be congratulated for proceeding to the next stage of the competition. The boys did it against a hostile crowd in Kigali, Rwanda. This on its own demonstrates the tenacity and versatility of the team. It is never easy to win an away game. Most of these players will be sitting their examinations this week and we hope enough was done to help them catch up with their schooling. It is never good for parents to complain when their children do not do well in their examinations because most of their time would have been taken by sport.