I can understand Nirode Bramdaw's sympathy for the public humiliation of Mac Maharaj (By the Way, November 23), but I do not share his sentiments.

Not after I heard Maharaj's bluster on the airwaves when he first alleged that Ngcuka was a spy.

There was no reserve, no scepticism, no caution whatsoever that should attend the remarks of a high-profile, public figure like him. He should have known that the entire nation was listening to him.

In this country we are constantly making excuses for our fallen heroes and heroines, as if having been in the struggle grants them immunity. I think of the McBrides, the Yengenis, the Madikizela-Mandelas. The list is endless.

How can we have moral regeneration when our icons are dropping like flies? Now another hero is making a spectacle of himself. I refer to Saths Cooper. The innuendoes surrounding him are similar to those in the case of Big Mac.

Maharaj is old enough to realise that if you sleep with dogs, don't be surprised if you get up with fleas.

With acknowledgements to H Gulzar and the Sunday Times.