Let’s all share a bit more dignity
PEOPLE, let us forget about the junk status bestowed upon us and Aunty Zille’s tweet for one moment, and let your hair down. Why? Cause I say so!
We are celebrating one year of The Dignity Project. Yes! Imagine, Masekind holds out a year! Have you ever? I survived Little, Smith et al. A year of personal growth for me. (And whoever invented spell check and Grammarly must receive the Nobel Peace Prize.)
Behind the scene were various stakeholders of this city, actively involved in finding practical solutions to improve the lives of those less fortunate. Our community members are right behind us.
The politicians caused the most negativity. (Sea Point almost marched us out of the area.) But I guess last-minute wardrobe malfunction prevented the councillor going ahead. I mean really, darling: dressed all in white?
“I reckon if they could have it their way we would all be placed in concentration camps!
The Cape Argus “dream team” as I call them, Gasant Abader, Jade Otto, and Lance Witten, were the people who nurtured me here and guided me all the way. Apart from being very protective, they gave me the space to express myself.
The journalists who work here are among the best one can find. And here I am, a homeless guy among them, music via my headphones so loud you could hear it way down the hall! They were very approachable and helpful. Fifteen days became one year. And what a journey!
I was a thorn in the side of many city officials. But I never allowed it to become personal. I got smart, savvy and started to know the protocol of this town. I learned that it is not what you know but who you know that is important. Not what you say but how you say it.
The next few weeks we will keep you updated on a winter readiness shelter programme that might or might not happen. It would be great to receive some input and comments, dear readers. Mail me at masekind321@gmail.com