Too many acts of generosity go unheralded
WHILE our leaders squabble and dither, and the country waits anxiously for a crumb of good news, I wish all our Tavern readers a peaceful Valentine’s Day filled with love. I am often amazed and encouraged by the fact that so many ordinary South Africans manage to live together in harmony in spite of daily news headlines of crime and corruption and crooked leadership.
This week, the Cape’s winemakers held an auction that raised R17.5 million, all of which will go to 27 charities devoted to improving the education of children of Winelands farm workers. Since its establishment this annual event has managed to raise more than R70m for rural education.
Meanwhile, the government’s record of providing education in rural areas is pretty dismal.
Farmers are often accused of treating their workers badly, and maybe some do, but I have seen many farms where the owners have built schools and crèches and clinics for their staff, none of which is paid for from taxpayers’s money.
In the crowded cities there are thousands of examples of selfless generosity toward those who are struggling.
Volunteers offer their time to help run libraries and day care centres in informal areas, people donate school books and hold sales of second-hand clothes to raise money for those who have very little.
In our poorest communities there are caring women who run homes for homeless children and manage to feed orphans without any thought of reward.
There seems to be very little mention of these acts of generosity in the media, where there’s always space for a good gruesome murder, mugging or stabbing.
It’s all too easy to become depressed and disgusted by the human race.
But today – St Valentine’s Day – let’s give ourselves a little pat on the back for the good things that people do, all of which are practical ways of showing love for our fellow men, women and children.
Maybe if we take more notice of the good that happens all around us and give credit for the hard work done by volunteers in every field, others will be encouraged to follow suit.
Our leaders may have forgotten how to lead, but there are still many people whose examples are worth following. They deserve a big red heart of appreciation. It’s sad that they are so seldom given one.
Last Laugh
It was dark when Joe finally arrived home from his golf match, looking totally exhausted.
“Goodness me!” Said his worried wife, “you look awful. What happened?”
“It was terrible, “said Joe. “Poor old Fred had a heart attack on the third tee and died.” “That’s horrible!” Said his wife. “Yes it was. From then it was hit the ball, drag Fred, hit the ball, drag Fred, hit the ball, drag Fred, for the next 15 holes.”