I believe we need more time with people we love

AT THIS time of year, I often hear people pretending to be cross about the number of public holidays we have in South Africa. “No wonder we are not competitive on the international markets,” they growl indignantly. “Family Day, Workers’ Day, long weekends galore. No surprise that no work gets done.”

I came across a survey on a Facebook page asking people to say whether they thought there were too many public holidays in South Africa. Almost 6 000 people responded and there were twice as many saying “no” as those who said “yes”. It seems we’re happy with our holidays. I’m glad. I believe holidays are important for the country’s mental health. Most of our workers lead very stressful lives, usually as result of our apartheid-era city planning. The lowest paid workers are situated far from their workplaces and there are no efficient public transport systems available.

They have to be up and queueing for taxis long before their bosses are out of bed. After work they are still travelling in overcrowded and unsafe taxis, only halfway home, when the boss is at home by the poolside.

Nobody, on their death-bed, has ever been heard to say: “I wish I had spent more time at the office.”

Many have passed away voicing regrets that they did not spend enough time with their families and friends.

There will always be those who are driven to compete; those who need to beat all rivals, to build financial empires, destroy opposition, climb the political ladder, strive continuously to be Number One.

This is good, and we need them because they are the people who create jobs and drive progress.

For most of us, however, our jobs are just the way we can afford to do the things that matter to us. We are prepared to work long hours and do an honest day’s labour. We’re good value; make no mistake. We work so we can spend evenings and weekends with our families, watching the kids grow, helping them when they are hurt or confused easing them as gently as we can into the complicated world around them. Close-knit families are the heart of human society. Family and friends are what make the human race a reasonably happy place to be.

In a society as broken as ours, I believe we need more time with the people we love. Which is why I voted emphatically in favour of all the public holidays we can get.

Last Laugh

Two retired musicians made a pact that when one of them died he would get in touch with the other and tell him what the after-life was like.

Eventually guitarist Fred passed away and soon afterwards he appeared to his pal, Paul the keyboard player, in a vision.

“Hey, man, it’s great here!” he said, “all our heroes are here – Elvis, Glenn Miller, Mozart, you name it. We have the most incredible jam sessions.”

Then he hesitated and said quietly, “There is just one small problem, though.” “What’s that?” asked Paul. “St Peter has this girlfriend who sings…”