It is goodwill that will carry SA through

TODAY looking out over the bay I want to tell you why I think this beautiful country is a country people want to live in in spite of all the present problems.

It is so easy to be negative. Let me tell you a few facts.

The debt to GDP of South Africa is 42%. In Japan it is 250%, the US has 120%, the UK about 110% and Italy 140%.

The number of tourists increased from 4 million in 1994 to about 16 million at present. South Africa is ranked 13th out of 142 countries for the quality of its management schools. Tax revenue increased from R100 billion in 1994 to R1 100bn today.

South Africa is a member of the G20. This country is the only country on the African continent that enjoys a free press and has a democracy based on a solid constitution.

But none of these facts and figures, as inspiring as they are, will reveal the real reason I am so unwaveringly optimistic about this country’s future.

It is the main reason for the peaceful transition miracle of 1994. It is something woven into the texture of everyday South African life, hidden from the eyes of visiting journalists, mostly talking to important people.

It is the goodwill of ordinary people. Every day, in cities, towns and small villages, small acts of kindness happen between human beings. Individuals who extend a helping hand across racial, cultural, political and linguistic divides; who extend friendship and kindness and empathy.

It is this goodwill that will carry South Africa through, no matter how challenging the future. You live in paradise. Enjoy it and build it. As a European I hope to spend as many years as possible in this beautiful country.