Let’s focus on what unites us to rebuild SA

People tend to focus on the negative, ignoring the progress we have made as a nation over the past four decades.

The voiceless youth of 1976 decided on protest action to be heard. Their sacrifices were not in vain – democracy dawned in 1994 with freedom and equality enshrined in our constitution.

Yes, we still have a long way to go to fully address historic socioeconomic divisions and the widening poverty gap. And in countries with divisive histories, such as ours, vulnerable and affected groups are often manipulated by opportunists and populists on the back of fear and inequality.

This places a huge responsibility on political leaders as well as on business leaders and civil society in general to be sensitive to their plight, especially during difficult economic times.

Many South Africans are positive about the future and are willing to contribute to make our country a better place for all its inhabitants.

I experience goodwill across all divides in our country. Sport is still a huge unifier – people embrace our representative sport teams and sporting heroes come from all races, cultures and values. It is time that we focus on our diversity and turn it into an asset. Let’s not waste the progress made on the long road to freedom. Dawie Jacobs

Sterrewag