We need leaders who inspire us
Building a better future
THE unrest at the universities is about more than just fees. I think racism is rearing its head again.
It has always been there, but people are really angry now. The euphoria of the 1994 elections has finally worn off.
Not enough has changed. There are too few haves and too many have nots.
Nelson Mandela was the leader who helped break apartheid but also inspired the nation and the world to envision a new South Africa.
What will the Jacob Zuma legacy be? The man who broke the ANC? I never thought that would happen in my lifetime.
We need hope for a better future, leaders with vision who inspire, leaders committed to service delivery.
Civil servants are meant to be that, servants of the people. I am happy they earn big salaries, provided they do their jobs.
Our democracy needs to come of age. This only occurs when citizens/voters take responsibility for being vigilant and challenging their leaders.
We in schools challenge children to be critical thinkers. The fact that the university students are speaking out means we are achieving something.
Change does not occur without crisis. Our society is damaged, and there are many needs and therefore many opportunities.
But our country can’t afford the level of damage and vandalism that these student protests have caused. Peaceful protest is important, but then leaders must heed these and pay attention before they get violent.
Protesters would do well to learn that they are more likely to win support and influence change if their protests remain peaceful and respectful.
At what point does bullying and intimidation overstep the line to be classified as terrorism?
I think it has occurred already in the minds of many.
All this despair polarises our society and reinforces bigoted attitudes in a kind of “I told you so” self-fulfilling prophecy. Strife will continue and escalate until we all engage in trying to alleviate the suffering of the poor, not merely through grants and philanthropy, but through education and opportunity.
I recently read a transcript of an RSG interview with a journalist who had visited Burundi, a country ravaged by genocide. He said he and all the others were mesmerised and inspired by what they saw – a clean, litter-free country.
While they were there, the national cleaning day happened where everyone, the mayors and president included, took brooms and mops and cleaned. They are a nation united and proud in building a better future.
So what is uniting South Africans? We’ve had a few occasions, mostly around sports teams and events that have brought our diverse nation together, briefly, with a mutual feeling of pride and belonging. This is not enough. Pupils ask me why I became a teacher. Well, I feel very good about what I do.
I can contribute to motivating pupils and helping them grow in confidence and acquiring skills and believing that they can make a difference. This is all the reward and job satisfaction I need.
I don’t need more money to be happier, but I would like to see fewer beggars and thieves. So this is my contribution.
Let’s celebrate our diversity rather than be frightened by it. It is always out of struggle that greatness comes.
I am always impressed with people’s ability to rise above adversity. We are created in the image of the creator. We are our brother’s keeper.
Ubuntu is, after all, an African concept. With a common vision, the more we work and play together, the more fear subsides. It occurs naturally.
I am privileged to be reminded of this daily in seeing the interaction of children. Yes, everyone can make a difference.
The most inspiring and inspired leader right now is the Proteas cricket captain Faf du Plessis. He has a very clear vision and is totally committed; as a result, he inspires others.
Let’s all be like that, in whatever field of endeavour.
Peter McEwan, science and technology teacher, Alexander Road High School, Port Elizabeth