Look to build, not destroy
SO Human Rights Day has once more come and gone, and I was just wondering how we, as South Africans, feel about it all.
After viewing some of the happenings of the day on TV that evening, it was difficult to try to get my head around some of the remembrances!
Deputy President David Mabuza’s contribution was very fair and to the point, telling it as it is, and appealing to all of us to take note and do things differently – that was good!
Then there was a debate, not sure on what, but the very fiery woman who spoke on radical transformation and the young student, who followed, needed so much understanding.
Yes, I believe all South Africans are deeply ashamed of some of our past history, but could we think of a country that is not?
So many of us did not agree with the National Party government at all, nor with apartheid.
There were many whities who were activists here and overseas, some giving their lives for the cause, to eventually help to topple that regime!
It was with deep sadness that we listened to even our beloved Madiba coming under the spotlight in a negative way – this beloved, great statesman and humanitarian, who showed his love and concern for all people, a revered and respected statesman all over the world, for his attitude to life and his dream of one day having a rainbow nation!
Apparently Madiba was too much to the left or the right, but whatever, it was negative.
How terribly sad that this wonderful leader should now also be brought down, because of getting a point across. We are deeply saddened. We were, however, a bit uplifted when two other speakers shared, on a more positive note, and even suggesting again that we should stop playing the blame game!
And so the day went on, with speeches by the workers against the new labour laws, threatening strikes.
Then the very local politician who seems to have the ability to arouse people into negativity – we understand that need for change and we all agree with it, but has it to be so radical?
Maybe it is time now for us, as loyal South Africans, to do some soul-searching!
Please, could somebody tell me of a country that prospered with looking back, remembering all the bad things and forgetting at least some of the good things.
Our people have been marginalised, the great sin of our country was taking away the dignity of our people!
But surely there is a better way to put things right, so that everybody will have a home, children will have a bed to sleep in and have full tummies, people could all have jobs – this too is taking away the dignity of so many people, who have no work and no income!
Will all this come about by revenge, hatred and threats of violence?
I believe all right-thinking South Africans will say a resounding no!
Let us, therefore, embrace Madiba’s legacy.
Let us truly go forward thinking not of ourselves and putting party politics first, but looking to build and not destroy, to bring about that change that will give all our people a place in the sun, learning from the past and making a strong commitment that this will never, never happen again in our beautiful country.
We should have a sincere and strong desire to heal the wounds and give hope to all our people.
Let us go hand-in-hand, regardless of race, colour or creed, and bring into reality that marvellous, but not impossible dream of our beloved Madiba, of a happy, prosperous rainbow nation, a wonderful example of a country that is big enough to look forward and lovingly making a change for the better!
It is not impossible and with God all things are possible.
May our Sovereign, Holy God bless Africa and guide her people!
Granny, a very Senior citizen, Sunridge Park, Port Elizabeth