Successes balance the emotional scales

FOR many, if not most, each new dawn is like an ambush waiting to add to our daily woes.

There are simply so many things that weigh us down, most burdensome of which is the battle to make ends meet.

On limited budgets, with little chance of salary increases, bonuses or increased sales, we stand captive to rising costs and inflation.

Be it parked dejectedly at the fuel pumps or standing grimly at the grocery shelves, or in downhearted home darkness at the mercy of load shedding, there are so many factors that cause us to be emotionally weighed down.

And so it is imperative that we also feed the other side of the scale; we need to see, hear and do things that invite light and joy into our lives.

The past weekend dished up two such issues of delight. The first was the wonderful achievement by Empangeni High School at the national band championships, where they won numerous group and individual awards.

We bask in their glory and claim them as our own: the children of our super city.

Not only did the pupils perform with brilliance on Saturday – the outcome of hours and hours of practice, dedication and commitment – it also highlighted their adult mentors, who showed us what a government school with limited resources can do under positive and devoted leadership.

And let’s not forget that this centre of educational excellence also features well during the annual matric result outcomes.

On top of this, Friday night saw more local glory when Richards Bay FC was named ‘Top Team’ at the annual KZN Sports Awards.

This in recognition of their tremendous achievement in winning the GladAfrica Championship to gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League; and it must be borne in mind that they were up against teams from the province’s top rugby, cricket and other sport disciplines.

It’s a further sense of pride that the Rich Boyz have continued where they left off, presently occupying second place on the DStv Premiership log, ahead of football giants like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Every success we witness and every achievement we recognise adds to our sense of gratitude and admiration, inspires us, and gives us the emotional boost we need to maintain psychological stability.