Shine in these dark times

ESKOMis sending the country downhill, accelerating the slide started by the corrupt and inefficient ANC government.

Rolling blackouts are causing industries’ lost production, which is not good for employment, and the public is left with cold or half-cooked food.

What’s frustrating is that Eskom does not keep to its schedule, even the revised one. And then there is the xenophobic violence which portrayed the country in a poor light.

Although the future doesn’t look as rosy as it seemed after the first democratic elections in 1994, it’s not all gloom and doom. The darkness enveloping the country could be bene- ficial in some ways. It’s in dark times such as these that humanity shines. Someone may have a brainwave and come up with a brilliant idea to light up our lives.

There are a lot of innovative ideas going around, not only on how to save electricity, but how to cope without lights. We could all install solar panels and save on our electricity bill. We could watch the stars and contemplate the mystery of the universe. Or we could cuddle up in bed and make love which is good for our health.

But more babies mean a greater burden on the social system and more foetuses flushed down the toilet or thrown on rubbish dumps.

Not all businesses suffer during blackouts. The sale of convenience foods could soar. Fast food outlets are making a roaring trade. I see the pizza delivery bikes more often on the roads.

We all say we are loyal citizens and love our country. But we should show it in tangible ways. Instead of being pigheaded and saying, “I don’t care, I can afford it,” we should band together and save electricity in every way possible.

Like the universe, we should use dark energy to be creative, not only to make babies but to dispel the darkness around us. T MARKANDAN

Silverglen