Advocate human rights too
In the heart of our beloved town on the Garden Route, I encounter daily scenes that stir a mix of admiration and introspection.
Each day, as I journey home, I witness a remarkable yet solitary effort: a dedicated gentleman operating a soup kitchen, single-handedly serving hundreds of our community's most vulnerable.
This individual, with no apparent support, stands resolute in his mission, fuelled by sheer determination and compassion, while his modest old bakkie stands in stark contrast to the scene I encounter mere metres away.
Not far from this beacon of human kindness, the local SPCA bustles with activity, surrounded by some of the most luxurious cars you might find on the market. Here, individuals dedicate their time to animal welfare, a cause I respect and understand is crucial.
However, it's impossible to ignore the stark contrast in support and recognition between these two noble efforts.
It perplexes me to see how many, who are quick to advocate for animal rights, driving their premium cars, seem to overlook the immediate human suffering on their doorstep.
It appears that the plight of our fellow humans, like the gentleman with his soup kitchen, is deemed less convenient or less worthy of attention and support.
This is not to diminish the importance of animal welfare, but to question our societal priorities.
Why is it that the gentleman with his old bakkie, who makes such a significant impact on human lives every day, receives no accolades, no support and barely a glance from those who pass by?
It's time we reassess our values and consider whether our actions truly align with our proclaimed concerns for welfare. True compassion should not be selective or convenient. The gentleman feeding hundreds daily without support is the unsung hero who deserves our praise and assistance. His commitment challenges us to broaden our empathy and extend our support to all beings in need, regardless of the nature of their existence or the convenience of their cause.
Let's not choose the easy path of supporting only the causes that are comfortable or trendy. Instead, let's strive to recognise and uplift those who make profound differences in less visible, less convenient ways. It's in these less glamorous acts of kindness that we often find the most profound expressions of humanity.