Let us prey
I ho, hi ho, it’s off to church we go!
That was the song topping the hit parade for many prominent politicians over the past fortnight as they streamed to church services all over the country for their rare pilgrimage to the altar.
Everybody who’s anybody in politics was in on the act, including ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa who joined the congregation at a service in Bloemfontein; ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula in Buffalo City; EFF commander-in-chief Julius Malema at Moria in Limpopo; and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba in Soweto.
And not to be outdone were other opposition heavyweights like Mmusi Maimane (Bosa), Reverend Kenneth Meshoe (ACDP) and the DA’s uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas.
They all, in one way or another, professed their loyalty to the church, with Mbalula, interestingly, calling the ANC’s commitment to the church as “the reconstruction and development programme of the soul” (whatever that may mean).
Pardon my cynicism (it comes with the job) but I couldn’t help wondering about the sincerity of many of the celebrity members of the flock.
Granted, it may have had something to do with the celebration of Easter – one of the pivotal events in the Christian calendar at this time of the year.
But was it as simple as that?
And it’s not that the churches were complaining. They always welcome new members to their flock as many of these VIPs (Very Imposing Populists?) arrive with an entourage of aides, security personnel and hungry news hounds in tow. Nothing wrong with a bit of TV mileage for the cause.
Then the proverbial penny dropped.
For many of these political leaders, the sudden urge to pray had precious little to do with Easter and the biblical resurrection of Jesus Christ, but more about resurrecting their own political fortunes.
What, with a fiercely contested election on the horizon, a hotline to God could make all the difference between winning and posing at the polls.
Just saying …
Understanding ubuntu
HEAR the word ubuntu being bandied around so often on TV, radio and everyday conversations these days, often with little understanding of its real underlying meaning. An ancient African word, ubuntu is deeply philosophical, yet so simple in its meaning – showing “humanity to others” in everyday life, or more simply translated, “I am because you are”.
It’s a way of life all humanity should live by, whether we’re in South Africa, Outer Mongolia, the US or even war-torn Israel and Palestine.
If we can learn to live by its tenets and principles and practise ubuntu every day, the world would be a better place today.
A parable shared by a friend explained it this way:
A visiting anthropologist proposed a game to a group of African children. Placing a basket of sweets near a tree, he assembled the kids to stand about 100m away. Whoever reached first would get all the sweets, so ready, steady, go.
But he didn’t reckon how the children would see the challenge. They held each other’s hands, ran together towards the tree, divided the sweets equally among themselves and ate them with relish.
The anthropologist was astounded and asked them why they did so. Ubuntu, came the chorused response. How can one be happy when others are sad?
Court is adjourned I
F it pleases the court, I would like to propose a toast to my learned friend, retired Judge Thumba Pillay, who turned 88 last week.
It is common cause that my client has had a distinguished career as a lawyer, jurist and historian, not forgetting his abiding dedication to his wife, family and wide circle of friends and comrades.
Recognising direct and circumstantial evidence before this court, there can be no argument that he deserves widespread respect and accolades for his role as a firebrand for social justice and human rights in our country.
If truth be told, human rights for all is a subject close to his calling, going back to the 1950s when, as a student leader, he often courted intimidation, bannings and imprisonment in his unwavering fight for equal education for all. Since then, he has been honoured at numerous forums for his sterling contributions to the country’s constitutional democracy.
Now that he sits in retirement, M’ Lord, we pray for an order that he releases his long-overdue memoirs in the not-too-distant future.
In a final closing argument, would the court have any objection to my plea for an urgent adjournment, so we can raise our glasses and sing: “For he's a jolly good fellow.”
As Your Worship pleases. Hic!
What a bash!
I
F you weren’t at the Illovo reunion bash on the South Coast just over a week ago, consider yourself a loser.
You missed out on a piece of history – a joyous and memorable get-together attended by more than 4 000 former and present residents of the town, that locals will be talking about for weeks and months to come.
Nothing fancy or ostentatious about the occasion; just ordinary, honest-to-goodness descendants of indentured families coming together to reconnect with longlost friends; sharing precious memories, breaking bread (as well as savouring such culinary delights as sour porridge, vegetable curries, pickles and breyani); enjoying live entertainment; and dancing to bhangra till it was time to say goodbyes.
Hats off to Collin Dasappa and his enthusiastic team in the Illovo Reunion Committee for putting it all together. Memories are made of this.
| TUMI PAKKIES