There are no short cuts in life

There will never, ever be a valid reason to be involved in criminal activities.

It doesn ’ t matter what you are going through or how hard life is for you. You might be facing a dire situation - no job, no money, you don ’ t know where your next meal will come from - but always remember that crime is not the answer.

Try by all means to earn a living in an honest way. You are not the first person to go through difficulties in life.

There are a lot of people who were in your situation or even worse but managed to rise above their situations and have made it to the top.

They never thought of taking “short cuts ” in their darkest moments. Take a leaf from them, convert your challenges into opportunities.

Have hope that things will turn out to be good for you in the future. Never throw your hands in the air and fall into the trap of crime.

Always strive for success and believe in yourself, forget about negativity but focus on positivity.

Every successful person you see today has a story to tell. They went through the worst to achieve what they have today. I know a lot of people whose first jobs were petrol attendants, cleaners, packers, security guards, etc, but today they hold high positions in our country.

You won ’ t even believe it when they tell you about their journey to success.

Keep pushing. Have courage to knock on those doors. Don ’ t be discouraged by regret ” letters or even the rejections. Your time is coming. Stay away from criminal activities. Have these words in your mind: “I am fine without crime and I will be successful one day.”

Thebe Kgwetiane, Maandagshoek