SA’s strength lies in its people

HERE we are. Twenty years since we formed snaking queues, beaming with excitement to make our mark in South Africa’s first democratic election.

Twenty years since the world watched us in awe, holding us in high esteem as a beacon of hope and the very definition of reconciliation.

Twenty years since many held their breath, anticipating that we would descend into a civil war fuelled by racial and ethnic hatred.

But our humanity prevailed, refusing for us to go down the same self-destructive path as many of our African counterparts.

It has been 20 years since Nelson Mandela told the world, “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world”.

With these words he ushered in a new dawn and declared South Africa a land of opportunities.

What a journey it has been.

From watching Francois Pienaar lift the Web Ellis trophy at Ellis Park Stadium in 1995 to the resounding roar coming from every corner of this country as Simphiwe Tshabalala shot through the FNB Stadium to blast in the first goal of the 2010 Fifa World Cup – the first on African soil.

But a troubled nation we are.

From the arms deal to the Travelgate, the Waterkloof landing, the construction cartel and Nkandla scandals, our unquenchable greed has vastly eroded our global moral standing.

Corruption and looting with impunity of our public purse has not only increased the gap between rich and poor, but has fuelled raging community anger that is fast pushing us to the verge of social revolt.

A dangerous position for a country where Andries Tatane, Marikana and Anene Booysen are ugly reminders of the violence and brutality which remains deeply entrenched in our national psyche.

Yet we remain standing because our strength lies not with any political power or institution. Our strength is you – ordinary folk so passionate about this country that you spare nothing to make our communities, schools, churches and businesses better.

Thanks to you, we will survive. We always have.