Zuma’s hubris a lesson for us all

I READ with interest in the Mercury, January10, that ANC Deputy President David Mabuza is calling for the faithful to protect the party from dying.

This takes me back to a few years ago, when under Jacob Zuma’s tenure, it was egotistically proclaimed that “the ANC will rule until Jesus comes”.

Soon after that the ANC lost control of the Mandela Bay region, a region close to the party’s heart. Now

the ANC appears to be so fractured that there is a huge drive to merely “keep it alive”.

The lesson that comes to mind is the fact that one should not use the Lord’s name in vain and with disregard, or bandy it about recklessly. I hope that not only those who did so, but the many others one hears doing so day in and day out learn from this blasphemous error.

Please allow me another challenge that I believe will foster a better climate in 2019. One that we all need to seriously put into practice for the good of us all. It is easy to sow hate, division and negativity, as well as bully tactics. Any fool can do that.

I challenge you all instead, to show compassion and honesty, sow seeds of love, lead by example, forage unity in all things good and be ever grateful for that which we have, while there are too many others who languish in uncertainty, hopelessness and for whom every day is a struggle just to stay alive.

Try to change this atmosphere of disregard for our planet’s well-being and the trend of putting obscene levels of profit above caring. Yes, the many investors like to see their returns rise. But there are times when we need to rise above the greed that has become a mantra for too many. Especially those who already have more than enough, but still lust after even more, for the sake of ego.

Try to do at least one good deed a day for those who are less fortunate, and give thanks for that which we are so fortunate to have.

If we can do these things, we will see justice, honesty and a union of fellowship shine even into the darkest hearts. I wish you strength to accomplish these things throughout 2019 and beyond.

JOHN KNOTTENBELT Sherwood