INSTEAD of being able to celebrate 20 years of progress in forging unity and non-racialism, too many South Africans find themselves in utter anguish.
This is owing to high rates of unemployment and crime, stories of ineptitude in our education and health systems, perceived widespread corruption, greed and waste and grinding poverty.
The sadistic crimes we witness today, the shocking manner in which our men treat our women and children, the rapes, the murders, the way we drive with utter disregard for others, the manner in which service delivery and higher wage protests degenerate into violence, looting and the wanton destruction of property, all are a reflection of our unhealed brokenness.
We don’t seem to realise that the price of building a more equal society is far less than the cost of dealing with the consequences of not having done so.
How do we ensure that the country we have built on the contributions of Madiba, Ghandi, Jakes Gerwel and so many others, succeeds?
I believe we must work towards achieving this united and prosperous South Africa for all its citizens, respect the principles of democracy, for which we collectively paid a very steep price.
I truly believe principles are more important than political parties.
It doesn’t matter which political party you support, do not lose your ability to decipher right from wrong.
When you remain neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
We need to develop a culture in which people not only feel free to express their opinions, whether or not they differ with those of the ruling party, but also feel their opinions are being heard.
Let’s make a difference, yourself, each and every one of you – preferably every day, unite together.
Finally embrace the ideas of young people.
Their hearts and minds are generally uncluttered by the anxieties of the accumulation of resources that afflict older people.
We need to honestly reflect on who and where we are and the direction in which our country is heading.
God bless South Africa!
ROY NAIDOO
