The power of inspiration available to all

During the four weeks when South Africa hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup we all experienced a glimpse of what a truly blessed country we lived in – or could be living in. Celebrations ousted racism, camaraderie united folk from all over the world and there was a vibe of goodwill irrespective of race, creed or colour.

The recent celebratory international Nelson Mandela Day event when we were asked to devote 67 minutes of our time toward the upliftment of our fellow man, must surely rank as one of the strongest messages of hope and faith for the future ever devised.

From continent to continent, worldwide, the message was relayed.

The desire to be well-liked, to enjoy the affection of friends, to get along easily and pleasantly with other people is one of the fundamental instincts of human nature.

And here one of the oldest and most enduring rules of human relations is `to do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’

If you practice these inherent qualities in thought, word and deed, you would compel yourself and all those with whom you are in contact to obliterate poverty and hunger, to act against injustices such as child and women abuse and a myriad of other evils which bring out the worst in mankind

Right here in Zululand, a tiny speck of land in the immense universe, many folk from all walks of life gave of their best last Saturday. The underprivileged were cared for, food delivered for the hungry, clothes for the needy and a host of other acts of compassion and kindness were evident

The power of inspiration is mighty and is available to all. One individual – you – can lead by example and influence those around you to practice true ‘ubuntu’ – the quality which includes the essential human virtues, compassion and humanity.

And to those who contributed so generously to the DICE project `Hang out with Madiba’, our sincere appreciation and thanks which will be re-echoed by each and every recipient who benefitted by your loving care.

`In nothing do men nearly approach the gods than in doing good to their fellow men’ – Cicero.