The ARROGANCE (First published January 2024)

No person’s happiness should come at the cost of another. The conceitedness and assumed position of superiority fuelled by ego throughout recorded history and across the world  by ‘white men’ is at a magnitude it would take a lifetime to study, and why would anyone give the time required to understand the past? Therewith in the problem. They don’t.  Stupidity persists and with it acts of violence

Bad opinions will be defended in spite of the fact they come from a defensive, naive and egotistical position, not one of empathy or grounded with any desire to ensure we never again repeat the atrocities of the past. To succeed we need to know the enemy that was allowed to breed and thrive for hundreds of years, and an evil we have not yet slayed. Not every white person in South Africa is racist, prejudice or entitled, but the bad apples ruin the basket. Racism is alive today in South Africa and being fed by pockets of people.

You cannot solve a problem you are not prepared to call by name, and good people need to speak out and set an example, we must be louder and bolder because there are those who are petrified that the good will unite and do what they were not strong enough (therefore making them look weak) or willing to do, (therefore making them look selfish), so these scoundrels, commercialists and political opportunists continue to agitate our environment hindering our progress and ability to heel. We must toss those bad apples.

Racism has no place in my present or future, nor does any bias against a person’s sexual preference, religious beliefs or liberties as a human being.

I will do my best to educate myself and show tolerance. I will be inspired by the lessons and excitement a diverse culture offers. Truly on this point, South Africa is one of a kind and the best place to be.

I will stand up and address those who don’t wish to honour the rights of others. I will arm myself, not with weapons, words of hate, oppressive legislation or opportunities afforded by wealth, but with information to offer anyone who wishes to engage and share a desire to no longer be ignorant, and wishes to prioritise our likenesses over our differences. I will show bravery without violence. South Africa has a proud history of free media and a robust legal system, and many champions and legends of change have in some way or another harnessed these fortes.