Have a hug and soothe all that ails South Africa
Over the past few months, South Africans have been confronted with horrifying violence.
Every other day, the news headlines have dealt with murder, femicide, kidnappings, xenophobic attacks and protests which have threatened to bring the country to its knees.
Bongani Mtimkulu started an initiative three years ago to bring Lowvelders together in this uncertain climate. The #GetAHug movement aims to get people back on track through a simple act such as hugging each other.
“This is in response to the things which have been happening in South Africa over the past few weeks. I realised that there is something not right about our interactions with each other and could not pass up an opportunity to sow some good,” he said.
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Mtimkulu waxed lyrical about the benefits of hugging and said, “Hugs promote good mental and physical well-being. This means that people are able to make better decisions. In my view, this means better citizens, which can only lead to a better country”.
He said that he has always been involved with charities and non-profit organisations and saw earlier on that the act of giving to those less fortunate somehow elevates the benefactor and reduces the recipient.”Sharing a hug means both parties are giving, so one cannot walk away without being uplifted.
“Hugging maintains the balance and uplifts people without reducing their worth.”He added that the initiative does not involve any organisations or corporations, is non-denominational, non-political, non-racial and open to people from all walks of life.
“On September 28, we will be going out and sharing hugs from 09:00 to 10:00 at The Grove SUPERSPAR, KaBokweni Shopping Centre at the Shoprite, at the White River Crossing Checkers and at the SPAR in Thulamahashe.”
“The hugs are always offered. They are for free. We do not heckle or hound passers-by. The hug is always only offered,” he concluded.
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