Important to know people are trying to help

I read Ray Thota’s opinion in the latest Courier about ‘’True Charity asks no reward’’ (Letters, November 14).

The title is correct. True charity asks for no rewards.

But, in favour of many people I know who spend their lifetime helping the less fortunate, I would like to share my reaction with you.

I personally think it’s important to see that we are surrounded by lots of charity organisations.

And I personally think its great that we give them attention in the press.

This is the type of ‘good news’’, that we all need. We have enough of negative reading about crime, poverty, corrupt politicians, racism, etc.

What the public needs to know, is that there are a lot of people around there who are trying to make our community a better place.

It is not easy. I personally think I do a lot of charity. I start at home and at work. I didn’t get a picture in the press and I don’t need it.

But let’s be honest. It’s nice to be recognised. If you work hard, you like people to tap on your shoulder, don’t you?

I can name you probably 10 ladies I know personally, who work hard to raise money for the less fortunate.

That ‘picture in the press’ is the only way to say ‘Thank You’. Motivation starts with recognition.

Some Belgian friends (I am originally from Belgium and I have lived here for nine years) ask me: how can you live a ‘good life’ if you live five km’s away from ‘poor areas’.

Well, let me tell you: it’s not easy. Getting confronted by poor people on a daily basis is painful. It breaks my heart. If I could, I wish I could change it. And I am not the only one.

I believe in the goodness in people. We all suffer from the huge differences in lifestyle in this country.

But ok, to conclude: isn’t the best way of charity to start a successful business, employ people and pay them a decent rate?

The more people work, the less poverty. So basically I am saying that every successful businessman who remunerates his staff correctly, also needs a picture in the Courier.

And: We need more national leaders with their hearts in the right place. Because at the end of the day, they are in charge of the lifestyle of all the residents of this country. We need politicians who focus on free quality education for everyone.

That politician deserves a picture in the world press! Imagine, no more schools that are ‘black tinted’ or ‘white tinted’. Our kids growing up together, and finally getting over the apartheid feeling.

We need to believe in the future, and we all need to help this happen. South Africa is a beautiful country. We all need to fight for a better country. The picture in the press is optional and welcome.

OLIVIA ROELS SAK
Salt Rock