In the news this week: the desecration of statues and the attacks on foreigners.
Image after image of violence and destruction on a jaw-dropping scale. The world is watching – and South Africa is putting on a ‘show’ of note.
Overwhelmingly, the majority say it’s a time of great embarrassment for South Africans. Talk of immigration is at a peak once more. Those with dual citizenship have begun making plans, anticipating the moment when this country will fall to pieces.
In smaller towns, we’re less affected by the grandiose shows of violence. But its effects are far-reaching. Debate has sparked and turned hateful. Residents are even too scared to look over their shoulders. Tension is rife and morality is low.
Social media is imploding. Shocking videos are going viral: foreigners being burnt to death, chopped up with axes, chased through the streets, robbed and attacked… it’s truly disgusting.
The legacy of Madiba has become a joke.
The ordinary citizen is powerless in the face of an onslaught of highly strung opinion and contempt. Everyone wants to have their say. But when do we say ‘Enough is enough’?
Ultimately, as media consumers, we choose what we want to subscribe to. We choose whether or not we want to share that morbid, soul-destroying video of a fellow Africa being set alight.
For me, that video is currently languishing in the pits of my smartphone’s trash bin.
What will you choose?
