We are a nation that remains in pain and mourning.
Despite the pain of our past, we continue to hate, discriminate, divide, corrupt, exploit, be greedy and murder our own people.
We as parents and leaders have forgotten to greet one another never mind praying for each other. Greeting is one of the essential functions of communication and triggers positive conversations. It helps us connect with people on a more personal level. Just saying hello will not cost you a thing.
What happened to the beautiful rainbow nation of South Africa? Where is the love, respect, values and principles enshrined in our constitution and rich history?
We choose to react to all the negative things but fail to share the positive or beautiful things happening around us daily. We forgot that all these things are blessings from God. Our greatest failure as parents is not teaching our children self-respect and discipline. Parents are among the most important people in the lives of young children.
Where are the days of ubuntu, it takes a village to raise a child is a popular proverb with a clear message; the whole community has an essential role to play.
There are an estimated 23 suicides per day in South Africa and for every one of them, there are at least 20 attempted suicides according to reports. Our youth and children are depressed and suicidal. Parents are solely focused on their careers and forget to spend time with their children. Depression darkens the lives of about 4.5 million South Africans – nearly one in 10.
The pressure of keeping up with visuals on social media platforms tends to create anxiety. The use of social media should be to tell stories, create awareness, build and strengthen relationships as well as create a space for organizations and activists, to positively influences communities.
We as fathers, leaders, pastors and businesses need to get on board in our lives at home, schools, community and society at large to bring change to this dire situation. Fellow South Africans again, I ask the question, is this what our forefathers died for -is this what the word of God teaches us?
