There’s a friend of mine who produces a number of witty sayings. One of his favourites is ‘what a time to be alive’.
Usually this is prefaced with a story or incident about something quite astonishing or ridiculously unbelievable. Or something that has made him happy when he least expected it.
Or like anything about our former president Jacob Zuma, the person many like to make fun of.
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One meme I have seen goes something like this: Only in South Africa can a prisoner become president and a president become a prisoner.
It does make one long for the days when optimism was the order of the day, when anything seemed possible and where unity was encouraged.
How that has changed, sadly.
And what are the chances that Zuma might actually see jail time?
Many would suggest it’s highly unlikely as he has managed to seemingly get away with all he has been accused of for a long time.
Others are saying that, well, the law is finally catching up with him, and that while the wheels of justice can turn slowly, they still turn.
It’s going to be interesting to say the very least.
In terms of our beloved country, there is always hope.
Obviously a lot will need to change, but it can happen.
We have the people in this nation who are capable of making it happen.
I love sport, watching cricket in particular, and seeing Temba Bavuma, all of 5 ft 4, lead South Africa to two wins in a row against the West Indies shows me we have people with spirit and tenacity. (Hopefully the Proteas will maintain winning form and secure the series).
Yes, some would say he shouldn’t even be in the team, let alone captain. But seeing him swat one for six off a bowler seemingly twice his height was most satisfying.
There may be detractors, but anyone who has ever done anything of any significance has faced criticism. Loads of it. It’s the price of leadership and the cost or sacrifice borne to make a meaningful difference.
So, despite what appear to be overwhelming odds and difficulties in our land, let us do our best to remain positive about our lives, our country and the future.
It’s easy to get negative when you look around, scroll through social media, and see others living these (supposed) great lives in other countries.
I sometimes find social media, and Facebook in particular, draining. Somehow it seems to sap my energy when filled with negativity.
Sure, some of it is interesting and encouraging, but why spend time seeing what others are doing and/or eating when you should be doing your own thing and doing it well.
So, keep the faith, and let’s hope we can get through this third wave of Covid-19 as fast as possible and start rebuilding our lives and country.
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