This is NOT the South Africa many thousands fought for

Ons lesers skryf:

We are not just angry about the etolls because it means less money in an already thin wallet every month. We are angry because the people that fought for the freedoms of this country did not surrender their lives so that rampant corruption can continue unchecked, while unscrupulous politicians make a mockery of the justice system.

Evil thrives when good people do nothing. The forced etolling is a final straw that is enough to make South Africans actually want to fight back against an unjust system. When we decide to stand for something, it means we will inevitably stand against something. The issue is not about having a ‘white’ government or a ‘black’ government – we want to strive and content for a ‘just’ government.

It breaks my heart when I think of the likes of Solomon Mahlangu – who died a year before I was born – who bravely surrendered their lives for the hope of a better future for the people of this country. His words haunt me: “…Tell my people that I love them and that they must continue the struggle. My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of Freedom.”

As an Indian woman, I enjoy some of the fruits of freedom that people like Solomon died so that I could have. Twenty years ago, I would not have been able to marry the wonderful white Afrikaans man, that I now call my husband. Now, in the new South Africa, finding love across the colour line is not against the law.

Despite the hardships that my family have endured, I have been able to work hard and live in an area of my choice, all the while striving for excellence in areas of work and finding ways to make a positive contribution to society.

This is not someone else’s problem to fix. This is my country. These are my people. The fight must continue with me because if I do nothing, then I will fail the next generation who inherit a country robbed of its rich potential. I fail myself and the people who gave their lives for my hard won freedom if I sit back and complain and don’t take positive action.

These are the things I can do – and choose to do – to exercise my freedom and redeem the power that I have to bring about positive change:

I can speak up in private and public platforms – even when it feels my voice is not being heard. I still have a right to speak.

I can exercise my power with my vote.

I can still stay dedicated to my country and to my people – and not allow the negativity of a few to poison the power of possibility still alive in my hands.

I can fight for the country I want to live in. It is my responsibility.

 

Cheryl Benadie (née Ramurath)

33 and still Proudly South African