Resilience Despite Ramaphosa Rumblings

Yes, I too was feeling the weight of yet another political upheaval yesterday.

The truth is, almost all the politicians have dirty hands, but some hands are filthy. It is my belief that those who thrive in the filth are doing their best to discredit the man at the top so they can deepen their pockets once more. Yes what Ramaphosa did was wrong, but it is precisely because he does have a conscience that he was willing to step down, unlike many other politicians. I can promise you that Ramaphosa is not the only businessman in South Africa to have done cash deals. In fact, I may even be hard pressed to find businessmen that are 100% clean. As Jesus said: “May he who is without sin, cast the first stone.”

Yesterday, I was personally approached by three people who thanked me for my positive perspective on Africa. They said my words help them. So I wanted to write today to those of you who have woken up with heavy hearts to remind you why I love Africa.

The primary reason I remain resolute and positive about my country is because of you, my African people. It is your hearts, your warmth, your humour, your resilience, your generosity and your courage, that keeps me believing in a brighter tomorrow. If I am surrounded by these people, then one thing I know for sure is that we have hope. But in order for hope to spark, each of us has to take ACTION. Faith without action is just good intent. Action without faith is directionless. Each of us has a voice. Each of us has influence.

Whether we like it not, there are forces of darkness and temptation in this world, but evil can only prosper when good people sit by and do nothing. That is why I am passionate about speaking up and taking action. Each and everyone of us CAN make a difference in this country by doing what we do to the best of our ability, and when we encounter a shift in values, it is our DUTY to speak up.

It is also my belief that each of us have been hard wired to seek truth. We are drawn to it and feel the sting of injustice. Other people’s pain, hits us hard too. This pain is a reminder to check our moral compass and do the right thing.

So my friends, I want to remind you, that we are a body of 60 million people. We are more than cash stuffed furniture. Whatever happens, we will overcome. We overcame COVID, riots and floods. We have travelled far together. Yes we have resilience fatigue but God’s words always help to reassure me. John 16:33 “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome this world.” Yes friends, we will have trouble, that is a guarantee, but we CAN do something about it. With the right hearts, and the right values, we can collectively overcome.

And no, I don’t believe that the right thing to do is to just get up and leave. I don’t believe in deferring responsibility. I don’t believe in running away. There are troubles EVERYWHERE. The grass is greenest where it is watered. So my friends, get out your watering can and sprinkle your magic on your patch of African grass. There is no other patch of earth quite like it.