THE YEAR THAT WAS - 2013

 ON A PERSONAL NOTE

The post Contribution by All to Help Save a Young Life was, in my humble opinion, the best demonstration of the ubuntu concept ( 'I am because of others') I have seen this year in my personal surroundings. The way all and sundry in our street worked together to help the young man injured was impressive. Also, in this post was a vivid example of how the young take life for granted. In my language - Sesotho - we say, "Habo boyi ha ho llowe( At a coward's home they do not shed tears)". If you are outnumbered in a fight it is better to run away and risk being thought of as a coward. This way you will live to fight another day. 

   IN SOUTH AFRICA 

In this one - Tales from the Deep South, Part 2 - A Service Delivery Protest Up Close  - we got a glimpse here in Protea South of what the whole of South Africa would have been like had Tata Nelson Mandela not pursued the path of reconciliation with our former white oppressors. It was a microcosm of what life is like in a country ravaged by civil strife. In such a country nothing works. For example, there is no electricity supply, shops are closed and there is shocking lawlessness where marauding mobs run amok looting left, right and centre. 

Thank you, Tata.

   AROUND THE WORLD

Because Tata Nelson Mandela lived close to us and was in retirement( out of the public eye), it was easy to almost forget what a giant he was; easy not to remember how highly regarded he was
by the outside world.

Our memory was quickly jolted by his passing away earlier this month, after a long illness. After the world got to know about his death it seemed to stop in its tracks in order to pay tribute to Mandela. The memorial service in his honour was said to have been attended by about 100 heads of states. This number of heads of states gathered in one place for one event was reportedly the first of its kind in recent times.

This unprecedented world focus and attention on South Africa after Mandela's passing further 

emphasized the lyrics of a popular song we sing about Tata Nelson Mandela. The chorus goes something like this:

                     "Nelson Mandela, Nelson Mandela.

                    Ha hona ya tshwanang le yena( There is no one quite like him)."

                                       ======================

Our FEEL GOOD quote of the year:

"I have fought against white domination, and I have fought

against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic

and free society in which all persons live together in harmony 

and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to 

live for and achieve.  But if needs be, it is an ideal for which

I am prepared to die."

Nelson Mandela ( from the book - LONG WALK TO FREEDOM)

                                             ======================

SO, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE WORLD OUT THERE, WHAT MADE YOU

FEEL GOOD IN 2013?

                                               =====================

May all our blog readers have a Christmas full of joy and a 2014 in which all your
dreams come true.