South Africa has many examples of people who have shown resilience in the midst of turmoil, financial problems, lack of opportunity and hatred of the opposition. One such person we all know is Nelson Mandela. It says in Christo Brand's book: My Prisoner, My Friend that when Mandela's warden asked him, "why are you studying?" that he answered, "I might get out one day and then I need to be ready". When asked why he woke up each morning at five to exercise in his small prison cell, he gave the same answer.
Another person, is a girl who is busy studying in Russia to become an astronaut. I had the opportunity to meet her this previous weekend. From a young age, she always wanted to become an astronaut. As South Africa does not have this opportunity for its citizens, she decided to see how she could fulfil this dream. Now she is almost finished with her studies and showing us as South Africans that all things are still possible, even in the midst of apparent turmoil.
Another example is a friend I know, Nkululeko. He always wanted to go into the arts and media, but never had the opportunity. After researching some possibility he studied and actually finished his honors degree in arts and media. He too, made a resilient effort in the midst of the many voices that said, in South Africa there is no opportunity for young people.
If you look at history, a country never completely flourishes only because of the government that is ruling. The citizens of a country each plays a role in the ultimate resilience of a country. Our country, my country, has many examples over more than 500 years that all shout as examples for us to continue to be resilient even in the midst of governmental turmoil. Just read the book from Max Du Preez, study the life of previous generations and read about the life of Nelson Mandela, and you will find numerous examples of people who have stood resilient for the cause of this beautiful nation. Listen to the dreams of young people, see what they are doing in the middle of not being employed currently and you will stand amazed.
Fellow citizens, let us continue to build this beautiful country by resiliently building our lives together even when voices says South Africa is at its worst.
Another person, is a girl who is busy studying in Russia to become an astronaut. I had the opportunity to meet her this previous weekend. From a young age, she always wanted to become an astronaut. As South Africa does not have this opportunity for its citizens, she decided to see how she could fulfil this dream. Now she is almost finished with her studies and showing us as South Africans that all things are still possible, even in the midst of apparent turmoil.
Another example is a friend I know, Nkululeko. He always wanted to go into the arts and media, but never had the opportunity. After researching some possibility he studied and actually finished his honors degree in arts and media. He too, made a resilient effort in the midst of the many voices that said, in South Africa there is no opportunity for young people.
If you look at history, a country never completely flourishes only because of the government that is ruling. The citizens of a country each plays a role in the ultimate resilience of a country. Our country, my country, has many examples over more than 500 years that all shout as examples for us to continue to be resilient even in the midst of governmental turmoil. Just read the book from Max Du Preez, study the life of previous generations and read about the life of Nelson Mandela, and you will find numerous examples of people who have stood resilient for the cause of this beautiful nation. Listen to the dreams of young people, see what they are doing in the middle of not being employed currently and you will stand amazed.
Fellow citizens, let us continue to build this beautiful country by resiliently building our lives together even when voices says South Africa is at its worst.
Cias Ferreira
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