Patriots? Where art thou?

What happened to us?

Do we dare allow ourselves to be defeated? Do you think nations become great simply because its citizens lay on its soil and cry in melancholy? No, a thousand times no. A nations’ greatest strength is contained within its people, in their ability to alter their destiny and change the world for the better.

We built the railroads, we built the cities, we built it all by the sweat of our brows and the toils of our bodies. Do not label my country as worthless simply because we sit and do nothing, or immoral simply because we allow it to happen. Revolutions are built on dreams, hopes and aspirations.

South Africans get up and do something for the sake of our children and our children’s children.

My country is for love

so say its valleys

where ancient rivers flow

the full circle of life

under the proud eye of birds

adorning the sky.

My country is for peace

so says the veld

where reptiles caress

its surface

with elegant motions

glittering in their pride

My country

is for joy

so talk the mountains

with baboons

hopping from boulder to boulder

in the majestic delight

of cliffs and peaks

My country

is for health and wealth

see the blue of the sea

and beneath

the jewels of fish

deep under the bowels of soil

hear

the golden voice

of a miner’s praise

for my country

My country

is for unity

feel the millions

see their passion

their hands are joined together

there is hope in their eyes

we shall celebrate

by Sandile Dikeni