What happened to the “Rainbow Nation?”

“There are many persons ready to do what is right, because in their hearts they know it is right. But they hesitate, waiting for the other fellow to make the first move – and he in turn, waits for you.”
Marian Anderson

Heritage day came and went this past weekend. Did it make you pause, and think about all those amazing humanitarians that fought for years for the rest of South Africa to have a democracy? People who sacrificed their personal freedoms and comforts so that all South Africans could strive for equal opportunity.

Their struggle was for equal OPPORTUNITY – not equal entitlement, that is the very opposite of their struggle. South Africa stood as a shining example of new beginnings and a true rainbow nation. The key though, is opportunity. And each individual has a responsibility to themselves, society and future generations to stand up and grab that opportunity. Not destroy it. Not tear it down. Not trash it in protest against opposition parties – forgetting the fact that the existence of opposition parties representing different cultures, beliefs etc. was the very purpose of the fight for Democracy.

It’s not enough to complain about society - that is made of individuals such as you and I. Every South African has the individual right – and responsibility – to reach out and passionately embrace the opportunities we have. They will not come to you though; you have to go to them. More and more, the world over, governments and economies are failing the people on an astronomical level. But government only has as much power as its citizens, composed of many societies – composed of individuals, like you and I, allow them.

It isn’t the easy option, and an increasing level of fear seems makes it even harder to be an individual that takes the first step forward. Now is the time for the nation to take back the opportunities that so many fought for, and TOGETHER, the people will dictate how a government will operate.

“Be the change in the world you want to see.” – Gandhi

I hope we can, South Africa, the beloved nation.