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- Catherine White is a columnist for Kouga Express. She was born an bred in South Africa but is currently pursuing her journalism career abroad. She writes opinion pieces on her experiences as a journalist working in Europe and visits to South Africa
Matthew's recent tragedy has deeply affected me, shedding light on the daily struggles faced by many South Africans. His desperate decision to ingest rat poison serves as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by countless people in our society.
I've known Matthew since childhood, though our lives have followed vastly different paths. We were not afforded the same opportunities. His mother has worked at my grandparents house as a cleaner, since I can remember. Now, Matthew tends to their garden weekly, a job he's held for years. However, after losing his other one day a week gardening job due to landscaping changes by his employers, he reached a breaking point and consumed rat poison.
For the past few days, despite facing personal challenges, I've been overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. Even amidst my own difficulties, I find myself thankful for the struggles I encounter, as they remind me of the privilege of experiencing them. Many others, due to disabilities or simply lack of means, are unable to navigate life's challenges as I can.
I am grateful for every aspect of my life, including the hardships I face, knowing that they will ultimately strengthen me and provide perspective. However, my current struggles do not include hunger. No one should have to endure the struggle of such a basic need not being met. Some hardships should never be normgalised.
Learning of Matthew's story recently shattered my heart. It's profoundly unfair and unjust that so many people are struggling to survive in our society.
I'm not referring to a sense of entitlement or expecting handouts. Nothing in life comes for free; someone, somewhere, paid a price. But at what expense do our politicians enrich themselves? Our economy is in continuous decline, unemployment rates are skyrocketing, and poverty and crime are rampant. The desperation that accompanies these hardships is both dangerous and heart-wrenching.
It's crucial that we recognise the gravity of these issues and refuse to accept them as the norm. We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our neighbours and carry on with our lives as if it's inconsequential. This is not normal, and it's imperative that we demand accountability from those in power.
Matthew's story serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change. We must strive for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where desperation and suffering are not commonplace. It's a daunting task, but one that we must confront head-on if we hope to build a better future for all.
His story reflects the broader challenges facing our nation: systemic corruption, crumbling infrastructure, and a failing education system. The thought of people struggling to survive while little is done to address these issues fills me with anger and frustration. It's a repetitive narrative in the newspapers, one we've heard too many times before.
Matthew has been in the hospital for two weeks, spending four days in intensive care. The uncertainty surrounding his condition weighs heavily, especially considering his two daughters who face an uncertain future due to poverty and inequality.
The lack of employment opportunities in our nation is dire, to the extent that it drove a man like Matthew to such desperation. While other factors may have contributed to his decision, I know Matthew as a hardworking and kind individual. It's disheartening to witness the collapse of our country and the struggles faced by its people.
It's time to acknowledge that despite our individual struggles, we must stand together for the greater good of humanity. We need to take action to address the issues plaguing our country and rebuild it for a better future. I firmly believe it can be done. The upcoming elections serve as an opportunity to push for real change, to hold our leaders accountable, and to demand a brighter future for all South Africans.
