Through My Eyes

There is a cool Polish saying that goes, "Its not my circus, not my monkeys"

My 'bestie' Olivia recently called me in a state. "Kasia, we cannot just sit and do nothing." She said innocently. "Every one of us must do their bit no matter how small. I am not going to leave this country. I want to let people know that if we stand together united, we will make a difference."

Her Facebook post read "Out of respect for all the innocent people that were killed lately, I have decided to drive around with this message on my car's rear window. I secretly hope you all do the same! Feel free to share or not share.... Let's fight for our country!"

Olivia stuck posters on her car window urging people to think about peace and to stop the murders. Small, but nevertheless effective way of speaking out and not just sitting back and doing nothing, because, after all, as Olivia rightly told me, every small effort counts.

On Sunday night, the Awesome Africa event was a glorious affair. It was brilliantly filled with talent, passion and a strong message of unity. Each artist, in his own way spoke out against xenophobia and against the violence that has erupted in our country over the migrants who are living amongst us.

At one stage I was balling my eyes out while listening to these astonishing world class artists, I could not stop thinking how actions of a few individuals can screw our lives up and send us into a desperate tizz.

While many of us are anxiously hoping that we can in some small way contribute to the peaceful way forward, others are sitting back and doing nothing. Treating is as though it is not their fault or their problem.

Trust me, I am also trying to find ways to make a difference. Putting posters on my car, ensuring that everything I do is aimed at sending a message of peace and most of all staying positive and vigilant.

But like so many, I have a problem with the way things are going. I cannot turn a blind eye to the way services are deteriorating around us. The number of people going through the dustbin bags in my neighbourhood has quadrupled. There use to be the handful of guys going around looking through my trash. Last week there was a group of children and another group of mothers, one with a tiny baby wrapped on her back. They were all South Africans citizens and they looked really hungry.

The problem in our country is so vast and complex that I cannot dare to comprehend or grasp it. Poverty and lack of support structures and leaderships in our communities, motivates people to think and do stupid and inexcusable things.

Its time we all stand up and be counted, in whichever way we feel will be useful for all concerned. On this Freedom Day I pray for each and everyone of you to feel the love and move forward with love and respect for all.