A good friend of mine recently returned from a visit to Mocambique.

He is excited by the country. The people are incredibly friendly and excited about their land. He was amazed at the goodwill and positivity exhibited by the people of Mocambique - one of the poorest countries in the world.

People of all cultures and backgrounds speak of the large amount of "work" that has yet to be done to rebuild their country. They speak of their commitment to do so together.

"Go there", he said, "you will love it".

It made me think of the way that many South Africans speak to each other and to visitors, of our country.

Their focus is not on the beauty of the beaches, the mountains, nor the amazing cultures and diversities. Nor is it on the potential of our people, or the good that is inherent in each one of us. Not on the incredible infrastructures of our roads, communications, media, electricity, tourism, game reserves or even our amazing constitution.

The focus seems to be on South Africa's lacks and evils.

All societies have negatives to a lesser or greater degree. Most sell what is good and build upon that. We sadly seem to try and build the bad, either in our mind or in reality.

Any tourist who comes into contact with negative South Africans will leave with the judgements and prejudices of our people and our land. Just as my friend left with the positive goodwill of the people of Mocambique. And a deep and abiding love for their country!

Why are so many of our people so focussed on the bad in our amazing country? Why do they search for the bad actions of a few people - within other cultures and religions? What is it within them, or us, that continuously commits us to a mediocre life - in this land of opportunity?

Mbongeni Ngema, a man of incredible talent, could have sung a song of the wonders of the South African people from the East. His words could have spoken of  the people who have brought marvellous and amazing cultures, religions, beliefs, and material wealth into our society. And he could have said, "We still have a lot of work to do, let's do so together." Yet he chose in a typical local fashion to comment on those few who have lost their humanness and respect for people, as if all are guilty of the same.

What songs are we singing? What words are we speaking? What people and acts are we publicising?

Are we trapped in a cycle of negativity? Are we vocalising, marketing and advertising, all that is wrong with people, cultures, safety, politics and business? If we are, we will keep ourselves in the same state, forever.

The time has come for us to look at our children, parents, partners, our associates, our people, our cultures, our country, our religions, our companies, our government, our media and our infrastructure for what is good.

Let us sing their praises and celebrate the wonders of all that make South Africa the Rainbow Nation. And admit that there is a lot of work to be done. And commit to do so together, today!

Brian V Moore


PS

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