There is a lot going on in South Africa right now. Let’s unpack everything from JanuWorry, to loose tigers, loadshedding and potholes… but let’s also look at the other side. Cause there is one. I promise.
Johannesburg, South Africa (31 January 2023) – Good grief, if ever there was a day to wake up, put on your favourite song and fill your cup… then today might be it.
Janworry has been the longest year this month but the last few days have felt like a lot. A LOT.
Many parts of the country went from a heatwave to the greyest-stormiest-of-storms and as much as there were some complaints about the heat, we all know that South Africans are ultimately powered by the sun, so taking it away for more than a couple of hours causes havoc and severe sadness.
With that, even though it’s bucketing down, many parts of the country’s taps are running dry again. Infrastructure. Low levels in reservoirs. A something or other else excuse. Oh, but one South African has lots of water. Except it’s coming out of her taps the same colour as a Smurf. Or like a blueberry tonic. Someone get the gin, quick.
It also feels like Tiger King is being filmed in Gauteng at the moment. Or maybe this is a promotion for a new Tiger Tiger club opening (that was just a joke – no offence intended).
Two weeks ago, we all watched a tragic story unfold when a “pet” tigress was shot and killed. And then we all woke up yesterday to another roaming tiger in the city. Except did we? The NSPCA has launched an investigation into the security company as they have not seen the tiger and the security company doesn’t want to dish on the details. Was there actually another tiger on the loose? Was this a marketing plan from SWOT247 what what so we would know their name? Is someone playing Jumanji?
We need Devi here. Stat.
We also have a new Joburg mayor that is trending on social media with his incoherent interview about spending the next 100 days using this new fan-dangled digital technology to fix potholes. Yes, he is going to make this his priority.
Monsieur Mayor, as thankful as we are for the new hot-take on an issue that has become an endemic in our country, some of us believe that maybe we need a multi-faceted approach to the various issues that plague our city and country at large.
Crime? Corruption? Inflation? Poverty? Education? The electricity crisis?
No?! Potholes. Okay buddy.
I digress.
Loadshedding is kak. It’s this thing that won’t go away. My mother hasn’t had electricity for almost 40 hours. Not a unique story. Many suburbs just don’t come back on after a blackout. And then they do. And then they go off again. BUT it just won’t go away. The President – trying to tackle it head-on – is about to announce whether South Africa will go into an electricity “State of Disaster,” which actually made my stomach turn.
PTSD from those family meetings is a real thing. Why couldn’t they call it something else?
But apparently it’s not the same as last time, and this time will focus on giving the government the ability to overcome its own self-imposed obstacles and change labour legislation, procurement, access funds and ultimately help businesses and organisations. So then, same-same (where is that $500 billion) but we’re allowed roast chickens, beer and ciggies this time round?
Perhaps the chief should see if one of his couches might be able to build a solar or wind farm big enough to power some of our provinces. It actually wouldn’t surprise me if he could. But I’m almost sure he would still be shocked.
The news is bleak. Or at least it can feel like it. It’s a lot. But we must not forget there is always another side.
So here goes.
Tomorrow is the start of a new month. And it’s a shorty. 28 days. Some relief from whatever this shitshow was. The rain will fill our dams, and reservoirs and bore-holes. Rain also has magical powers. If you let it, it can and will wash away your worries. The tiger thing has done more good than bad. It’s raised serious questions from the right people about wild-animal ownership laws in our country. These incidents have sparked a fire in the right places. I have been included in some of these incredible conversations. Watch this space. The pothole patrol is fixing South Africa’s roads FOR FREE. A really phenomenal initiative. Someone should tell May-May about them and then let him focus on some of our other challenges like the power crisis? Yes, the power crisis is absolutely debilitating and somewhat exhausting. But things are happening. Slowly. They are. Soon our country will rise as one of the top renewable energy places in the world. This is not pie in the sky. It’s real. And not because the government did anything of substance but because the people did. There are South Africans busy building entire “farms” RIGHT NOW that will create clean energy, not just for themselves but for the entire country.
Times of tragedy? Those heroes??? It’s all happening. I promise. Those incredible South Africans who rise and do the right thing, even when most of our government can’t or won’t.
Now put that song on. And if you can’t think of your favourite song to listen to right now, find “We Will Rise” by the Ndlovu Youth Choir.
Deep breaths friends. Unclench your jaw. Let your shoulders relax. And just let it all out.
It will all be okay. I promise.
That’s it.
Okay. Love you. Bye.
Sources: Brent Lindeque | Good Things Guy
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