Where are we going?

I love the fact that the South African public has been basically brainwashed into believing that it is okay for our National Sports to lose, and then get the message that it’s okay because we tried. Oh and its fine considering the fact that players were missing. Ummmmm, no it’s not fine. These players get payed huge amounts of Money to perform on behalf of a country. They are there for a reason, because they are apparently the best in their chosen position to represent our country. Heaven help us if a Policing force or Defense force were picked along the same lines…….Oh wait it is. Schools are represented the same way as well. There is no more pride in South Africa. A couple of thoughts to ponder.

I was fortunate enough to attend an all boy’s school. Bashers were worn; we did cadets etc and all 1^st sport games were made compulsory to watch. A badger was lifted and a courteous good morning sir/mam or good afternoon sir/mam was offered to anybody senior to you. At a bus stop, preference was given to those more senior, and seats were offered to those more senior. Heaven helped you if you did not offer this gesture. Each standard (grade) in high school had their own lawns or areas to frequent during lunch breaks. Cadets were done for remembrance to those who fought for our countries independence and to protect us.

Sports were played because it was a way of life and a way to keep children mentally and physically fit. You were never forced to play a sport; you were offered the opportunity to do so. Once in a team you were graced with a certain type of belonging and being wanted. You played to the best of your ability, not be held in God like status but rather to be respected by your peers for doing your part on the field. The only reward on offer was the chance to play at a higher level. Your schools 1^st team, or perhaps even provincially. Each team was represented by a different colour and the ultimate was to wear a white scarf (1^st team) moncoloured blazer (full colours) and a red band around your basher (1^st team).

Today’s youth have taken a step into the total opposite direction. Backwards, Money and status have become no1 in their lives. Look at the ill discipline, drug use and so on. Military service is no longer compulsory (huge mistake as this was a huge platform for young adults). Walk along the street and see what response you get, nothing. Not even a hello. School standards have dropped, parenting has become wayward (there is the exclusion) and the youth simply put have no manners. What this has done is put society into a downhill spiral and we will ultimately lose all sense of right and wrong.

All of this to point out one simple fact, South Africa has lost its way. Rugby players are being astronomical amounts to play average Rugby. Cricketers God bless their souls have become overweight and battle to run between wicket never mind play to half their potential. Footballers, well let’s not get into that one. There is no more national pride, people can get mugged, hijacked, smash and grabbed or even in some cases raped in front of you without no public recourse, action or even remorse.

Our national sportsman/women and celebrities are a direct reflection of the state of our country. Everybody moans and does nothing about anything. Take a page out of the ANCYL’s book and stand together, unification will bring back the pride. Any other country in the world has national teams filled with talented proud individuals, it is the reason they are there, no money. We have so much diversity and politics involved in everyday life that we are a country dying. We do things half heartedly and we try. Try harder, do things to the best of your ability, don’t give up. Be the person you looked up to as a kid.BE PROUD.

Pick teams on merit, we are a talented nation, bring harsher sentences to people who break the law. How you ask? This is no overnight solution, but unfortunately the solution starts at home. Bring back the basics, morals, fidelity into your child’s upbringing and this is already the first step. Put your foot down and give 100%, this is how we will learn. No excuses for bad results stick your hand up and take accountability. I was wrong, I’ve done wrong or I’ve been wronged. Let’s start and let’s start together. When your child look down upon others less fortunate give that kid half of his/her belongings, your neighbor drives a fancier car? So what…… good luck to them. Turn the other cheek, show humility and kindness, this will pay it forward for the next generation. Quite simply live as the Bible wants us to live. BE PROUD…..