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"...the Voortrekker women threatened to walk over the Drakensberg mountains on bare feet..."

Home » Finding Hope amidst the ‘Tsunami of Negativity’

Finding Hope amidst the ‘Tsunami of Negativity’

As South Africa prepares for tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address, one passionate South African bares her soul on how she’s feeling right now in the New South Africa… Overcoming the Tsunami of Negativity…by Sanet Du Preez Viljoen Why did we come back to South Africa? And an even better question is…why do we stay? The obvious […]

By SAPeople
11-02-15 23:24
in Fab South African Stuff
Drakensberg
"...the Voortrekker women threatened to walk over the Drakensberg mountains on bare feet..."

As South Africa prepares for tomorrow’s State of the Nation Address, one passionate South African bares her soul on how she’s feeling right now in the New South Africa…

"...the Voortrekker women threatened to walk over the Drakensberg mountains on bare feet..."
“…the Voortrekker women threatened to walk over the Drakensberg mountains on bare feet…”

Overcoming the Tsunami of Negativity…by Sanet Du Preez Viljoen

Why did we come back to South Africa? And an even better question is…why do we stay?

The obvious answer is, we are fools. We are deliberately turning a blind eye to the writing on the wall, because we could still jump this ship.

Maybe I am in denial, I’ve never had any crime affecting me. My family and friends are okay and I have a wonderful standard of living.

There is a huge down side to it. My husband works in Dubai; there is no job for him in Cape Town and a local business is too complicated and risky.

So now we are separated…but we are both busy with something worthwhile.

Ironically, what I find most threatening is the tsunami of negativity rolling over me, every day.

It is a miracle that I am still clinging on for dear life. It is almost worse than the pessimism at the time before the elections in 1994.

The clouds gathering today over Rivonia for an afternoon storm! Photo: Nat Hilliar
The clouds gathering today over Rivonia for an afternoon storm! Photo: Nat Hilliar

What keeps me here is the people and the land that I love. As in any love affair, abandoning is NOT an option when dark clouds gather on the horizon.

The hero in my story is my husband. His earnings make life possible for at least 15 people in this country, not counting myself. If we decide to go, things will be even worse.

So, I am staying. I’ve witnessed a miracle before – the 1994 elections happened and we survived. Many believe the miracle’s name was Nelson Mandela. Unfortunately this time the disaster’s name is President Zuma, so we might not survive at all.

If anyone thought my ancestors were stubborn people, (the Voortrekker women threatened to walk over the Drakensberg mountains on bare feet), you ain’t seen nothing yet!

I will cling to what is rightfully mine and yes, even if that means this government will have to kill me to get rid of me.

I will live and work in peace.

Double rainbow...Kathu Northern Cape. Photo: Jacques Rousseau‎
Double rainbow…Kathu Northern Cape. Photo: Jacques Rousseau‎

I will not be overcome by negativity and I will trust in the One who gave our country, South Africa, a miracle before…and could easily do it again…