Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Most Christians would know that this is a well-known commandment found in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
It compels us to treat others with the same level of care, respect, and kindness that we naturally extend to ourselves.
This is a sharp contrast to the reality faced in our beloved country today. Whenever you are watching the news or listening to the radio you need to mentally prepare yourself for the worst. All we hear is death, rape, murder, violence and other heinous crimes.
The Cape Flats is currently bleeding. So many senseless killings. Families ripped apart.
This begs the question then, is this showing love?
Once again, we have political leaders trying to paint a colourful picture, claiming that police have matters under control. And that matters are not as bad as they look.
If this is the case, why is our president not calling a family meeting to tell us what steps are being taken to stem the killings?
I fail to understand why, even during a crisis such as this, inequality is still rife.
On Tuesday 19 August, the parliamentary police portfolio committee chair, Ian Cameron, and two members of parliament came under attack in an attempted hijacking incident in Philippi. Within 24 hours, two alleged suspects were apprehended for the crime.
Police worked throughout the night to catch the criminals. All available resources were deployed to apprehend the perpetrators.
24 hours, that’s all it took to get the perpetrators. Yet, hijackings are a lived reality for many Capetonians.
Some rape survivors are still awaiting the police to arrest the culprits. Some murderers are still roaming the streets.
During times of adversity, it is wise to note that not everyone or everything requires your reaction or response.
These MPs were not told that there are no police vehicles available. They were not turned away and told to provide proof of the incident. They were not made to wait for hours or even treated like the perpetrator. This is the service some ordinary South Africans are met with when they set foot at some police stations.
I am in no way trying to downplay what these MPs experienced. It is horrific, and no one should have to go through that.
Isn’t it time that the police and those in leadership positions sit around the table, admit that they have failed in their mandate and get back to the drawing board?
How many more mass murders should be reported on?
How many more communities should live in fear?
We don’t need more Imbizos or commissions of inquiries. Been there, tried that. It’s proven ineffective.
Instead of spending on projects that never come to fruition, create more job opportunities. Make education more affordable so that young people can obtain degrees and become employable. Invest in educational institutions.
As we live in hope that the powers that be wake up soon and act. Let us start by ourselves. Practice more patience and tolerance with one another.
During times of adversity, it is wise to note that not everyone or everything requires your reaction or response.
How peaceful this nation would be if we obeyed the commandment to love our neighbour as we love yourself?
