- An Open Letter: Dear Young South Africans

Guys… Let’s stop for a second, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger and long-term picture here. When this all ends (and it will end), what is the outcome going to be? What does the future look like once all the shops have been looted, the businesses destroyed, and the economy had officially collapsed? What’s going to happen to YOU then? Well let’s glance into the future by analysing the current situation:

Let’s start with the SA ECONOMY:

South Africa currently has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, this is now going to increase dramatically. Many large and local businesses have been destroyed and continue to be burnt-down, these businesses pay people (including your parents) wages and support their family’s livelihoods. Where’s your family’s income coming from next week? Next month? Xmas? How are you going to collect your Unemployment Benefits if there’s nowhere to collect it from? Now some of you may now have an awesome new flat-screen TV now and couple of pairs of Nikes, but did you grab enough groceries to last you the next couple of months? How are you going to survive now?

How many people work (sorry “worked”) at Brookside Mall? Vosloorus Mall? Edendale Mall? Dunlop Factory? The list goes on… And while we’re on that note, who do you think is going to rebuild all the infrastructure that has been destroyed? You, with a Government salary? No my friend, I’m afraid not. Most of these businesses simply will not open again.

Now to check-in on the LOCAL SCENE:

The huge amounts of looting has caused enough litter to flood the Umgeni River several times over… So you can say good-bye fresh water, and hello to disease. The fishing industry which millions of people rely on will be effected due to the sheer amount of plastic-waste that’ll end-up washing into the ocean after the next rain. Also, farming on burnt land is not an easy task to do. So it’s going to be extremely tough for those people relying on “the Land” and “Mother Nature” because it’s been seriously abused and it might not be able to provide.

Let’s then take a look at things from an INTERNATIONAL VIEW-POINT:

I write this letter to you from England as I immigrated over here with my wife six months ago after being forced to close-down my family business (ironically in Education and Empowerment) and exit the country leaving behind our family and friends. We, alongside all other foreigners, are watching this chaos, destruction and violence unfolding and witnessing it in absolute fear! Babies literally being thrown from building in order to protect them… WTF!? These are you own people!? 70 people dead so far at the writing of this letter (14h00, 14 July) We’re see this from an international perspective, and there’s a few things you should know: The wonderful rich seasonal tourists that flock to the shores of South Africa every summer with their pockets full of Pounds, Euros and Dollars ain’t coming this year. Their scared shitless. Every single industry from Transport, to Fashion, Customer Services to Education, Restaurants and Catering to Technology will be severely effected. The finance rich industries that South Africa demand foreign investment for like TV commercial shoots, Safari tours, Import and Export, Wine, Tourism, Sporting events, and just the general beach-goers, they’re not coming back this year either. You can certainly kiss any foreign-aid goodbye… Why would they assist? International investments…? No, I’m afraid that’s going on hold too.

So what’s left then?

Well, we need to take a look at it from the OTHER PERSPECTIVE, the ones conducting the chaos and rioting in the name of Jacob Zuma (Ex-President, now in jail with 783 charges against him including but not limited to bribery, fraud, racketeering and money laundering. Source: The Guardian 26 May 2021):

Let’s say the Government does give into the terrorist's demands; because make no mistake, this IS terrorism (Oxford Dictionary: Terrorism – the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims)… let’s say the Government and the country gives-in and Zuma does go free… What happens then? Well, he goes off to his mansion and live the good life… But you? Well that’s the question isn’t it? Zuma, Malema, and the rest of the crew responsible for the destruction of the country have more than got enough money and resources to allow them to live a very comfortable lifestyle for the next couple of months/years… You should know this, they’ve stolen all this money from YOU. Hell, you may just find them over in Dubai hanging out with the Guptas or perhaps lazing in the pool at Nklandla sipping of Johnny Walker Blue Label. But do you? Where you gonna be? Jail? Can you imagine how overcrowded jails will be soon and swimming with Covid-19 and other disease! If you’re not in jail then where will you be? There’s no job waiting for you and I’ll be very surprized if Zuma and the boyz offer you and your family food and free luxury accommodation at Nklandla. No buddy, you’re on your own in a barren land, on the burnt streets. Now what’s that big flat-screen TV and those lekker Nikes going to get you? I weeks’ worth of food…. Then what? So you turn to the motley-crew at the ANC that “lead South Africa” to give you jobs, money and and and… These are the same “leaders” that managed to misplace R500billion, during a global lockdown and international crisis.

It’s a sad and worrisome state of affairs… Civil war is looming, and all for what? Jacob Zuma and his empty promises? Come on guys, you’re better than this.

Lastly, and most importantly, let’s take a look at it from your CHILDREN'S PERSPECTIVE:

Ask yourself what legacy are you leaving behind for your kids? What are you teaching them? Quite simply put; your kids are screwed! Be honest with yourselves, half of you probably don’t even know what you’re rioting for. You’re doing it for one of three reasons.

1. Because you’ve a true believer in Zuma and what he’ll do for you.

2. Because you see everyone else doing it and feel you should join in or you’ll miss-out.

3. Because of necessity… You’re starving and you have nowhere else to turn to.

Whatever the reason is, just know this: Your kids are watching and learning from you. They will repeat and mirror the actions they see you, their heroes, doing. It’s not just the country and the economy that’s being killed here, but your family and your children’s future too.

So, to those YOUNG SOUTH AFRICANS sitting on the fence of this awful situation I say this, it’s not too late – it can be fixed – we can come together and rebuild – but it needs to start RIGHT NOW, TODAY! Put down your weapons and get your families to do the same, stop scaring your kids, grannies and elders, go home, THINK, and learn from previous mistakes.

MY FRIENDS: It’s YOUR time. It’s YOUR time to lead… It’s YOUR time to learn… It’s YOUR time to educate… It’s YOUR time to take control and bring the country back to greatness… It's YOUR time to do what's right... It’s YOUR time to unite and stand up for what really matters; YOUR FUTURE!

Yours sincerely,

Your fellow South African friends and supporters

Ps. Happy Mandela Month

(Side note: From our humble side, we have worked with over 50,000 youth in South Africa over six years, in all 26 public universities and dozens of the high schools too... We KNOW you guys. If any of you out there that want to continue learning and bettering themselves, then please make contact. We will continue to assist our fellow South Africans however we can through Education, Inspiration and Guidance. Find us on the socials and make contact.)

Pic: Thuthuka Zondi

Credit: BBC

Disclaimer: I know this post will possibly bring me severe amounts of animosity but I actually don't care. I can't just stand-by and watch from abroad anymore. We have to get involved... We have to do our part.

Regards and respect,

Dene Botha