I follow both the published articles and offerings of readers to News24 on a daily basis.
It doesn't take rocket science to see that Julius Malema has been a focal point for some time now... and what fantastic coverage it has been for both him and the ANCYL. No amount of money can buy that kind of publicity!
Having said that, this letter might be perceived to promote their (bra Julius and the ANCYL) aim to stay on the forefront even further, but that isn't my intention.
Instead, I would like to promote and alternative vision for what I believe SHOULD be our future.
Firstly, though I must focus on the themes used by Bra Malema and the ANCYL to garner support for THEIR cause. You will see that the focus is on all of the differences that are evident in our society. The image is projected of RICH and Privileged White people who stole the land and benefited via apartheid.
We also hear about the mineral wealth that belongs to the PEOPLE and how racist whites are. Before I continue, I must add that there is some merit in what is being claimed but the image is not quite as skewered as it is projected.
However, the MANY trolls who comment on News24 articles provide ample ammunition to people like Malema to justify their stance.
My vision? Quite simply it's a focus on OUR similarities rather than our differences. When we are able to at least consider the views of others, we are halfway to being able to harness the amazing diversity that our country has to offer.
If every single person who is now advantaged (via education, skills, work or wealth) is willing to say "I want to make a difference" and in some small way pays back to those who are less fortunate, we will be well on the way.
I'm suggesting that we pay it forward by giving people a "hand-up" and not a "hand-out"! To the recipients of this, work hard, show that you are worthy of the "hand-up" and then pay it forward in the same way.
To business owners, please consider supporting learnerships. Skills development is our key and there are millions of untapped funds within the SETA structures to assist you, so it's a win-win situation.
My fellow MyNews24 combatants can also make a difference even if you might not have skills or resources to pay forward. Do this simply by searching for positives and constructive ideas and PLEASE cut out the stereotyping and name-calling.
This letter is intended as GOOD news so probably won't be published - no matter though as I got it off my chest.
A closing request for news24 - please can we have less prominence for Bra Julius now?
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.