Ruth's Real Life

Madiba 9 It’s Human Rights Day in South Africa today. Around the country, those who fought for our freedom have been honoured and remembered. I could say many things about South Africa in 2013 but all I really want is for us, one by one, to follow the path beaten out for us by our beloved Nelson Mandela. Madiba leaves an indelible legacy. I would like to walk on the path that he has made. I commit to doing just one, small thing that will lift someone else every day. Perhaps you will join me. Madiba 9 You could buy a pair of shoes (size 9), That would fit the feet of this man, But you will not walk in them. You will not smooth the quarry stones Into the long road of forgiveness, Or write in blood words of love. This man’s foot shifted the dyingdust, Lifted from lost, tiredtattered Hope, This man unravelled the blackness To free the barbed-bound wounded rainbow, Held it high and wonder-wide for all to see. If you would dare to wal...

Respond while you have breath to prevent a catastrophe Ruth Everson Africa has potential – South Africa can move to self-sufficiency in a single generation. This startling claim was made by Professor O’ Connell, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape, at a Captains of Industry event held by Symphonia for Africa at St Stithians College recently. Symphonia’s purpose was clear, to shock and then to galvanise business leaders into becoming part of the solution to the education crisis in South Africa. Professor O’ Connell, who grew up in District 6, is passionate about education: ‘Respond while you have breath to prevent a catastrophe.’ This was the challenge that he laid down to the businessmen and women at the meeting. This is the challenge that he lays at the heart of every South African. If we are to thrive as a nation, we dare not ignore his voice or the voices of others who are calling for action. How do we do the impossible? O’ Connell painted a vi...