Okay I thought the euphoria would last until Monday but I see it is already being contested so I will add my story of my #strongertogether ambivalence this week. Early this week I reminded us that education isnt a panacea for inequality and as much as I love rugby, neither is it
First, I love sport and am an actual rugby fan. I enjoy the game. So yesterday made me happy beyond belief. But the hype around this match as the hope for South Africa made this week miserable as I contended with the consequences of inequality that I know rugby cant fix.
This week I was at a philanthropy conference. It was on social cohesion. And the bulk of the conversations seemed to be about everything but inequalities. We are happy to talk about healing and feelings but not about how people are expected to work their way out of poverty.
We love the narratives that success of the Black child is "against the odds". Our social cohesion fetishises struggle. Then the education lie is peak. We all know how many SAns are rich and successful without education but insist it's the way out of inequality. It's not beloved.
This week someone I love was thrown into a dark depression because for two years she has been unable to find a stable job. Her breaking point was being told she is over qualified. A degree and 15 years work experience later, she cant get an interview without social networks. How?
Meanwhile I over hear on a flight that Becky, who is 17 writing matric right now, is a trainee manager at her uncle's resturant and cant wait to finish school so she can become a full manager. And you want me to believe in education and rugby? I cant beloved.
So the person who cant find a job did find d herself in a public hospital this week. And within two days discovered that patients were having to fight to get food and led the charge. It took me and my social networks to make calls to make sure the issue was addressed. A mess.
The ultimate irony was taking my tablet to the hospital so that the Rigby could be watched and seeing that literally noone else in that ward knew or cared about the rugby, it was not going to change their lives and certainly not going to endure good treatment at that facility
Yesterday if South Africa changed for the better, millions of people didnt know because they, like Siya years ago, were literally trying to be fed, to make ends meet, trying to find a month end special. I went euphoria in Sandton watching the game to different reality in Soweto
I sat in some of the most powerful rooms in this country this week & felt entirely pointless & powerless. I still do. The rugby was nice but I am having panic attacks feeling the weight of responsibility to do more to fix SA for reals. So forgive me if I cant be excited with you
