Through My Eyes

The Anti-racism March, which took place in Ballito last Friday morning, got most of our community shaking in their boots. And with the cancellation of my morning meeting, due to the march, I decided to spend the morning with my gorgeous mother.

We were having one of our regular mother - daughter bonding sessions, which normally includes a slice of cake and coffee. After completing that pleasurable task we took a drive to the top of Ballito so we could watch the waves and reminisce about the past and reflect on the paradise we live in. Some of us need constant reminding.

While heading home we came across the march, which was just about ready to head down Compensation Beach Road from La Montagne. I looked at my mom and did not even have to ask her if she was keen to take part, it was an instant, "Lets do it!" response, so we parked our car on the pavement under a tree and decided to join the 500 strong ANC supporters, chanting and carrying placards with 'racismmustfall' slogans.

It was loudand hot with almost no breeze but the people were smiling. It somehow felt like we were celebrating something fantastic.

Having made up my mind that this was a peaceful procession I left my mom at the back of the convoy and headed up to the front. The Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, Ricardo Mthembu together with his councillors led the march.

With a strong SAP presence and ample crowd management, the march proceeded without a hitch and the vibe was amazing!

At one point I looked around and got embarrassingly emotional. I looked at the people, each face plastered with a happy smile and each person equipped with a kind word. Everyone embraced me and commended me on being there and taking the time to acknowledge the short sightedness of our small community.

There was an amazing energy in this march. Yes it was political, no one can deny it with all the yellow and green, but it was also a special gathering of individuals with a message of hope and a rejection of racism.

To me, the march carried a message of togetherness and unity. But I know that not everyone got that message.

Friday afternoon's march was not representative of our community's demographics, or of our true feelings for one another. I know many people would have loved to join the march against racism, but they were honestly too scared to do so. Fear, I fail to understand, but nevertheless fear that runs so deep in so many people's veins. However it is that same fear that often divides us and clouds our true judgement.

I did not complete the march, worried about my 68 year old mother in that midday heat, I rushed to the back of the march, when I finally reached her, she had a big smile on her face and her beautiful blue eyes were swimming in tears.

Nobody wants conflict. We all want the same thing; to live with basic human rights in peace and harmony with our environment and our creator. We are all part of this one village, bonded by circumstance and opportunity, so lets show respect to one another regardless of our skin colour, religion or social standing.

Peace be with you.