Whatshot
Through my eyes
Through my eyes
Date: 2017-03-24
There are so many inspirational aspects that shape our every day existence. So often I am reminded that living in Africa is not for sissies. Ok maybe it is not, but believe me it is way better than 99% of the places on earth that I have visited.
The other day while enjoying the crisp, chilled champagne, Micky Goss, from Hartford House and Summerhill Stud reminded me about all the good things that are happening in this country.
Firstly South Africa's drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being "safe and ready to drink". This is an incredible position to be in, as most countries in the world are slowly exhausting their water supply. Countries like China are now importing fresh water to supply their people with this basic commodity.
Imagine paying an extra R100-R200 for drinking water per day, just to get your three litre daily ration. You can live without many things but you cannot live without water.
South Africa is renown for our wines. Oh, believe me, we have some beautiful examples of global champions, winning wine awards around the globe. Did you know that South Africa's Cape Wine lands have around 560 wineries, and 4 400 primary producers. Included in the Cape Wine lands region is Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world.
Now tell me that this is not something we should be celebrating as a nation !
We can be also proud of our brewers. South African brewery SABMiller ranks - by volume - as the largest brewing company in the world. Saffers love their beerbut the real reason the brewery is so big SABMiller also supplies up to 50% of China's beer.
And when we are thinking of greatness, we should mention that South Africa is the only country in the entire world that has voluntarily abandoned its nuclear weapons programme. Now that is commendable in this war-mongering world.
South Africa is extremely richin mining and minerals and considered the world's leader with nearly 90% of all the platinum metals on earth and around 41% of the World's Gold!
The oldest remains of modern humans were found inSouth Africaand are well over 160,000 years old. The Karoo region in the Western Cape is home to some of the bestfossils of early dinosaurs. In fact, it is estimated that some 80% of the mammalian fossils found to date were found in the Karoo.
South Africaboaststhree world-class international airports in thethreebiggest citiesand you have to admit we have the friendliest airport staff compared to the stern and combatant and militant airport personnel in airports around the world.
Now, I am sure that there are hundreds more reasons but I am running out of space. So next time you want to think about how 'kak' our country is, think how 'lekker' we truly are. Have yourself a fabulous week and I will catch you on the other side.