THE 5th of December marked 10 years since the death of South Africa's first democratic president, Nelson Mandela.
During his time as president, the old man held so much dearly to his heart, which included his unshakeable belief in the equality of all people, peace, safety and his love for children as he believed they hold the future of every nation.
Ten years after his death, can we still say people are living peacefully, treating each other equally and are we protecting the kids? It's a hell no from me. I believe the legacy left behind by Madiba is fading.
Corruption is not just money being stolen up there, but it's money that is meant to help the needy down there. Creation of infrastructure is being compromised and many people are still homeless after waiting for housing since 1994.
ALSO READ | Ke Dezemba! Unemployed youth chow salaries
People end up fighting for what cannot be shared among themselves which brings no peace in communities. Crime is the profound factor that has contributed towards the fading legacy of Mandela.
Children are not safe in Mzansi either from strangers and even their family members, and painfully their parents. Day in and out kids go missing only to be found dead. Kids are kidnapped and killed to settle spousal scores, and children are murdered for rituals everywhere in the country. The most painful factor is that this is done by people who are expected to protect the very same kids. Madiba must be turning in his grave as Mzansi is dripping with the blood of young ones.
When such kids do manage to survive the killings and grow up to become young women and men, another challenge strikes. Unemployment has become a headache for most households in Mzansi as youngsters, even graduates, continue to suffer without work and an income.
This makes them vulnerable to drugs or any other negative life that the streets have to offer. This leads to future leaders' dreams and aspirations going down the drain. Now, was this what Mandela envisioned for the country?
