9
FOOTPRINTS
Daniel Parker
Every day we
is unique
t the time of writing on
the 12th day of the 12th
month at the end of
the 12th year of the
second millennium,
the combination of
12.12.12 which will
only reappear in a
hundred years' time,
we are reminded of how unique and
exclusive each day of our lives is.
This day today - as is the case
with every other day we live, is unique.
As one gets older, one also realises
that each of the unique days in our
lives is more and more important to the
Legacy we are able to leave behind as
part of our contribution to the world
we live in.
Whilst each of our contributions
may seem small, in the bigger
scheme of things the world stands
and falls by the combined efforts,
spirit and ethos of all who occupy
the planet.
Our biggest challenge
today is to convert well-
intentioned words into deeds.
In Africa in particular, with
an average of 50% of our
population below the age of 20,
clearly this is becoming more and
more relevant.
"Time is not on our
side" and the need for
Government, Business
and families to embrace the
imperative that we cannot
continue as we are is a critical reality.
It is not about politics, who rules the
country, or which person within a
political party has the opportunity to
line his or her pocket. It's about the
Legacy we leave behind for this and
future generations.
The past months in South Africa
and elsewhere in Africa and for that
matter the world, have been given a
wake-up call - A call to action for all of
us to make a difference.
All sectors of our society must
get together to form a compact that
commits to helping each other and
improving the quality of life of all to
whom we are exposed.
Reality, too, is that those who
represent our Government for the
moment have lost our confidence, not
in what they say but in their deeds.
Our leaders in Politics, Business and
the family need to realise that they
are there for those who fall under their
care, not purely for themselves.
"Our chosen leaders are there for
us, not themselves"
It is Christmas 2012 and 2013
beckons. Time to start leading, sharing,
re-energising ourselves, becoming
relevant and holding those who aspire
to lead us to be fully accountable for
their actions.
Time to convert plans into deeds.
Not a bad New Year's Resolution?
Happy Christmas and a blessed
New Year, leaving many footprints
together towards a better future with all
those whom we meet along the way.
Kind regards
Bart Dorrestein