Saluting Zululanders
Economic hardships, fuel and other increases, political squabbles and festering crime all add to the general prevailing feeling of doom and gloom in the country.
Yet, here in Zululand we can take great pride in a clutch of achievements that help lift our spirits.
In no particular order, a snap survey of our most recent news items features bravery in the face of danger, sports achievers, initiatives to confront criminal activity and generous philanthropic responses to public need.
There is Patrick Mthethwa, an unarmed Hluhluwe fireman who tackled no less than six armed criminals and beat the lot of them, allowing the SAPS to effect their capture.
For his action far beyond the call of duty, he won a prestigious national Emergency Hero of the Year Award.
Well done, Patrick.
We also have Bridgitte Hartley who claimed South Africa's first gold medal in sprint kayaking and is on her way to the Olympic Games at Beijing, having won a world championship race in Poland.
Well done, Bridgitte.
Then we have Sipho Ndlovu, Mbuso Msimang and Mandla Ntuli, Mayoral bodyguards of Empangeni and Richards Bay who, by their quick action and astute observations nipped a robbery in the bud when they saw 'two guys running off with stuff' and on further investigation - also beyond the call of duty - discovered that the 'guys' were thieves who had stolen expensive computerware.
They get this newspaper's Sherlock Holmes Honourable Mention Award.
Well done all three of you.
Then there's Jaco Erasmus, from Empangeni who now plays rugby internationally for Italy and had the weird sensation of facing the Springboks two weeks ago.
Say what you will, this is a signal achievement.
Kudos to Jaco.
Zululand is noted for its excellent angling. Particular praise must go to local deep sea anglers Andre Strydom and Phillip Marx who have been chosen to represent South Africa in international championships in the Caribbean later this year.
Then we have the recent achievements of several of our region's police stations claiming top honours in a provincial awards initiative for their achievements in combatting the current crime wave facing the region.
The fact that this recognition was so publicly accorded by the SAPS authorities, indicates a public relations awareness on their side which has been long in coming.
Well done SAPS.
Then there is the generous gesture of the local Bell Equipment CEO Gary Bell and his management in deciding to donate R1,5-million to help increase and sustain the good work done by the renowned Amangwe Village, which focuses primarily on the plight of orphans and other vulnerable children in Zululand, as well as bringing relief to local communities relating to the AIDS epidemic.
The many partners - individuals and charity organisations - supporting the DICE (Do I Care Enough) Winter Warmth campaign is another fine example of Zululanders being champions in all spheres.
True, statistics may show a pretty brow-beaten and depressed South Africa.
In Zululand we have reason to hold our heads high!
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