I have wanted to be able to express something about the leadership situation in our country for some time, but really struggled to find the right tone, or approach.  Even now I am so conflicted that it is difficult to convey, in a short blog, the full expression of what we are seeing happen in this point in our history.

But a few days ago, my father wrote this letter to our local morning TV station and it was read aloud and commented on.  I think my father has managed to capture the situation so well and I am grateful for his expressing it so much better than I could have.  So here is his letter.

Dear Vuyo and Leanne

Some time ago, elephants were introduced into the Pilansberg Game Reserve. They proceeded to cause much havoc and destruction with their unruly behaviour.

To remedy the situation some older, mature bulls were brought in to teach them manners and discipline.

We have a similar situation now on the political front, with the young rouges using language and actions that threaten racial and economic instability.

The current set of “Bulls” are pre-occupied with power struggles, in fighting, cover up’s and denials, and not setting an example that inspires respect, nevermind reform. On the weekend it was reported that Zuma’s ratings have dropped to an all time low. On Monday the headline reads that Malema is defiant in the face of Zuma’s reprimand. The “Bulls” are toothless and powerless. It is said that a fish rots from the head down, and the present leadership is proving the point.

There is only one “Bull” who commands universal respect, and who might be able to stem the tide. Sadly he has chosen to remain silent, yet as a former Head of State and still member of the party it is surly not disloyal to be critical. For the sake of his legacy, for the sake of this country Mandela needs to be heard from, and all the bulls need to head his message.

Lastly, the press corp. SHAME ON YOU. You should all have got up and walked out of that press conference in support not only of the BBC man, but your estate.

Regards

JJ

Kloof

By Charlotte Kemp

What a terrible word, I know!  Apparently it is the abnormal fear of failure, an actual phobia that prevents people from making decisions about jobs, careers and marriage for the fear of making mistakes or possible failing.

Do you know what the problem with fearing failure is?  It is one of those self fulfilling prophecies.  If you stop trying, growing, making mistakes, then you will never learn.  If you never learn then you will fail.  You don’t avoid failure but not doing something.  You can only ever overcome failure, not avoid it.  I suppose that is the tragedy of a phobia.

But since the vast majority of us aren’t under psychiatric care for a crippling mental disturbance, can I suggest that you just get over it!   Do more.  Fail more.  Learn and overcome!  Then you have a better chance of succeeding that before!

By Charlotte Kemp

When we succeed at something without effort, we know that it is undeserved and we hardly appreciate the reward.

Failure is nature’s plan to prepare you for great responsibilities.

Napoleon Hill

When we fail, and when we stop to observe it, we have an opportunity to learn.  What we learn can be any of the following:

• That we are not as skilled as we thought we were.
• That we need more people, different people on the team.
• That we were arrogant.
• That we needed more time ore resources.
• That we were doing the wrong thing.
• That our plan was flawed.

When we are humble enough to address those issues and try again, or try something different, then we have learned something and grown and that is when we deserve success.

Success before a failure is too easy.  It is undeserved.  It is dangerous because it creates an expectation of entitlement without responsibility.  And entitlement or position or authority without responsibility or hard work or hard knocks makes for cruel and unrealistic leaders.