Before I am an African, I am a South African.
I was born, raised and studied in the Eastern Cape and I can proudly say that I am who I am today because of the place I come from.
I learned most of the things which I know today there.
However, my pride is not related only to my origins in the Eastern Cape, but also to the opportunities available to young and old citizens of this country.
The government in this country really looks after its people.
Young and unemployed mothers are given a child support grant to meet their children’s basic needs.
When I hear others complain that the grant is not enough, I cannot help but wonder how bad the situation would have been if they were not receiving the little with which the government is providing them.
It is true that no matter how hard the government strives to help the poor, there will be those who are dissatisfied, while others are so grateful.
Last week I met a 42-year-old, unemployed mother who told me how thankful she is to the government for the child support grant.
The mother of three says that, because she does not pay school fees for her children, the grant helps her to feed her family and buy clothes for her children.
I understand that the country is faced with many challenges, such as the high rate of youth unemployment, but those challenges must not allow us to turn a blind eye to the good things that have been achieved.
Millions of people are living in RDP houses and students who do well receive bursaries to further their studies.
Let us be grateful for what the government is doing for us and patiently wait for more to come.
