Let’s just stop complaining

This past weekend we attended a family member’s wedding in Standerton in Mpumalanga.

Driving through Evander towards Standerton, I could not help but notice a few things.

Apart from the lush green grazing fields and hundreds of heads of cattle next to the road, I saw the poor living conditions of the mine workers. These people get by with very little intervention from the local council.

The roads are barely drive-able and potholes the size of small swimming pools are almost everywhere.

Most of the traffic lights are out and it was quite clear why because of the electrical wires sticking out.

There were no signs of street lights and very few dustbins throughout the towns we drove through.

During the wedding I spoke to my cousin who has been living in Standerton for most of his life. To complain about a municipal issue is just not an option for them. It’s as if it really does not matter to them because complaining about it is just so trivial.

What matters to them is that we drive safely on the muddy roads and that we take care when we approach the main road because cattle sometimes crosses it during the day.

Their sense of community far outweighs that which we sometimes experience here in Krugersdorp.

Helping out thy neighbour and rejoicing in the recent rains are what matter most to them. I found it endearing because they really do care about each other.

It made me feel like I needed to start re-evaluating what I thought was important.

When residents phone us for advice I always tell them to try to do something about the problem first, rather than complain about it. My answer always shocks them. They often respond that I should do something about it first.

Well, from today on I am definitely going to try it myself, and I challenge you to do the same.

From now on I will not complain unnecessarily. I will first try to resolve my issues myself before complaining about it.

Driving back home and looking at everything with new eyes just made me realise how fortunate we really are. We have a council that is literally fighting during council meetings for the well-being of our town’s residents.

For that I am very grateful.

Until next week, be more grateful Krugersdorp.