Ah a political book received as a Christmas present ... might seem a bit odd but I can really say this gift was well thought out and much appreciated! I started reading it immediately and finished it last night. Not bad given that it certainly isn't light reading.
In brief it is a recap of the last 20 years in SA since our first democratic elections. I found it it be insightful on South Africans as a nation. A balanced account highlighting both the positives and negatives.
Yes South Africa as a country faces many challenges, first and foremost its education system which is in a shocking state (2/3rds of those enrolled in Grade 1 - the first "Born Frees" did not make it to or pass Matric in 2012), closely followed by poverty, crime and corruption.
However there is hope that as a nation we will be able to overcome these hurdles in time and really become the success story people like Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk envisaged when they started negotiations for an end to Apartheid.
And when you read the Chapter titled "Silver Lining" you to will see that we do in fact have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. It is not all doom and gloom. We have had some pretty high moments we can all be proud of.
Having written Matric the year of our first elections (and missed voting in the elections by only 3 months) this book brings me up to date with SA politics as we head into another election year. (also makes me wonder just where 20 years vanished!) I would encourage all South Africans to read it. Be proud of the country you live in. It isn't perfect but the grass isn't greener on the other side of the ocean either!
And remember if you don't vote in the upcoming Elections you really have no right to complain about the state of the country or service delivery and the like. Your vote counts.. use it or lose it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_du_Preez
http://mg.co.za/article/2013-11-28-spring-may-just-arrive-early-in-sa