Putting our money where our mouth is
2007-04-04
I refer to the letter from Lesley Jacobs (Paarl Post, 29 March), about name changes). Well done, Lesley, for standing up and making yourself heard. We need more people like you to promote the changes that have to be done!
Although I’m not exactly sure I know which degrading names you are referring to. We need to be careful not to deliberately cause offence to those whose assistance we will sorely need in the future. Indeed - if not us, then who and if not now, then when?
But I find it disturbing that Lesley seems to think that the residents of squatter camps like Chris Hani and Joe Slovo are not entitled to honour these heroes.
Are these communities not good enough to carry these names?
Surely they have as much reason to be proud of their past leaders?
Let us stand together and show our communities how proud we are of our country and the people that have brought us the freedom.
Let us put our money where our mouths are and work within our communities and the areas where the mainstream activities take place to raise (at least some of) the money in order for these name changes to take place.
We cannot afford to be indifferent to the fears of the business owners and residents of these areas because that will not “restore and rejuvenate a nation divided along racial and monetary lines” but will only broaden the gap that still exists.
If others can see that we are serious and we are willing to help cover costs (no matter how small each contribution) surely they will respect us and be more open to changes taking place.
Let everybody make their voices heard so that others will know it’s not only the whim of individuals.
We cannot expect those who are happy with things as they are to fund that which we are not willing to help pay for ourselves.
What do you say, Lesley, are you in? Are you willing to help start a fundraising project that will make others sit up and take notice and will maybe make them follow suit?
Hanlie Klopper
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