LETTERS TO THE EDITOR GIVE US A PIECE OF YOUR MIND

WINNING LETTER

Regardless of disabilities, we are the future

I am 22 years old and have been disabled since 1997 when I was only nine years old. A minibus taxi hit me and I can't walk properly. But I have learned to accept my situation and to move forward with my life. I have achieved a lot regardless of my disability. I may not be able to run the 100m in 10 seconds, but because I'm very dedicated and motivated, I achieve my goals and excell in my studies.

Hey, fellow South Africans, being disabled does not mean that you are worthless; you can be the best and have equal chances to discover everything that life has to offer. I urge every disabled Mzansi citizen to show the world that although we are physically different, we can contribute significantly to the welfare of this country. Hey, my fellow disabled brothers and sisters, let us follow in the footsteps of all the great South African leaders and strive to be better people. We, the youth are the future of South AfrIca regardless of our disabilities!

- Khauhele Abel Moholoholo, Welkom, Free State

We are still winners!

Gone are the days when race used to determine which social group you fall under. Now is our time to shine and all stand together as one, as proudly South Africans full of ubuntu. We are celebrating the success of the first World Cup to be hosted in Africa. This event will always be treasured and remembered. Although we didn't win the World Cup, we are still winners.

All we can do is to continue supporting our Bafana team all the way. But it is more important to stand and stay together even after the World Cup.

- Pheladi Molepo, Soshanguve, Gauteng

Make our country the best

I understand that we are free and have the right to say and do what we want in our country, but we cannot undermine our society. I have seen many instances where people have tried to solve their problems of underpayment and other complaints by burning property like Metro Rail and municipal premises. This is not the way to do things; by doing so we are destroying our democracy. Let us stop violence and cruelty beloved Africans and make our country the best country in the world. Let us change our bad thinking to smart developing.

- Harrison Saba, Mthatha, Eastern Cape

"What can I do to help?"

South Africa is alive with possibilities and we need to make use of every opportunity we get, no matter how small it is. Government cannot always provide everything, so let us at least try to meet government halfway. Instead of complaining and lamenting about government not providing the necessary infrastructure for the development of the country, why don't we rather ask: "What can I do to help? How can I contribute to my country?"

- Nozi Mcingana, Zastron, Free State

It has to stop!

This has to stop! It's enough, what we as South Africans are doing is unfair, uncalled for and absurd. Why the need for all the strikes and problems. Let's stand united in our democracy and invite visitors to our beautiful country. Instead of fighting among each other about what the President did or didn't do, let's stand together hand-in-hand, let's fix the problems and not create more.

- Rashida Canthitoo, Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal

Be open and think wisely

It's hurting and embarrassing the way we, the youth of this country take education so lightly or as if we go to school for the benefit of our parents. No, guys, that is totally wrong. Our government is trying harder and harder to provide us with free education. We must be open and think wisely. I have a wish that we, the youth of this beautiful country could have the same vision and tell ourselves that we will defy every obstacle in our way. Let's stand up and learn to avoid the painful outcomes of not going to school.

- Jan Matjeke, Polokwane, Limpopo

Thank you Vuk...

I want to thank Vuk'uzenzele for always updating us with your free magazines by giving us tips, warnings and encouragements. Keep up the good work. Thank you also for allowing readers to send their views. We love you and we wish you good luck in whatever good work you do. Your work is inspiring individuals and is going to change the entire country. Even your "Greetings' are informative and helpful.

- Sindiswa Msutu, Butterworth, Eastern Cape

.. You inspire me

Thank you Vuk'uzenzele for the good work you are doing and for allowing readers to write about good or bad experiences. Thanks also for lots of advice on life in general. Every time after reading Vuk'uzenzele and all the motivational letters, I feel very inspired and want to do something with my life. And lastly, thank you for all the information about a world-class event - the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Guess what, I even learned the diski dance. Keep up the good work and believe me, you are helping many people out there.

- Elias Mokati, Marquard, Free State

Grow your own garden

South Africans, please grow a small vegetable garden, it saves money and helps you eat more healthy. Plant a mix of your favourite vegetables and take care of them by watering them and killing weeds and insects around them. Spend one hour in the morning before breakfast and one hour in the evening before supper. I am talking from experience. Since last winter I never went shopping for isishebo and I'm using the money I saved to buy 'food stamps'.

- Ntomboxolo Priscilla Mzobe, Highflats, KwaZulu-Natal

A lame excuse for crime

We often hear that people who commit crime do so because they are unemployed. While I am aware of the high rate of unemployment in South Africa, I think this is a very lame excuse to do crime. People do not turn to crime because they are poor. Think how insulting that statement is to all of us who struggle to make ends meet every month without resorting to crime.

The majority of people driving around in flashy cars and living in expensive homes weren't born wealthy. They've worked hard for every cent. And if they can do it, so can I. You can get a good education by either working hard to get a bursary or putting yourself through school doing odd jobs. Through hard work, all of us can make a life for ourselves.

- Phillistus Phetla, Gauteng

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