GIVE US A PIECE OF YOUR MIND

WINNING LETTER

Don't be afraid to report crime!

We can only combat crime in this country if we work together and report crime as it is. Crime is committed every day all over South Africa, but people decide to stay silent. We must not be afraid to report those who commit crime, because they are destroying our beloved country. I urge all my fellow citizens to report whoever is committing crime whether it is your sisters, brothers, parents, employers or our leaders, no one is above the law.

We are hosting the biggest soccer event in the world next year and if we don't combat crime we will regret it. So let us all work with the police and security companies to win this battle against crime.

- Sipho Kubayi, Mkhuhlu, Mpumalanga

 

Remember your roots

It seems as if many South Africans are not proud of their cultures any more.

Some young people even seem to hate their languages. But please don't criticise your mother tongue; rather learn from older people. Remember, cultures were passed on by our ancestors.

These days it seems parents are afraid to teach their children about their roots. I encourage people to remember where they come from.

- Lesley Ruiters, George, Western Cape

Corruption doesn't pay

We should not live dishonest lives. A lot of people see corruption as a way of life. They see that others have "succeeded" by stealing people's money and buying off criminal cases. This only feeds the corruption monster.

Many people think that corruption is a better and easier way of doing things, because it is sometimes very frustrating to do things the right way.

People who do corrupt things are those who are impatient and want an easy way out. However, wise people know that in life you cannot jump the queue and expect to win.

- Belinah Tenyane, Sebokeng, Gauteng

Be willing to give

It is sad to see most unemployed people in our country giving up and putting all the blame on government. Before asking what the government is doing for you, think what you can do for the economy of this country. People should not always want to receive things from other people; they must also be willing to give.

I think it is wise for people to volunteer in companies or in government so that they can get the necessary experience to find jobs. If you have business ideas, use it and be determined - you will succeed.

- C A Choma, Ga Masha, Limpopo

Every job is important

People have a tendency to look down on other people because of the jobs they do. But every job that we do is important, for example taking out dustbins, working in the road, domestic work, farm work and building.

Those people who look down on others because they think they are doing high-class work, can't even spend a day doing these people's jobs properly.

As Africans with a spirit of ubuntu, let's appreciate and respect everyone in his or her job. We are all building our country together and everyone is contributing to the economic growth.

- Sinah Mathabatha Mogau, Chuenespoort, Limpopo

Children are the future

People are forgetting that children are the future. They are the leaders of tomorrow. Children are the most precious gift to the world. It is not fair what we read in newspapers about the constant acts of violence and abuse towards children - it is a disgrace!

Children should be protected not neglected or made to believe that they are worthless. Lets us help those children that live on the streets. They are so-called "street kids", but no street gave birth to a child and no child deserves to stay on the streets. Help children to reach their dreams and STOP abusing them.

- Jabulani D Motshweleka, Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga

You gave me hope

I am a 54-year old lady. I never saw the purpose of me going to school, because I thought I was too old. I thought that it would be useless for such an old lady to attend school. Vuk'uzenzele came into my life at the right time. It showed me that no matter how old you are, education is very important. I am now proud to say I have completed my ABET training. Vuk'uzenzele gave me hope. Thank you Vuk'uzenzele for healing the scars in my soul.

- Julia Gcobokazi Mhlungulwana, Sterkstroom, Eastern Cape

Thank you for the Braille

I am a blind girl in Grade 9 and my dream is to be a musician. But as blind people we don't have lots of opportunities. The money is scarce and we struggle to buy the equipment we need, like computers with voice and Braille machines, because it is so expensive.

Thank you for the Braille edition of Vuk'uzenzele. I enjoy reading the magazine in Braille because I have learned from it that if you want something you must believe in yourself. Now I believe in myself and I have hope for the future. I believe that one day I will achieve my goal and have my own equipment.

- Mapule Portia Mochongwane, Klerksdorp, North West

Where is our self respect?

Be substance wise - say no to drugs and alcohol. It is so sad to see young boys and girls drinking alcohol in the streets. Where is our self respect? Guys, let's rather choose to build up our country by being positive, wise and drug free.

There is no stability in drugs and alcohol - they don't guarantee a good life, they are toxic and they destroy our health and our future, they are a waste of money and lead us to do wrong things in life. Think of the bigger picture, think of your future and your dreams. Appreciate your health and your body, have self respect and stay away from these toxic substances.

- Tebogo Sebopa, Polokwane, Limpopo

Don't let anything destroy your future

I am 15 years old and a Grade 11 student at Msobomvu High School in Butterworth. I am not going to let anything destroy my future. I have a dream that keeps me away from drugs and alcohol. My goal is to be a doctor so that I can help reduce the number of people who are infected by diseases. I want to say to the young people of South Africa: stay away from drugs and never give up on your goals and dreams.

- Dube Sisipho, Butterworth, Eastern Cape