A wise person might say our greatest moments have been achieved through helping each other, not through helping ourselves. This opportunity, for me, isn’t about an individual winning an experience of a lifetime, it’s a chance to tell meaningful stories and paint thought provoking pictures of an amazing country – an opportunity to champion the idea of helping each other.
It seems to me that South Africa has for many years laid out its wares to western visitors, only to have them snatched away by greed and thoughtlessness. Times seem to be changing for the better, yet poverty and environmental pressures still remain – it seems the uncomfortable truths of South Africa can sometimes be masked by the appeal of it’s exotic treasure trove of natural wonders.
Yet, the inspirational idea of South Africa remains strong. Where there lives an enthusiasm for life, there lies hope and I’d wager South Africa has enthusiasm in bucket loads. Just like the vibrant and varied colours of its wildlife and landscapes, South Africa’s future looks equally bright. Being part of paving such a positive future would be a privilege. I don’t propose to deserve this chance anymore that than the next person… South Africa’s stories themselves deserve to ‘win’ the chance to be told, and that would be my pledge – to put their telling first and foremost, whatever they might be.
The views expressed above are in no way based around any facts or evidence – they’re just my personal take on things.
