Open letter to my fellow residents and all citizens of this beautiful country.
- Karen Scheepers

- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
The world is deeply concerned with the war in the Middle East as of March 2026 due to a severe escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has created a "structural shock" to the global economy. In a country with economic uncertainty, high unemployment, state of lawlessness corruption at its highest, low moral now ubuntu and a clear possibility of a mafia state we may become.

This year, South Africa marks three decades since the adoption of our Constitution a defining milestone in our democratic journey. The "Rainbow Nation" is a term coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 1994 to describe post-apartheid South Africa as a multicultural, unified society, later embraced by Nelson Mandela. It symbolizes unity in diversity, celebrating the country's varied cultures, 11 official languages, and its peaceful transition to democracy, a country and freedom so many people died for.
In a world shaken by conflict, economic strain, and rising uncertainty, it is easy for fear and discouragement to take hold. The ongoing war in the Middle East, coupled with economic instability and high unemployment in South Africa, weighs heavily on many hearts. Yet, during these challenges, we are called to stand firm in faith. Faith does not deny the reality of hardship, it gives us strength to face it. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, we are not alone. God remains our refuge and our source of hope. When the world feels unstable, faith anchors us in something unshakable.
“Amid life’s storms, our focus must remain on God. In the eye of the storm lies peace and calm, a refuge untouched by chaos. These storms are not sent to destroy us, but rather to shield us from the evils of the world, guiding us toward divine protection.” And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:24-25
In a democracy like South Africa, accountability cannot rest on government alone. Society the community ordinary citizens, civil groups, faith leaders, and the private sector plays a decisive role in confronting corruption and maladministration and restoring public trust. In a time where many people in South Africa feel disillusioned with leadership and service delivery, a return to community-driven governance offers a practical and hopeful path forward.
As a community, this is a time to draw closer not only to God, but to one another. Let us support those who are struggling, uplift the discouraged, and share what we have with those in need. Small acts of kindness and compassion can become powerful testimonies of hope.
We must also guard our hearts against despair. Instead of being consumed by fear, let us choose prayer over panic, trust over doubt, and unity over division. Our strength lies not in our circumstances, but in our faith and in our willingness to stand together.
Even in difficult seasons, there is purpose. There is growth. And there is hope. Let us remain steadfast, believing that brighter days will come and that through faith, we will overcome. At the heart of this approach lies the African philosophy of Ubuntu “I am because we are.” Ubuntu reminds us that true progress is not individual but shared”. Why do our elders feel apartheid government was better some people feels that apartheid was better than current government, because they had jobs houses safety and less corruption.
We are living in difficult times where respect for authority, discipline, and the guidance of pastors and elders has been neglected, leaving families, communities, and our nation weakened. Yet the Bible reminds us that even in the last days, though hardship and deception will come, God’s victory is assured. Yes we can rebuild our families, honour our elders, and strengthen our communities by standing firm and together in faith and Ubuntu.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

Glenville Fransman was a young boy son born to become a man, a father, a leader, a husband, uncle, believer but most of all an inspirer. May God bless this beautiful country South Africa
Believer, leader, inspirer.
May God bless this beautiful country, South Africa. Amen
Written by a member of Community - Glenville Fransman




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