WE HAVE never been happier about learning that we had "lost" a title than last week when The Times revealed we were no longer the most violent nation on the planet.
WE HAVE never been happier about learning that we had "lost" a title than last week when The Times revealed we were no longer the most violent nation on the planet.
According to the United Kingdom's Daily Mail newspaper, Britons are experiencing more incidents of violent crime for every 100000 citizens than South Africans.
Naturally the report has caught the British flatfooted and our homebred doomsayers who have made it their life's purpose to take down their own country, find it too good to be true.
But before we get carried away by being "only the second" most violent country in the world, it is important to note that this is one of those instances in which comparisons are truly odious.
It also shows a lack of compassion for victims of violent crimes anywhere in the world.
One violent incidence remains one too many, especially when it is meted out to the most vulnerable in society.
Instead of beating our chest about our new-found "second place" glory, we should redouble efforts to ensure that we continue to become a nation known for its positive contribution to humanity.
We should also commend law enforcement agencies and civil society groupings for their role in our losing that unlamented status.
Ours was once called a miracle nation because we gave the world hope by showing we could overcome one the most intractable political standoffs in a relatively peaceful manner.
We know from experiences that we are truly a nation alive with possibilities.
Violence in SA cools off
WE HAVE never been happier about learning that we had "lost" a title than last week when The Times revealed we were no longer the most violent nation on the planet.
WE HAVE never been happier about learning that we had "lost" a title than last week when The Times revealed we were no longer the most violent nation on the planet.
According to the United Kingdom's Daily Mail newspaper, Britons are experiencing more incidents of violent crime for every 100000 citizens than South Africans.
Naturally the report has caught the British flatfooted and our homebred doomsayers who have made it their life's purpose to take down their own country, find it too good to be true.
But before we get carried away by being "only the second" most violent country in the world, it is important to note that this is one of those instances in which comparisons are truly odious.
It also shows a lack of compassion for victims of violent crimes anywhere in the world.
One violent incidence remains one too many, especially when it is meted out to the most vulnerable in society.
Instead of beating our chest about our new-found "second place" glory, we should redouble efforts to ensure that we continue to become a nation known for its positive contribution to humanity.
We should also commend law enforcement agencies and civil society groupings for their role in our losing that unlamented status.
Ours was once called a miracle nation because we gave the world hope by showing we could overcome one the most intractable political standoffs in a relatively peaceful manner.
We know from experiences that we are truly a nation alive with possibilities.