Blog: Pockets of excellence

It's been twenty years now since the dismantling of Apartheid. Yet our country still groans in the lingering pains of racism. 

 I believe that, as Christians, God calls us to a unique role in healing the deep rifts that exist in our society because of entrenched racism. This healing process must start with ourselves. We must face up to the ridiculous prejudices that exist in our thought patterns. The 'typical' characteristics we always love to look out for in certain race groups. And then we must work hard to shatter our prejudices by looking for 'pockets of excellence' - individuals that have defied the stereotypical mould and have reversed the trends of our past. 

 So you believe that all white people seek to exploit the weak for their own personal gain? Then find that white person who is making a difference in the transformation of our society and upliftment of the previously disenfranchised communities. He is a pocket of excellence. Someone who is breaking the mould. 

 Or do you think that black people lack the competencies to reach the pinnacle of the business world and leadership? Then find that black person who has built a business empire from the ground up or who has risen to a position of great influence. He is a pocket of excellence. Setting a new expectation. 

The Mishnah, the first commentary on the Bible compiled by Jewish scholars, makes the following intriguing statement: "Why did God create only one human being? So that no-one can say to a fellow human being, My father was better than yours."

Because we are all created in the image of God, no one race is inherently superior to any other. 

 

 

I thank God that I can contribute through the vehicle of education to the deconstruction of myths that have taken root in our society. Raising a new generation that is unencumbered by the baggage of their predecessors and who are becoming pockets of excellence for our nation.