Many South Africans are hoping 2016 will be a cathartic year. December’s combustible political events shook the young democracy. Sufficiently enlivening it, perhaps, to reverse the depressing drift towards mediocrity, spurred by cronyism and corruption.
Like what Hashim Amla and AB de Villers face at Newlands today, the situation is challenging. But by no means insurmountable. Also, like those two fine cricketers, the nation possesses the tools it needs to beat the odds. Like a democratic elective process (roll on May 22); a free press; an independent judiciary and a constitution that supports human rights.
So drop that grimace. Think about the stuff we have to be grateful for. Including the prospect of Hashim and AB setting a national example at Newlands today. South Africans have shown before that when the going gets tough…
