I visited the camp for refugees of violence in Gordons Bay today. There are about 1,500 people housed there with this number expected to grow. Disaster Relief seems to be in charge of the big items like tents and food. Members of churches have banded together and are providing all sorts of other social aid. In order for this camp to function, there is a requirement for about 80 volunteers.

In a twisted paradox, the people in the camp are bored and frustrated and yet volunteers are still required. Seems rather a waste of human capital! I have been assured that the idea is to reduce reliance on volunteers and get these people working to help themselves. Not knowing how long this crisis will continue obviously complicates the process. Of one thing I can assure you, staying in a camp with another 1499 bored and unhappy individuals is not my idea of fun. Neither is the soup and couple of slices of bread for breakfast and dinner!

What a tragedy that so many have been displaced by our fellow countryman’s greed. That so many have lost their livelihood and now are faced with an uncertain and undoubtedly bleak future.

There is heaps of relief being showered on these people. Volunteers are doing awesome work all over the place. My question is why do we not have the same level of charity and time to shower on our own people in normal times? Is it because our own desperate fellow South Africans do not elicit the same compassion within us? Are we not as embarrassed about the plight of the average South African as we are of foreigners?

I sincerely believe that the solution to our countries problems lies with every one of us adding our talents and resources into the mix. Like it or not, you and I need to get off our butts and make a difference!

And if you are already off your butt, please kick the rest of us off ours!!!