MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Transformation – Time to broaden the definition

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As South Africans we are well used to seeing the word ‘transformation’ used when there are too few people of colour on a sporting team, in a business or at schools.

(I have yet to see the word vigorously applied to families, charities, football or even churches!)

My fear is that the interpretation and definition of the word ‘transformation’ is being applied as a catch phrase implying that places on teams and in business must be given solely as a result of skin colour – let’s face it very few white people will qualify when it comes to traditionally South African activities such as Ubuntu, Dancing, Ulwaluko etc.

As a country we seem to be giving people the wrong idea when we should actually be defining transformation as extending and including all people of all colour, creed, gender, culture and religion on the path to greatness so as to equip them with the ability to represent our country in sport, culture or business at the highest level.

Our schools are where the transformation happens as by the time our children are old enough to represent South Africa they will have already honed their skills and built a base upon which they can reach the heights. The journey to greatness starts with a simple decent nutrition plan at a very young age – that heaches the body how to heal quickly and the player to learn how to properly fuel themselves for international competition.

Let’s face it – we are all racist as hell whenever a national team runs out onto the field as we ALL become amateur methematicians and count the number of people of colour on the field BEFORE we even specualte on our chances of winning.

WINNING is what brings players to the game and spectators to the stands.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.