Reflecting on 2023: Stronger Together.

As we approach the end of another year, it's time to catch my breath and reflect.

Every single person I speak to, has commented on how fast this year has gone;  young and old, so I cant even put it down to "growing older and wiser".  It's been another tough one for business and our country.  From the dire state of our power supply and basic infrastructure, water shortages, the incompetence of our government, our failing currency, our staggering 42.2% unemployment rate, escalating crime rate, overworked and underpaid care workers, teachers and police force, the counter-productive power of the construction mafia, to the disastrous backlog at our ports, what we used to take for granted is simply no more.  We're having to be more resilient and ingenious than ever, which possibly explains why we're all so exhausted.

In saying that, was it not simply beautiful and so energising to experience our entire nation coming together to support and celebrate our Boks!  And our country.  Just what we all needed. The pride and gees was incredibly touching and to me, personified the power of our people.   Not surprising that Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year for 2023 is authentic and we were unapologetically so!

And then the 1 point win, 3 times, triggered talk of the power of the number 111.  For those who believe in the power of something bigger, this apparently signifies a new awakening.  On doing a little research, the number 111 is a sign from the angels of what you are capable of achieving by manifesting your thoughts into reality.  Powerful stuff.

So how do we stop from going from this euphoria and "togetherness" to reverting back to accepting mediocrity, our "lot" in life and a divided nation?  To manifesting the good stuff?

What if we took the Boks' lead and continued with the attitude and positive approach during the Rugby World Cup and did everything in our power to build a better future?  Take responsibility to be the change and not expect others to do it for us.  We all know that it's easier said than done but surely an intentional decision to stand united, harness our skills and bring the energy, has to produce more results than downright apathy.  Look at the Boks ... they had pretty much every odd stacked against them, but we helped them bring it home.  I recently attended an event where Rassie Erasmus, with tears in his eyes, explained how the guys would spend quiet time watching all the videos and messages from home, and told us that this is what kept them going when they were exhausted, deflated and homesick.  There is power in unity.

We live in the most beautiful country in the world, with the most resilient people in the world and we owe it to our predecessors, our future and ourselves to make it whole again. 

I am eternally grateful for our little village and to each and every one who have supported each other and helped us to power on.  We stand together and I am sure I speak on behalf of every one, when I say that we will be part of the change. 2024 will bring with it what it will, but we will be in it, making magic, being us and doing what we do.  We will bring the gees!

Thank you to you for the part you played in our journey and we hope we helped you on yours.  We wish you a holiday season filled with joy and the time to enjoy what matters most.

Stay safe, healthy and happy, until next time.

Best wishes,