I recently found myself at a workshop to discuss the creation of free trade zones on the continent. Facilitating and promoting intra-African trade should not just be
about accessing the massive potential of a largely untapped market. For South
Africans, it should be a firm indication that we believe that we’re African,
that we’re indelibly attached to this land of contradictions and that we’re
invested in her future. Well, that’s my belief.


I was shaken into reality by a chit-chat that took place with two fellow attendees while waiting for the official start. It got off benign, ‘so, what do you do?’ and so on. On discovering that one individual worked for an international brand renowned for its use of production factories in China, the obvious question arose around current relations between the USA and the eastern giant, how it affected production, if at all. The response led to a discussion around China’s one-child policy which was instituted in 1979 and now has an ‘unforeseen’ impact on ‘cheap labour’.

What? Is that the solution in a digital economy?

Here goes, as briefly as possible. Having one child means that all familial resources are focused on said child. This has invariably led to a generation that is way too educated for the low-paying, sorry, slave-like labour, of the sweatshops. China is the second-largest economy in the world; why wouldn’t it have an educated, aspirational population? It was a Monday morning, I hadn’t had my coffee and was still entertaining the light-hearted banter when the dragon of privilege arose; ‘So now the Chinese government will most probably have to encourage people to have more children so that they can create more unskilled labour’. What? Is that the solution in a digital economy? My brain fogged up as the session started.


China is part of BRICS, a bloc created to harness the collective power of these emerging markets. As I was sitting in a forum focused on South African/African trade, the irony was not lost. For the privileged, emerging markets are merely opportunities for businesses to plunder, neo-colonisation. As the world experiences inequality on unprecedented levels, in that moment, I felt the widening schism in my gut. There are those who consciously and subconsciously believe that the haves and have-nots are just a function of world order.


Spirituality encourages us to access the abundance of the Universe that is available to all. Yet in the real world, superiority, influence and privilege is held by the elite few. Those that need a burgeoning working class to survive and thrive. In
a world that’s crying for sustainability and equality on so many levels, where
do we start?


I don’t want to get into the underbelly of white privilege.  I don’t need another reminder of my disadvantage; I was born into it. Am I going to act as though this does not exist? Heck, no. I can’t do that ‘head-in-the-sand’ thing raising black boys.

When you live with purpose, you live in light that will guide you through any life situation.

What I’d like to do is get into the privilege of purpose. Or rather, that feeling of privilege that comes with knowing and living your purpose. When you live with purpose, you live in light that will guide you through any life situation. Life was never meant to be easy; we cannot grow without challenge. Knowing your purpose brings a sense of contentment and peace that you are fulfilling your destiny. That gets you up every day and keeps you going when others give up when it all seems hopeless.


South Africa and the world need hope. Desperately.


I come from a generation that came from a generation that was disconnected from any spiritual enlightenment. And if we go back into the history of religion, it’s easy to see why. A journey with purpose starts with an innate understanding that one is connected directly to God, the Source, the Almighty, the Universe, the Natural Energy, whatever you prefer. There is no need for any intermediaries. You and you alone are the purveyor of your destiny. And your destiny is powered by purpose.


Now, this is where it gets tricky.


After centuries of handing over our power to anyone in authority, elders, government leaders, religious leaders, especially the latter, we tend to believe that we’re at the mercy of others. What others do. The decisions others make. Truly understanding that our current reality is not our eventuality requires a deep commitment to relinquish victimhood and purposefully navigate our earthly existence.

As I walk through the storm, I still get scared.

Have I found my purpose? I’m a lot clearer than I was 10 or even five years ago. I can see the light. I can feel the energy. As I walk through the storm, I still get scared. It always feels like the sun will never shine again. But as I go in and out of storms, I can see how far I’ve come. I’m getting to that place where I know the storm will end, I just don’t know when. And that minor adjustment is a major milestone for me.


I can’t change how other people view the world; those that are comfortable with the continual breeding of a below-the-poverty-line working-class. All I can do is start with myself and those within my circle of influence. My sons being top priority.  


You are the Diva of your Destiny. May you be freed from the limitations of your mind as you live the life you were meant to.