Bright Sparks

Getting into the festive spirit this year seems to be more of an effort than usual, which seems to mean drinking more. Alcohol has proved to be recession proof once again, as we self medicate ourselves happy.
Is it really neccessary to remind people not to drink and drive, not even a little bit? Is there anyone out there who doesn't see the importance of wearing their seat belt, and making sure that children are buckled up and safe? And apparently there are still plenty of speed idiots out there who have to overtake at all costs, even someone elses life. Some things you can't change.
Instead of bemoaning the year that was, lets rather look at the highlights and rejoice that we made it. There have been some amazing and positive aspects to this year, the magic sparks of light that cheered us up.
The festive season should be a time to enjoy friends and family, not to mourn them and yet we have a transport company with a bad track record defying a ban placed on them and being given the all clear by the courts. For a moment there we were proud of Transport MEC Bheki Cele for putting his foot down.
Being proud to be South African took on a very real meaning this year when our unions refused to handle arms bound for Zimbabwe, and although they got there by some other route, we made a stand at least.
This festive season spare a thought for the ordinary people of Zim, who are not immune to hyperinflation, perhaps not politically connected, and victims of a crime against humanity and an insult to the dignity of African nations.
Our Olympic hopes were perhaps a bit ambitious, yet our disabled athletes did us proud. Both Natalie du Toit and Oscar Pistorious don't seem to see themselves as disabled, competing with the best able bodied athletes in the world and sweeping the boards in the paralympics. Imagine not allowing obstacles to stop you, how empowering that must be, and to have the courage to overcome even enormous physical disabilities. Just amazing.
Change can be good. As the landslide vote electing Barack Obama to the White House showed that the American people were more than ready for a change. Although Hilary Rodham Clinton is possibly the best prepared and experienced candidate to run for office, her skills will at least not be lost. Unfortunately, bad government in the U.S.A. affects the whole world, so a moment of thanksgiving for change and a quiet prayer that they can solve the global economic woes that have affected so many.
It has been a year of reckoning for the motor industry and turnaround predictions are safely betting on the last quarter of 2009. It is hoped that interest rates and inflation reductions will hasten recovery. In the meantime when the going gets tough, the tough improve service levels and provide unbeatable customer care, and sell cars. It's the South African way.