The image of the Durban mayor taking a swim in the ocean to prove that it’s safe to do so was a particularly horrible one. Although a potentially novel idea, the action revealed more than he might have intended. Simply by needing to slip down to his lycra, he exposed just how little credibility he or his office has.
Why? Because if his credibility was high, simply telling us that E. coli was at a safe level would have been enough for us to go swimming, and he wouldn’t have needed to engage in eye catching antics for us to consider believing him.
Worse than that, many followed him closely to see if he exhibited any symptoms a few days after his dip in the Indian Ocean.
This is my last column in the SA Jewish Report for 2022. That makes it a good time to be a little self-indulgent and look back at the times we shared. This column is a personal one, which means that you came with me to places like the Kruger Park, you suffered through the indignity of Skukuza accommodation that had no turn-down service, you blundered through the Jewish festivals with me as we lurched from one arrangement to another, often incorrectly arriving at the wrong house, and you concluded our school career with us.
You enjoyed the experience that involved my son’s marriage to someone from Yemen, but were very annoyed that I found my trip to Israel in April to be difficult. You were angered by the fact that I voiced an opinion that might not be yours, and that didn’t paint Israel in the light you hoped it would, and some of you did what you could to convince me that I was unqualified to have a view.
But an integral part of having credibility as a columnist is having the courage to sometimes address the things that don’t sit well with readers. It means being able to write about experiences and concerns that are uncomfortable, and that I know will likely infuriate people.
The reaction to my shared experience is mostly positive and engaging. It’s sometimes a little aggressive, sometimes really amusing, and occasionally, it’s hurtful.
Those are the times when columnists rely on the strength and support of a strong editor. An editor like Peta Krost, who provides guidance and support and more importantly, perspective. The SA Jewish Report and its writers are immensely fortunate to have Krost in their corner.
The year 2022 has been an incredible one.
It started with Omicron and ended with E. coli. It began with Putin invading Ukraine and ended with a near-defeat of Cyril Ramaphosa. It was a year darkened by loadshedding and brightened by community. The year 2022 was fortified by the resilience of South Africans, and held together by bonds of humour, shared experience, and faith.
We have learned that we have no idea what the next year will bring. What we do know is that so long as we retain our positive outlook, as long as we’re prepared to laugh at our misfortune, are supported, and support those around us, and as long as we retain our credibility, the chances are good that 2023 will be amazing.
I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday, and look forward to many more words, together, in 2023.
