Can you feel it?

WELL! Can you? The titular phrase was the name of a smash hit song for pop icon Michael Jackson and his family group, The Jackson 5, way back in 1980. Merely four words but it is jam-packed with meaning especially now. Especially in South Africa. Let me elaborate.

We are now in 2026. Yes, we made it. The second half of 2025 was action-packed. Did you feel it? We witnessed it all. The bravery of an honest high-ranking policeman, the exposing of corruption that sadly seems to lead to the upper echelons of political power. It’s very much like following the bread crumbs and white pebbles in the tale of Hansel and Gretel that led them home.

Somehow at this juncture the names of two other fairy tale characters, namely, Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin come to mind. I wonder why? However, alas South Africa in latter 2025 was anything but a fairy tale. Wave after wave of disclosures in two parallel commissions, the shocking killings of whistleblowers, the numerous political “hits” and the sad murder of a much-loved former DJ and podcaster rocked this sunny country. So much so that I think the tectonic plates that hold South Africa upright were quite shaky in this period.

Did you feel the ructions? You’d have to have been dead not to have felt them. So dear reader, let us proceed into the new year with a positive vibe and spirit. The thing is that even after the heaviest downpour of rain, a torrential outburst, the dark clouds part and as sure as Ali Baba had forty thieves, the majestic sun makes its appearance. It blesses the ground with its radiance and warmth, almost like a renaissance. Let us learn from nature.

The dilemma we need to overcome regarding the findings of the commissions, is that when malfeasance is uncovered and proven, then what? Will it be more of the Zondo commission? Millions spent and nothing happens. No follow-through? It will be a real pity if these latest findings have the same outcome. But if the justice brigade rises up and matches the gravitas of my hero Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and administers due and appropriate punishment and incarceration, that would be an ideal scenario for success. 

As I write this piece, the shocking video of the car guard being assaulted by some despicable people at an East London beach has gone viral and rightly so. This led to the cowards being identified. The main assailant, a big slob of an inhuman, performed for the camera for kicking a harmless man who had politely asked them to move their vehicle from a non-parking area to a demarcated spot. Big man hey? Big coward!

Well big up to mining giant Exxarro Resources, who recognised the culprit as working for one of the companies that were contracted to them. They took immediate and decisive action against the perpetrator. That is justice accomplished.

If things like that are done consistently and immediately, it would go a long way to restoring law and order to a country that is steadily becoming lawless if left as is. More justice, more positivity, is crucial to have a reset. Let’s start doing our part to nurture that. Leave the politicking to the politicians. They get paid for that.

Heartening news comes from Durban on New Year's Day.

Our eThekwini Municipality mayor, Councilor Cyril Xaba, surprised Durban Solid Waste employees who were on duty in Clermont with lunch. He praised them for their hard work and for doing so while most people were at home enjoying the festive season with their families. What a fine example of a leader. There is no doubt that as a country we are a resilient lot. We encounter difficulties but we rise again and conquer.

Durban Metro Police have to be commended for the management of the city during this holiday period. On foot, on bicycles, in cars and even on horses, they were visible and kept control with efficiency. Revellers were quelled, reckless drivers were punished, and a nice time was had by all, locals and visitors. You see, it can be done.

The spirit of Mkhwanazi has hopefully filtered through to the rest of our country. Long live our gallant police commissioner. The tide is turning. Pun intended. Can you feel it?

Ravi Govender is a former POST sub-editor and Lotus FM radio presenter. He is a published author of four books, a freelance editor and film producer in training. He can be contacted at: [email protected]

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

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