Yes we can make a difference in our own little ways. And to hold back the darness there is a song/hymn that comes to mind “This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine” If that can play in our heads with the message ‘no matter how big or small what difference can I make right now!’ ….just imagine what could happen….

You go girl - may your message hit billions!

No amount of “awareness” campaigns, protest marches or handing over of memorandums will make the slightest dent in what is essentially a social problem. Wearing pink T-shirts for Sheldean, or driving with your lights on for crime are nothing but placebos allowing the man on the street to imagine that he is making a difference… but all he’s doing is patting himself on the back for caring.

The answer is not a quick and easy one. It invloves initiatives like the ones mentioned here that must be sustained over time. These initiatives must be designed with one prupose in mind: to make crime a less desirable lifestyle choice.

There are two ways of achieving that: more effective punishment for criminals, and more lucrative alternatives to crime. Both of these approaches must be employed simultaneously if they are to have any effect.

Punishment is something that must be handled by the government, and I believe they are doing the best they can. By promoting education and creating employment opportunities, it’s up to the private sector to combat the problem from the other side.

Bravo!

I know that this new talk encapsulates so much of who you are, what you believe and more significantly, what you practise.

You open the doors of your company to those who are close to us at Avo. It has been such a gift for me to bring Thuli into the Avo space. As the daughter of someone special to me, it is wonderful to see her actively learning about the business world in such a caring environment. Evelyn has willingly given her time to train and support Thuli in her journey.

I also believe that the kind of opportunities we create around Diversity, CSR and Creativity also reflect this belief. We have just developed another project which will see 8 Seamstresses in the Garment District working with a corporate team to produce amazing toys which will be handed over to a nursery school in Rockey Street.

Then of course, there is our work with the Yeoville Community. Here we are developing business skills for those who are currently unemployed but who play a significant role in the community as volunteers.

I feel privileged to work in your space Jules. You are a woman of great heart, great vision and love.