Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking!

Native commissioner by Shaun Johnson

I have just finished it-never in my life have I felt so moved by a book. It came to the climax of the book and I just broke down...I couldn't in fact finish reading the last 30 pages.

I just cried. I sobbed for about 2 hours until eventually I fell asleep.

I cried for all the wrong-doings of the world, all injustice and unfairness, our country's past and future, the pain people endure everywhere-poverty, starvation, death, violence, abuse, sadness, discrimination and disrespect...The troubles still in our modern times and the suffering and meaninglessness in life sometimes.

My mom suggested I read this book as it would give an insight into her world growing up in apartheid South Africa. I think I was so overwhelmed by it, because of so many things resonated with me in my life. So many little things reminded me of things my mom or gran would have said. And places I recalled- the hospital in Lynnwood (my home in Pretoria), or the drabness of Witbank and the beauty of Zululand...

George Jameson is the native commisioner (which makes me laugh as this title seems so ridiculous and bizarre) in various cities and dorpies where the system feels his services will be beneficial. But the apartheid system, harsh as it was, disrespected so many- no matter what their colour - and this book captivates that remarkably.

Despite his turmoil and confusion of his role and place, George is passionate about Africa and its people. He has a constant struggle about being an English white South African-so out of place yet knowing no other home, but Africa.

Two words of advice:
1. read these lines below and feel something
2. read the book and you won't regret it

There were so many great lines but here are a few that really touched me:

"You cannot deal with a man unless he has pride in himself, his race, his traditions-and you yourself have sincere respect for that pride" -pg 186

"Perhaps there is no solution to South Africa's problems. But, he says, perhaps problems cause creativity. Nations can become lethargic when they think they have solved all their problems-perhaps The Problem, the challenge, is a talking point, a catalyst for thought, even a reason for our existing?" -pg186

Although said during apartheid, these lines can still be regarded relevant today in our country that is riddled with AIDs, violence and crime. There is still rampant growth of poverty and the improved state of education and health care in our 16 years after democracy for some is still questionable.

I love this line:

"...what can we do to help our country, and every single person in it who calls it their country, grow and prosper and achieve their own human potential?" -pg187

He responds honestly to his question:

"Again, I am afraid I do not have a glib answer, but I am sure I am right in saying that it is the question we need to be asking"

He begs the question: " By what means should the problems of South Africa be tackled? Educate, protect, lead." -pg188

I could not agree anymore! :) Teaching in South Africa here we come!

READ IT!!!!

Bisous
JO

xxx