Without him around, sometimes this year has passed slowly, such was the gap he left behind. Other times, the year has passed too quickly for we have still got so much to do. But he did leave behind such dedicated and brave group of people and the ladies in our midst at The Peoples Agenda have shown what stalwarts they can be.
How would he feel about what we have managed this year? Mixed feelings I should think, because for him no matter what has happened it would never be enough. At another level, I think he would be pleased to know that he left such dedicated and brave soldiers and disciples behind and we did manage to move forward into a future without him. While we could never fill his shoes we have manage to jerk ourselves into the future and formed a new direction, found new friends and partners and whilst the wheels have groned slowly, a future and hope of a revision for the future for the poor and blighted economies is possible because of Norman's ideas and visions.
As I look at the dismal progress and health disaster emerging in Zimbabwe and the collapse of the international banking system, then so many of his words ring in my ears about how local communities would have been immune to these disasters and with 80% unemployed in Zimbabwe, only CIP and local economies are going to get people food for this coming winter. Unfortunately, all this current charitable form of aid is going to reduce too many to survival mode and dishearten spirits, as necessary as it is. So I hope those planning for the new dawn in Zimbabwe won't forget him and his hope for a country he thought so much of.
How would he feel about what we have managed this year? Mixed feelings I should think, because for him no matter what has happened it would never be enough. At another level, I think he would be pleased to know that he left such dedicated and brave soldiers and disciples behind and we did manage to move forward into a future without him. While we could never fill his shoes we have manage to jerk ourselves into the future and formed a new direction, found new friends and partners and whilst the wheels have groned slowly, a future and hope of a revision for the future for the poor and blighted economies is possible because of Norman's ideas and visions.
As I look at the dismal progress and health disaster emerging in Zimbabwe and the collapse of the international banking system, then so many of his words ring in my ears about how local communities would have been immune to these disasters and with 80% unemployed in Zimbabwe, only CIP and local economies are going to get people food for this coming winter. Unfortunately, all this current charitable form of aid is going to reduce too many to survival mode and dishearten spirits, as necessary as it is. So I hope those planning for the new dawn in Zimbabwe won't forget him and his hope for a country he thought so much of.
I look at all these problems and try to remember his words, trying to hear some voice of his giving direction for the forthcoming year and only hear my own thoughts about his ideas realising how mechanical I make them sound and so lacking in wisdom and insight.
If ever Norman's voice was needed it is now. Do you think he will be pleased by the emerging spirit of autonomy that is emerging from the people of Pondoland and their fight back against the mineral sands exploitation? I can hear Norman saying, "see if you give people a cricket bat they can go out and play" and playing they are. He would say, CIP is one of the keys to community healing and can give communities a chance to get their dignity back. So my friends, 2009 is the year for building a community development fund so we all can take SCIP to scale. The communities and the moment needs our strength and insight and we must take Norman's voice and urging forward.
Rest in peace my friend you are not forgotten and your ideas still echo strongly!
If ever Norman's voice was needed it is now. Do you think he will be pleased by the emerging spirit of autonomy that is emerging from the people of Pondoland and their fight back against the mineral sands exploitation? I can hear Norman saying, "see if you give people a cricket bat they can go out and play" and playing they are. He would say, CIP is one of the keys to community healing and can give communities a chance to get their dignity back. So my friends, 2009 is the year for building a community development fund so we all can take SCIP to scale. The communities and the moment needs our strength and insight and we must take Norman's voice and urging forward.
Rest in peace my friend you are not forgotten and your ideas still echo strongly!
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