Our Viewpoint | Love across barriers
'Misinformation spreads rapidly. Too often, the loudest voices are those seeking to pit communities against one another."
At a time when many South Africans are being encouraged to focus on what divides us, the story of Pietermaritzburg paramedic Cliffy Govender, a South African of Indian descent, and his wife, Diann Nkanyezi Govender, from a Zulu family, serves as a powerful reminder of what still brings us together.
What makes their story inspiring is twofold. First, Govender’s decision to embrace isiZulu and the culture that accompanies it. Second, the example set by two families from different cultural backgrounds who chose to embrace one another with respect, understanding and acceptance.
Govender, known online as the “ZuluGuy”, spoke of learning isiZulu as a child from a nanny, MaNdlovu, and later strengthening his grasp of the language while working in Creighton.
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Today, he uses that ability not only in his work as a paramedic serving communities across KwaZulu-Natal, but also within his own family. His fluency allows him to care for patients without a translator, but it has also enabled him to become part of his wife’s family and traditions.
Equally commendable are the families, who saw beyond race and culture and chose to celebrate what they share rather than what makes them different. In recent months, South Africans have been exposed to a stream of anger, fear and hostility. Social media platforms amplify division.
Misinformation spreads rapidly. Too often, the loudest voices are those seeking to pit communities against one another. Yet that is not the South Africa most of us know. When Covid-19 struck, communities organised food drives, delivered medicine and cared for vulnerable neighbours.
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During floods, fires and other disasters, ordinary people stepped forward to help strangers. During the July 2021 unrest, residents, businesses, faith groups and community organisations worked together to protect neighbourhoods and support those in need.
Every day, NGOs, community watch groups and volunteers quietly strengthen the social fabric of our country. South Africans have always shown an extraordinary ability to cross boundaries, build relationships and care for one another. That is why the story of Cliffy and Diann Govender matters.
It reminds us that our future will not be built by retreating into racial, ethnic or cultural enclaves. It will be built by recognising the humanity, dignity and beauty in one another.
