HISTORY – The Quest for Personal Discovery
George Santayana warned us: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I think it was in 2025 when a school in Johannesburg protested against treatment they did not approve of. The learners threw away food from the school nutrition programme. They recorded it, and the clip went viral.
Social activists visited the school. Not to defend the treatment, but to teach the learners about food, nutrition, and where it comes from. One activist told his story. He used to go to school hungry. The only meal he received was the one from school. That one meal drove him to work hard in his studies. That one meal gave him the opportunity to dream.
The students were not only empowered with the history of the school nutrition programme. They were reminded of something deeper: When things change, we forget how they were before. We take for granted what we have because we don’t know how many people sacrificed for us to be here today.
As we enter Women’s Month, we are reminded that this freedom was never free. It took the bravery and courage of women in 1956 who marched to the Union Buildings against the carrying of passbooks. History is written by victors. We remain victorious to tell our stories of triumph. We read historical events to draw strength and to remember who we are.
Rooted in history.
Sicelo Ngubane is a social entrepreneur, an inspirational speaker and a youth activist with interests in leadership and personal development. Has been with Love Life, Sibikwa Arts Centre and the South African Association of Youth Clubs.
Contact: +27 78 054 9694
