President Steenkamp: Light in the darkness

While I find the darkness at this time of year very challenging, I really appreciate the way different communities and cultures come together to celebrate light.

Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil with the lighting of clay oil lamps.

Hanukkah is a time to gather, to light the candles of the Menorah, to remember hope in the darkness, and to share stories.

Bodhi Day commemorates Buddha’s awakening and the lights in the peepal tree symbolize unity and the varied paths to Nirvana.

Christmas, with lights everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, brightens the dark and cold of the winter months.

Kwanza involves the lighting of candles of the Kinara each representing a principle of African heritage and culture.

All these joyful cultural and religious celebrations have one thing in common: they celebrate community and bring light into the darkest months.

Let’s face it, we could all use a little light this year because 2021 has presented historic challenges — from the continuing pandemic to the impacts of climate change and the damaging legacy of our colonial past.

So, yes, more than ever, we need that light.

The good news is that each of us can be that light — we can share our light with others.

Those of us who have the means can step up: by providing support to those in need; by volunteering our time to help our communities; or by simply lending a supportive ear and sharing comforting words with those who need to hear them most.

Thank you for sharing your light and best wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

I leave you these lines from Hafez, a 14th century Persian poet:

I wish I could show you,

when you are lonely or in darkness,

the astonishing light of your own being