Tis the season to be jolly goes the opening line of one of the many Christmas carols sung and heard around the world this time of year. And while for some it will be jolly — think Ke Dezemba in SA — for others this season is filled with sadness, grief, loneliness and anxiety. Some, instead of preparing for the holidays and the good times that come with it, are now mourning the loss of loved ones.
Already we have seen lives lost in accidents, senseless shootings and other tragic incidents. In the Eastern Cape, 15 initiates have died since the start of the 2025 summer initiation season, now in its third week. We have also seen several accidents with multiple fatalities, including a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a car along the T30 towards Mthatha earlier this week.
This time of year can also be a lonely time for those battling with mental illness. Depression and anxiety do not take a holiday and exposure to the season’s relentless cheer can aggravate their sense of hopelessness for those already battling. As a start, let us do what we can to prevent these tragedies — slow down on the roads and ensure our vehicles are roadworthy.
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Check in on each other. That call or text might be the difference between life and death for the next person. Let us ensure that our sons, as they embark on their journey to manhood, do so in the care of legitimate and trusted initiation schools — and that they come back safely, as men. Not as bodies.
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