Perspective a mother can only have

Friday, late afternoon, on 18 February 2022, the community in extension 36 Bethelsdorp alarmed each other because of something that happened on the street. Some had really no idea what happened but as the saying goes….we want to know…. we might never know what really transparent this evening and why it happened is also subjected to the story.

She took HER child, and said…I will take care of him. I remembered my first expression when I heard the story…”I really hope this trouble does not knock at your door”. And without inquiring of her well being and how she is doing, or the young man, I shoot straight into a very comfortable position and said…” it is a pity what a life of addictions can do with a person”. Her silence to my commend is what convinced me that she was focussed and determined.

The community left the young man on the street to die. The ambulance took forever to arrive to attend to the young man. The attitude of some of the family members, friends and community was covered in shame, fear and discomfort. The only thing the mother knew was that her son needs medical care. Different attempts to call the police and hospital failed. I WILL TAKE CARE OF MY SON, the mother said. The situation was so severe that it was almost a guarantee that the young men would not make it through the night. He was left to die in the hospital or in the arms of the mother. Some, very closed, asked me to convinced the mother, that it will be better to wait for the ambulance to come.

She saw her son, in deep pain and whatever anyone said was not important to her at all. She saw a son, and a father to her grandchildren. It was a very intense moment: to suffer from the humility of the community, seeing her very own son in so much pain. “I am not willing to let you die on the street like an animal” was her attitude. My flesh and my blood. So, she wiped the blood and dirt from his face as she dry her own tears. “I will take care of you”, she internalized these words. I replied to those who asked me to talk to the mother and asked her to allow professionals to look at the young man. I replied: “that is a mother, there is nothing I can say that will change that. It does not matter what her child did or did not do”.

“I washed him and he is a sleep now” she said hours later. He will be okay.

What we have heard about this story: and this is only what we heard. We have no idea what the real story is all about or the motivation of the incident. Just like those who through a stone or strike a punch to the face of the young man, had no idea….they only heard…..The reasons behind it is not important. A few young men, attempted to do a robbery. The group ran away and one person was caught. Community members came from nowhere, with no understanding of the situation….attempted to kill this one young man. This was no stranger to the community. Yet, they felt the need to set an example. They are willing to kill a father of small children, the brother and the son of parents.

Was the punishment of the community justified? Was there a possibility for the community to bring the young man to the police authorities for questioning and investigation? Those who ran away? So many questions…..Nothing mattered more to the mother than her son needing medical attention.

I will take him just the way he is……..the mother kept on reminding herself.

Two days later…..”I also managed to get in some sleep” the mother said. The young man is still in deep pain. But the mother is committed to do whatever it takes to stand by her child.

…The past does not change anything… this message was approved by the mother to be shared.