We Are Part of the Problem — But Not the Whole Problem

In Sterkspruit, we like to talk about problems.

Unemployment. Crime. Poverty. Lack of opportunities.

But today, let’s be honest with ourselves:

We are part of the problem.

There are many situations we see every day that show how people are being taken for granted.

Yes, it is the responsibility of each person to help themselves. But there are moments that make you stop and question everything.

I remember one particular incident.

I was driving to town to buy what I needed from Startspruit Engine Garage. On my way back, I passed the police station.

There, I saw a man standing by the gate, shouting for help. He said he wanted to open a case because someone had hit him in the head with a brick.

It was clear that the man was in pain.

But the response he got was shocking.

A woman, who I assumed was a police officer, told him to go to Empilisweni Hospital because the police station was closed.

Closed.

At that moment, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Here was someone clearly in need of urgent help — and the people who are supposed to protect and assist were turning him away.

Why was she at the workplace if she was not helping?

Isn’t a police station supposed to operate 24 hours a day?

This is not the only story.

I have seen police vehicles parked like personal cars in residential areas. We are often told that vans are “on patrol,” but we know that is not always the case.

There are many stories like this.

And they all point to the same thing:

People are losing trust in the system.

Yes, We Must Take Responsibility

At the same time, we cannot ignore our own role.

• We don’t always support local businesses
• We sometimes wait instead of taking action
• We complain more than we build

And that truth is uncomfortable.

But Here Is the Bigger Truth

We are not the whole problem.

There are systems in place that are failing people.

There are leaders who were trusted with responsibility — and have not delivered.

There are decisions being made that do not improve the lives of ordinary people.

And while we are told to “fix ourselves,” many of the real issues remain untouched.

Responsibility Must Be Shared

Change does not come from one side only.

👉 The community must take action
👉 Leaders must take responsibility

If one side fails, everything fails.

We cannot build a better Sterkspruit if:

• Young people have no support
• Small businesses are ignored
• Infrastructure is neglected
• Opportunities are limited

We Must Do Both

We must stop thinking it’s one or the other.

It’s both.

✔ Yes — we must wake up, work harder, support each other
✔ But also — those in power must be held accountable

Because development is not luck.

It is leadership.

The Future of Sterkspruit

Sterkspruit has potential.

We see it every day:

• Young people trying to start businesses
• Families pushing through difficult times
• Communities supporting each other

But potential without structure will always struggle.

Final Thought

Let’s be honest.

Let’s be responsible.

But let’s also be brave enough to say:

We are trying — but those in power must also do their part.

Because real change only happens when everyone carries the weight.