Opportunities should be open to anyone who embraces them. Nobody should be more equal than anyone else.

Blacks are constantly being reminded how "disadvantaged" they are. They are pampered, cosseted and excused at every turn. Allowances are forever being made for below par achievement.

Despite the fact that a whole generation has been through the school system, black children are constantly being reminded that they are economically disempowered because they are black. They grow up to believe they will fail. Julius Malema's outbursts only enhance this negative indoctrination.

Not even black adults fight for their own rights. Unions take care of workers, treating them like children. As individuals, we need to start standing up for ourselves. We need to start demanding our due on the basis that we are worth what we are demanding.

Failure to be strong in ourselves will cause us to believe that others always do what is best for us.

Our psyche and mental strength determines the outcome of our lives. If you are brought up to believe that circumstances are to blame for your failures, you will never be strong enough to achieve even the smallest victory.

The government needs to wipe the slate clean and proclaim that everyone, be they black, white, coloured, Chinese, Indian or whatever, has access to the South African dream. South Africa has much to offer. Each one of us can be great. If we put our noses to the grindstone, success is assured.

Down with the "poor little me" mentality. Each of us needs to be proud of who we are and what we can achieve. Succeeding because we are helped to do so makes us weak, not strong.