Marikana tragedy was like a break out of a disease, the disease that was never waited, because all stakeholders from mine owners, unions, workers, government and others assumed there was a panacea available.

Yet Marikana tragedy was not like an ordinary disease that was caused by the viruses and bacteria of society that are all apparent. Other issue might be obvious like widening gap of the poor verses the wealthy in South Africa; many would highlight and cite issues like working conditions of the miners, other blame lack of representation of the union-Num; different people from different background have different opinions  interpretations, beliefs and views regarding Marikana tragedy. This just highlights the complexity of the disease - a concoction of various bacteria and viruses.

Allow me to come with another view - about another virus that has found inhabitant in our daily lives especially the African society (to be politically correct). This is another virus that was also apparent in recent and previous strikes across South Africa from all sectors whether transport sector or government sector depending which one interest a person.  An interesting thing is many of this strikes are initiated by African, even though there are other indigenous groups (white, Indians, colours). Yes the truth is many Africans are disadvantaged and discriminated in terms of salaries  many are abused, yet this is another issues someone might explore. THE TRUTH IS MAJORITY OF US SOUTH AFRICANS ARE DISADVANTAGED IN TERMS OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION. Majority of which are Africans, this for me is another virus, that is and will cause anguish and torment the south Africans, fused with other issues we shall be a state of strikes.

This particular issue has been of interest for me for a while even prior to the Marikana tragedy, yet Marikana tragedy highlighted the deep anguish these issues will cause; recent articles about Marikana  have highlighted how many miners are trying to mine themselves out of debts. The growth of unsecured lending in South Africa and the decline of the savings in South Africa are but many symptoms of this virus. Trying to put in practice Mahatma Ghandi when He said “be the change, you want to see”.

I’ve been on a journey to improve my own knowledge about money management and personal financial management in order to cure my own self of this virus.  This journey is has taught me that to know how to manage one own money and wealth is like Gold, its a treasure that should be possessed and passed on to generation, yet neglected or ignored. 

I tried getting a cause but to my disappointment like any other map to treasure, it’s difficult to get or nearly impossible to get. The cause ranges between R7, 000 to R10, 000, which is like a gigantic huddle for me earning just to keep my family alive. Thus I had to resort to newspaper articles and Google. But I’m glad because a journey of a thousand mile begins with a single step.

To paint a gloom picture of the future state of affairs if poor scholars in Limpopo failed to get basic education textbooks in time, what more of financial knowledge to manage their future salaries.

To tackle this challenge we believe we South African should look at ways to educate and teach our selves and others,  and hold hands, government, private sector, unions to find a remedy. This is but another side of Marikana tragedy has highlighted .

• Forgiveness Sekgala, has an interest in personal financial management, employed as a junior accountant at Gauteng Legislature - is also activate in leadership and innovation programmes.