Helen Kapalos

African crime fears: we shouldn’t ignore the success stories

I find it interesting that the politicians making headlines for calling out political correctness are also the ones prepared to jump on the most damaging of bandwagons – the populist, divisive media stereotype, in this case relating to African youth. Let’s make no mistake, this story is not just about crime, it’s about the politics […]

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A time like no other

On a mission to get some food supplies a few days ago, I took in a visual from my car while waiting at the traffic lights. The picture I saw appeared unfamiliar yet strangely familiar at the same time. And it invoked homely stirrings of an era I thought had been left behind in my childhood. 
 
Although nothing remarkable, the scene comprised a group of people loosely assembled at an intersection, each on their individual missions, but looking like a group all the same. A young family with a pram, a few bike riders, and a few couples walking through, presumably on their way to the nearby park. In other words, a community gathering outdoors. 
 
It’s worth mentioning that I have never witnessed such a large communal gathering like it, in all the time I have lived here. It wasn’t just people outdoors, it was like everyone had come out to play.

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