Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sukasha Singh
Published on 2024-03-01 19:29:24
Dear DM168 readers,
I must confess, I have never been one for hugs. This sentiment was expressed in a column I wrote back in 2007 during my time at the Mail & Guardian. Ferial Haffajee, who was the editor at that time and is now an associate editor at Daily Maverick, still playfully asks me if it’s okay to hug me whenever we meet (Yes, Fer, it’s okay).
In that column from years ago, I discussed my aversion to greetings that involved excessive physical contact, especially in a professional setting. I pondered why a firm handshake couldn’t suffice for new acquaintances.
However, after the publication of that column, some friends took it upon themselves to challenge my aversion to hugs. One friend, with a slender frame and long limbs, would embrace me with such force that it felt like being engulfed by a giant squid. Another friend would enlist “hug-snipers” to surprise me with sudden embraces, claiming that I loved hugs. And then there was the friend who hugged me like a friendly golden retriever, occasionally invading my personal space with their nose.
Despite my reluctance towards hugging, I have always welcomed embraces from loved ones, like my nephew whose tight bear hugs have resulted in more than a few broken pairs of sunglasses. However, the emergence of Covid-19 brought a halt to physical interactions like hugging, casting a somber shadow over the world. The heightened levels of fear, anger, and hate during this pandemic have compelled me to reevaluate my stance on showing affection.
I have found myself hugging loved ones more frequently and even extending an embrace to new acquaintances, albeit with a hint of formality. This shift in attitude towards hugging stems from a desire to combat the negativity that seems to permeate our society.
While contemplating these thoughts, I was jolted back to reality by the investigative work of Daily Maverick’s fearless crime reporter, Caryn Dolley. She delivered a groundbreaking story on South Africa’s entanglement with drug cartels, tracing back to the ANC’s time in exile in Zambia during the 1980s. The revelations in Dolley’s investigation shed light on the disturbing connections between global drug smugglers, money launderers, and prominent South African figures.
This week’s edition of DM168 covers a range of pressing political issues, including the mismanagement of athletes by Swimming South Africa, corruption within school governing bodies, and violent mafias engaged in turf wars. The publication also highlights inspirational individuals making a positive impact in our country, alongside satirical commentary by columnist Malibongwe Tyilo.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on our stories by emailing [email protected], as we value your feedback and may feature it in our readers’ page.
In the spirit of defending truth and fostering kindness in our interactions, I urge you to consider extending a little kindness to yourself and others. While I may not be setting up a hugging booth at the upcoming The Gathering: Twenty Twenty-Four in Cape Town, the power of a simple hug might just be the antidote to the hate that pervades our environment.
Yours in defense of truth,
Sukasha
This story was originally published in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, available nationwide for R29.
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