Author: Sterling Hawkins
Last month Renias and I helped a game reserve start a leopard habituation project in the Waterberg and here is my MESSAGE FROM A WILDEBEEST. A Tracker Academy project to track, find and form relationships with leopards. For the benefit of ecotourism lodges in the area. During the day we tracked leopards. In the evenings, […]
Last month Renias and I helped a game reserve start a leopard habituation project in the Waterberg and here is my MESSAGE FROM A WILDEBEEST.
A Tracker Academy project to track, find and form relationships with leopards. For the benefit of ecotourism lodges in the area.
During the day we tracked leopards. In the evenings, we made a fire, braaied our food and chatted freely.
Our conversations spanned several topics, and in his usual manner, Renias introduced humour at every possible juncture. He loves making people laugh! And I thoroughly enjoy the banter.
We spoke in both Shangaan and English.
It struck me that the spirit of our conversations is unique. In stark contrast to the hostile tone of the current national conversation. Especially between people of disparate cultures.
Just before bed, Renias reminded me of lions we’d watched hunting a wildebeest at Londolozi.
We had been talking politics and I sensed he had something important to say.
Whilst sprinting for its life the wildebeest glanced back at the fast-approaching lion – at exactly the wrong moment. Causing the animal to crash into a small tree.
The obstacle gifted the lion the extra split second it needed. Ultimately killing the poor wildebeest.
Although macabre, Renias’s theatrics in acting out the scene was very entertaining. Please watch the video if you haven’t seen it yet.
Metaphorically speaking, Ren wants South Africans to know that we should not look backwards. Otherwise, we will be killed.
It is true that if the wildebeest had not looked back, he may still be alive. But equally, his rear-guard vigilance alerted him to the danger in the first place.
Perhaps he looked backwards once too many times?
But something bothered me about the story’s message. I reflected further and realised that for many people the past still haunts them.
It’s not so easy to just drop emotionally charged memories. Above all, trauma.
Renias’s message is that we should rather focus on the now. Build relationships now. Contribute to the country now. Instead of dwelling on the past or fearing the future.
Easier said than done.
I have noticed a trend where white people avoid talking about the past. And black people (and those affected by apartheid) demonstrate the need to address our common history.
One group feels guilty and/or fears retribution. Whilst the other desires acknowledgement and reparation. Both are expected human responses given the circumstances.
The problem is that no ‘side’ will give an inch. Consequently, attitudes have begun to harden – driving us even further apart.
It may be wise to suggest that we collectively engage with both the past and future. The old adage of ‘the tyranny of OR versus the genius of AND’ comes to mind.
The question is, how?
Renias and I advocate for ordinary people to intentionally form meaningful cross-cultural relationships.
To create interpersonal bonds where logic, empathy and being authentically you, can flourish. As it turns out, these are also the main drivers of high-trust relationships.
As a country, we must focus on the only moment that really matters – now.
Perhaps then we have a chance of survival. A chance to escape the charging lion of the eventual demise of our beautiful country.
What can you do today to improve the state of our relationships?
Read our latest book called Changing a Leopard’s Spots
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Facebook
The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
“How you see yourself determines what you see for yourself, Are You Externally or Internally Driven?.” Veli Ndaba – ‘The NeuroEngineer’ Self-esteem represents an overall evaluation of oneself – the extent to which one feels positively rather than negatively toward oneself – and views oneself as a person of value and worth. Contingent self-esteem is […]
Where do you get your most innovative ideas to boost innovation? How do you increase the rate of creativity in your organization? As a creator, entrepreneur, or founder these are probably the most important questions you can ask. So, where do you start? You’ve probably heard the phrase “think outside the box” a thousand times. […]
I’ve often wished there were a remote control for real life that let you fast forward through the unpleasant parts and pause on the good stuff just so that Everything You Need to Enjoy One Tech-Free Day a Week. There’s not, but there is a practice that will put you back in control of your […]
I think we often need a reminder of our home and our Earth Day. We have a 24-hour day based on the rotation of our planet relative to the sun. But it is much more personal than that. The day is also based on our daily perspectives and ways of viewing the day. The world […]
The Survival Guide, originally written for overworked and underappreciated public servants, offers ten checkpoints that signal burnout. After sharing this popular workshop based on the book with audiences filled with clerks, librarians, planners, firefighters, administrators, and many other municipal groups, the private sector came calling. Who cares about Public Servants and a The Survival Guide? Why? Because […]
Culture and Talent Retention is a real challenge and employees are looking for organizations that inspire them, uplift them and create opportunities for growth and progression. Of significant importance to retaining people is the ability of an organization to create alignment between what they say and what they actually do. Misalignment of value systems is […]
Do you remember what life was like right before you received the message of biggest trap in business that confirmed your appointment as executive? Or before you started your own business? Or before you took over the family business? Opportunities lay ahead like an orchard of fruit trees ripe for the picking and everything that […]
11 days ago was the last time I have been outside and even had the privilege to go for a car ride which gave me the promise of perspective. I had just returned home from the hospital, hopped up on all kinds of meds my body has never felt before, never been through surgery in […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
