Regression

I was born during the last decade of the Apartheid era. I don't remember much of the hectic conflict, as I was a baby, but I have many older siblings who were very active in the struggle as students. Two of my sisters delayed their Matric exams in protest against having to write at an army base (like criminals). My eldest sister was beat up by police for peaceful protest action. My mother looked after kids who's parents were in prison for speaking out against the government.
So my family carries with them painful memories of that time. And yet, they are unhappy with the state of our country today.
Why? Because we have regressed as people. This past week, Cape Town CBD was a war zone because of protestors against the local government. Am I saying don't speak up if you are unhappy about something? Of course not. You have the right to say what's on your mind. You have the right to expose your leaders when they are mismanaging your country. It is your duty as a citizen.
It is NOT okay to destroy the property of your fellow citizens to make your point. It is NOT okay to loot these people, who are, like all of us, trying to make an honest living in an extremely difficult economic environment.
We have seriously regressed as a country and as a people.