The Selves of Us · Letters
Awareness & Empathy
16 August 2026·1,222 readers
The last few months have been eye opening in a lot of ways. I’ve been moving in completely new circles. I have met people with hearing or vision impairments, their struggles, small triumphs, highs and lows. I have had insights into how different this world probably is for them as they try to navigate their daily lives in ways I can’t begin to imagine.
I am, however, sometimes stupefied by how some of their negative experiences and battles could be avoided by simple things in policy and law. Simple things like including some basic training for nurses, teachers and early childhood development on signs to look out for as they interact with infants and children. I am stunned at the lack of structural support that could so easily be given by society quite in general.
On the other hand, I’m amazed and pleasantly surprised at the realisation that the world is generally full of good, empathetic ordinary people whose works are extra ordinary. That, they wake up every workday to support and try as much as possible to make lives for these members of our society just a little easier. I’m touched by the love and knowledge of what they are and do for them.
And to be honest, there isn’t any money to be made in these organisations and NPO’s.
“The joy I experience with the little difference I make is a reward like no other.”
The essence of the above sentence is a sentiment I’ve heard so much in these past months. It leaves a certain surge of joy running through my life now as my view of how I see humanity changes with these encounters and conversations.
In this post, as we looked at autism— a very difficult topic because so much our understanding still relatively remains in the unknown realm, I have a newfound respect for people who work in this area. Especially those who work with children.
A newfound respect for mothers and their capacity for and capabilities to love.
I have grown a little kinder to myself, too, because I couldn’t understand why it has taken so much time to get here. I realise that it’s just in human nature to stay a little far away from things that are “uncomfortable” if one doesn’t have to deal with them.
It is a little satisfying though to realise that, with the technological tools we have, we are becoming more aware of others. And with awareness comes empathy. With empathy, this world becomes a better place for all who live in it.
As it should.
— Tshego
Editor's Note · Roy Hewett
While the piece, Beyond the Pen, explores the opinions on where the power of writing resides and the rapidly changing realities, this letter delves into the lived experience of the book world. Book Launches give aspiring and accomplished authors the opportunity to get their books ‘out there’.
The Durban International Book Fair (DIBF) has been a platform for five years as an integral part of Durban’s status as one of two UNESCO CITIES of LITERATURE in South Africa. (The other, more recent addition, is East London/KuGompo City).
The vibrancy and variety of the books launched at DIBF2026 highlighted the excitement of first-time authors and the literary growth of more seasoned exponents of the art of writing. A visit to this Book Fair is worth the effort - for literary, stimulation, networking and the educational experience.
There are several such fairs in South Africa and encouraging signs that East London is poised to take significant strides in the field.
Poetry and the written word play an all-important and undeniable role in the creative arts, and we should all guard against the increasing threat of AI to impinge on that ‘sacred’ bastion in the affairs of Man.
Similarly, in the affairs of Man, sympathy, empathy and respect for others - the theme of our letter for this issue - should stand unchallenged in all pursuits of humankind.
Everybody has a story to tell - long may that continue.