Winter dusk of passion in Hout Bay...

Tonight I wouldn't want to be anywhere but on the southern tip of Africa... our continent is experiencing a creative, cultural and spiritual awakening.

Other than the graphic images of violence, poverty, malnutrition and sickness of Africa that's mostly portrayed in the media, there are countless stories of love, passion, integrity and compassion. I know this because I saw some of these this afternoon.

More than ever before I am proud to be an African. I commit myself to changing the world immediately around me step-by-step (in the smallest of ways if need be) through my words and pictures and a positive attitude.

And with love, compassion and tolerance for the human beings - whoever they may be - that cross my path every day. Just one day at a time... .

Inspiration

In these xenophobically crazy times my inspiration remains German writer Heinrich Böll (1917-85). He embodied that rare combination of political awareness, artistic creativity, and moral integrity which remains a model for future generations... especially, not so long ago, at Europe's darkest hour, when what light there was couldn't even reach the end of the tunnel. The courage to stand up for one's beliefs; encouragement to meddle in public affairs; and unconditional activism in support of dignity and human rights were characteristics of Heinrich Böll.