Feel it, Spring is here! Don't let poor service delivery dampen the spirits

Spring has officially sprung in beautiful Mzansi, but we are going to have to wait a bit for some of the cool things that come with this lovely season of blooming jacarandas, and busy bees and birds.

Whoever was responsible for the supply of chlorine for the Tshwane municipal pools has – unfortunately but not surprisingly – let us down. The armies of children who had been chomping at the bit, looking forward to a splashing time in the pools on Spring Day will have to wait. The swimming costumes will have to stay in the drawers for a little longer. The pools could not be opened on time due to the chlorine delays, said the City Council.

Underperforming, procrastinating, failing to deliver on time and to quality standards, dereliction of duty, indolence, indifference, and so on have become the order of the day. Ratepayers and their children will go through the chill of winter with resilience, focused on the hope that Spring is coming. And, then, on or around the first day of September, the person supposed to ensure that chlorine is delivered timeously will only slowly wake up from hibernation and move slowly like a sloth.

Sloths can’t help it. They were created to be slow cuddly creatures who prefer hanging motionless on trees or moving about those tropical forests very slowly. They are known for their disinclination to speed, hurry or physical exertion. So, fellow South Africans, we shouldn’t complain or expect a sloth to develop a spring in its step just because Spring has arrived. Yes, we should be disappointed that the pools could not open on time, but this failure to deliver is not at all surprising.

But, don’t despair good people. Look on the bright side, enjoy the blooms and proceed to dust off your camp chairs and braai stands.

With all that’s happening, it’s better for the heart to focus on the positive, on Spring with its promise of new life and vibrancy. Forget the depressing issues such as the police leadership wars, the delayed commission and the Tourism Board shenanigans. Forget about the Solstice and such science stuff. It's getting warmer and brighter outside. Mother Nature has delivered Spring on time. Feel it, it is here.