Poverty is a choice

Last week I was at the centre of a raging debate as to whether poverty is a choice. I still don't believe it is a choice, however I have seen that many people choose not to step out of their comfort zone to do things that will enhance their lives.

I am a subscriber on a number of programmes that offer rebates on prepaid airtime, online shopping and other service based products, which everyone uses.

What has stood out for me is the stories that my subscribers tell me about the people that they refer to the programme.

A lot of people don't want to join free programmes for fear that it's "too good to be true". People also don't want to join opportunities where there is a R180 subscription fee for fear that they may lose it.

In the end, people end up not doing anything but complain about their situation. There is a certain apathy synonymous with South Africans and I think it's due to the recent scam that affected churches negatively.

The most successful person in my business is a very wealthy lady from Cape Town. She is not successful because she's greedy or because she has money to build on, but because of her passion for her fellow human being. She has used the system of "Paying it Forward" to sponsor 8 people with a subscription. Despite the fact that she has money, she is actively working on helping people and in doing so, she too succeeds.

That is the secret element missing in society today. We have lost our compassion and trust.Perhaps one may be the product of the other, but it's a vicious cycle.

We need to learn to prioritise and take small chances that will enhance our situation.