The fact that police in South Africa on August 18 shot and killed 34 striking mineworkers has been the source of exasperation for many; considering that country’s journey in ending apartheid. While the details of how this tragic incident occurred will be the subject of a special commission, it is clear that this crisis will lead to much soul-searching in that country. I believe that there are some implications for the rest of the Human Family.Recently, I pulled into John Smith’s Bay to enjoy a morning swim with friends. I noted that there were some extra cars that day and I could not find much space to park. In response, I began fuming to myself, over an elderly gentleman who doesn’t swim, but sits in his jeep, smoking, every morning, in this small car park. However, by the time I came out of the water I had laid that burden down about this ‘non-swimmer’ and remembered that the parking area is there for any and everyone. This became an ‘ah ha’ moment, putting the South African crisis into context. I was able to see that I had been hurrying to join my ‘crew’ and had made the common error, of disregarding others. Since this gentleman was a non-swimmer and smoked, I had considered him to be in an ‘out group’Mineworkers in South Africa, played a critical part in the movement to end apartheid, especially during the 1980s. They would have been an ‘out-group’ for the Apartheid Regime, but ‘in’ for the anti-apartheid movement. Reviewing the media coverage over the grievances raised by the strikers, the current leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is being accused of forgetting their roots, so that some of the rank and file felt that this leadership was ‘in’ with the new Government, as well as the mine owners and the striking mineworkers were ‘out’. Consequently an insurgent new union gained the support of the more militant miners and there is significant conflict between these unions.While the details of how this crisis unfolded will be the subject of the Commission, it is clear that over the years, concerns have been raised. In 2007 Desmond Tutu made an observation on PBS about the post-Mandela leadership; they stopped the gravy train, just long enough to get on themselves. The iconic Archbishop was quoted on BBC TV in 2009, regarding the new leadership: ‘What is black empowerment when it seems to benefit not the vast majority, but an elite that tends to be recycled?’Empowerment is based on building solidarity within a community — fostering trust, amongst all sectors, so that each can maximise their potential. Therefore, it is about moving a community beyond ‘them and us’ and ‘in and ‘out’ groups. At John Smith’s Bay, I had made a mistake, but took the opportunity for redemption and chose, in the words of Ghandi, to be the change that I want in the World.When Mandela was released from prison, he demonstrated this quality. He worked in that period to stabilise the tensions amongst various tribal groups. Mandela helped navigate the country through the potential dangers of serious violence, notably with the largest ethnic group — the Zulus and the challenges offered by Chief Butelezi. Most importantly, with the support of Desmond Tutu, he led the thrust to dismantle apartheid, beyond the impulse for retribution into a transformation fostered by reconciliation.However, this latest tragedy demonstrates that South Africa today, more than two decades after Mandela’s release, more work is needed to further renewal. The current government would be able to draw on the lessons of the inquiry of the ‘90s, led by Tutu, and would benefit from a wider conversation in their community addressing the relationships of all sectors.There are lessons here for our Bermuda. We have challenges with ‘out’ and ‘in’ groups. These dynamics can be seen in our political landscape and other aspects of our social fabric. It is manifested in the way some local residents interact with each other on our roads and it is evident in the strife amongst some younger people caught up in gangs.While the shootings of the strikers in South Africa or certain aspects of Bermuda might be exasperating for some, I believe that my episode at John Smith’s Bay suggests, that on some level, in our ordinary interactions, each of us can make a difference. Opening our awareness to how we respond to others, is an empowering opportunity. We can choose how to be in our community, and as Ghandi suggested, make for a better world.