2023 Q2 Newsletter
q2 Newsletter!
Be plugged in: This network won’t work or serve its purpose until you rise.
Message from the CEO’s desk:
This quarter we saw a lot of work on the ground through the network perspective. At the centre of this was the civic education launch. The activations saw the integration of its alumni and the activators in training. The strategy of the organisation has landed well in the network and the staff who are co-custodians of implementing the strategy have made great effort this quarter.
The completion of module 1 of ACD really was a great highlight and continues to encourage us to keep the momentum up.
We are resolute to utilise the rest of this year and the next quarter to keep going, this work is not for us, it’s for the greater good of our society. There has never been a greater urgency and need for civic engagement led by young people. The youth in this country should refuse to sit on the sidelines and on their potential, our call is clear that young people must absent of a seat at the table, create their own. Integrated efforts toward arriving at a state of democracy where young people are empowered will require collaborative effort across racial, gender and class lines, these should be seen as building blocks, never barriers.
The completion of module 1 of ACD really was a great highlight and continues to encourage us to keep the momentum up.
We are resolute to utilise the rest of this year and the next quarter to keep going, this work is not for us, it’s for the greater good of our society. There has never been a greater urgency and need for civic engagement led by young people. The youth in this country should refuse to sit on the sidelines and on their potential, our call is clear that young people must absent of a seat at the table, create their own. Integrated efforts toward arriving at a state of democracy where young people are empowered will require collaborative effort across racial, gender and class lines, these should be seen as building blocks, never barriers.
Editor’s Blurb:
Steady growth and collaborative efforts really were a firm theme this quarter. We saw the network integrate across the various programs and mostly importantly contribute to national discourse and mass mobilization. It is true that if you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go further go within a team.
The team activate comprises of a dynamic offering of young people and great key partners and stakeholders who readily partner with the network.
Inside the network, there have been many robust conversations and calls for greater visibility and presence of the youth voice, this is important if we are to realize any national meaningful change. Members of the network internally must find a voice, grow that voice, make mistakes, and also be seen as recognized and celebrated internally.
The network hangout really directed the efforts of the communications unit, to be more visible and showcase the work of the network. Using June to launch the activator profiles on a monthly basis alongside our #WeAreVoting campaign, we have seen growth and great visibility of young people on our timelines. We are also excited by the strides made by activators who are business owners, entrepreneurs, activists, and the use of multimedia tools.
It is safe to declare that this is the year and moment for steady growth, at ACTIVATE, we will make mistakes often, learn early, and grow steadily!
The team activate comprises of a dynamic offering of young people and great key partners and stakeholders who readily partner with the network.
Inside the network, there have been many robust conversations and calls for greater visibility and presence of the youth voice, this is important if we are to realize any national meaningful change. Members of the network internally must find a voice, grow that voice, make mistakes, and also be seen as recognized and celebrated internally.
The network hangout really directed the efforts of the communications unit, to be more visible and showcase the work of the network. Using June to launch the activator profiles on a monthly basis alongside our #WeAreVoting campaign, we have seen growth and great visibility of young people on our timelines. We are also excited by the strides made by activators who are business owners, entrepreneurs, activists, and the use of multimedia tools.
It is safe to declare that this is the year and moment for steady growth, at ACTIVATE, we will make mistakes often, learn early, and grow steadily!
Civic Education:
Training of Trainers
The Civic Education portfolio started the second quarter with the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop. The workshop successfully hosted 18 Champions that were drawn from Policy and Civic Education portfolios and selected and shortlisted as ambassadors of the Civic Education programme across the 9 provinces of South Africa.
Bringing together Champions from 2 portfolios provided a great networking opportunity, cross-pollination of ideas across cohorts and intensive learning from experts who were invited to engage the Champions. The workshop was also a great platform to learn from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) about the 2024 national elections.
Bringing together Champions from 2 portfolios provided a great networking opportunity, cross-pollination of ideas across cohorts and intensive learning from experts who were invited to engage the Champions. The workshop was also a great platform to learn from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) about the 2024 national elections.
Strengthening of the local stakeholder networks
One of the key successes of the second quarter was the strengthening of the local stakeholder networks. These stakeholder networks are progressively and strategically aligning with Champion community intervention projects. The goal of this initiative is to ensure the sustainability of ACTIVATE’s projects in communities beyond the direct intervention of the organisation.
Furthermore, Civic Champions and the staff team attended the session aligned to the Secretary General of the United Nations’ visit to South Africa to engage young people in a focus group consultation engagement to hear first-hand from the youth of South Africa on views and shared learning on youth issues aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. This is part of our ongoing relationship with the UNDP. The session was moderated by ACTIVATE!
One of the key successes of the second quarter was the strengthening of the local stakeholder networks. These stakeholder networks are progressively and strategically aligning with Champion community intervention projects. The goal of this initiative is to ensure the sustainability of ACTIVATE’s projects in communities beyond the direct intervention of the organisation.
Furthermore, Civic Champions and the staff team attended the session aligned to the Secretary General of the United Nations’ visit to South Africa to engage young people in a focus group consultation engagement to hear first-hand from the youth of South Africa on views and shared learning on youth issues aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. This is part of our ongoing relationship with the UNDP. The session was moderated by ACTIVATE!
June Activations
To create continuous, localised engagement between communities, young people, stakeholders and political parties. This is to inculcate the culture of voting amongst young people and emphasise this as not only the power/leverage they hold but also the duty they have to build South African democracy. It is also important to educate young people on public policy participation and other civic information tools as decision-making instruments on how to vote and who to vote for. The activations were a collaborative effort between ACTIVATE!, the UNDP and the IEC. There was also support from the NYDA, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disability as well as local municipalities: Mogale City and Ethekwini municipality where the engagements were hosted. More details on the Activation can be found here (https://activateleadership.co.za/activate-prepares-for-the-2024-general-elections/). The Gauteng and KZN Activations reach was 445, the remaining last Activation will be hosted on the 29th of June in Limpopo.
G20 Webinar
The work that the Civic Education portfolio is doing has not gone unnoticed. We received an invitation to participate in a G20 webinar in which we were given an opportunity to share best practices and knowledge of the Civic Education work that both ACTIVATE! and Activators do in South Africa with young people at the grassroots levels. This became a connection point in terms of what other key organisations are doing across India, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Italy to unpack what youth-led democracy looks like and how it can be strengthened and the value that it brings in rebuilding societies. It was a great opportunity for ACTIVATE! to show up in that way and to be recognised in the sector as an organisation that can offer credibility to work within the global civic space.
The work that the Civic Education portfolio is doing has not gone unnoticed. We received an invitation to participate in a G20 webinar in which we were given an opportunity to share best practices and knowledge of the Civic Education work that both ACTIVATE! and Activators do in South Africa with young people at the grassroots levels. This became a connection point in terms of what other key organisations are doing across India, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa and Italy to unpack what youth-led democracy looks like and how it can be strengthened and the value that it brings in rebuilding societies. It was a great opportunity for ACTIVATE! to show up in that way and to be recognised in the sector as an organisation that can offer credibility to work within the global civic space.
Special Projects:
Summary of the quarter
Many key activities were conducted during the second quarter with the view of advancing the organization’s objectives towards strengthening the capacity of Activators and youth, in general, to influence positive change in society. With this in mind, the Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects portfolio initiated and supported several activities throughout the quarter to contribute positively towards building social solidarity, deepening the organisation’s impact and expanding organisational reach in line with the organisation’s strategic pillars.
Many key activities were conducted during the second quarter with the view of advancing the organization’s objectives towards strengthening the capacity of Activators and youth, in general, to influence positive change in society. With this in mind, the Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects portfolio initiated and supported several activities throughout the quarter to contribute positively towards building social solidarity, deepening the organisation’s impact and expanding organisational reach in line with the organisation’s strategic pillars.
Generation G
Among the key activities conducted as part of the Generation G partnership were 5 community dialogues across 5 intervention sites in Orange Farm, Tembisa, uMzumbe, Butterworth and Mthatha respectively reaching over 700 participants. Furthermore, Generation G Champions and mentors were represented at various decision-making processes and structures aimed at promoting gender justice in their respective communities. In line with this, Generation G project mentor in KwaZulu Natal Raymond Kalala was elected as Chairperson of Umzumbe Civil Society Forum. Moreover, Generation G project mentor in the Eastern Cape Nonkosi Mrwaushe represented Generation G at the Amathole Regional Youth Parliament hosted on the 19th of May 2023 with the Mayoral Executive of Mbashe Local Municipality and Amathole District Municipality. These events essentially speak to the organisation’s efforts towards enhancing the meaningful and inclusive participation of youth in decision-making processes and structures at various levels of society.
NYRI
On the 30th of May 2023, the National Youth Resilience Initiative (NYRI) project coordination team conducted a Training of Trainers session with the support of the ACTIVATE! Academy team. The session targeted ACTIVATE! staff responsible for the coordination of the NYRI project, which focused on reviewing the facilitator guide and exploring delivery methodologies. Furthermore, the session looked at the group coaching structure which is a crucial element of the NYRI training programme. Between the 3rd and the 7th of July, the NYRI team will conduct its cohort 1 training in Sedibeng targeting 25 young people from across the region.
Youth Hubs, ACD – In community
Youth Hubs are central to the organisation’s goal of building solidarity with the ACTIVATE! network. With this in mind, the organisation has partnered with a selected number of youth hubs to deliver the ACD In-Community programme across all 9 provinces. For the second quarter, a total of 9 ACD In-Community Module 1 training sessions were conducted at various youth hubs with the support of 18 ACTIVATE! Amplifiers. In some areas where the youth hub facilities are not large enough to accommodate the training, Amplifiers were tasked with identifying and securing alternative venues to ensure the aims of the ACD In-Community programme are achieved. A total of 168 participants out of 180 completed Module 1 training. On the 31st of May 2023, the ACD In-Community programme team conducted a review of the Module 2 programme with the support of the ACTIVATE! Academy team. The session sought to review the content and delivery modalities for Module 2 in preparation for the planned TOT in June and Module 2 training planned for the second and third quarters respectively. Between the 26th and 30th of June 2023, the team will conduct a Training of Trainers for Module 2 of the ACD In-Community programme to further enhance the capacity of the Amplifiers to deliver the programme for the benefit of youth in their respective communities.
Network Support:
Summary of the quarter
The Network Support portfolio focused on reconnecting and reviving the network through Imbizos. The portfolio also introduced District Mobilisation Engagements to replace Provincial Imbizos and create networking opportunities for Activators in their districts. The activity has not yet yielded the desired results, as some Activators participate in it largely for financial benefits. The Team will revise the activity to produce a positive outcome. The Network Support Portfolio 4 also introduced the compliance training programme, to promote compliance among Activators when applying for funding. The pilot programme has been able to recruit 22 participants. The programme will run till the end of the third quarter.
The Network Support portfolio focused on reconnecting and reviving the network through Imbizos. The portfolio also introduced District Mobilisation Engagements to replace Provincial Imbizos and create networking opportunities for Activators in their districts. The activity has not yet yielded the desired results, as some Activators participate in it largely for financial benefits. The Team will revise the activity to produce a positive outcome. The Network Support Portfolio 4 also introduced the compliance training programme, to promote compliance among Activators when applying for funding. The pilot programme has been able to recruit 22 participants. The programme will run till the end of the third quarter.
Compliance Training Programme
We have also introduced the compliance training programme, this was based on our key learning that Activators are missing out on funding opportunities due to not being compliant. The pilot programme has been able to recruit 22 participants, the programme will run till the end of the third quarter.
Policy
The Policy Portfolio also launched a campaign of its 7 own which focuses on the IDP. The campaign saw us having a Twitter Space unpacking the IDP, the conversation had 3 young PR councillors of different parties (DA, EFF and BCM) and a governance specialist. This was followed by sharing posters of IDP Meeting Schedules. The next step is to invite relevant stakeholders and put together a policy brief on the IDP. The Policy Portfolio also hosted its first Policy Training of Trainers which saw us train 12 young champions from the 7 of the 9 provinces. These champions will lead community dialogues in their communities in the third quarter. These dialogues will also feed into getting young to show up in their numbers at the polls in 2024.
Coordinators
Arts and Agricultural Spaces
The arts and agricultural spaces are often forgotten and neglected, and to our pleasant surprise, we saw two amazing initiatives emanating from the Network. The first is the Women in Film and Arts Spaces and the second is the Agri-Go Green Project. The Women in Film & Arts Spaces provides an opportunity for Activators in Film and Art Spaces with an opportunity to learn from Thought Leaders and each other as well as create a conducive environment for learning. The first workshop was in Pretoria, the workshop was followed up with calls to have them in other parts of the country. We are proud to announce that in the third quarter, we will host one in Mpumalanga, this is a collaboration with Activator Tsakane Matavela.
The Agri-Go Green Project is similar but focuses on Agriculture, we had a webinar which culminated in two workshops, one in Polokwane (3 June) and the other in Mbombela (17 June). There is one that will take place on the 24th of June in Kuruman. Kgomotso Itumeleng, an Activator based in the Northern Cape, is at the forefront.
The Agri-Go Green Project is similar but focuses on Agriculture, we had a webinar which culminated in two workshops, one in Polokwane (3 June) and the other in Mbombela (17 June). There is one that will take place on the 24th of June in Kuruman. Kgomotso Itumeleng, an Activator based in the Northern Cape, is at the forefront.
Health Sector
The Health Sector which has always been a strong sector within the Network has launched a campaign which seeks to address SDG 3, the campaign focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Adolescent Youth Friendly Services. The campaign started with a launch with an online webinar and was followed by a Twitter Space conversation unpacking how the role of young people in creating healthy spaces. This will be followed by AYFS in community workshops in Sebokeng and Atteridgeville.
The Health Sector which has always been a strong sector within the Network has launched a campaign which seeks to address SDG 3, the campaign focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Adolescent Youth Friendly Services. The campaign started with a launch with an online webinar and was followed by a Twitter Space conversation unpacking how the role of young people in creating healthy spaces. This will be followed by AYFS in community workshops in Sebokeng and Atteridgeville.
Profiles of Champions:
Civic Education
Initia Mogoswana
Meet Initia Mogoswana, a Civic champion from Mphanama village in Limpopo. She is a member of the Rising Star Literacy Initiative, a local youth centre that offers after-school programs, academic support and mentorship. As a Civic champion, Mogoswana aims to continue hosting civic education workshops to enlighten the youth about the power of being active citizens. She believes that her purpose is to lead her community out of oblivion and into empowerment.
Generation G
Sisipho Cuntsulana
Meet Sisipho Cuntsulana, a young South African active citizen who takes pride in being an enthusiast for social change. She is always ready to get immersed in the work needed to make the world a better place for all she already started by joining the network (Activate change drivers) working for their Generation G programme. Her area of interest is community development, and closest to her heart is human rights and education.
Traces of her activism are found in the university space in 2017 when she joined Sunrise Organisation. Then it became strong in 2019 when I attended an important internal dialogue, a new term in my vocabulary, patriarchy. I was so intrigued, my curiosity pushed me to learn more, and the rest is not history, I am still here in the arena existing, fighting, learning and unlearning. The exposure I got on the ongoing discourse about gender-based violence has paved the way for me to take a stand. I am now witnessing its brutal legacy, its injustice around my community too. What I would change and what I am pushing for is that we need both women and men unlearn, we need collaborative effort. There is resistance in the fight against gender-based violence in the sense that our communities are too conservative and scared to divert from the norm. With time I believe that we can use other tools that are imbedded in activism to dismantle beliefs that perpetuate such an injustice in our communities.
My come up is inspired by social justice, my journey is founded under the rudiments of human rights. My dream is to see a society that places value on the dignity of human rights for all and a society that is free from gender-based violence. As far as activism is concerned, I will use my voice for the people and with the people. There are particular interests that came with my leadership pursuit, reading has inspired me to study further.
I am engaged with my community and involved in a project that assists rural scholars by bridging the gap between high schools and higher institutions. My biggest highlight and achievement were serving as chairperson and the same organisation (Sunrise Organisation) at branch level, then a year later I served as Deputy Chairperson of the organization at provincial level. I believe that young people are the catalyst in the radical transformation that our country needs in addressing urgent matters like GBV and other important socioeconomic issues because they are the ones who are vocal and influential.
Traces of her activism are found in the university space in 2017 when she joined Sunrise Organisation. Then it became strong in 2019 when I attended an important internal dialogue, a new term in my vocabulary, patriarchy. I was so intrigued, my curiosity pushed me to learn more, and the rest is not history, I am still here in the arena existing, fighting, learning and unlearning. The exposure I got on the ongoing discourse about gender-based violence has paved the way for me to take a stand. I am now witnessing its brutal legacy, its injustice around my community too. What I would change and what I am pushing for is that we need both women and men unlearn, we need collaborative effort. There is resistance in the fight against gender-based violence in the sense that our communities are too conservative and scared to divert from the norm. With time I believe that we can use other tools that are imbedded in activism to dismantle beliefs that perpetuate such an injustice in our communities.
My come up is inspired by social justice, my journey is founded under the rudiments of human rights. My dream is to see a society that places value on the dignity of human rights for all and a society that is free from gender-based violence. As far as activism is concerned, I will use my voice for the people and with the people. There are particular interests that came with my leadership pursuit, reading has inspired me to study further.
I am engaged with my community and involved in a project that assists rural scholars by bridging the gap between high schools and higher institutions. My biggest highlight and achievement were serving as chairperson and the same organisation (Sunrise Organisation) at branch level, then a year later I served as Deputy Chairperson of the organization at provincial level. I believe that young people are the catalyst in the radical transformation that our country needs in addressing urgent matters like GBV and other important socioeconomic issues because they are the ones who are vocal and influential.
Silindelo “Lokishi” Martin
Meet Silindelo Martin better known as Lokishi.
Lokishi hails from Ntuzuma in Kwa Zulu Natal, he describes himself as a “young radical community developer”, he houses experience as a national youth service – programmes facilitator, event organizer and ACTIVATE! Generation G Community Champion.
His work in activism began seven years ago where he worked as a facilitator for Gugu Dlamini Foundation. At the foundation, he implemented the SASA Programme in several wards at Inanda Ntuzuma and Kwa Mashu.
Lokishi was responsible for training community Caregivers (CCGs )on the role they can play to alleviate and prevent gender-based violence, traditional leaders, pastors, kings and community members “SASA!” means “NOW!” in Kiswahili, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent violence against women and children.
Lokishi has also utilised his community network to contribute to social ills in the community. He is also a member of the Ntuzuma Municipality Library Committee, Former Facilitator At AIDS Foundation Of South Africa (AFSA ), as well as the Youth Making Local Government Work Member.
“I am a persistent, committed fighter who knows I won’t always win, there are always dissenting views who try to hold me back, but I am brave enough to fight again and again for what I believe. I am confident that my perseverance will lead to victory someday and we will one day live in a gender-just and equal society.”
Lokishi says the journey in activism has not been easy.
“The Challenges I Have Encountered in this space include the lack of referral systems and platforms where victims can seek help and be empowered out of their situations. Secondly, when you do find a centre you are likely to be met and welcomed by inhospitable officials, many social workers are unprofessional and the police at times lack compassion and decorum to deal with victims. This discourages so many people from speaking up and or reporting matters officially and in a way this means perpetrators know they will get away with gross crimes. “
Some of his points of pride are the legacy and impact he has had at Raising Hope Community Project – A Youth-Led Community Based Organisation by young people from Inanda, Kwa Mashu, and Ntuzuma (INK).
“These young people decided to organize themselves in 2013 to ensure that youth steer clear of the pitfalls associated with poverty that often lead to reckless lifestyle and influence into criminal activity”.
Given the space and platform to radically transform society, Lokishi says he would “change the country through women empowerment and create legislative structures that support the development of women and children.
This would include things like; “Community Stokvels, Financial Literacy, and skills development programs for women. In order to bridge the gap between women and men in South Africa”
When not playing his part, Lokishi spends his downtime listening to music, poetry, and reading and writing.
Lokishi hails from Ntuzuma in Kwa Zulu Natal, he describes himself as a “young radical community developer”, he houses experience as a national youth service – programmes facilitator, event organizer and ACTIVATE! Generation G Community Champion.
His work in activism began seven years ago where he worked as a facilitator for Gugu Dlamini Foundation. At the foundation, he implemented the SASA Programme in several wards at Inanda Ntuzuma and Kwa Mashu.
Lokishi was responsible for training community Caregivers (CCGs )on the role they can play to alleviate and prevent gender-based violence, traditional leaders, pastors, kings and community members “SASA!” means “NOW!” in Kiswahili, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent violence against women and children.
Lokishi has also utilised his community network to contribute to social ills in the community. He is also a member of the Ntuzuma Municipality Library Committee, Former Facilitator At AIDS Foundation Of South Africa (AFSA ), as well as the Youth Making Local Government Work Member.
“I am a persistent, committed fighter who knows I won’t always win, there are always dissenting views who try to hold me back, but I am brave enough to fight again and again for what I believe. I am confident that my perseverance will lead to victory someday and we will one day live in a gender-just and equal society.”
Lokishi says the journey in activism has not been easy.
“The Challenges I Have Encountered in this space include the lack of referral systems and platforms where victims can seek help and be empowered out of their situations. Secondly, when you do find a centre you are likely to be met and welcomed by inhospitable officials, many social workers are unprofessional and the police at times lack compassion and decorum to deal with victims. This discourages so many people from speaking up and or reporting matters officially and in a way this means perpetrators know they will get away with gross crimes. “
Some of his points of pride are the legacy and impact he has had at Raising Hope Community Project – A Youth-Led Community Based Organisation by young people from Inanda, Kwa Mashu, and Ntuzuma (INK).
“These young people decided to organize themselves in 2013 to ensure that youth steer clear of the pitfalls associated with poverty that often lead to reckless lifestyle and influence into criminal activity”.
Given the space and platform to radically transform society, Lokishi says he would “change the country through women empowerment and create legislative structures that support the development of women and children.
This would include things like; “Community Stokvels, Financial Literacy, and skills development programs for women. In order to bridge the gap between women and men in South Africa”
When not playing his part, Lokishi spends his downtime listening to music, poetry, and reading and writing.
Policy
Keagen Gertse
Meet Keagan, a Policy champion from Wellington in Western Cape. After graduating from the ACD program in 2018, Keagan immersed himself in politics. This was how he became the youngest PR councillor for his party. As a policy Champion, he believes that the youth must continue to raise their hands and take up space in 2024.
Multimedia network – From the writer’s hub
Aphelele Mtwecu – A Civic War against South African Youth: An Overview Of The Effects of Unemployment On Young People
Here Aphelele explored how South Africa is the poster child for crisis. With the use of credible references, she used facts from policies and research studies to paint a clear picture of the reality of unemployment. Aphelele mentioned issues such as abject poverty, homelessness and food insecurity as factors that contribute to the difficulty of being a young person in South Africa. She further touched on some of the effects that the youth experience as a result of unemployment which included apathy, low self-esteem and a lack of self-worth. Her piece was a beautifully detailed summary of the war that South African youth fights every day.
Link: https://activateleadership.co.za/a-civic-war-against-south-african-youth-an-overview-of-the-effects-on-unemployment-on-young-people/
Link: https://activateleadership.co.za/a-civic-war-against-south-african-youth-an-overview-of-the-effects-on-unemployment-on-young-people/
Nontsikelelo Khunju – Article: How Sports Unites Us
In this article, Ntsiki unpacked how sports unite us as a country. In celebrating and honouring the life of the late former Bafana Bafana coach, Clive Barker, she deciphered the title into three sub-topics. These included the history of sports as a nation-building exercise, sports as a tool to inspire and unite and rebuild South African youth through sports. Ntsiki captured the power of sports and the great possibilities it has for the future of South African youth.
Link: https://activateleadership.co.za/how-sports-unite-us-by-nontsikelelo-khunju/
Link: https://activateleadership.co.za/how-sports-unite-us-by-nontsikelelo-khunju/
Mpho “MrSir” Matlhbegoane – When The Day Comes….
In this poem, Mpho unpacks the difficulties of being young, in love and ready to get married while the elderly believe that it is too early. He talks about how prepared he is to prove to the elders that he is indeed ready without stressing his future wife, his girlfriend at the moment. His focus is now on making sure that both sides are satisfied.
So far it had been all moon and stars,
But we both know that it won’t last forever.
There’ll be points where we’ll fight so intensely,
That we might even consider calling it quits.
The memories of when it all started will be a bit blury,
It will feel like love never swam in our arteries.
And we would be on each other’s throats,
feeling like the only solution would be to sail a boat.
Financial set backs are the first things that will be used,
To create tension and weaken the bonds that got us fused.
Our unworked on differences will haunt us through decisions,
That are going to be made by one with less domination.
And if kids get involved, they will be our excuses to stay.
Will it really be fair for them to determine our fate?
If we won’t spice things up in the bedroom,
Then our secret acts will definitely need a broom.
Our values will be questioned, our love tested.
Even small things could prod annoyance.
As long as we don’t resolve every issue with immediate effect,
They will bulk up until we start confusing feelings with facts.
When that day comes, may God lead our hearts.
May He remind us of this proposal journal.
May He take us back to our wedding vows,
And keep us focused the best way He knows how.
‘Cause when that day comes, either the devil will thrive,
Or God will be proud.
Remember, God celebrates when husbands and wives,
Honour the day they were bound.
So far it had been all moon and stars,
But we both know that it won’t last forever.
There’ll be points where we’ll fight so intensely,
That we might even consider calling it quits.
The memories of when it all started will be a bit blury,
It will feel like love never swam in our arteries.
And we would be on each other’s throats,
feeling like the only solution would be to sail a boat.
Financial set backs are the first things that will be used,
To create tension and weaken the bonds that got us fused.
Our unworked on differences will haunt us through decisions,
That are going to be made by one with less domination.
And if kids get involved, they will be our excuses to stay.
Will it really be fair for them to determine our fate?
If we won’t spice things up in the bedroom,
Then our secret acts will definitely need a broom.
Our values will be questioned, our love tested.
Even small things could prod annoyance.
As long as we don’t resolve every issue with immediate effect,
They will bulk up until we start confusing feelings with facts.
When that day comes, may God lead our hearts.
May He remind us of this proposal journal.
May He take us back to our wedding vows,
And keep us focused the best way He knows how.
‘Cause when that day comes, either the devil will thrive,
Or God will be proud.
Remember, God celebrates when husbands and wives,
Honour the day they were bound.
