I had planned to write something about love and money for Valentine’s Day. However, in the face of current events, it feels somewhat irrelevant - like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic moments before it strikes the iceberg.
Perhaps you think I’m overreacting, but I am deeply disturbed by the turn of events over the past few weeks, specifically for South Africans, following the US President’s Executive Order regarding South Africa.
The communication unleashed a divisive, vicious furore on social media amongst South Africans and expats, fuelled by Elon Musk’s comments on his media platform, X, and amplified by far-right global groups. In attempting to make sense of the chaos, I got sucked into the vortex - exactly what I know not to do. I am disturbed by what I’ve seen – specifically, how people treat other people. Those who belong to the ‘other side’ of someone’s belief system seem to be fair game for dehumanising slurs. (It is worth noting how the middle majority seems to have withdrawn from the arena entirely.)
I am stunned by the magnitude of this moment. The world is changing even faster than I thought it would just a month ago. Established policies and long-accepted logic are being upended at an alarming rate. Whole US state departments responsible for social security, health care, and education are being ripped apart. US aid has been suspended, leaving food destined for war-torn countries stranded at ports and HIV trials suspended.
Donald Trump’s issues with our government will have devastating effects on the poor.
Whether the US government’s spat with South Africa is justified is not territory for this blog. However, what is clear is that the most powerful government in the world – the government of the wealthiest nation, run by wealthy, privileged men - has turned its backs on less fortunate people.
Humanitarian aid has always been at the heart of the American government and its people. It was part of a role they chose for themselves in the world. Admittedly, some aid was used to meddle in geo-political affairs. Turning their backs on the rest of the world is their prerogative, but it sets the tone for the future.
Maybe this is about love and money after all. How any organisation spends is one of the best ways of understanding its values. Don’t believe the statements of intent - look at the spending. The same is true for governments and, of course, people.
Cash flow is one of the best ways to track love. It’s tangible. It doesn’t lie. I question whether you can claim to love if your money does not back that love. Withholding money, by contrast, can be used to bully and abuse, serving as a tool to overpower and dominate.
However, the flow of money is not necessarily a sign of love - money can also be used to buy influence or absolve guilt. It could be the bunch of expensive red roses on Valentine’s Day bought by a cheating spouse. Or a well-timed donation to a political party to secure favour. Money often reflects deeper values and intentions.
So perhaps writing about love and money isn’t irrelevant after all. They are deeply intertwined – whether in personal relationships, global politics, or acts of generosity. How we choose to spend, give, or withhold reveals what truly matters to us.
Perhaps this Valentine’s, in the face of a world that is rapidly changing, we need to check where our money is flowing and to see if it aligns with our love. After all, the choices we make today shape the realities we face tomorrow.
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Kind regards,
Sunél