But they all have one thing in common - they don't want to see their friends and family murdered, tortured, starving etc.

Paranoia is the demon to exorcise. Noone trusts anyone else.

Noone trusts seemingly empty asurances that seem ultimately to bear no fruit.

Blacks are saying "we thought life was supposed to get better for us when apartheid was removed. We thought we would become enfranchised and our quality of life would be improved"

Whites are sayin "see - just look at them - we told you this is how it would be - they're savages"

The thing for you hans is to find initiatives that are going on and critically learn about them and if you fnd one that is explained to your satisfaction, get behind it.

The emphasis has to be on leadership and initiative and working hard to give people real practical reasons to feel that it isn't stupid or naive to be optimistic.

community projects encouraging enterprise - not just in wealthy white areas but in the more challenging areas.

Investment in projects and enterprises that can help the commuinty regain a sense of self esteem and encourage peoples hopes and aspirations.

Lobbying to encourage a crackdown on corruption in government and public services.

In India the Caste system was outlawed with varying levels of success and with varying measures of consequence, but it still serves as evidence of how it is possible to tackle deep seated cultural prejudice.

A clear strategy to deal with the short term threats posed by the gangs - bearing in mind that this kind of stuff is a symptom of disenfranchisement and poverty.

what else ... I dunno - I typed that at 100 miles an hour - the point is that you have to start somewhere and you have to start with belief.

You have to set realistic goals and work step by step towards a better future.

It may take 25 years in SA or 15 in Zimbabwe, but it CAN happen!