Love is stronger than pride.

There are three magical words that people need to use all the time: sorry, please and thank you. If people used these words, the world would become a better place. Friendships, relationships, families and the workplace are bitter because of pride. People lose opportunities because pride doesn't allow them to apologise to others.

The xenophobic attacks on our African brothers and sisters were based on fear. Our African brothers and sisters do jobs that the locals are not willing to do. This is selling chips, sweets, cigarettes on street corners. This job is demeaning to them yet they loot their shops saying they are taking their jobs. Instead we could be loving towards them, some of their countries assisted South Africa during the apartheid. Our fathers, brothers, mothers and sisters ran in exile to their countries. This is an opportunity to learn about other African cultures and for Africa to unite.

Long-term friendships end with people not being able to forgive each other or apologise for what they have done. Relationships are maintained through communication and people putting their pride aside and apologising when necessary. Families are destroyed because elders are unable to apologise thinking they are always right and the youngsters are always wrong.

Some people are living a lie, always acting as if they are fine all the time. People, who can't ask when they are in need, people who can't speak to their neighbours about their troubles and people who can't say thank you. People are all alone because of pride. A command from the Bible is to love your neighbour as you love yourself.