You've changed from the SA I fell in love with 22 years ago, but it's not too late to fix things, writes Riana Howa.
February is sold as the month of love, but forget the champagne and roses - all I want is to fall in love with my country again.
Don't get me wrong I love you South Africa, but right now I am not in love with you.
Of course I'll never feel about you the way I did 22 years ago when I first fell in love with a country full of hope and potential. We've both grown up since then. But remember that time we stood in long queues to vote for the first time? You were beautiful. Or when we partied all night when the world came to visit in 2010? Or even when we were shocked and devastated when Madiba died, even though we knew that day would come? We held each other and cried.
You're not the same anymore. I mean, we all grow up and start doing different things but I didn't think you'd become this. You've let yourself go. You're hanging with the wrong crowd. The deceit and lawlessness - is that really who you are?
Without a doubt there are moments where you are the best ever and there's no place I'd rather be. And that makes me stay.
For a moment there I was tempted by Obama's America, but nah...
But Zuma whispering sweet nothings in my ear tomorrow is not gonna cut it. Say something meaningful. Tell me how you really feel.
Protest on the street if you want, but with voices not fists. And hell no to looting and police brutality.
You've got friends who want to build you up and help you shine. Get in touch with them again. They're probably waiting patiently for you to reconnect. And I'm here, waiting for your grand romantic gesture.
* Riana Howa is IOL's editor