We Need An Active Citizenry

South Africa is “alive with possibility” but only in so far as all South Africans are willing to work together. We have heard this or similar statements since the fall of apartheid – and we will continue to hear it until it is no longer necessary to remind the people of this wonderful country about the work that needs to be done.  And there is mammoth task ahead of us.

Government has plenty to answer for in the areas where they have failed or not done enough – like in health, education and creating an environment which is conducive to job creation. That said we cannot place the blame squarely on Government, because society is failing itself on many counts – we are content on accepting the small victories.  Democracy has made us lazy! Where is the active citizenry of the pre-1994 era? Granted those were very different times but the need to hold those in power accountable is still necessary.  The need to work towards a better South Africa still needs to be on our minds. We have become complacent.

Given the level of complacency, it was surprising to witness the level of protest against the Protection of State Information Bill (POSIB).  Why can’t we, as an active citizenry, passionately fight against the unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment, inequality (the “triple threat”) and the poor state of the country’s education system? Why aren’t we angry? These things should keep us up at night.

The longer we sit back and watch, the harder it will become to realise the possibility of a South Africa that we will all be proud of. Where is that fighting spirit that resulted in the democratic elections of 1994? 

Voting is not enough; we need to become active citizens.

A while back a friend said “I want to change this country”.  This should be our nation’s mantra. We should wake up every morning and utter these words with purpose of putting them into action. Together, we need to fight for a better South Africa.

Life may be comfortable for some of us; but as long as the majority of our compatriots struggle, we should never stop fighting the good fight for a better South Africa. We must lobby and pressure Government whenever possible. We must ensure that justice prevails.

The good fight is never an easy one, but it remains a necessary one. Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu. We should not rest until South Africa is the kind of South Africa we all dream about. We need to work together and for one another.  Let us again become an active citizenry.

I want to change this country.