How can I be the change?
What unfolded over the past 2 weeks in KZN and parts of Gauteng is a deep shock to us all in South Africa. Perhaps this is the necessary defibrillator to a society that is living more and more in denial? It should stimulate the question – what can I do to help? It is essential that we now have honest conversations with ourselves and those around us to clearly define our way forward. These are my personal thoughts on what we can do at an individual level to direct and influence South Africa back to a healthy state, guided clearly by the Rule of Law.
Areas you can help:
Government / State
Let’s start with the obvious point; the current state is not coming to save South Africa! Once the state can look past its own interests, it is important the state goes about rebuilding itself (the government itself, its departments and the SOE’s that survive).
THE Challenge:
Maladministration, cronyism and 3 decades of kleptocracy (high level looting) has left almost all government departments and state-owned enterprises in tatters.
The Solution:
The best thing you could personally do at a government, provincial and municipal level, is to vote. Vote for the rule of law. Vote for the effective. Encourage those around you to vote. Each person who votes is part of the solution! We must all be involved. More on voting under private sector.
Become state proof. Many businesses are already filling the inefficient void created by government. Work out how you can depend on the state as little as possible, the positive being two-fold:
You will protect yourself and your family in the short-term
By looking after yourself, you indirectly take that workload off of the government. Yes, you may raise a taxes and rates argument here, and rightfully so. This will no doubt be a short-term pinch point. Address this concern at the polls.
Ability to influence:
1/10, but entirely necessary.
Private Sector
The Private Sector has many pros and some cons. The huge advantage at business level is that voting occurs daily; when you have free choice on an item, you in essence vote for its continued existence by purchasing it or not. Brands and businesses that add value, align to the Rule of Law, and serve the community should be voted for (purchased). Brands and business that do not add value, nor align to the Rule of Law, and don’t serve the community, should be voted against. The consumer is the ultimate boss in any business! Treat your role as such and drive accountability.
The Challenge:
Many businesses are culpable in the erosion of the state. To bleed a country of its resources is a mammoth task, requiring many role players. Businesses found to be involved in this erosion should be reported, and once again, we must stop voting for their products. The extent of this should not be overemphasised. We all have different levels of influence. Some can only vote for themselves, but there are many that can influence bigger role players, businesses and even communities to vote against, and that should be the case!
The Solution:
Just as we vote against, so we should vote for and support those who add value, uphold the Rule of Law and care for their communities. Theirs is a brave task and they should be incentivised through:
Repeatedly purchasing their product
Referring individuals and businesses to do the same.
Positive testimonials and reviews
The private sector should be encouraged to compete for these 3 massive wins listed above (the carrot), while being kept in line with a loss of support and a reduction in brand integrity (the stick)
Imagine how amazing our society would become if the providers were encouraged to be the best they can be, and develop the best value in their products that they can. That is the difference!
I believe entrepreneurship is the tonic South Africa desperately needs! Reward them!
Ability to influence
4/10
Community
My experience in South Africa is one of very siloed communities. Years of pain, distrust, racial division and more have pushed our communities apart.
The Challenge:
Communities that are divided are weak. Furthermore, how would one community, say a wealthier one in the suburbs, connect with those living in a rural shack? These are real issues. Distance and division here maintain distrust. It doesn’t allow inclusion; it doesn’t foster honest and inclusive discussion. How can we help if we cannot connect?
The Solution:
Get to know your neighbours. Host a braai. Invite them over for a cup of tea!
Become an active member of your community. This can be done in fun ways by joining sports clubs or the like, or better, by joining outreach teams and non-profits and offering a certain amount of your time and / or resources.
You don’t have to donate only money. Many non-profits require hands and skills. Carefully consider your position and if you are fortunate enough to have either money or time, consider how you can be the change to these meaningful teams!
Adopt a helpful attitude and look for ways to help your community. Often, the best way to do this is directly in your sweet spot. Things you do that feel easy for you are not easy for everyone (repeat this to yourself!). Find others that need your easy and then help them! In this way, it is hardly any sweat off your back while being a huge help to others. No act of kindness is too small!
Ability to influence
7/10 - You need to get here as soon as you can!
Self
The most important ingredient in my view, and the only one you can truly influence and control.
The Challenge
There are many challenges at an individual level, I believe the biggest are:
Personal health
How can I help others if I do not care for myself?
Beliefs, morals, values, ethics
Am I a good person?
A disconnect from millennia old moral guidance, mostly maintained through the attendance of church or the like.
The attitude of adding value
The belief that I exist to look after myself alone needs to change
No one is perfect. This doesn’t give us the excuse to float through life, taking more than we give. It is important we work out how we can care for ourselves first, and then others.
The Solution
Be the best you can be!
Not to win anything, or be glorified, but rather because it is ultimately the right thing to do! I believe it is our God–given responsibility. You can believe what you like but you cannot argue that it is unhelpful for us to all work towards this.
Health
Rate your different areas of health; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Be honest. Work out how you can improve yourself.
I start with physical as it has a great knock–on effect to the others, especially when I am down.
Beliefs, morals, values, ethics
What do you stand for? Explore it. Read up on it. Live it.
The attitude of adding value
A genuine cheat code to life. Every single person I know that adds more value than they take is rewarded for it. Make it a core belief. Consider a society where everyone believes that!
Work out where you are naturally strong. Get better there. Work out were you have weaknesses, and outsource, delegate or manage there.
Ability to influence
10/10
Conclusion
It comes from inside!
Consider those individuals you see that work hard to better themselves, and their families, and then their communities. Those are your everyday heroes! Those are the rivers that erode distrust, hate, poverty, and crime.
These individuals influence and guide society by their actions, not just their words!
The total solution being inward at first; loving oneself so in turn we can truly love others. A combination of being the best you can be, and through it, being the change.