Management and professional development
SA needs active citizens who bring about positive change
As the year slowly comes to an end, thoughts inevitably turn to spending time with friends or family over the festive season.But this period will be over in the blink of an eye – and the New Year will soon be upon us.
As the clock strikes midnight on 31 December 2018, many people will make resolutions or vow to make major life changes. Many of these decisions are likely to be inward-looking; however, the New Year also presents an opportunity to cast the net wider.
One cannot help but wonder how many South Africans include a resolution saying:“I am going to be a better person in 2019”.
Positive change
The first step in becoming a better person entails becoming a more active and involved citizen. Of course, many people are likely to argue that they are law-abiding, pay taxes and work hard every day. But is this enough, when one considers that millions of our fellow citizens still languish in poverty and remain outside of the economic and social mainstream?
Simply speaking, it takes more than abiding by the law to be a good citizen. A resolution to be an active citizen means getting involved in our communities. It involves constructively tackling problems, rather than complaining, and helping to bring about positive change.
With 2019 fast approaching, parents and guardians will start to think about the new school year. Parents and guardians have a duty to be involved from the first day of school. We cannot leave the future of the next generation to teachers alone. Parents and guardians should ensure their children are on time for school, check that the school transport is roadworthy, and assist their children with homework and learning.
Many parents and guardians have busy working schedules, and many children are raised by single parents. But these impediments cannot and must not stand in the way of the progress of our future generation. Wherever possible, parents and guardians must be involved with their children's education, monitor their progress, understand school processes, attend school functions, and consider offering time and energy to the school.
Another part of being an active citizen is to familiarise yourself with government's public participation processes.The recent public participation process on land reform received thousands of oral and written submissions. It saw South Africans in their numbers stand up and make their voices heard on issues that affect them.
If an issue affects you, comment on the green paper and attend public hearings. Be a South African who is aware and involved and take part in the country's democratic processes.
Cast your ballot
The year 2019 will also see millions of South Africans going to the polls for our sixth national and provincial elections. In preparation for the 2019 General Election, ensure you have an identity document and are registered to vote in your district. A voter registration weekend has been planned for 26 and 27 January 2019 by the Independent
Electoral Commission. Make use of this opportunity to either register or check your registration status.
All South Africans, especially young and first-time voters, should exercise their democratic right to vote. By casting your ballot, you will have a say in the way in which the country is governed.
As active citizens, let us make 2019 the year when we stop complaining about things that are wrong in our communities, roll up our sleeves and actively participate.You could start by raising community problems with a municipal councillor and actively working with them to find solutions.
Let us also make 2019 the year when we collectively create a safer society. As active citizens, we should partner with our local police stations to create safer communities. Government cannot fight the scourge of crime alone.
We therefore encourage South Africans to volunteer at their local police stations and join their local Community Policing Forum. If you know of criminals or illegal activities in your area, report it to Crimestop or your nearest police station. Furthermore, do not support illegal activities by buying pirated and counterfeit DVDs, CDs, cigarettes and clothing.
Zero tolerance to corruption
Collectively we can also ensure that 2019 is the year when we stamp out corruption. Act with integrity at all times, be a responsible and honest citizen, don't pay or take a bribe, obey the law and encourage others to do the same. When you are aware of corruption, you should act. Report corruption to the National Anticorruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.
Let us also make 2019 the year when we use alcohol responsibly and ensure we never drink and drive. In 2019, let us be responsible when we drink alcohol and stay away from illegal drugs.
Together we can ensure we make 2019 the year when we turn the tide on all forms of gender-based violence. We call on community members who have any knowledge of the abuse of women or human trafficking to report perpetrators to the police. Report all cases of rape, sexual assault and any form of violence to the police. The toll-free number is 0800 428
428. Report child abuse to Childline South Africa's toll-free line – 0800 055 555.
In the coming year, commit to regularly testing your HIV status. Parents must also take it upon themselves to educate their children about responsible sexual behaviour and not leave it to teachers.
Breaking down barriers
Together we can make 2019 the year when we break down the barriers which divide us. By reaching out to others, we can begin to break down the artificial barriers of culture, race or religion.
Building the South Africa of our collective dreams will not happen without hard work or without every person playing their part. It is up to us to make 2019 the year when we begin to create a new future where every person has hope for a better tomorrow.