It is a cliché to say that South Africa is an extraordinary country with
extraordinary people that passed relatively unscathed through an
extraordinary time. Yet it is only a cliché to us who live in this
extraordinary place everyday of our lives, and have become blasé about our
achievements.
This respect that the world has for extraordinary South Africa is still there. You can see it in the
faces of tourists and foreign audiences who stand in awe of our triumphs.
So it seems that it is South Africans who have forgotten, or become blasé, about what we have accomplished.
And in this collective amnesia, we seem to have forgotten and lost a lot more besides.
We have lost respect for each other, for the elderly, for the young, for women. We have lost
respect for the poor and for the sick. We have lost respect for our country’s laws, and for those
who wrote them. We have lost respect for the downtrodden, for refugees, for those who we don’t
necessarily agree with. We have lost respect for the moral, while giving in to the material.
We have lost respect for our own future.
But there is hope, as there always has been in this special country where the spirit of ubuntu,
compassion and humanity, is never far below the surface.
Ordinary people from all walks of life are digging deep into their memories and remembering
what it was like when we stood tall and were proud of each other. They remember what is what
like when the excitement of looking ahead overrode the fear of the unknown.
They remember that we are all South Africans, and we are in this together. That we are more similar
than we are different. And that everyday people can, and have, and do make a difference.
And looking back at our recent incredible achievement in successfully hosting the world, they
understand that if we could accomplish that, we can accomplish anything.
Now is the time for you to stand up. If you care about yourself, your family, your neighbours, your
friends, your colleagues - about South Africa, you must stand up.
Stand up for what’s right.
Stand up for the law.
Stand up for decency, compassion, and respect.
Stand up for the future you want for your family.
Stand up for your community.
Stand up, and lead South Africa.
Not soon. Not just now. Now. Because if you don’t, who will?
Go to www.leadsa.co.za to find out more