A call to uphold values and responsibility in South Africa
One of the biggest dangers in life is that one accepts things as a matter of course. Depending on social circumstances, this will vary from person to person. For some, who have food on the table three times a day, it can easily be taken for granted. Those who do not have the privilege of regular food availability will view food differently, if it were available.
The society in which we currently function has begun to place a strong focus on human rights. Even in our country’s constitution, a variety of rights are established, encompassed in a charter of human rights. Rather, we should have a society that places emphasis on accepting responsibility. Are people still accepting accountability for their actions, or is it more convenient to shift the blame to something or someone else? It is lamented today that many politicians who are supposed to set an example are frequently singled out for abusing the position they are placed in. A position in which indeed should serve the benefit of the country’s inhabitants, but in practice, self-interest is pursued in ways that are not always honourable.
The lead-up to the election brings forth diverse expectations. The extent of political parties’ promises reaches such dimensions that even the strongest economic countries in the world do not have the capacity to fulfil all those promises. South Africa has been transformed over 30 years with a certain policy approach to where we are struggling today to build a future through the failed institutions that have been created over time. Promises that things will now be turned around, however, require expertise, and the process of cadre deployment is in many cases the cause of the failed institutions. If the same “expertise” that caused the problem has to solve it now, the problems may only get bigger.
The way in which a country’s people establish values on which the future must be built is of cardinal importance. Values that traditionally would largely pass the test of integrity and honour are slowly but surely beginning to erode. The variety of the distinct peoples who have been politically amalgamated in South Africa inevitably bring forth other historical perspectives that create different expectations. Mutual respect and understanding of diversity should be the starting point in the interaction. The sadness is that South Africa has been bombarded over the past few years with a set of values that ignore and break down diversity and then attempt to replace it with strong socialist and communist views. Somewhere people will reach a saturation point regarding the violation of their humanity and values, and then things may get tense.
The South African reality, as it has unfolded over the last 30 years, is not favourable for the majority of people, regardless of the population group they represent. Crime, unemployment, and accompanying poverty are nothing to be proud of. The unrealistic policy environment certainly does not inspire confidence, and the consequences are a country that is degenerating at a fairly rapid pace.
We are creating culture every day, which can broadly be seen as the sum total of human actions. It is indeed a choice how we do it. So, the question each one must answer for themselves is: Am I building or breaking?
In this self-made chaotic time, we must seek those aspects that bring stability. It requires choice and action from us:
We must hold onto our grounded values and not deviate from them. This brings confidence for the future, for we know that we are already victorious through Jesus Christ who died for us on the cross.
Each of us have received incredible talents that can make huge differences if we use them positively. We must strive for excellence and success in everything we do.Our attitude towards, and handling of the realities we face daily matter. Highlight the problems, but seek positive and creative solutions tirelessly. Negativity is close to throwing in the towel.
Our reputation is a precious earthly asset. Once it is “thrown away,” it becomes very difficult to “clean” it up again, if ever. When we choose or decide, we must maintain our integrity and protect our reputation.
We are not alone on this earth. How do we work with other people, especially when we differ from them? The Biblical way of doing things is well known to us. Do we pay attention to those teachings, or do we take shortcuts and cry “Crucify him!” in front of the crowd? Afterwards, excuses may be offered, but the damage will remain.
We live in a country where unemployment and poverty prevail. Therefore, we must build successful businesses that can help tackle these evils. An unrealistic policy environment creates uncertainty among investors, and therefore, economic growth should be a necessary focus. Every policy decision must be weighed for its impact on investor confidence. This is where one sees how short-sighted a policy of expropriation without compensation, enshrined in legislation, is.
Our productive commercial farmers, who provide food to South Africans, of whom about 68% are urbanised, are one of the greatest assets the country can have. Agriculture has experienced extreme conditions this year, putting many farming units under great cash flow pressure. Food on the table is certainly the greatest stabiliser in our country. Take it away, and who knows what could happen.
We live in a destabilised environment – the result of the current policy environment. This means that solutions cannot be found as long as the government is looked to. Therefore, independent solutions must be found outside of the government.
We live in a country plagued by crime. Diverse views exist on security conditions leading up to and after the election. The election’s potential for problems does not seem any different from what is already being experienced in practice. Therefore, all available capacity from all stakeholders collectively must be used to develop community safety plans. Various inputs from different organisations are available, and the best suggestions, where applicable, must be utilised.
Trust and knowledge are the foundation on which decisions should be made. Along with this, it must be principle-driven, for that is what endures. Therefore, focus on that foundation in which one believes, with necessary respect for other views, without bending the knee to the downfall of one’s own values.
Bennie van Zyl, TLU SA General Manager
