Dear Fellow South African,
As we recently celebrated the first democratic elections in South Africa on Freedom Day, we are reminded of the resilience of the South African people. In 1994, South Africans achieved what many thought was impossible: a peaceful democratic transition despite every indicator showing that we were headed for civil war.
It shows that we are an industrious people and that we set the global example of what it means to overcome any obstacle that is placed in our way. Time and time again, when faced with the biggest hurdles, we managed to find solutions by working together.
When crime overtakes our community, we form community policing forums to monitor our streets. When our health system fails, we form networks to transport the elderly to healthcare facilities. When rivers overflow, we work together to help the most vulnerable.
This year, as we head into what is set to be the most consequential elections since 1994, we should be reminded of this industrious spirit. While many may seek to divide us along racial lines or scare us into voting for certain parties, we should be inspired to vote for hope – not fear.
As many did in 1994, we should be energised to go to the polls to vote for what is possible in South Africa. We come from a painful past where political leaders tried to turn us against each other, where the strength of our diversity was used against us to divide us. We should never allow political leaders to do that again.
Because South Africa is stronger in our diversity. We are always stronger when we cross the divides between us and work together towards a greater future. As we did in the past, we can work together again to bring about democratic change in South Africa and bring our country onto a path of prosperity.
It is possible for South Africa to live up to the dream of 1994, it is possible to achieve the Rainbow Nation. But, for that to happen we need to be brave enough to vote for hope, not fear. Fear is never going to move us forward, but instead keeps us stuck in the past.
In the weeks ahead, I invite you to help spread the message of hope South Africa has to offer. I invite you, and those around you, to vote for the best of us, not the worst of us.
Because, this year, hope is possible. Change is possible.
Presidency Newsletter
Fear will keep us in the past, hope will move us forward
Dear Fellow South African,
As we recently celebrated the first democratic elections in South Africa on Freedom Day, we are reminded of the resilience of the South African people. In 1994, South Africans achieved what many thought was impossible: a peaceful democratic transition despite every indicator showing that we were headed for civil war.
It shows that we are an industrious people and that we set the global example of what it means to overcome any obstacle that is placed in our way. Time and time again, when faced with the biggest hurdles, we managed to find solutions by working together.
When crime overtakes our community, we form community policing forums to monitor our streets. When our health system fails, we form networks to transport the elderly to healthcare facilities. When rivers overflow, we work together to help the most vulnerable.
This year, as we head into what is set to be the most consequential elections since 1994, we should be reminded of this industrious spirit. While many may seek to divide us along racial lines or scare us into voting for certain parties, we should be inspired to vote for hope – not fear.
As many did in 1994, we should be energised to go to the polls to vote for what is possible in South Africa. We come from a painful past where political leaders tried to turn us against each other, where the strength of our diversity was used against us to divide us. We should never allow political leaders to do that again.
Because South Africa is stronger in our diversity. We are always stronger when we cross the divides between us and work together towards a greater future. As we did in the past, we can work together again to bring about democratic change in South Africa and bring our country onto a path of prosperity.
It is possible for South Africa to live up to the dream of 1994, it is possible to achieve the Rainbow Nation. But, for that to happen we need to be brave enough to vote for hope, not fear. Fear is never going to move us forward, but instead keeps us stuck in the past.
In the weeks ahead, I invite you to help spread the message of hope South Africa has to offer. I invite you, and those around you, to vote for the best of us, not the worst of us.
Because, this year, hope is possible. Change is possible.
Yours in service,
Herman Mashaba
ActionSA President
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