By the time you read this, we would have buried Dr. Ezrom Mathumbu, ActionSA’s Bohlabela Regional Chairperson, who died last Wednesday in a hail of assassin’s bullets as he was traveling home from doing party work.
I have written this piece, therefore, with a heavy heart, wondering why it is that so much wrong continues to happen in our country with no one coming forward to say; “not in my name” or to point out the authors of such murderous deeds to the authorities.
Despite the move to a multiparty government at national level, following the 2024 elections, South Africa remains at a crossroads. Our democracy, hard-won through the sacrifices of countless individuals or all backgrounds, is still a beacon of hope to many people on a continent often marred by political instability.
Yet, as we celebrate the fruits of our democratic journey, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands active participation from every citizen, and it is this participation that will determine the future of our nation.
The challenges we face as a country are immense. From economic inequality to corruption, from unemployment to a struggling education system, the list is long and daunting. But these challenges are not insurmountable. They are, in fact, opportunities for us to come together as a nation and chart a course toward a brighter future. However, this will only be possible if we, as South Africans, take ownership of our democracy.
Here is what I propose
Too many of us still reduce democracy to the mere act of voting every few years. While voting is an important cornerstone of democratic participation, it is far from the only way to engage. Being a citizen in a democracy means being informed, holding leaders accountable, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
As we make our way towards our next Local Government Elections, in 2026, we should already start imagining the kind of country we want to see emerge following the elections. What will the picture of local governance look like and how will we shape that? It is known that municipalities are the closest level of government to the people, and that they play a crucial role in delivering essential services, at least they should. But we know that in more cases than not, municipalities fail communities throughout the country. In many cases, resources have been wasted or stolen, leaving broke and broken municipalities that are unable to deliver services. Yet, how many of us attend council meetings, participate in public consultations, or even know the names of our local representatives? By engaging at the local level, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our communities receive the attention they deserve.
Citizens must demand accountability
Accountability is the lifeblood of democracy. Without it, power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, and the needs of the many are ignored. As citizens, we have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable – not just at the ballot box, but every day. This means staying informed about the actions of our government, questioning decisions that seem unjust, and constructively demanding transparency in all matters of public interest.
Thanks to the proliferation of a plethora of social media platforms, citizens have unprecedented access to information and a platform to voice their concerns and to communicate their preferences. But with this power comes responsibility. It’s important to use these tools wisely, ensuring that our discourse is constructive and based on facts. Spreading misinformation or engaging in divisive rhetoric, like we have seen with the widely reported acts of AfriForum and Solidarity in recent weeks, only serves to weaken our democracy.
With Rights Come Responsibilities
Civil society organizations play a vital role in bridging the gap between citizens and the state. They advocate for the marginalised, provide essential services, and hold those in power accountable. Supporting these organisations, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their message, is another way for citizens to contribute to the democratic process.
In addition, our country’s youth are its greatest asset. With their energy, creativity, and passion, they have the potential to drive transformative changes. Yet, youth participation in politics and civic activities remains disappointingly low. This is a call to action for young South Africans: your voice matters. Whether it’s through activism, entrepreneurship, or simply voting, you have the power to shape the future of this country.
Doing Nothing Shouldn’t Be an Option
Perhaps the greatest threat to our democracy is apathy. When citizens disengage, they cede power to those who may not have their best interests at heart. Apathy allows corruption to flourish, inequality to persist, and progress to stall. It is a silent killer of democracy, and it must be confronted head-on.
Rekindling a sense of civic duty requires a collective effort. It starts with education – teaching our children not just about their rights, but also about their responsibilities as citizens. It involves creating spaces for dialogue, where people from all walks of life can come together to discuss the issues that matter most. And it requires leadership that inspires trust and confidence.
My Vision for the Future
Imagine a South Africa where every citizen feels empowered to make a difference. A country where local communities thrive because their members are actively involved in governance. A nation where leaders are held to the highest standards of accountability, and where the youth are at the forefront of innovation and change.
This is not a utopian dream; it is a tangible goal. But it will require each of us to step up and play our part. Democracy is a shared responsibility, and its success depends on the collective efforts of all South Africans.
Being a political leader in South Africa neither precludes me from reflecting on the state of our democracy nor from reminding my fellow South Africans to stop watching developments in our country as if they’re helplessly watching a tragic movie in which no role has been allocated to them Mandela said: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it, ” words that remain as true today as they were when he spoke them. The power to shape the future of South Africa lies not in the hands of a few, or the political class alone, but in the hands of every citizen.
I urge you, my fellow South Africans, to stop standing on the sidelines and to engage, participate, and take ownership of our democracy. Start by actively ensuring that you live in cleaner and safer communities in which no one practices or tolerates littering or the self-defeating practice of protecting loved ones who commit crime. Let us be one another’s keepers.
Second, inform yourself about the workings of our democratic institutions, including elections, as civic education strengthens the hand of citizen participation in a democracy.
If we do this, I am sure that those of us in politics and those who are outside politics can start having meaningful conversations about how we can work together to overcome the challenges we face and build a nation that we can all be proud of.
The Power of Citizen Participation: My Call to Action to Fix South Africa
By the time you read this, we would have buried Dr. Ezrom Mathumbu, ActionSA’s Bohlabela Regional Chairperson, who died last Wednesday in a hail of assassin’s bullets as he was traveling home from doing party work.
I have written this piece, therefore, with a heavy heart, wondering why it is that so much wrong continues to happen in our country with no one coming forward to say; “not in my name” or to point out the authors of such murderous deeds to the authorities.
Despite the move to a multiparty government at national level, following the 2024 elections, South Africa remains at a crossroads. Our democracy, hard-won through the sacrifices of countless individuals or all backgrounds, is still a beacon of hope to many people on a continent often marred by political instability.
Yet, as we celebrate the fruits of our democratic journey, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands active participation from every citizen, and it is this participation that will determine the future of our nation.
The challenges we face as a country are immense. From economic inequality to corruption, from unemployment to a struggling education system, the list is long and daunting. But these challenges are not insurmountable. They are, in fact, opportunities for us to come together as a nation and chart a course toward a brighter future. However, this will only be possible if we, as South Africans, take ownership of our democracy.
Here is what I propose
Too many of us still reduce democracy to the mere act of voting every few years. While voting is an important cornerstone of democratic participation, it is far from the only way to engage. Being a citizen in a democracy means being informed, holding leaders accountable, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
As we make our way towards our next Local Government Elections, in 2026, we should already start imagining the kind of country we want to see emerge following the elections. What will the picture of local governance look like and how will we shape that? It is known that municipalities are the closest level of government to the people, and that they play a crucial role in delivering essential services, at least they should. But we know that in more cases than not, municipalities fail communities throughout the country. In many cases, resources have been wasted or stolen, leaving broke and broken municipalities that are unable to deliver services. Yet, how many of us attend council meetings, participate in public consultations, or even know the names of our local representatives? By engaging at the local level, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our communities receive the attention they deserve.
Citizens must demand accountability
Accountability is the lifeblood of democracy. Without it, power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, and the needs of the many are ignored. As citizens, we have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable – not just at the ballot box, but every day. This means staying informed about the actions of our government, questioning decisions that seem unjust, and constructively demanding transparency in all matters of public interest.
Thanks to the proliferation of a plethora of social media platforms, citizens have unprecedented access to information and a platform to voice their concerns and to communicate their preferences. But with this power comes responsibility. It’s important to use these tools wisely, ensuring that our discourse is constructive and based on facts. Spreading misinformation or engaging in divisive rhetoric, like we have seen with the widely reported acts of AfriForum and Solidarity in recent weeks, only serves to weaken our democracy.
With Rights Come Responsibilities
Civil society organizations play a vital role in bridging the gap between citizens and the state. They advocate for the marginalised, provide essential services, and hold those in power accountable. Supporting these organisations, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their message, is another way for citizens to contribute to the democratic process.
In addition, our country’s youth are its greatest asset. With their energy, creativity, and passion, they have the potential to drive transformative changes. Yet, youth participation in politics and civic activities remains disappointingly low. This is a call to action for young South Africans: your voice matters. Whether it’s through activism, entrepreneurship, or simply voting, you have the power to shape the future of this country.
Doing Nothing Shouldn’t Be an Option
Perhaps the greatest threat to our democracy is apathy. When citizens disengage, they cede power to those who may not have their best interests at heart. Apathy allows corruption to flourish, inequality to persist, and progress to stall. It is a silent killer of democracy, and it must be confronted head-on.
Rekindling a sense of civic duty requires a collective effort. It starts with education – teaching our children not just about their rights, but also about their responsibilities as citizens. It involves creating spaces for dialogue, where people from all walks of life can come together to discuss the issues that matter most. And it requires leadership that inspires trust and confidence.
My Vision for the Future
Imagine a South Africa where every citizen feels empowered to make a difference. A country where local communities thrive because their members are actively involved in governance. A nation where leaders are held to the highest standards of accountability, and where the youth are at the forefront of innovation and change.
This is not a utopian dream; it is a tangible goal. But it will require each of us to step up and play our part. Democracy is a shared responsibility, and its success depends on the collective efforts of all South Africans.
Being a political leader in South Africa neither precludes me from reflecting on the state of our democracy nor from reminding my fellow South Africans to stop watching developments in our country as if they’re helplessly watching a tragic movie in which no role has been allocated to them Mandela said: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it, ” words that remain as true today as they were when he spoke them. The power to shape the future of South Africa lies not in the hands of a few, or the political class alone, but in the hands of every citizen.
I urge you, my fellow South Africans, to stop standing on the sidelines and to engage, participate, and take ownership of our democracy. Start by actively ensuring that you live in cleaner and safer communities in which no one practices or tolerates littering or the self-defeating practice of protecting loved ones who commit crime. Let us be one another’s keepers.
Second, inform yourself about the workings of our democratic institutions, including elections, as civic education strengthens the hand of citizen participation in a democracy.
If we do this, I am sure that those of us in politics and those who are outside politics can start having meaningful conversations about how we can work together to overcome the challenges we face and build a nation that we can all be proud of.