“In a democracy, every nation has the government it deserves.” – Joseph de Maistre
At Kagiso Trust, these profound words resonate as a guiding principle, illuminating the paramount significance of active citizenry in shaping governance and fostering vibrant local communities. The heartbeat of local government finds its rhythm in the realm of engaged citizens exercising their right to vote. Conversely, the spectre of passivity leaves communities vulnerable to the clutches of corruption and self-interest. Embracing active citizenry is not merely an option but an imperative, the strongest tool we wield to engender transformative change in political landscapes and community leadership. This ethos underpins the momentum toward community-centric development, where progress is truly a collective endeavour.
As the fabric of South Africa’s civic tapestry, Kagiso Trust has witnessed commendable civic initiatives nationwide. Yet, a persistent challenge, Insular Active Citizenry, surfaces. Even laudable initiatives can sometimes drift into myopic orbits, constrained by historical disparities and racial divides and unwittingly influenced by partisan currents. In this intricate weave, community needs often remain unmet, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach.
Enter James Patrick Kinney’s haunting poem, “The Cold Within”, painting a vivid tableau of the perils of polarisation and insularity. The message is clear: actions driven by bias, selfishness, and indifference greatly shadow the collective fate. It’s a clarion call to communities, underscoring the crucial interplay between leadership authority and willing cooperation, reminding us that safeguarding the common good necessitates dismantling divisive barriers. Choosing leaders thoughtfully and embracing active participation in shaping our shared destiny becomes not a mere duty but a beacon of hope.
Yet, true transformation demands a shift, a migration from insularity to Collaborative Active Citizenry. This transformation goes beyond individual interests, rallying around the community’s well-being. It beckons us to embrace the concept of “Radical Collaboration”, where communal engagement becomes a compass leading us toward shared goals. This very essence shapes the behaviour r of political and community leadership, sculpting participation, policy-making, and decision-shaping in ways that reflect our shared aspirations.
The Makana Circle of Unity (MCU) stands as a testament to this spirit of radical collaboration. An emblem of vision realised, MCU’s distributive leadership empowers communities, harmonising their efforts with local municipalities to nurture the soil of local development. Radical Collaboration is its driving force – a force we urge all individuals within the community to harness. It’s about surmounting biases, embracing cooperation, and advocating for change as a united front, all bound by the thread of shared humanity.
In the realm of active citizenry, the journey commences with exercising democratic rights. It’s about casting a thoughtful vote, volunteering, supporting initiatives, and becoming vocal proponents of change. In our individual and collective actions, we ignite the flames of collaborative engagement. The essence of active citizenry, whether one voice or a chorus, becomes the cornerstone of a dynamic, community-centric democracy. It beckons responsibility and accountability, ensuring that every voice, every concern finds resonance in the corridors of power. Through collaborative active citizenry, the narrative of community prosperity is not just written; it’s rewritten, fostering optimism, unity, and trust among all stakeholders.
Kagiso Trust extends an invitation to all South African citizens: Engage. Be Active. #GetInvolved. Reach out to Paul Smith at PSmith@kagiso.co.za and embark on a journey that embodies the essence of James Patrick Kinney’s words:
The Cold Within
By James Patrick Kinney
Six humans trapped by happenstance
In bleak and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood
Or so the story’s told.
Their dying fire in need of logs
The first man held his back
For of the faces round the fire
He noticed one was black.
The next man looking ’cross the way
Saw one not of his church
And couldn’t bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.
The third one sat in tattered clothes.
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?
The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy shiftless poor.
The black man’s face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight.
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.
The last man of this forlorn group
Did nought except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.
Their logs held tight in death’s still hands
Was proof of human sin.
They didn’t die from the cold without
They died from the cold within.