The launch of the Citizen ZA Movement is a movement of citizens, by citizens, for citizens.
Mooted as an apolitical movement, it aims to encourage active citizenship in solving the country’s most pressing problems.
Signatories to the movement’s one-page charter commit themselves to giving at least four hours of their time a month in five key areas – education, health, youth and employment, environmental protection and crime prevention.
The brainchild of former trade unionist Dr James Motlatsi and retired businessman Bobby Godsell, it was launched with 120 patrons pledging to give their time for the betterment of the country. High profile individuals in business, politics and society are signed up as patrons.
“The patrons will use their influence in society to organise resources. We don’t want to raise money for administrative purposes, so patrons will also be giving their time. Patrons will help form provincial and then regional steering committees that will further mobilise citizens on the ground,” Motlatsi said.
The inspiration behind such a movement is tied to the question of whether the new South Africa had met the expectations of the people. Motlatsi said improving and building the country was not simply the responsibility of the government and big business.
“We need active citizens. Take the Limpopo textbook saga as an example. Where were the unions, parents and communities when the textbooks were not delivered? If we were more involved in our communities, the non-delivery of textbooks would have been picked up way before Section 27 took the matter to court,” Motlatsi said.
Active citizenship means greater communication and understanding of communities’ needs. Frustrations and anger can then be picked up long before it is necessary for communities to revert to violent protests.
Godsell said citizens acting as individuals could do a lot in their communities. “We will connect those who sign the charter with others who live in the same area and who also share the same area of citizen activism,” he said.
Get active. Sign up and ‘Become the change you want to see” (acknowledgment Gandhi)
THE ACTIVE CITIZENS CHARTER
I recognize the injustice of the past, honour those who suffer for justice and freedom, respect those who build our country and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
I have the freedom to be active member of the political party of my choice; the party whose values and policies are closest to my own.
I rejoice in my own identity, as constructed by me. I respect the identities of South Africans different from me. This diversity of peoples and cultures is something that makes our country interesting and wonderful. The foundation for all these identities is our shared identity as South Africans.
I love and build my family. I respect my parents. I am an active, engaged parent to my children. I am a good neighbour and an active member of the community where I live.
Each day I use the resources I have – at home, at school or college, in my workplace to do things that create more value for our society..
I use money responsibly. I take on no more debt than I can afford. I lend no more than others can afford to repay.
I love my country and honour its constitution. I do not pay bribes. Do not buy stolen goods or shelter criminals. I use our roads responsibly and am courteous and considerate to other road used including pedestrians.
In signing this charter I commit, in addition to what I am doing now, to add 4 hours a month in new activity: in education, crime-prevention, job-creation, environmental protection or some other form of active citizenship. I will do this together with other South Africans who live in my community and who have signed this charter and have joined this movement.