My heart was profoundly gladdened on hearing about LEAD SA.
This is an initiative that follows on the spine-straightening moments we felt about getting things right during the World Cup.
It’s a boost to nation-building because it calls for South Africans to ”become the change they want to see” – acknowledgment Gandhi.
It reminds us that it is within our power to take the initiative to change ourselves and our country.
Lead SA encourages South Africans to stand up for positive issues – doing the right thing, upholding the law, showing compassion and respect to others, and taking care of the environment.
The campaign focuses on key areas – moral leadership and working for good; public leadership – not just by those with a platform but by all; and the education of the nation. There are long-term goals that will remain a focus in the years to come in this just launched initiative by Independent Newspapers and Primedia.
Short term goals will highlight the contribution of notable leaders as well as those unsung heroes whose actions might seem insignificant, but have touched somebody’s life. Real-life stories to inspire others to do the same.
The campaign will also braai a sacred cow – and expose behaviour that destabilises the country, holding people accountable, especially individuals in positions of power.
As Primedia Broadcasting CEO Terry Volkwyn says ‘’people must focus their attention on actions that have been done for good, and not on the deeds of a lawless few, which have also robbed us of some our basic moral values … It;s easy to complain and dwell on the problems facing the nation, rather than taking action … easy to blame the government or community leaders for South Africa’s ills, rather than having the courage to make a difference.’’
Let’s heed Clem Sunter’s call to celebrate excellence ‘’we have plenty of pockets of excellence in all sectors of South African society to provide inspirational examples … the last thing we should do is dumb them down … don’t tolerate mediocrity … celebrate excellence.’’ (See Portrait of a Winning Nation)
Won’t you join me in tracking stories of unsung heroes and sharing them here, on this platform, so that we can inspire and be inspired.
Let’s sustain the positive momentum we’ve recently experienced.
Here’s to more Invictus moments!