Feeding at the Table of Democracy ^Featured

17 years into democracy, South Africa is the triumphant, slightly temperamental, teenager at the world’s Table of Democracy. Our Constitution is enshrined worldwide, and- I dare to say- lays this table of democratic freedom: providing blanket protection of dignity, human rights and the rule of law in an all-inclusive nation.

We have arrived: in ideological, political-legal and globally respected transitions towards national unity. This merely brings us to sit at the same bench of democratic discourse as America after a victorious Civil Rights Movement; India after a deeply-entrenched social caste system; Brazil post Portuguese rule and other post-conflict democracies.

The task at hand is to ensure that when South Africa feeds at this Table of Democracy, every South African is able to consume substantially, sustainably, and sufficiently. This speaks to the socio-economic empowerment of our people- empowerment defined by access to quality education; relevant skills training; mentorship and career education; and the simplest - yet too often overlooked- act of kindness: positive affirmation [or faith in one another].

Empowerment is not to be confused with entitlement, or charity, for that matter. It encompasses the constructive transfer of acquired of expertise, knowledge and skills. In today’s Knowledge Economy for instance, intellectual capital and human-resource capital are a nation’s long-term sources of comparative advantage.

In seeking ways in which we can compete in the modern Knowledge Economy, too often is the question asked, “What is South Africa’s biggest problem?” At the risk of vacuum-packaging a complex web of socio-economic and environmental issues, the most detrimental issues facing our continent appear in an inconspicuous form.

FEAR: it cloaks our Table of Democracy- on a national and continental level. Unless we begin to tear away at this restraint, piece by stubborn piece, we risk perpetuating inequalities and entrenching self-limiting behavior.

                                                                           Image by Dinika Govender

In truth, to feed at the Table of Democracy, we need not only ensure that we have the policies and strategies to grow, but we must continuously re-frame our questions and ask instead what “South Africa’s  Biggest Opportunities” are. This is what the entrepreneur in me dictates; and what the optimist in me celebrates.

The pragmatist in me, however, is also highly cognisant of the factors that continue to impede SA’s growth- under-resourced, understaffed, under-valued public servants like our teachers, nurses, and doctors. In a rapidly shrinking global economy, it is essential to equip our people with the ability and appetite to engage at the Table of Democracy.

How much? This is usually the first question following an impassioned appeal for societal reform. However, there are more pressing questions that must be answered quickly, clearly and comprehensively:

§  Who will do the tackling?

§  Who will do the taming?

§  How can we engrain a culture of national development and social responsibility in the emigration-hungry youth?

§  How long will it take to reach an efficient equilibrium?

§  Is such equilibrium even attainable without massive welfare losses?

Through these questions, one young voice echoes: If South Africa is to make tangible, consistent gains to legitimize its position as the Gateway to Africa, such gains are up to us- the sons and daughters of our Struggle heroes. We have the energy, we have the vision, and we have courage. What we need is a willingness of our Freedom-forefathers to entrust this role to us.

And in times of doubt or disarray, Mongane Wally Serote reminds us:

We have but one mother, that none can replace,

Just as we have no choice to be born

We can’t choose mothers

And Africa: my beginning was knotted to you.

And when all these worlds became funny to me

I silently waded back to you.

And amid the rubble I lay

…Simply African.

With this trust, this vision and this sense of solidarity, Youth Action for Economic Freedom is more than an agenda-item: it is a national imperative. With it, may we sustain ourselves, share our fruits and feed without fear at the world’s Table of Democracy.

Bon Appétit, South Africa!