Let’s “blue-tick” the government and rebuild the Country we want
Too many debates and opinions — let’s discuss the solutions now!
When President Thabo Mbeki took the baton from Nelson Mandela 22 years ago, he repeatedly stated, in one way or the other, that he is haunted by the nightmare of a majority that will boil over into rebellion, because its dream of liberation has been deferred rather than redeemed.
The recent upsetting events in South Africa which have left close to 100 people dead mirror the above statement by the former Statesman. So, 22 years ago the problem was detected, but solutions were never introduced. To make matters worse (something I’m trying to avoid, but here we go); this is not the first time we find ourselves in this debilitating situation. In 2008 and 2015, we experienced xenophobic attacks which spread like wildfire throughout the country. Six years later, the government — particularly the security cluster — has been found wanting.
SO, WTF IS GOING ON?
First things first; we need to agree that a substantial number of Black South Africans are frustrated by the fact that economic liberation has not followed political liberation, as economic apartheid is still alive and thriving in the country, given the widespread inequality and poverty that still exists.
That a liberation movement promised a better future but failed to deliver, is the number one reason people are feeling the way they do. It’s the end of an era where a deep fear prevailed: the symbolic fear of going out to protest in the form of looting and committing crime.
Sure, in most townships where dreams are left unfulfilled and high expectations are met with disappointment and disillusionment, people tend to take matters into their own hands. However, it does not justify the level of looting, vandalism, and criminality we’ve witnessed in the past week. People’s businesses have been destroyed. Jobs have been lost.
What’s more exasperating is that the snail pace and denialism of the South African government is evident in its determination to label the savagery as just looting instead of criminality and lack of service delivery. You know why; because this will highlight the inability of the government to improve the living conditions of its people.
HERE’S THE VERY SAD PART!
Our economy has already contracted thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, which led tourism to dry up and brought about a huge spike in job losses. Now with that dark cloud already hovering above us, this politically-driven crime spree is here to make matters worse. The ripple effects will be insurmountable.
Already, people stand for hours in line to buy basic goods such as bread, or even to pour fuel. Eskom technicians have been staying home, fearing the violence. This means that load-shedding and electricity outages might be back, And, in recent days, coronavirus infections have increased.
Again, I’m not here to make matters worse, but more companies will retrench as the economy crumbles. Breadwinners will have to add more people in their budget.
Sadly, food security is threatened and I fear the worst is lingering at the door.
MY APPEAL
I want to ask my global community to help us recover, rebuild, and revive a better South Africa. I am setting up a crowdfund to raise money to support informal entrepreneurs and the impact startup ecosystems.
As part of the Impact Investment Forum — Africa Edition, we had already invited 8 Impact Entrepreneurs this year to an Investor Readiness Accelerator program which will be followed by a Pitch Day on 29 July 2021 (hint, and probably a side note: it is my birthday, only deep pocketed investors are invited), which I personally felt was enough at the time. And yet here we find ourselves. I think we need to and can do more.
In 2020, I invited 35 Impact Start-ups solving socio-economic problems exacerbated by COVID 19 to my own Accelerator program in celebration of a milestone birthday. Partners and various stakeholders from all over the world came on board and helped me host a world class Accelerator program that has helped many an entrepreneur to put their best foot forward. At this point in time, I am considering another accelerator program that will help 36 young people, particularly in South Africa, to rise and build sustainable businesses that will help revive our economy and create jobs. Look out for more details on this.
The above is however not enough, there are immediate needs that we, through the Seipati Mokhuoa Foundation, would like to attend to. Let us (for now) and as young people say, “bluetick” the government and rebuild the SA we want.
If you would like to extend a gesture to South Africa, if you want to show concern for the people, please journey with me and my foundation, you can contribute from as little as $50,00.
Here are the account details:
First National Bank
Account number: 62810855637
Branch code: 257705
Ref: Rebuild SA + Your Name
International clients:
Paypal link: paypal.me/seipatifoundation
Alternatively email smokhuoa@hdafrika.net to request an invoice.
SOLUTIONS, SOLUTIONS!
I’ve had a conversation with a number of my Black middle-class buddies, and the consensus is that we should leave South Africa. In fact, on Tuesday morning as riots threatened to enter our neighbourhood, I was blatantly asked: “Do you want me to take you out of South Africa NOW?” — I must add, this is by far the most romantic thing a man has ever said to me. Anyway, let us focus…
So, If we leave, I asked them, who is going to re-build? As the adage says, “If you see a problem, it means you’re the solution.”
While we run ahead with the rebuild SA agenda, the government should make a concerted effort to arrest corruption, and to improve the functioning and delivery of services to the municipalities, which have been on the receiving end of daily protests by citizens. This will reassure our people that government is on their side, and is willing to and capable of solving their problems.
Moreover, the government should give priority to prosecuting those found to be involved in the looting of shops and participating in crime, as this will send a clear message to the population that no type of criminal behaviour will be tolerated.
So please, get off social media for two-minutes. Take a break from work for two minutes and make a contribution, because right now, it’s not clear that the government can come up with a solution to the country’s multiple crises even if it wanted to. So, let’s get things done, the government will find us en route…
“Sounds to call to come together.
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom
In South Africa our land”
God bless South Africa!
