Each of us has the power to bring change

When Madiba came to us in 1992 after a 27-year absence, one of the first things he did was extend “a hand of friendship and forgiveness” to all the people of South Africa in a gesture of peace and reconciliation.
In doing so he reminded all the people of South Africa of the duties we all carry when promoting the ideal of peace and harmony among our various races and cultures. We need to correct some of the immature practices that are causing so much embarrassment to our fellow South Africans and abroad, due to the manner in which the country is run today.
We must work together to emulate Madiba’s selfless traits, his love and care for others and his vision for a better South Africa. Today his legacy for a better South Africa is falling to its knees. There is so much good we can do as a collective if we can rise above the negatives of crime, corruption and the attendant fallouts such as joblessness and poverty.
I believe if we, as civic society, do whatever we can, starting with ourselves and radiating outwards towards our neighbours and society around us, can become agents of change. When election time comes, we can do whatever we want with our votes, but it is counter-productive when all we do is point fingers at the corrupt and the morally lapsed who feel they are untouchable.
We can change all this, but it starts with us, what we can do for our country. We need political leaders with experience and a passion to serve and love the nation faithfully. I have hope and I believe that in every South African there is potential and talent to do good and be the change we want to see.
You the voter, can make the change. You have the power. So vote in the coming local government elections. Vote for the right candidate in your ward so you can live a better life. Elections are about a person. A person who will serve you daily. A person who is a voice for the people and a person who is reliable and can be trusted. A peoples person.
I urge the people of Mandeni, especially wards 3 and 4 to think carefully before you make your X.
CLLR KATHLEEN NAIDOO
Mandeni