Lead SA Initiative Aims to Encourage Citizens to Do the Right Thing

Posted Wed, 4 Aug 2010 (22 months ago)

An initiative to encourage every South African citizen to make a positive difference by doing the right thing has been launched on 4 August 2010.

I woke up this morning as I usually do, and turned on the radio to Cape Talk (one of Primedia's local radio stations). I had heard that today was to be the launch of something new and was eager to find out what this was all about.

What a breath of fresh air - coming on the heels of the corruption charges for which former top cop Jackie Selebi was sentenced yesterday, a clarion call for ordinary citizens to stand up and be the leaders this country needs by being honest, by having compassion, by showing respect for others, and by refusing to cut corners or act without conscience even if 'everybody else is doing it'.

Of course there are naysayers who think something like this is destined to fail or that it's up to government to start by being honest - but courtesy is free, and honesty can be hard but it's right. And instead of making excuses and waiting for someone else to start, we can each begin, today, to build the South African nation into what it has the potential to be.

You can add the I Lead SA twibbon to your Facebook or Twitter profile pic.

From the Lead SA website:

WHAT IS LEAD SA?

Lead SA is a Primedia Broadcasting initiative, supported by Independent Newspapers, that aims to highlight the achievements of the nation and celebrate the efforts of ordinary South Africans who continually seek to do the right thing for themselves, for their families and for their country.
Lead SA encourages individuals to stand up and accept responsibility for the challenges they face. The Lead SA initiative is a long term project that is set to be rolled out over the next few years. Through the small steps of individuals the nation will improve and prosper.

If you want to know more:

Check out www.leadsa.co.za
Join the Lead SA Facebook Group
Add a Lead SA ribbon to your Twitter and Facebook Icons

5 Responses to Lead SA Initiative Aims to Encourage Citizens to Do the Right Thing

A wonderful initiative, every one of us can make a contribution - even if we start with the smallest thing. Smile and greet people for starters. The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step at a time, and indeed we can all start taking that step now - we can LEAD the way. Time for us to reclaim our identity - with respect, compassion, honesty and that amazing special South African winning ingredient (no, not the vuvuzela), but - the GEES!

By liz (22 months ago)

I really want to get involved with initiatives like this (ShoutSA anyone?) but I kind of feel we get our hopes up, and then nothing really comes from it.

I kind hope this one proves me wrong.

By James (22 months ago)

I hear you, James, I also hope this doesn't fizzle out. I know it's already made me think twice before doing certain things like texting while driving! So I guess even the smallest changes any of us make can make a difference, whether or not we see it everywhere we look or not :-)

By Joy (22 months ago)

Dear South Africans

To celebrate Nelson Mandela's Birthday this year, with Nedbank Foundation, I have launched a staff initiated programme called Laminin.

We are involved in out-reach programmes. There is so much to do out there. And as young South Africans, our help is needed.

If we only impact on one human being, we would have suceeded.

You are welcome to join us.

By Mary-ann (21 months ago)

What I like about the Lead SA initiative is that it's an individual thing. It only fizzles out if I, as an individual, decide not to "lead SA."
And it also makes me think that no matter what I do, I'm "leading SA". If I am a force for corruption and crime, then I am "leading SA" into corruption and crime. If I litter, then I am leading the nation into a nation of litterbugs.
I'm starting a Toastmasters club this Wednesday. Not because of this initiative, no. But reading this post makes me realise that I am actually leading SA when I start a Toastmasters club.
So we lead always. Our children watch us as we lead. Our fellow citizens watch us as we lead. If I lead an exemplary life, then, quite frankly, I'll be a happier human being.
So for me, that's what this is about.

By Erich Viedge (18 months ago)