I need my community and my community needs me. South Africa’s national motto is “!ke e: /xarra //ke”, as expressed in the Khoisan language of the /Xam people. It means “diverse people unite”. 

What contribution am I making to my community?

Firstly, I need to understand who is my community? It is my neighbours, my village, the environment and my country. And, secondly, how do I contribute to my community? By using my time or my money in order to move my community forward.

Moving my neighbours forward

How well do I know my neighbours? Do I know their names and what they do? A good way of getting to know your neighbours better, is to have a block or street braai or equivalent. Do I have a good relationship with my neighbours? Do I support them during crises, do I look after their house when they are away?

Moving my village forward 

There are many ways I can contribute to my village. I can support good causes in my village e.g. help the poor, sick, disabled, aged or disaster stricken. I can desist from littering or participate in cleaning up my neighbourhood. I can campaign for community improvements or report problems to the municipality. I can volunteer my skills or become a mentor. I can support homeless animals or local businesses. Inspire people to drive slower and potentially save the lives of little children. Donate blood. Stay up to date on activities that impact your community, and form educated opinions on important matters. This includes voting in the municipal elections. There are many innovative ways you can uplift your village or neighbourhood. 

Improving the environment

Do you try to minimise pollution? Pollution is detrimental to the health and living standards of ourselves and our children. Do this by minimising the use of non-recyclable materials and start to recycle those you use. Ensure your car is tuned properly to reduce air pollution. You can even consider riding your bike to shop to reduce traffic! Save water. Grow your own organic vegetables if you can.

Moving my country forward

South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world. And our diverse cultures, nature scenes, animals and plants all contribute to this. All of us are part of this team and we have to find unity in our diversity. There are many things I can do to help move South Africa forward. I can cast an informed vote in the national elections. I can support civil organisations or NGOs that uplift South Africa. Buy South African. Save electricity. Support the constitution. Obey the law. Obtain a better understanding of our other cultures.

Maybe you already have a vision for your community? A picture in your mind of where you would like your neighbourhood, village, the environment or South Africa to be one day. My vision for South Africa is 

“For all South-Africans to be in a position to provide for their families, to offer their children a future, to make a contribution to their country, to be proud of South Africa and the individual contributions of their compatriots. That each will have the opportunity to meet and serve Jesus and God the Father”.

Go take the lead in making your vision a reality, or go support the leader whose vision you share!