South Africa is crying out through the struggles of its people. This article challenges every South African to reflect on their role in the nation's future and to take action against corruption and injustice.
Image: IOL
By Faiez Jacobs
South Africa is crying out.
Not just through protests or parliamentary debates, not just in the statistics of unemployment or the empty promises of manifestos. South Africa cries out in the frustration of a young graduate who cannot find work. In the pain of a mother who cannot feed her children. In the anger of a small business owner drowning in red tape. In the exhaustion of a nurse holding together a broken healthcare system. In the despair of a worker who sees billionaires thrive while wages shrink.
Yet, beneath the suffering and cynicism, beneath the broken promises and failed leadership, there is something deeper—a nation that refuses to die.
South Africa is still here. Not because of politicians. Not because of institutions. But because of its people—ordinary South Africans who wake up every day and fight to survive, to build, to care, to serve, to create.
But here’s the hard truth: Survival is not enough.
We are at a crossroads. One path leads to further division, decline, and despair. The other leads to renewal, justice, and prosperity—but only if we choose it.
So, I ask:
Who among us is truly for South Africa?
Not just in words, not just in empty patriotism, but in action. In sacrifice. In courage.
This is a call to everyone—rich or poor, worker or boss, black or white, young or old, rural or urban, ANC or DA or EFF or independent—if you truly love this country, the time for watching, complaining, and waiting is over.
THE ENEMIES OF SOUTH AFRICA
If you are for South Africa, then you must recognize who and what is against it. The greatest threats to this nation are not an invading army, nor some outside conspiracy. The enemies of South Africa are within.
Greedy politicians who have turned public service into personal wealth-building.
Corrupt businesses that exploit workers, dodge taxes, and take without giving back.
Opportunistic demagogues who stoke division—racial, tribal, ethnic, xenophobic—so that we turn on each other instead of uniting against the real enemy: injustice.
A broken system that protects the powerful while leaving the majority to struggle.
Apathy, fear, and resignation—the belief that things cannot change, so why bother trying?
If we are truly for South Africa, then we must name these enemies and confront them, not with violence, but with action, unity, and an unbreakable will to build something better.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
To be for South Africa is to be against corruption, against greed, against injustice. But it is also more than that. It is about what we are willing to build.
So, wherever you are, whatever your role, ask yourself: What am I doing for South Africa?
IF YOU ARE A LEADER—LEAD WITH HONOUR
To every politician, business leader, CEO, union head, activist—stop lying, stop looting, stop making excuses.
If you are a politician, serve the people, not your party. We need leaders, not careerists. If you cannot govern with integrity, step aside for those who can.
If you are in business, build South Africa. Pay fair wages, invest locally, train workers, develop industries. Stop hoarding wealth while the country burns.
If you are in power, be brave enough to make hard decisions. The future of millions depends on it.
IF YOU ARE A WORKER—STAND TALL
To every miner, nurse, teacher, farmworker, factory worker, taxi driver—you are the backbone of this country. Without you, South Africa stops moving.
Demand fair treatment.
Organize.
Hold employers accountable.
Never let anyone tell you that you are powerless. You are the ones who keep this country alive.
IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OWNER OR ENTREPRENEUR—BUILD MORE THAN PROFITS
To every small business owner, informal trader, and entrepreneur—you are the future.
Hire locally.
Mentor young people.
Fight for better policies, but also take responsibility.
Expand opportunities beyond your family or community—this country must rise together.
IF YOU ARE YOUNG—REFUSE TO BE IGNORED
To every young South African—you have been betrayed by those who came before you, but you are not helpless.
Stop waiting for politicians.
Build your own opportunities.
Organize, vote, and demand change.
Use your voice, your skills, your networks. You are the revolution waiting to happen.
IF YOU ARE AN ELDER—PASS ON MORE THAN WISDOM
To our elders—we honor your struggle, but South Africa is still unfinished.
Guide the young, but do not silence them.
Share your experience, but allow new ideas.
Stand with those who still fight for justice—because the dream you fought for is not yet complete.
THE PATH FORWARD: A NEW PEOPLE’S CONTRACT
South Africa cannot be saved by one leader, one party, one election. It will be saved when enough of us decide that we will no longer accept failure.
What we need is a New People’s Contract—a collective agreement that says:
We will no longer tolerate corruption—at any level, from any party.
We will no longer accept an economy that benefits only the few.
We will no longer allow division to be used as a weapon.
We will no longer be silent when justice is denied.
We will no longer let this nation drift toward collapse.
And instead, we will:
Build communities of solidarity, not just survival.
Support businesses and leaders who invest in the people.
Educate ourselves and each other on real solutions, not propaganda.
Take responsibility for the change we want to see.
THE FINAL QUESTION: WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?
Who of us is truly for South Africa?
The answer is not in slogans, not in speeches, not in empty promises. It is in what we do next.
If you are for South Africa, act.
Where you stand, in your family, in your workplace, in your community—be the force that pulls this country forward.
Enough waiting. Enough watching. Enough complaining.
South Africa will rise again—but only if we make it so.
* Faiez Jacobs is a Social Entrepreneur.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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