Rebuilding the Walls of SA: The time for a national dialogue is now

“Social reform is not secured through noise and shouting; by complaints and denunciations; by forming factions or inciting revolutions. It is achieved through the awakening of thought and the progress of ideas. Until there is correct thought, there can be no right action, and when there is correct thought, right action will follow.” – Henry George

By Dr Vusi Shongwe

SOUTH Africa is no longer viewed as a beacon of hope. Instead, it is increasingly perceived as a nation in decline, plagued by rising crime rates and a multitude of social challenges. This reality reflects a concerning regression that the country seems unable to arrest.

Beyond statistics, there are intangible signs of decay—an erosion of the very fabric of civilisation. Perhaps the most alarming aspect is its impact on children. We live in a culture that, at times, appears complicit in corrupting the innocence of the young. Nothing symbolises this loss more starkly than the prevalence of teenage pregnancies.

Equally troubling is the state of our infrastructure, which, in many areas, has effectively collapsed. From crumbling roads to failing healthcare systems, there is scarcely a sector that remains untouched by neglect and mismanagement. This degradation is not something we should normalise.

It is disheartening to witness a country with so much potential, beauty, and resilience slipping into decay. Yet, as President John F Kennedy once said: “Our problems are man-made; therefore, they can be solved. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man’s reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable, and we believe they can do it again.”

In his book Children in Jeopardy: Can We Break the Cycle of Poverty?, IB Harris argues that poverty is not an inevitable condition but a problem created by human systems. “If we really want to, we can solve it,” he writes. These words resonate deeply with the South African context, where systemic poverty continues to plague millions.

Brian O’Connell, in Civil Society: The Underpinnings of American Democracy, observes that “the greatest threat often comes from within,” a warning particularly relevant to South Africa. The erosion of trust in institutions and the widening disconnect between citizens and their government threaten the very foundations of democracy.

As Alexander Radishchev reflected: “Man’s troubles come from man himself.” This insight is as true today as it was centuries ago. Our political leadership has often fallen short. Too many have prioritised self-interest over service to the nation. Leo Tolstoy’s analogy remains poignant: “I sit on a man’s back, choking him, and making him carry me, and yet assure myself and others that I wish to ease his lot by all possible means—except by getting off his back.”

At its core, our crisis is a corruption of values. True change will only come when our aspirations and efforts are directed towards enduring, noble ideals. Honourable conduct, as Walter Lippmann described it, is the “hygiene of the spirit by which the good life becomes possible”.

The uncertainty of our times calls for decisive action and visionary leadership. The rebuilding of South Africa must be guided by a coherent vision rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu—a culture of compassion, resilience, and community. This vision must acknowledge our nation’s unique strengths and challenges, fostering a collective effort to build a better future.

As citizens, we must rise above petty political differences and focus on meaningful solutions. Politics should be about improving lives and forging consensus, not bickering or blame-shifting. This requires a commitment to dialogue and collaboration in the public interest. Walter Lippmann’s definition of public interest is instructive: “What men would choose if they saw clearly, thought rationally, and acted disinterestedly and benevolently?”

South Africa’s resilience is well documented. We have faced immense challenges before and emerged stronger. Resilience, as Robert L Veninga describes, is “the ability to bounce back after personal or professional defeats”. It is this resilience that will enable us to overcome the trials of our time and turn despair into hope.

Hope, as Václav Havel observed, is not the expectation of success but the certainty that our actions have meaning. “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out,” he said. It is this hope that must guide us as we confront our challenges.

The role of moral leadership, including the church, is critical in this effort. Where is the church in all this? Its silence is deafening. The church must help recalibrate our moral compass, fostering understanding, compassion, and unity. As Joseph Fort Newton once said, “Men build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Let us strive to build bridges of hope and solidarity.

South Africa’s recovery is vital not only for its citizens but for the continent as a whole. A nation on its knees spells disaster for the broader African community. We must work together to restore trust, improve governance, and deliver visible, effective change.

As Nehemiah led his people to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls despite immense challenges, so too must we rise to rebuild our nation. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” (Nehemiah 2:17).

Let us be guided by resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow. Together, we can turn the tide. Despite all our setbacks, we remain remarkably resilient people. Resilience is in our DNA. We will not go down without a fight.

In the words of Harold Macmillan: “The time is short. Let there be no delay.” Indeed, positive change can only occur when good people act. As William Faulkner declared in his 1950 Nobel Prize acceptance speech: “I decline to accept the end of man.” We must carry on the struggle for our children, pushing back against an age that pushes against us.

Our future depends on our ability to rebuild the walls of South Africa with courage, hope, and determination. It is time to rise to the occasion. The task is immense, but the rewards will be transformative. Let us build not just walls but bridges of unity, understanding, and shared purpose for generations to come.

* Dr Vusi Shongwe works for the KZN Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. The contribution is written in his personal capacity.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, or Independent Media.