As the state continues to fail them, it has fallen to The People of South Africa to pick up the pieces and keep the country moving forward. The past two years have been harrowing for most South Africans, who have experienced loss on a scale and magnitude that is almost unfathomable. But we can fathom it because, like you, we have lived through it, too.
We’ve exposed politicians who walked away from public office, their pockets (and those of their close associates) a little heavier than before. Like a former health minister implicated in the mismanagement of funds intended for public Covid-19 communication. We saw how mis- and disinformation spread like wildfire as a result. We were on the frontlines when nefarious factions set loose a week of riots and looting. And, most recently, as fires ravaged homes, and floods washed lives and livelihoods away.
South Africans are no strangers to adversity. From natural disasters to load shedding, we have run the gauntlet of resilience tests. And every time we find a way to rise to the occasion. Perhaps it is because we know, from experience, that we really are on our own.
In these collective moments of national shame, it is the actions of the individual citizen that bring us pride.
The people are governing – they are the ones who take to the streets, brooms in hand, to sweep up the debris of an insurrection. The communities gathering to feed and clothe those who have lost everything. The organisations banding together to save lives.
As the KZN floods washed away homes and lives last week, it also seemed to wash away the last of our trust in the government and their ability to protect us.
Instead of waiting for the inevitable disappointment that follows the announcement of government funding allocations, South Africans have taken the relief effort into their own hands. And where they may be unable to help physically, many are entrusting their donations to Gift of the Givers to deliver the services the government has already been paid for.
As an independent newsroom, we know just how powerful the voices of the people are. We know that when citizens are armed with the truth, their voices are heard loud and clear. Two years out from national elections, our government would be wise to remember this.
We believe our role is to spread the truth: to report on what is really happening, to expose the rot, to demand accountability and to ensure that every person in the country – and every eligible voter – has the opportunity to access our journalism for free.
That’s why we don’t have a paywall.
We are a newsroom for the people, supported by the people. Our community of 17,000 Maverick Insiders contribute to us monthly – they help an already free service to ensure it remains free for everyone.
Our Insiders are doing their bit for South Africa. With their support we ensure that our work to Defend Truth does not stop, and that we will never be at the mercy of those with deep pockets and dubious intentions.
As the travesties and tragedies mount, we need as much support as we can get from our readers so we can investigate, report on what is important to our citizens, and continue our climate crisis journalism. We need your help to keep going.
We need help from you, an individual, so that we, as a collective, can bring about change to our wounded country.
Source: Daily Maverick
Tags: South Africa
