Seize the ‘gnu’ moment!

This year, arguably more than any other after 1994, our country has chosen to honour the legacy, lessons, and vision of Nelson Mandela. Let’s reflect on this on #MandelaDay2024 on 18 July.

It has been three decades since the birth of the new South Africa and the “Rainbow Nation”, as coined by the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Many have claimed over the years that this multicoloured, multicultural, and tapestried land of peace since 1994, reminiscent of the famed biblical cloak worn by Joseph, has been long dead. A dream ended. A fantasy. How wrong they are!

One of the most defining sayings of Madiba was, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” And that’s exactly what millions of South Africans did in the 2024 elections. We voted with our heads and hearts to rebuild our democracy. We decided to get up again.

This observation isn’t about the African National Congress (ANC), but about everyday South Africans choosing actively to determine where and how they want to take our country forward. And that’s what Nelson Mandela ultimately embodied. Not a party alone, but the responsibility and power of the individual to drive positive change, for themselves and their country. This, as enshrined in our glorious Constitution. It was also respected by our president and government in accepting the brutal 2024 election results and by embracing the possibility that comes from listening to the will of the people.

And so, it’s the man in the street who, once again, came to the call of our beautiful land. A land so often brought back from the very brink.

Few realise that we were at a perilous crossroads just weeks ago. One in which the country could have gone down a dangerous path of populism, identity and hate politics, and quite another, where we embrace diversity, the rule of law, the will of the majority, and those who have repeatedly sworn to support our Constitution as opposed to undermining it. The ANC thankfully made the best decision for South Africa in whom it chose to partner with. As did the DA, IFP, PA and other members of the GNU who decided to leave pettiness at the door and work for the good of the country. And it was, indeed, a choice.

And only in in South Africa, and with our unique ability to laugh at ourselves when there really is often nothing else left to do, we embraced a new national animal, the “gnu”, our Government of National Unity or wildebeest – it promises to be both. Democracy is after all, a messy business.

But putting our X in a responsible box on a voting ballot doesn’t end the work we need to do. This is where responsibility and opportunity now starts. What are we going to do with this unique blank page of possibility? Will we harness it to its fullest potential, or wait for others to determine whether it’s a success or not? I urge us all to embrace the former. To shape and mould this block of national clay into the form we want – with the love and care of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost, and to the strains of Roy Orbison.

Mirth aside, that’s precisely what we must now do. Channel our individual passion and strength to the betterment not just of our families, friends, and business endeavours, but the collective improvement of our country. And not passively – because we pay tax – but actively in raising the tide for all ships.

South Africa has a tsunami on the horizon that, without a collective response, will one day hit our shores. It’s called unemployment.

Unless we create a far more just, equal, and shared economy and an inclusive culture for possibility, this land will know neither peace nor prosperity. And the only way to tackle unemployment is through economic growth. For domestic and foreign investors to believe they can get a decent return on their investment here. And for this, as a start, you need stability.

So what can we do? The answer is participate in active citizenry

1. Skills transfer, mentoring, and education.

There are tons of retired and semi-retired people who have invaluable skills they can pass on to those who are eager and desperate to learn.

Run free online tutoring courses and extra lessons for those without means. Go to a community hall in the afternoon, and help school kids or those at varsity with their subjects. There is that truism that “people die of boredom”, not work.

I recently hosted an incredible human on my Willing & Abel podcast: Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba. She’s a chartered accountant, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Her husband, who shares these gifts, is an actuary. On the weekend, Vabaza-Mvandaba runs extra lessons in maths in her home while her husband cooks up delicious pastas in the kitchen to delight their students. This is an exemplary contribution and case of active citizenry.

Each one of us has strengths, talents, and wisdom to impart. Think about how you can help with skills transfer. Be it a trade, a hobby, literacy, or cooking. The possibilities are literally endless. And it will feed your soul.

2. Give back via opening education opportunities.

Something I’m passionate about is contributing to bursaries. My companies embrace this philosophy too, and we try help those who may not be able to attend the right school to do so. And by the right school, I mean one that can enhance and amplify the pupil’s talents. For example, we have kids who are musically talented attending schools that can unlock that child’s full potential. It’s not just about sport or academia. Talent comes in multiple shapes and forms.

3. Unlock your wardrobe.

When we started The Street Store in 2014 for The Haven Night Shelter, we had no idea how a free, pop-up clothing store could clothe more than a million people around the world and in many instances, have a lasting impact on so many lives. Why not commit to host your own one this Mandela Day – go to www.thestreetstore.org and sign your pledge, today, on Thursday, 18 July.

4. Keeping the “gnu” fed and happy.

Big or small, we can play our role in ensuring that our Government of National Unity holds. Through encouragement, putting pettiness aside, focusing on the bigger picture, and again active citizenry. Relationships are hard, be they at home, at work, socially, and certainly politically. They need cheerleaders, they need people fighting for them. Our job is to foster this relationship, irrespective of our individual parties. The far bigger picture is to build and rebuild where necessary. This is a massive opportunity for South Africa and each of her people. Let’s honour Madiba through our individual responsibility and contribution.

• Mike Abel is the founding partner and executive chairperson of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa.