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- Citizens were called to be part of the solutions to SA's most pressing problems at News24's On The Record summit.
- The thought leadership event put forward many reasons to remain optimistic despite the country's myriad hardships.
- Throughout the full-day summit, the 2024 general election was touted as a crucial opportunity for change.
- For a full recap of the day's proceedings, click here.
South Africa was once a beacon of hope for the world, but years of misgovernance, infrastructure collapse, lawlessness, and political turmoil have threatened to erode the country's democratic gains. It's painfully clear that things need to change, but consensus is needed on a plan of action.
How do we change the narrative about South Africa? And who will be responsible for rewriting the nation's story? Thought leaders from various sectors of society sat down with News24's editorial team to come up with some compelling propositions at the On The Record summit in Cape Town on Thursday.
WRAP | Coalitions, crime and climate change at News24's On The Record summit
There was an overarching message from our diverse group of panelists: All is not lost for South Africa, but it's time for citizens to take the future into their own hands.
If you missed the summit, hosted in partnership with Nedbank, here's a look back at six areas that could help SA build a better tomorrow:
1. Register and vote in the 2024 polls
The significance of next year's general election was a recurring theme throughout the various panel discussions at News24's event. It was stressed that the election could be a turning point in SA's political landscape, but only if South Africans turn out to vote. During a discussion with the country's top opposition party leaders – John Steenhuisen, Herman Mashaba, Songezo Zibi and Mmusi Maimane – there was agreement that the 2024 elections present an opportunity for SA to "reset" its course.
2. Support entrepreneurs who shine the way
Business leaders painted a worrying picture of waning investor confidence in SA during a panel discussion about the state of South Africa's economy. Although the private sector has been stepping up when government fails, respected business executive Busisiwe Mavuso said the real fix should be professionalising the public service. Looking at the glass half full scenario, Ciko Thomas, Nedbank's group managing executive for retail and business banking, said the role of South Africa's township entrepreneurs and young innovators should not be underplayed in creating economic opportunities.
3. Don't give up on the criminal justice system
It may feel like organised crime is taking over the country, but senior officials from both SAPS and NPA are adamant that SA is not yet a mafia state. Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, Anton du Plessis said major reforms in the criminal justice system are needed to combat the country's crime crisis. Meanwhile, Cape Flats activist Lynn Phillips proposed that community structures work more closely with policing and crime-fighting initiatives in their areas. She also said that trust needs to be restored between society and the police service.
4. Educate yourself & others on the climate crisis
Experts say it's a deciding decade in the fight against global warming. With South Africa being the 12th-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world, citizens can no longer afford to look the other way. Climate scientist Chris Trisos and youth activist Ayakha Melithafa emphasised the importance of climate literacy in bringing about meaningful change, while fellow activist Kumi Naidoo said drastic government interventions are needed urgently.
5. Give coalitions another chance
Several of South Africa's municipalities remain unstable due to fickle coalition governments, however, legislation could be part of the solution, according to Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and recently unseated Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Retief Odendaal. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng also argued that coalition agreements should be legislated and made accessible to the public in order to increase transparency and make political parties accountable to their commitments in multi-party deals.
6. Be your own hero and get involved
Activists and civil society leaders urged citizens to become involved in social projects and causes that impact their daily lives or affect the future of the country, such as the climate crisis, crime scourge and literacy crisis in SA. The Green Connection's advocacy officer Kholwani Simelane called on society to bring about change, dismissing the idea that politicians will save our country. Rivonia Circle's policy and research head Lukhona Mnguni also encouraged people in positions of influence to use their platforms to create more social awareness.
