Perceptions...

In this work I do...perceptions are not everything...they are the ONLY thing!

Harsh but true – so this is an attempt to stare down some of those perceptions in the hope of changing them.   At Parliament...I think, we really have transitioned from being seen as a ‘Church’ to being seen as a ‘serious political party’, respected as politicians who carry our weight and responsibility across a broad range of issues and portfolios...outside of parliament though...not so much!

Perceptions that we are divided, even divisive and definitely exclusive are so not what we were going for!  Unintended...maybe...but still our own doing!  For people who value unity, generosity, grace and acceptance we really missed the mark!  A shared future for all people living in South Africa is absolutely how it’s got to be.

Judgmental and uncaring are also words that have haunted our early efforts forcing us to greater diligence in compassion and caring as we work with people to make a positive difference in their lives.  Actions, they say, speak louder than words but in many ways our own ill-considered words have distorted the way people interpret our actions.

An impression that we are more concerned about moral issues than ‘bread-and-butter’ issues was created and even as I say this I cringe... a ‘God-help-us, guilty kind of cringe... remembering my own early attempts at commenting on issues impacting our country!   Of course we are concerned about moral issues which we believe impact radically on everyday issues but...more concerned...no...as concerned...yes! 

Stability and prosperity within our borders for families and communities and for neighbouring countries and the world around us are guiding goals as reducing poverty, unemployment and inequality take centre stage.  The needs, struggles and triumphs of individuals and communities in South Africa have in truth always been our passion, we've just had the hardest time – some more than others – stripping our minds and vocabulary of cliches and often quite inappropriate ‘scripture dropping’.   Sadly authenticity has at times eluded us - people sincere in wanting to please God – but presenting as mindless and phony – such a shame – and to my mind...entirely avoidable!

Intolerant and lacking in respect for those different from our selves – more tragic labeling!  This cannot and must not be who we are.  We ourselves are a diverse people with many diverse cultural norms but the one thing we do have in common is our example and mandate to love unconditionally.  Choice and freedom are our own Christian heritage and we, of all people must protect hard won freedoms including freedom of religion, culture and beliefs.

Last but not least, accusations of autocratic leadership, dogmatic doctrine and undemocratic processes ring painfully in my ears - difficult to hear but necessary to acknowledge if we are to stay true to democratic, transparent processes and to honestly hearing and being the voice of all the people we represent.  

Our challenge will always be - how to do this without compromising Christian values & principles – but it is a challenge we must face - we cannot escape or hide from it. A leadership of integrity that can be trusted is what we aspire to be, while we know there will always be the potential for someone to fail to live up to expectations.  

  

Success follows initiative and effort...

Yesterday evening, while hosting a meeting in Parliament I pointed out that entrepreneurship is a crucial piece of the puzzle in addressing South Africa’s job shortages. For South Africa to be the success-story we all want it to be, it is important for each and every citizen to contribute to society and our economy. There can be no better investment than in expanding the creativity and capabilities of young people and offering a platform on which to build a future.

Interestingly my words triggered another 2008 memory…this one, more of a nightmare really…the violent attacks on Foreign Nationals in South Africa in 2008!

I remember apologising in the National Assembly to the 32,000 people, mainly foreign nationals who were displaced and accommodated in tents, community halls and churches across the country. I was just one of many who deeply regretted what had happened. The genuine concern and generous response of many South Africans in reaching out to those who experienced the consequences of the shocking actions of a few was by contrast, inspirational.

All manner of conspiracy theories rose to explain the xenophobia, it was said to be too organised to be spontaneous…yet having visited four different high-density areas in turmoil, I’m not so sure it was particularly organized. Many side agenda’s it seems also took advantage of the situation, escalating and distorting it.

The seemingly sudden outpouring of violence against foreigners shocked us as a nation despite the fact that we knew ‘Xenophobic’ attitudes were rife. One of our major blind spots, I think, is that South Africans see themselves as ‘inherently good people’…while in fact we are all only as good as we choose to be and in reality every one of us is capable of shocking behaviour…just my opinion! Like it or not, I think none of us can afford, not to be aware and not to work on our attitudes and our actions…selfish survival instincts are always breathing down our necks if we let them…lack of sleep, unresolved issues, feeling-hard-done-by…all handy triggers…or is that just me!

I think it is always a mistake to assume that people who have experienced pain and suffering will be compassionate…so often the opposite is true - wounded people tend to wound others and people who have suffered rejection, reject. The vicious cycle is only broken, when people choose to forgive… choose not to take offense…choose to be kind…this takes effort…and commitment.

Foreign migrants to South Africa had increased from 500 thousand in the 1990’s to around 6 million in 2008 and the numbers continue to rise. This is our reality so it is in our interests to ensure that unnecessary pressure is not placed on disadvantaged communities as migrants find their place in society. Easy access to conflict resolution processes are crucial as people living in close proximity and sharing generally inadequate resources are bound to experience times of conflict.

And now slowly but surely I will get to my point. Migrants do actually bring to this country an economic value although it is not always easy for people to appreciate this. Bitter complaints at the time ranged from: “they take our jobs” to “they take our women” and the fact that foreign nationals had businesses caused particular irritation and jealousy. One person told me how unfair it was that people from Mozambique were getting financed by Graca Machel…irrational but tragically heartfelt!

Skills development, mentorship programmes and entrepreneurial opportunities are desperately needed but ultimately people who succeed will always be those who put in the effort and not those who wait for everything to be done for them.

         

                                                     Reiger Park May 2008

Brazil through my eyes...

Inspired by comments on my last blog, I found myself remembering the time I spent in Brazil in 2008. I was on Parliamentary business with the Social Development Committee and we were primarily focused on substance abuse and related issues... not that you can tell from the pictures! You don't get to take the 'real' pics as camera's are not allowed to be pointed in the direction of the really poor areas where gangs and drug lords operate.

So these are some of the prettier and more spectacular memories... I am tempted to explain some of them - like the one of the 60+ year olds during latin dance classes in their community hall as part of a programme for 'older persons' - the 'older' females there are apparently in great shape! Also the soccer stadium or Copacabana Beach.. but then I think if I say something about one or two, I must say something about them all and most speak for themselves.

The Gap!

At lunch yesterday, one of my guests from Melbourne Australia said “The thing that really gets to me is the ‘Gap’ a leader experiences between the vision and the reality you have to work with”...a few simple words but they say so much!

  

Here in South Africa we have shown that we have great vision but there is clearly a ‘gap’ between that vision and the reality we face.  The way I see it...that ‘gap’...the gaping hole that continues to trip us up is – now cut me some slack here, this will hopefully not be as annoying as it looks - the ‘ghost of our colonial and apartheid past’!    

I’m thinking at this moment of Brazil...having just looked at some interesting statistics.  They had a ‘colonial past’...and yet...no gap seems to be preventing them from moving on.  How then, have they dealt with the ghosts in their closet...how did they close that gap?

Get this...increased employment and reduced poverty and inequality!  Yip...its that simple...until poverty and inequality are reduced to where it becomes noticeable for the right reasons...we can do what we like and nothing will change!  Not in our attitudes...not in our perceptions and apparently...not in our behaviour.

Comparing Brazil and South Africa’s average growth rates between 1992 and 2011, Brazil’s growth was only slightly better than South Africa’s - 3,2 per cent compared to 2,9 – so what made the difference?

Brazillian people manage to focus on building a better future...they utilise the resources they have...they export their minerals...and made productive use of their land.  Mines and land can only be productive if people choose to be...unless we collectively and individually commit to a ‘shared future’ – with our own energy and resources...we have no future...not one worth having at any rate.

In Brazil’s fight against poverty, welfare grants have been helpful, but only where they are accompanied by economic opportunities which the poor can access.  Welfare programmes in South Africa...as impressive as they are...have little impact on helping poor people break free from the trap of poverty and dependence on the state.

Brazil’s success, some say, was in large part due to business as a sector...but not just business...business and government working together.   Reduced poverty in China is also inextricably linked to the fact that government and business work together...a hurdle South Africa must still get over!  For government and business to close this gap it will require a serious attitude change on the part of both – superficial efforts will produce superficial results. 

As for me...and I hope for most of us...we will still have to dig deep – checking our attitudes and actions line up with building a shared future.  It’s just possible that if enough of us get it...who knows...maybe we could go a long way in bridging that ‘gap’ between our ‘super-cool’ vision and our ‘not so cool’ reality!   

 

1999 began a new season of special people and places in my life

Special gifts from special people belong in a special place. For me my office is a special place - like being in the eye of the storm... Exhilarating, scary, inspiring and safe in the moment - all at the same time! A place where I experience Gods presence, peace, energy and creative ability. This is the 3rd office I have had since 1999 and the smallest - all have been special places but this one most of all.

A sweet jar from a friend next to my special patched up bear - also from a friend. Both on a book shelf of Parliamentary speeches in my very special place  my office!

Demi and I in 1999 when I took office in Parliament.

My colleagues and I being sworn in in 1999.

Matthew (my youngest, now 18) was 4 years old when he drew this pic of my office at Parliament.