The article's author argues that the development of rural territories should not be limited to holding electoral events. He emphasizes that the true value lies in the cultural heritage that complements education, training, and work experience, according to Floyd Dickens Jr. and Jacqueline B. Dickens.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, representing the Motsepe Foundation, supported this idea during a visit to the Christian Church Bantu in the Eastern Cape. Specifically, at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa, a choir performed the hymn 'Nghenelela Jehova leswi swi lava wena ntsena,' which roughly translates to: 'Some challenges are so immense in nature that they require the intervention of divine order.'
Similarly, the problems faced by the Bareki community in the Ephraim Mogale Municipality in Limpopo exceed the authority of the Premier, ministers, and the executive mayor, requiring the intervention of the esteemed President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
The author notes that the word 'esteemed' is often used as a title to command respect, as reflected in parliamentary etiquette. However, he insists that reverence should be earned by those who fulfill public duties for the benefit of future generations, not by those who focus on the next election to the detriment of the future.
Last week, the author observed politicians led by Mr. Stanley Matabata, Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, handing over re-registered land documents to residents of the Mogqwaneng, Mamaneng, Matatadibeng, and Ditoleng communities, united under the name Bareki Community. The residents attended the event and received free food, which was a source of pride for people who had long suffered from poverty and unemployment.
The author expresses surprise that politicians continue to use rural residents as tools for their electoral campaigns. Unfortunately, chains of poverty prevent rural residents from thinking freely, as free people do not like being tools for others. In 1891, Pope Leo XIII stated in his encyclical article 'Rerum Novarum' that 'the exploitation of human beings as if they were things in pursuit of profit... is truly shameful and inhuman.'
Nevertheless, manipulators feel no shame for their actions. Although governments around the world retain power and can perform important functions, their significance is diminishing in the eyes of many voters. Once, the majority voted for the ANC, but today the composition of non-voters is changing, demonstrating dissatisfaction by refusing to participate in elections, which indicates a decline in government relevance.
It is also evident that basic theories of government functioning are outdated. The idea that the government can provoke a social revolution through social welfare and RDP housing policy is based on a flawed theory. Charles Handy noted that 'the communist world fell due to its bureaucratic rigidity and inability to harness the energy and enthusiasm of its people to achieve its goals.' Political organizations must avoid this paradigm paralysis.
Students study civics within 'Life Orientation,' yet their leaders treat citizens as subjects, similar to slaves. On the contrary, citizens are the force and foundation of the nation, possessing rights and responsibilities, being active rather than passive.
However, for people to become active citizens, the task must first be simplified; they must see the results of their vote in local changes. To participate directly, they must perceive their involvement as an opportunity to change something.
The Bareki community is underdeveloped; the original farm owners were migrant laborers who bought land under pressure in the 1950s. Subsequent generations could not become farmers because they were deeply involved in the struggle for liberation. Despite having land documents, necessary infrastructure is lacking. The community was previously located in the Mpumalanga province and is now confined to the borders of the Limpopo province. Regardless of the demarcation, they previously received water from the Dr. J. S. Moroka Local Municipality. Notably, they have had no water since last November, and authorities reported that the water supply was cut off because the Sekhukhune District Municipality owes money to the Dr. J. S. Moroka Local Municipality.
Residents spend about 1000 rand per month on water, buying it from well owners. There is land, but there is no water. People could raise livestock or engage in subsistence farming. The area is likely in a deplorable state. Residents are treated like pieces of driftwood or a rudderless ship.
People have reached their limit. Dirt roads are in poor condition, maintenance is minimal or nonexistent. Public transport is terrible; residents are forced to walk long distances daily. Walking is a mode of transport in Africa and Asia, but it is rarely included in the transport policies and planning of Western researchers.
Leaders should take inspiration from the venerable Elijah Muhammad of the Nation of Islam. He was a model of respect and visionary leadership, capable of seeing beyond the hills. His approach to uplifting his people was not focused on welfare but on 'working for support.' He proposed an economic plan for Black Americans, including encouraging the purchase of real estate, farms, and woodlands. He also advised acquiring clay lands to produce bricks and build brick houses. The author hopes that leaders will heed the community's problems.
It is worth recalling the words of Adam Smith: 'Great nations never become poor because of private, although sometimes public, extravagance and mismanagement.' Smith was primarily a moral philosopher and secondarily an economist. Our ancestors should shudder in their graves. A land document is worthless if people lack essential services. The ceremony was like a game of tennis with a lowered net.