Citizenship

Citizenship is the act of belonging to certain state, nation, group or tribe. A South African citizen, is a person who belongs the Republic of South Africa, furthermore, a KOVSIE is a student who belongs, and is a citizen of the University of the Free State.
Roles of a citizen in building a democratic society
• Patriotism
• Participation in nation building activities
• Participation in state elections
• Social Integration
• Attention to rights and responsibilities
Patriotism is the first and far most important act of citizenship, it is the love and honour of one’s country, it is a responsibility we must all incorporate, and we all have a purpose, role and significance in this South Africa, regardless of the problems the land is experiencing. A patriotic citizen has the true understanding that, for this democratic society to become better, it needs constant caring and contribution. People expect a country to change but do nothing to meet that change, which is why patriotism is a true instrument of transformation, with it, less people will emigrate, fewer fingers will be pointed, and problems will be solved much faster due to the will-power presented by the citizens.
Nation building is very broad, it can be in the field of sports, media, charity-work, culture, business, Christianity, and many more. The whole point of this phenomenon, is to build and unite the nation through certain public activities that need the participation of everyone involved, hence the name ”nation” building, everyone’s participation counts. The best example to enforce the picture in one’s mind is the 2008 Rugby World Cup, the build-up to the Final rather. The Springboks were one of the favourites to make it to final from the onset, with their winning-streak, they continued to influence national pride and attract the attention of every citizen, even those who know nothing about rugby. This continued along the build, until the final: South Africa vs. England, excitement spread like a disease amongst the people, black or white, rich or poor, ANC or DA, every one, supporting one team, in the streets, pubs, homes, classes, our blood was green and gold, all of us, it was phenomenal, the country came to a halt, because we settled our differences, and all focused on what we all had in common, although diverse, we had common ground, and we were successful. So it is our responsibility to take part in such, the whole nation needs it.
State elections define the eventual state of this democratic society, because voting is one of the most important responsibilities of every single citizen who is of age in this country, and failure to do so is failure to choose the leadership that you would prefer to serve you, and it entails losing the right to complain if you’re not satisfied. It is therefore very much important that every citizen casts their votes, in the ballot box; to elect proper leadership a nation needs, thus enforcing the pillars that strengthen a democratic society.
The lack of Social integration in South Africa is the mere reason why there is continuous tension amongst the races in the country, the 16 year-old foundation of national unity, is obviously not strong enough, hence it is very easy to cause havoc. A very simple racial comment, causes national distress, throwing the nation right back to the beginning to try and build, and integrate the people once again. As a citizen of a young rainbow nation, it is in each and every one of our responsibility, to stand for truth, and advise our own kind not rebel and protest, but to overlook our racial differences and state that the country will never grow if we keep fighting amongst each other, but let us rather focus on the positive, the common ground that unites us, and build a brighter future for the coming generation that will not consider skin colour or bank balances, but rather, the content of one’s character.
Rights and responsibilities are an inseparable pair of obligations for a citizen in a democratic society that is practiced hand-in-hand; one cannot exist without the other. It is said:”With great power, comes great responsibility”, which is true, because tagged along with every right that a citizen practices, is a responsibility. Many south Africans have not come to understand this relationship (rights equals responsibilities), they only take note of one side of the equation, their rights, and tend to neglect the responsibilities thereof. Citizens reiterate their rights, and do the direct opposite. Peoples reaction to this is very ironic because:
• People complain about unemployment and foreigners taking their jobs, but many fail to make their own jobs, or partake in volunteering posts,
• People demand, and protest for increases in wages and salaries, with questionable loyalty to the business
• People complain about the litter around public areas, but many are unable to pick papers up in public,
• People complain about crime, but many fail to report crimes in progress
• People complain about racism, but many fail to teach their children never to discriminate other against in spite of history,
• People complain about water and electricity, but fail to obey simple water-saving methods, and pleads from ESKOM for people to turn off their geysers and unnecessary lights in households,
• People complain about the failure of the ruling party, but continue vote for it.
It therefore is a great responsibility for every citizen to know their rights, and exercise their responsibilities while they are at it, to ensure the proper construction of a fair and accountable democratic society.

The difference between "Different" and "diverse".

Denotatively, the difference between diversity and difference is very minute, but connotatively, there is a vast difference between them that flirts with the analogy of the two.
Diversity
Referring to diversity, one basically talks about things that entirely fall within one circle, but one circle that has certain distinguishable differences. Furthermore, these things should have the same structure or function. A perfect example would be of fruits, God created apples in a number of colours, whether green, red or yellow, an apple, will always be an apple due to its natural content, this clearly emphasizing the true meaning of diversity, many forms of the exact same thing, with synonyms: varied, multiform etc.
Differences
Whilst difference, on the other hand, immediately gives one the impression that there exists no link between two things being compared, no analogy what so ever. Difference clearly gives no rise to any form of relationship between two factors. For instance, there is a difference between a pillow and boomerang, nothing links the two, and there is a clear-cut separation in any form of relationship what so ever between the two, even in structure or function, with synonyms: Opposite, unlike, conflicting, separate etc.
Evaluation of the obstacles that cause an increased “diversity”.
I honestly believe that, diversity, cultural diversity in this university, and in any other society in existence, will always be there, whether we like it or not, that is the divinity of Gods creations, everything differs for a certain reason. Every culture different in characteristics, history, behaviour and belief-systems, this is how it is! Also what cannot be debated is the fact that, populating these ethnic groups, are human beings, that being the whole point, we are all human, no matter what our skin-colours, bank balances or histories might say. Diversity is beauty, it contains significant unique aspects that should be embraced and exercised, not pointed out like a problem. Imagine if we were all the same, there wouldn’t be any variety, choice or significance.
The main concern, or worry that is captivating the university, is not diversity, it is differences there-of, the lack of common ground between students. The obstacles caused by intolerance, lack of interaction and proper communication, lack of understanding, not racism! Barriers are broken through tolerance and understanding, which is conducive upon the effective communication of everybody.
For metals to combine, they are heated in chambers to eventually form a fully integrated metal-alloy (combination two different metals, (which has better properties than the two first two, it is exactly the same with the university, one cannot expect integration to occur during inactivity. Students of different ethnics groups should be placed inside a melting pot, heating (heat being the battles and struggles that will inevitably occur (and over good time, the result will be a better, stronger integrated generation. But if the university continues to hesitate and fail to provide a platform for social integration to happen, the hurdle will only go higher. Focusing on the differences within a society leads to conflict and segregation, but by spearheading the transformation of the racially-dispersed UFS, into a new integrated KOVSIE-culture, that seeks to fully involve everyone, and embrace the Unity in our Diversities rather than our differences, will undoubtedly bring a change, if not a revolution.

Leadership in our society

Speaking of leadership in this country, one is bound to come across one core fundamental concept to which we should all submit to: democracy- the government for the people, by the people. Is it truly for the people and by the people?
It has had its ups and downs in the last 16 years. But the downs more than the ups. The ups, which are the virtues, have been entirely influenced by a united leadership force by the government in partnership with the people, for a better South Africa. The downside, unfortunately dominating, was piloted mainly by self-centred, destructive, individualistic leadership tendencies of those leaders seeking more power in corruption.
Democracy was “introduced” in 1994, since then, most leadership systems have undergone this particular concept, from schools, universities, organisations, and politics. Leaders have been elected upon the brilliance of their manifestos, virtues of their tempting promises and the remarkable influence of their speeches to the public. Since 1994, it has not mattered who you are, what you have or haven’t done to/for society, you will get votes, as long as you present a well structured, intelligent-sounding, promise-filled speech that will get people jumping in excitement.
Leadership in our society, and in every society in fact, is a very diverse topic, but the perfect specimen for leadership assessment of any society, is politics. In South Africa, unlike many other countries such as North America, Ghana, United Kingdom, Canada etc ( where an individual is scrutinized and interviewed, literally debates with other individuals publicly for the state presidency), the people vote upon a certain political party, not individual. This in turn, potrays leadership in a certain parties terms, not the people.
There has been real development that is indeed good, and deserves a proficient amount of recognition, but political leadership in most of our society, leaves much to be desired.
Development of Key areas
The keys roles of leadership in any society are mainly service to the nation, by honouring the constitiution, maintaining a healthy, transparent public image, ensuring service delivery, and of course, the production of potential/prospective leaders, all these roles driven particularly for the people, to benefit the people, not the leader. In our country, number of votes, political organisations, cabinet ministries, official salaries, tenders, racism, expensive ministerial cars, court cases, freedom songs, just to name a few, top the list of priority, while poverty reigns, basic education is pathetic, Christianity is fading away, crime and corruption continues, social integration is fighting a losing battle, where is the leadership in this country, one would ask... These elements are at the centre of a successful and self-sufficient democracy that benefits those who submit to it.
It is apparent, that in South Africa, leadership is misconceived as power, possession, prestige and position, while it ought to be about delivering upon your word, and upon what the needs of the entire nation, rich or poor, black or white, ANC or DA.
The truth is South Africa would certainly shake newer grounds, and development faster, if leadership grew into a selfless, honest, serving and mature mindset that it should have. Then, the country would finally be able compete on an international stage, not the pathetic interracial contest, that keeps retarding our growth progress.
Eradication fraud, corruption and theft in top positions, is another key role that is keeping the economical status of the country in contempt. Referring mainly to leaders that privately misuse taxpayers money, for self service, comntinues to widen the gap between rich and poor, in turn increasing poverty, and retarding economic growth. These self serving trends of the majority of ours leaders here, cripples not only the lives of the current generation, but already puts a burden on many more governments to come in the future generations of this country.
Open mindedness and future perspective are two more key aspects that our leaders could develop in.
And lastly, inspiring, motivating and purpose. driven leaders are the stimulants needed to get the nation fired up, Leaders like Dr. Martin Lurthur. King. Jnr, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Malcolm X, Barrack Obama, Koffie Anan, Steve Bantu Biko, the nation needs a leader that leads from the front of the march, not the back table, one that leads by example, and makes the people, the number one priority!
..An army of sheep lead by a lion, will always defeat an army of lions lead by a sheep.. .

During the first few days at Binghamton University

During these two days weeks, guided by the Binghamton University Fall 2010 Orientation Program, we attended a number of significant class sessions that are supportive of our motives in the USA, which expand our horizons of various issues such as the “Psychology of racism, African Women and Feminism, Migration, Citizenship, Social Justice just to name a few. This where we had an opportunity to engage critically with the Binghamton University students about the residential life, academics, diversity, food, politics-everybody was very open to share their side

The Basketball Analogy

Due to the Historical, structural and political similarities between the United States of America and South Africa, an anology can be derived if you make a general observation on the two nations' development through recent history.

More clearly, this observation can be done illustrate the position of the two nations in comparison to eachother. I call this analogical observation, the Basketball Analogy, which is very interesting, and serves a very important purpose in itself, because it projects how far both countries have gone, their current status, and how far they still have to propagate.

This analogy was my brainchild, born in the home of Ms Renee Micalizzi (Host parent whilst in Binghamton city, USA), it came by while struggling to put into words the immense similarities the two nations have, but suddenly, basketball came to mind!

I was analysing how both the USA and SA went through a period of racism after slavery, I noted how both had a saviour in the form of ploitical hero (Martin Luther King Jnr and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela), the abolishement of the oppression, establishement of bill of rights and civil rights acts, the peaceful, yet unpeaceful transtion into the new USA and the new SA, intergration in scociety (businesses, schools, transport, churches, etc), the ongoing political warfare. The above show the general similarities USA and SA have.

Now, to understand this phenominon better, take the above,and apply it to a basketball match-up. The USA and SA are the same team due to their similarities, but to the advanced progress that the USA has already made ahead of SA in many aspects including the above, mentioned, they can be considered to be in the 2nd quarter of the game For instances, they recieved their liberation and democracies centuries ago, they have already undergone the bitter conflicts of institutionalized (enforced) racial integration, and have partially succeeded, they are seeing the fruits of their hard work, they are winning the game, they are a half-away from victory, however, contreversially, they are experiencing a "time-out" due to some social barracades (this is a discussion for another day). We on the otherhand, are in the 1st quarter of the game, we have just achieved our democracy just over one and a half centuries ago, we are a teenage society, we have just started with the rough and bitter, inevitable process of institutionalized racial integration, like the USA, we have to pass this point to reach the 2nd quarter, to be able to look back and see the fruits of the heart-ache we have experienced in the past.

Being in the 1st and 2nd quarters, actually shows that we have not reached our destination yet, we have still got a long way to fo, through the 3rd, and 4th quarters, even through extra-time maybe, but the piont is home, that we take examples from each other, because we are leading the world into a peacefull, cosmopolitan society, that seeks justice, peace and equality for all that live in it!

Brief report-week 1

As learning partner

It has been 7 days, the first week, the one half of this international leadership for change program, and an overwhelming number of important, yet interesting events, ideas and experiences were passed and shared to me and the group. Judging by what I have experienced, and what the other group are saying-there is just too much development happening to and around them to put into words. It has only been a week, and we are overflowing with ideas. However, there are these two most dominant parts that I will discuss, “American lack of public engagement VS South African lack of classroom engagement”, and “the advancement of disability assistance”
Americans usually avoid potentially controversial topics, such as politics, religion, or opinions about certain social issues. The above is totally for South Africa, we tend to engage more, we tend to sink into issues and concepts, which is advantageous to our society- it is through engaging, that problems are solved, problems are discovered, and improvements are bound. In the United States, this engagement is normally done more in classrooms than outside the classroom, it is not frequent in many public conversations, even amongst friends, engagement over these topics is less than frequent. It is apparent that classrooms provide a better platform for people to express themselves much more freely than usual. This “classroom-engagement”, is very seldom in the South African classroom environment, it is something that we desperately need, and I will be making sure I raise that to management so that something can be done about it.
In the USA, public facilities accommodate or cater for disabled people more, they have stepped-up facilitated assistance for differently able people in many public areas, schools, stores, hospitals, buses, etc. There are for instance, near most doors in buildings, automatic-door-openers that do exactly that, automatically pop the huge, entrance doors open to make life easier for them. Further, aboard much of the public transportation (Buses, taxis, etc), if not all, there are machinery specially designed to help people using wheelchairs, top effortless board and dismount the vehicle in context. In South Africa we do cater for the needs of those who are differently able, but due to being exposed to the far reaches the US government is going for its citizens, it, makes one wonder, “Is this the best our government can do?”.