“This summer, we woke up and refused to continue blindfolded toward the precipice. This summer, we opened our eyes; these eyes will not close again.” – Dafni Leef, Israeli social activist

THE blind allegiance to a single political party, so prevalent among voters just years ago, is now yielding to a new force — loyalty to reason and knowledge over labels and slogans. Call it political maturity. No party can claim sole possession of the virtues that form the fabric of our politics.

When the torch of Olympus is lit and passed from hand to hand, it brings warmth and light to the darkness. South Africa is shrouded in such darkness — a Sophoclean tragedy demanding a gathering of bright minds. These minds must ignite the Olympic torch without political favour or prejudice, illuminating the nation by taking a stand, not a bribe.

Lord Thomas B Macaulay, the 19th-century British thinker, once predicted doom for American democracy. On May 23, 1857, he wrote: “The day will come when a multitude of people — none of whom have had more than a breakfast or expect more than half a dinner — will choose a legislature. Is it possible to doubt what sort will be chosen?

“On one side, a statesman preaching patience and public faith; on the other, a demagogue ranting about the tyranny of capitalists. Which will the workingman prefer when his children cry for bread? When a society enters this downward trend, either civilisation or liberty must perish. Either a Caesar will seize power, or your Republic will be plundered as Rome was — except your Vandals will come from within.”

Macaulay’s prophecy failed in America. But in South Africa, barely fifty years into democracy, it seems to be coming true. Like other failed African states, we teeter on the precipice. The crisis is not just economic but civilisational — a meltdown of values. The fire rages unseen, fueled by a political class detached from reality.

Carl Sandburg, the poet, warns: “When a society perishes, one condition is always found: they forgot where they came from. They lost sight of their struggle. Unity faded; mockers and deniers arose. Men who once dared the impossible joined the cynics. Not knowing the past, they lost what brought them along.”

South Africa is in a quagmire. To escape, we need minds and hearts united. The question is: How? Through private enterprise, government planning, or both? A national dialogue must convene diverse thinkers to innovate solutions. Our problems exceed President Cyril Ramaphosa; they demand collective genius.

As William Allen White said: “Reason has never failed man. Only fear and oppression have wrecked the world.” Let reason — not passion — guide our dialogue. Cornel West reminds us: “We stand at a crossroads. Do we have the courage, tolerance, and love to meet the challenge? Each of us can make a difference if we commit.”

Our freedom is threatened because some leaders forget its price: responsibility. Freedom, like air for plants, must nurture growth. Great civilisations demand more of their leaders — not less.

In our darkest hour, let bold leadership emerge. Let no party cling to old allegiances. As Dafni Leef said: “We have opened our eyes; they will not close again.”

* Dr Vusi Shongwe is the chief director for Heritage Resource Services in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. This article is written in his personal capacity.

** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.

sa leadership

From the darkness of hubristic pride to the Olympian light