Our greatest institutions were built by us – what else could be?

The Jewish community in South Africa is extraordinary. Our institutions – the Chevrah Kadisha; Hatzolah; Yad Aharon; Malka Ella; Jewish schools; CSO; CAP, and the list goes on. Each one is world-class by any standard. We look after our people with excellence, dignity, and speed. That’s something to be proud of. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: we can’t keep building fences higher and hoping someone else will fix the country.

We are some of the most capable, resourceful, and educated people in South Africa. But in many ways, we’ve become insular. And while there are good reasons for this – safety concerns; government hostility; rising antisemitism – it’s time we remembered the other part of our legacy: the part that shows up to help build, lead, and repair.

I recently ran the Comrades Marathon. It’s hard to describe the feeling unless you’ve been there: strangers cheering you on, handing you food, shouting your name. It’s the most proudly South African day on the calendar. It reminded me what’s possible in this country when we move forward together.

At the same time, I ran to raise funds for Malka Ella, an organisation helping couples struggling with infertility to bring children into the world. That’s also a picture of the South Africa I believe in: generous, community-driven, future-focused. Our community knows how to build excellence. What we need now is to take that same energy and apply it to the country around us.

We need to fight for better schools – not just for our kids, but for the millions of others who aren’t as lucky. We need to support policies and projects that create jobs and reward entrepreneurship. We need to stand up against corruption, crime, and mediocrity – no matter who is responsible. And yes, we need to hold government leaders accountable when they abandon us and align themselves with terrorist organisations. Their betrayal has been loud. Our response must be louder – but also smarter.

Because we have tools now that we didn’t before. Artificial Intelligence is changing the world, and it can change South Africa – if we harness it. I’ve seen how it can make people exponentially more productive, more confident, and more effective. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for education, business, and even community leadership. But only if we lean in. By the way, ChatGPT helped me to construct this piece, better than I could have imagined, in about 10 minutes.

”Im ein ani li, mi li? U’k’she’ani l’atzmi, mah ani?” (If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?)

These words from Pirkei Avot have never felt more relevant. We have to look after ourselves. But we also have to step up – for our neighbours, our city, our country.

South Africa isn’t a lost cause. It’s a country of world-class potential. But only if we stop tolerating mediocrity and start showing up. With all the energy, brilliance, and heart our community is known for.

Let’s be part of the solution. Let’s help rebuild.

• Dan Stillerman is a visionary entrepreneur, productivity coach, and founder of Excel Academy, who also champions causes in Jewish communal leadership.