Provide a moral example to others, SA Jews urged

JEFF KATZ

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SAJBD

Under the auspices of the Independent Electoral Commission, national, provincial and local elections have been free and fair, even in areas once plagued by political violence. In creating legislation, a constitutionally mandated process of public consultation provides civil society and the general public with the opportunity to comment and give input.

The Constitution itself is highly regarded among those of even the most advanced Western countries when it comes to guaranteeing basic human rights and freedoms. A two thirds parliamentary majority is required to change it, and it is significant that even when the ANC enjoyed the necessary parliamentary seats, it refrained from doing so. 

In addition to universal suffrage, regular and free elections, and laws upholding essential rights and freedoms, a democracy’s resilience is anchored on such critical institutions as an independent judiciary, media freedom and an unconstrained civil society.

South Africa continues to do well in all three areas, as demonstrated by how effectively the courts, media and NGO sectors have combined in calling to account the Zuma administration.   

South Africa is a society where diversity is not merely protected, but encouraged and in this environment, the Jewish community is flourishing. We have a vibrant network of communal organisations, through whose activities we are seeing increasing levels of involvement in Jewish life, in particular in the educational, religious, Zionistic, welfare, culture and social outreach fields.

Politically, the South Africa-Israel relationship has come under pressure in recent years, but in the last few weeks we have seen encouraging developments, among them, the official visit by Israel’s Director-General of Foreign Affairs Dore Gold, the visit by Israel’s former President Shimon Peres and the ongoing work and engagement of the presidential envoys in the Middle East.

South Africa, however, still faces many serious and critical challenges, including corruption, social inequality and severe shortcomings in the educational system (at both school and tertiary level).

As South African citizens, we must involve ourselves in addressing these issues. We must at the same time also strive to provide a moral example for our fellow citizens by acting honestly and ethically in all our dealings. At the end of the day, our good name and reputation is all that we really have and it is up to us all to see that they are never compromised.