South Africans can become our best ambassadors

The Active Citizen Campaign encouraged and asked South Africans to describe the country that each individual wanted to live in and the response was overwhelming. The feedback was collected through an allocated SMS line, 32197, the campaign website, www.itstartswithyou.co.za and through a toll free number.

Despite the concerns raised by many citizens, it was encouraging to see the vast majority of respondents stressed their love for the country and their willingness to be involved.

The primary concerns that citizens listed the most were in and around crime, education and healthcare. The next phase of the campaign will address these concerns.

"Active Citizens campaign aims to inspire every citizen to play a role in society. There are many areas that people can be involved in as evidenced by some of the stories covered in our campaign, of ordinary South Africans doing extra-ordinary things to make a difference. Every single positive action, however small or insignificant, contributes in making a substantial difference," says IMC acting CEO Moeketsi Mosola.

Mosola adds that an active citizen is able and willing to overcome obstacles and build a model society by working towards ensuring that South Africa reaches its full potential.

By acting and becoming involved in creating a country that we all want to live in, South Africans can get involved in a number of ways. Some examples of how one can get involved is by reporting activities of crime, not buying stolen goods, not offering or accepting bribes, speaking positively about the country, helping the elderly and being good ambassador's of the country.

"We strongly believe that South Africans are a resilient nation with an ability to stand united for the betterment of the country. We have done it before; we can do it again, ‘It Starts with You',” adds Mosola.