Let’s Reclaim our Communities from Out of Touch Politicians who make Unrealistic Decisions

ZENOYISE JOHN|February 18, 2025

NEW ERA: South African political leaders are sworn in as Members of Parliament in Cape Town in 2024. The author argues that it’s time for citizens to address challenges and embrace grassroots solutions instead of relying on out-of-touch political leaders. (Photo: National Assembly).

In the past few years, many of us have witnessed a troubling trend – politicians making decisions that feel increasingly out of touch with the realities of our daily lives. As infrastructures crumble and our local services wane, it is clear that the time has come for us to reclaim the reins of power from leaders who have lost sight of their communities.

We find ourselves at a critical juncture where the need for change has never been more pressing. Crumbling roads, lack of public services, and neglected public buildings and public spaces are just symptoms of a larger problem: a disconnection between elected officials and their constituents. Politicians too often seem to prioritise their own corrupt interests, leaving the very people they represent to fend for themselves. This can no longer be the status quo.

The way forward is to actively engage in community-driven initiatives, rather than waiting for top-down solutions, burning tyres, terrorising foreigners who do business in our communities, or destroying things. By taking charge of our own neighbourhoods, we can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose that empowers everyone. This movement goes beyond fixing potholes, clearing illegal dumping sites and drains, or addressing loitering on the streets. It represents a collective effort to envision a better future, one that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people who live here.

Community engagement starts with conversation. It begins when we listen to our neighbours, share our concerns, and brainstorm solutions together. We need to start community WhatsApp groups in our villages and townships, starting from the street level and extending to the entire neighbourhood. These groups can provide a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, enabling communities to voice their concerns, share solutions, and address various social issues that affect our people, including drugs, crime, air and noise pollution, illegal drinking spots, potholes, water and electricity problems, and other social ills.

CRISIS: Contractors continue to struggle with repairs on Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street in Johannesburg, nearly two years after the 2023 explosion caused the road to collapse. The author argues that crumbling roads, failing public services, and neglected infrastructure are symptoms of a growing disconnect between elected officials and their constituents. Photo: Nomazulu Moyo / African Times

We must champion transparency and demand accountability from each other ensuring we all do the right things including paying for services. We need to make sure that our elected officials prioritise our community’s needs over their own political agendas.

Yet, advocacy alone is not enough. It’s essential for us to wear our overalls, roll up our sleeves and take action. Whether it’s cleaning up our streets in groups, holding each other accountable for crime, littering and other ills or pooling our resources together to secure our neighbourhoods, we need to get involved. By dedicating our time and resources, we send a clear message: we are not waiting for someone else to solve our problems; we are ready to take initiative.

Going forward, we need to rally together and demand accountability from those we elect. We need candidates who are genuinely committed to the future of our communities rather than those who make empty promises. Supporting individuals who align with our values will help restore trust in local governance and offer a glimmer of hope amid the frustration.

Complacency is no longer an option. The time has come for us to stand up and demand better for our villages and townships. By becoming engaged citizens, we can reclaim our power from those who have failed us and create vibrant, resilient communities. The moment for action is now. In 2025 let’s unite, take a stand, and forge a path toward a brighter future, shaped by the collective power of dedicated individuals who refuse to be silent. Together, we can make a tangible difference.