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Citizen activism organisation Lead SA constantly encourages South Africans to stand up and become leaders, for the sake of their families, communities and country. An act of leadership, says the organisation, could be “as simple as making a stranger smile or as big as fighting to further the rights entrenched in our Constitution. Each act makes a difference”.
Corruption Watch has also issued a call to action to all South Africans – to come forward and report corruption if they encounter it. In the three years of its existence, Corruption Watch has gathered over 8 000 reports in its database, although not all of them conform to its definition of corruption. The organisation uses the data in various ways – to drive policy changes, as the basis for investigations, to conduct research and studies, to develop public education material, or to support campaigns.
Now Lead SA has named Corruption Watch as one of its 15 causes to support in 2015, along with others such as WWF SA, Habitat for Humanity, and the Treatment Action Campaign – the article is reproduced below. They are singled out because Lead SA feels their success will make the biggest positive impact on our society. Supporting any one of these worthy causes is as easy as clicking on a link to find out more!
1. Cause: Poverty alleviation and food security
Join forces with: The Farm and Garden National Trust
“Through the correct resources, training and assessment, all South Africans can live healthy lives of meaning and independence”.
Sponsor a micro-farmer online by clicking here.
2. Cause: Youth empowerment
Join forces with: IkamvaYouth
IkamvaYouth equips learners from disadvantaged communities with the skills and resources to access tertiary education and/or employment opportunities.
You can support IkamvaYouth’s work through MySchool, donating or volunteering.
3. Cause: Fighting crime
Join forces with: The South African Police Service (SAPS)
The SAPS are tasked with creating a safe and secure environment for all South Africans. Knowing they have your support will positively affect morale and their work.
Volunteer at your local SAPS station – as a reservist or in the trauma room – or “adopt” one, donating what you can to make the life of both the officers and victims easier.
4. Cause: Promoting reconciliation
Join forces with: The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR)
“The Institute helps to build fair, democratic, and inclusive societies in Africa through carefully selected engagements and interventions”.
You can share the work of the IJR and donate to assist them in their work.
5. Cause: Combatting corruption
Join forces with: Corruption Watch
Corruption Watch is a civil society organisation shining a light on corruption.
You can provide information, sign their pledge, and join the community of corruption fighters.
6. Cause: Working together to tackle social issues
Join forces with: InkuluFreeHeid (IFH)
“IFH is a youth-led movement of ordinary South Africans, providing a platform aiming to unite South Africans and organisations in finding solutions to the challenges of our time”.
A network of volunteer-organisers leads IFH. Kind donations from the public helps to keep them going.
7. Cause: Providing shelter
Join forces with: Habitat for Humanity South Africa
Habitat for Humanity embraces the vision of “a world in which every person has a decent place to live”.
Volunteering and donating can involve you.
8. Cause: Promoting quality education
Join forces with: Partners for Possibility (PFPSA)
PFPSA is a co-action, co-learning partnership between school principals and business leaders driving change in schools and communities.
You can donate to PFPSA, become a partner for possibility, get active, volunteer, or help them tick off items on their wish list.
9. Cause: Protecting our fauna and flora
Join forces with: WWF South Africa (WWF-SA)
WWF-SA’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
There are many ways for you to get involved. Find out more here.
10. Cause: Tackling the scourge of gender-based violence
Join forces with: Sonke Gender Justice
“Sonke works to create the change necessary for men, women, young people, and children to enjoy equitable, healthy, and happy relationships that contribute to the development of just and democratic societies”.
Join Sonke in calling on government to develop a national plan now.
11. Cause: Protecting our children
Join forces with: Matla A Bana
Matla A Bana aims to minimise the secondary abuse children suffer when they report crimes against them.
You can offer your services or, make a product or financial donation.
12. Cause: Better health for all
Join forces with: The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC)
“AIDS is not over, so neither are we!”
The TAC campaigns for the rights and health of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Having experienced a shortage in donations, the TAC will appreciate your help, through a financial contribution, so that they can continue their work.
13. Cause: Caring for the elderly
Join forces with: Action on Elder Abuse (AEASA)
AEASA aims to create, raise, and sustain awareness of elder abuse, among older persons, professionals, stakeholders and the public.
Report a case of elder abuse on their toll free line, 0800 003081.
14. Cause: Using sports for good
Join forces with: SCORE
SCORE specialises in community development through sport and recreation.
You can support their work through donations, becoming a volunteer, or by making use of SCORE services.
15. Cause: Protecting the rights of people with disabilities
Join forces with: Disabled People South Africa (DPSA)
DPSA is a cross-disability, human rights organisation that is run and managed by disabled people.
You can support their work by making a donation.
