“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” – George Bernard Shaw
If you give a little more than you take
And if you try to fix more than you break
If you’re the kind who takes the time
To help a stranger in the rain
There’s a place for people like you
… If you stand up for those down on their knees
And lend a voice to those who cannot speak
If you shine a little light, give sight
To the ones who’ve lost their way
There’s a place for people like you
… I’ve heard up there the streets are made of gold
And when you get there, there’s a hand to hold
I believe when your days down here are through
There’s a place up there for people like you
… If you walk around with your heart on your sleeve
And if you try to be the change you want to see
If you lay down your life for love
So someone could be saved
There’s a place for people like you ……
“Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”
“We need to celebrate the clean audit because some of the municipalities are unable to account for the millions that have been pumped in by national treasury.” – Mayor Nomvuyo Mposelwa
“The best system is only as good as the people implementing it.” – Kenneth Fourie
“We need to start doing what we are paid to do.” – Edward Jantjies
“Our responsibility as public officials is to serve the communities, and that privilege is a privilege that is available to few of us.” – Mxolisi Yawa
“Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your community and world better than you found it.” – Vish Govender
“With the right leadership, systems, and commitment, we can turn the corner and restore faith in local government.” – Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba
“The relationship between the mayor and the municipal manager is key to the success or the failure of a municipality.” – Johann Mettler
“If you are struggling, go back to the basics first. Familiarise yourself with the legal framework, interpret it in the interest of your local community, and then develop rules, develop a system in consultation with your community that will work for them.” – Roderick Williams
“If you don’t sit your time through the process, you might have the qualifications, you might have the acumen, but you will lack the intrinsic knowledge that is going to keep you at the top.” – Nomceba Serrah Mhlanga
“We tend to politicise matters that do not need politics. We tend to get embroiled in our egos as various public servants and we lose the essence of our very own existence.” – Ineeleng Molete
“Involving the community is not something to strive toward; it is the very reason local government exists.” – Anton Coetzee
“Local government exists to serve communities. If we fail in that role, we undermine democracy itself.” – Bonisiwe Klaas
“Community engagement is essential for effective service delivery. We need to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and acted upon.” – Bheki Stofile
“Leadership succeeds when people feel heard, valued, and involved in shaping decisions.” – Prof. Trevor Fowler
“Without a well-defined implementation plan, compliance becomes reactive rather than proactive. Strategic preparation is the key to success.” – Nokozuko Matolengwe
“You can compromise on issues but never on principles.” – Geraldine Mettler
“Development agencies are necessary in South Africa, but they are inherently flawed. We must ask ourselves: Are municipalities opting for them because they cannot fulfil their own mandates?” – Ashraf Adam
“Local government is a brutal space, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If we focus on the basics, invest in our people, and work collaboratively, we can create meaningful change.” – Chris Fortuin
“Local government is the heartbeat of service delivery. It’s where real change happens, and I am proud to be part of that process.” – Luvuyo Mahlaka
“Good governance isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating systems that serve citizens and ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and transparently.” – Chrissy Dube
“Listening actively and acting on public input strengthens the relationship between the municipality and the community.” – Adv. Hanlie Linde
“You don’t fix a municipality by reacting—you fix it by strategizing. You must be forward-thinking but grounded enough to deal with present challenges.” – Mandla Mnguni
“Managers are HR functionaries. They play a critical role in upskilling their teams and driving organizational success.” – Sol Roets
“Knowledge management is not just about preserving information—it’s about transforming our operations and creating value for the community.” – Pearl Maponya
“It’s about embracing change and investing in the future of local governance.” – Fezile Njokweni
“Being in local government means you’re hands-on with the community, making a real difference.” – Annette Potgieter
“Every challenge we faced was an opportunity to learn and grow.” – Samantha Titus
“Appoint the right people in the right position. Put bus drivers in busses, train drivers in trains and pilots in aeroplanes.” - Dr Vish Govender
“Integrated Development Planning is not just a document or a process; it’s the heart of developmental local government.” – Faith Qebenya
“Disability rights are human rights. We must create opportunities for full participation, not just empty promises.” – Luvuyo Zondani
“Women should not feel obligated to accept workplace sexism as normal. We must challenge it and create spaces where we feel empowered to lead.” – Jacqui Samson
“Mindsets must change. If we continue doing things the way we’ve always done them, we will keep getting the same results. We need leadership that is ethical, competent, and willing to evolve.” – Sipho Sibuyi
“Our focus is ensuring rural youth have equal opportunities.” – Reggie Salmans
“Political interference leads to service disruptions. When politicians overstep their boundaries, municipalities suffer. Leaders need to respect governance processes.” – Walter Hendricks
“If consequence management isn’t enforced, institutions become banana republics where everyone does as they please.” – Patrick Pilane
“There is a serious shortage of skills in municipalities, especially in financial management. Highly skilled professionals avoid working in local government due to instability and political interference.”
“If we wait for perfect conditions, nothing will ever get done.” – Dr Johan Leibbrandt
“We need to see sustainability as a governance principle, not just an international commitment.” – Faith Qebenya
“Training and development are crucial for improving governance. We need to invest in our people to ensure they have the skills to deliver services effectively.” – Dr Kenneth Maragere
“Implementation is at the heart of it all, and we hope that policymakers will take heed of these findings to improve governance and service delivery.” – Dr Kombi Sausi
“Democracy is messy, but it doesn’t have to be dysfunctional. We have the tools to make coalitions work; we just need the will to implement them.” – Prof. Jaap de Visser
“Local government is the heartbeat of democracy.” – Ineeleng Molete
“Ethics is not just about individual morality; it’s about the governance systems that shape behaviour.” – Kris Dobie
“Kenya’s youth are no longer content with watching corruption unfold. They are taking to the streets, demanding accountability, and pushing for meaningful change in governance.” – Barbara Awuor
“The more thoughtful and critical we are, the better equipped we will be to navigate the overwhelming flood of information in today’s world.” – Dr David Rosenstein
“It is possible that every town, working together, can make South Africa the place that we all want to live in forever and ever.” – Jan Odendal
“At the end of the day, it’s about telling a stronger story, one that helps people see the value of what we’re doing and why it matters.” – Prof. Marc Vermeulen
“I work with you when I see your heart and mind are in the right place. I work against you if I see you are busy with shoddy, corrupt dealings.” – Merlene Rossouw
“This is not a wicked problem. It is solvable. We can change it.” – Quinton Adams
“A human catalyst enables other human beings to be the best they can be.” – Mpumi Lali
“Change must come from the people, not just the policies.” – Rhoda Kadalie
“Skills development is the backbone of worker empowerment, yet it is often overlooked.” – Karl Cloete
“We need to build unity between peoples and stop saying that some Africans are non-Africans because they are not part of Sub-Saharan bloodlines.” – Patric Tariq Mellet
“Local governance plays a crucial role in creating an environment where young people can thrive.” – Sakhe Duka
“Every story is an opportunity to give a voice to those who might not be heard.” – Siphokhazi Vuso
“Laws exist on paper, but implementation is weak. Rights without enforcement are empty.” – Vuyo Ntlangu
“The dusty streets of Sharpeville.
The thunder roared from distant skies,
And the blood flowed from Black men’s eyes
When they met the hail of dum-dum bullets.
The crying, the calling, the falling, the running,
Of men, women, and children.
And the cold grey faces of the dead
Had stopped the hail and held the thunder.
While my people sang:
Return, oh Africa, oh return.
Bitter was that day.”
“Apartheid didn’t just destroy communities; it tore families apart.” - Yusuf Patel
“Steve Biko taught us that liberation comes from within.” – Peter Jones
“Local government is about more than service delivery, it’s about building communities, preserving legacies, and inspiring hope for the future.” – Dr Zwandile Plaatjie
“Don’t wait for government to act. Take the lead, work together, and create the change you want to see.” – Stephen Herbst
“Whatever we do is done through us, not by us.” – Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
“Social justice is not a destination—it’s a journey. It’s about creating a world where every person’s story matters, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” – Lorenzo Davids
“Courageous conversations are the foundation of social cohesion. They allow people to share their stories, understand each other, and build trust. Without dialogue, communities remain divided.” – Dr Braam Hanekom
“Leadership is about seeing every person for their character and contribution. It’s about walking the talk and creating spaces for everyone to thrive.” – Dr Marlene le Roux
“Justice for all is impossible without all for justice.” – Thuli Madonsela
“The Equality Act would force society to re-examine everything—from attitudes to resource allocation—and ensure that policies reduce the gaps created by Apartheid.” – Thuli Madonsela
“Knowledge is the key to unlocking potential and driving change.” – Dimas Baloy
“The slogan, ‘No Normal Sport in an Abnormal Society,’ is as relevant today as in the past.” – Jerry Seale
“When you empower youth, you empower the future.” – Thabo Nkosi
“Crime is on everybody’s list nowadays. It all starts with crime, and then it escalates to something more.” – Stephen Landsberg
“Addiction is not a choice; it’s a disease. If we treat it with the same urgency and compassion as other diseases, we can help more people recover.”
“If you say Jesus, you must say justice. Otherwise, you are not real.” – Dr Rev. Allan Boesak
“We cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. The people need a voice.” – Dr Rev. Allan Boesak
“We’re not here to complain. We’re doing something practical to give youth a future.” – Mr Heindri Bailey
“Leadership is not about titles; it’s about service, accountability, and uplifting communities.” – Frank Julie
“We can sit back and complain that nothing gets done, or we can start fixing things ourselves.” – Dr Willem Sprong
“Leaders must place the interests of citizens above political or personal agendas. Real change requires genuine service.” – Christo van der Rheede
“If we don’t try to do a little bit of good every day, then we end up doing bad. There’s no such thing as good people or bad people; only people who do good or bad things.” – Zackie Achmat
“Radio builds emotional connections with listeners, fostering a sense of community and trust.” – Doc Fick
“The best affirmative action is the training and development of people.”– Tabea Kabinde
“Service delivery must be driven in collaboration with communities. Only then can we alleviate poverty, inequality, and unemployment, and build a capable state from the ground up.” – Yuri Ramkissoon
“Accountability is strongest when local government and media work together for the benefit of the community.” – Dr Franz Kruger
“Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.” – Tawanda Kaseke
“Rigorous academic inquiry is the cornerstone of progress.” – Prof Phillip Spies
“Surviving made me question my purpose. I realized God had a plan for me, and I want to prevent others from going down the hard road before reaching success.” – Eon Hendricks
“We live in a time where we don’t have the luxury of complaining; we must participate, challenge, and make a difference.” – Wayne Duvenhage
“We are more than just potholes and broken dreams. We are a city of hope, resilience, and possibility.” – Sakhe Ntlabezo
“The biggest barrier to black people participating in the agricultural sector, especially in the wine sector, is access to land.” – Paul Siguqa
“The power is in the consumer. If we demand ethical practices and Fair-Trade products, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.” - Musa Mpofu
“Access isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s writing a CV, applying for university, or starting a business, technology should be enabling opportunities.” – Dale Simmons
“We’re not just dealing with unemployment; we are facing unemployability. A young person without work for two years or more is often excluded from the economy entirely.” – Dr Phumlani Nkontwana
“Let’s all do work that matters.” – Prof. Natasja Holtzhausen
“It’s not just about fixing the economy; it’s about creating a system that works for everyone.” – Dr Arno van Niekerk
“Hard work makes you lucky. If we create a culture where small businesses are supported, maybe we can finally say freedom has delivered on its promise.” – Robbie Brandt
“Decentralization puts decision-making power back into the hands of communities, where it belongs.” – Chris Bosch
“Trauma interrupts self-leadership.” – Nomfundo Mogapi
“For too long, we’ve blamed all responsibility on the government. It’s time we take ownership as citizens and create the city we want to live in.” – Boeta Swart
“We need to move past the age of ideology and focus on practical, applicable solutions.” – Prof. Erwin Schwella
“I keep saying that I’m fixing South Africa one day at a time through the agricultural sector, a space that is closed off but should be open to everyone.” – Katli Nguane
“Before colonialism, conflict resolution happened under a tree, with conversation, not lawsuits. We must return to our roots.” – Advocate Alan Nelson (SC)
“Democracy requires participation. We cannot be passive. Each of us must contribute to building a South Africa where everyone belongs.” – Denise Stubbs
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