A new Web site, www.sunnysideup.co.za, showcases what`s good about SA and provides a forum for patriots and pessimists alike to comment on controversial South African issues via SMS.
In a first for a South African Web site, visitors to sunnysideup.co.za can SMS their rants and raves about the country to 082 003 006 007. Their comments appear, Big Brother-style, in a ticker-tape bar on the Web site`s front page.
Visitors can also vote via SMS in a weekly quick poll. The first poll asks visitors to SMS the word `Yes` or `No` to 082 003 006 008, depending on their agreement with the following statement: "SA is going down the plughole and we better all get the heck out while we still can." Results are available on the Web site in real-time.
Fifty cents from every SMS sent will be donated to a selected charity every month. The charity for the month of September is the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Ever been stuck for an answer when confronted by a whiner? Sunnysideup.co.za provides a weekly statement or question about SA, together with a model answer illustrating that negativity associated with this country often has little factual basis.
Explaining the need for model answers, Ivan Booth, the Web site`s founder, said: "Many South Africans are quite positive about their future in SA, but they lack the facts to defend their position. Similarly, pessimistic South Africans trot out tired old arguments that can easily be refuted."
The Web site`s first common statement often uttered by potential 'emigr'es is: "I worry about my children`s future in SA." The model answer touches on youth crime in Britain, shockingly high teenage suicide rates in New Zealand and lauds the diverse and challenging environment to which SA children are exposed.
Sunnysideup.co.za also highlights practical ways that South Africans can make an immediate positive difference in their country, from giving blood to becoming a police reservist.
"I have a major issue with people who complain about SA`s problems but provide no solutions. No challenge was ever overcome through whining," said Booth.
Sunnysideup.co.za carries a featured SA news story every day. Furthermore, positive quotes about SA, inspiring photographs and a pledge of allegiance complete an uplifting journey through SA`s sunny side.
The Web site was developed by Integrat, a wireless application service provider (WASP). Visit www.integrat.co.za for more information.
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