South Africans need a shared vision that demonstrates national patriotism. They should also be more proactive in the development of the country.
This is the message of the SA Patriot Web site launched over the weekend. "We would like normal South Africans to understand that citizenship is important and [that they should] make a personal commitment to good values," says Charity Postman, managing co-founder of the non-profit organisation.
She says the Web site and other communication campaigns aim to inspire South Africans to recommit themselves to active and responsible citizenship.
"The Internet is the first channel we have adopted, because it is the cheapest option, and most of the initiative has been sponsored by ourselves so far," says Postman. She adds that the organisation is finalising a partnership with a large media corporate.
"I can't really say much about the partnership, except it revolves around the national flag. This partnership will be the first step in finding other corporate sponsors, which we desperately need."
Postman says the need for the site stems from a growing atmosphere of identity crisis.
The initiative intends to create a constructive people-driven platform that focuses on the common aspirations of all South Africans, she notes.
The next step
"In the short-term, we believe this initiative will create a forum that fosters a new patriotic tradition. In the long-term, we are convinced that the SA Patriot campaigns will bring about committed citizenship that addresses the economic and social challenges we are faced with."
She says the initiative aims to bring the citizen message to all South Africans, "not only those who are connected to the Internet".
The SA Patriot site integrates a marketing platform for the promotion of Proudly South African products.
It will also feature the 2010 Soccer World Cup, primarily in the form of a citizen fan club. "We could talk about all the things we need for 2010, such as stadiums and so on, but we must remember the most important aspect of 2010 and beyond will be the people.'
She says the site hopes to debate the concept of how to behave as fans of the host country.
The Web site is multilingual, with content in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu.
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