The quote “If not now, then when? If not me, then who? -Mike Ebeling, could not be more appropriate in the context on the newly launching Small Town Regeneration Strategy.
Whilst South Africa is flouted as having some of the most robust/comprehensive legislation in the world, it is well documented that where we fall short is implementation. Historically, citizens have looked to government to create conditions conducive to positive and sustainable social and economic growth, however, over time the high levels of unemployment and poverty, lack of basic municipal services, the number of service delivery protests, the number of municipalities with clean audits (27), lagging and/or failing infrastructure, declining investor confidence are but a few consequences of this failed implementation. These (and other) conditions have also resulted in mistrust and apathy amongst citizens – a dangerous attitude to have in the context of a positive vision for the future.
It is on this premise that the Small Town Regeneration Strategy (STRS) seeks not to be another well-crafted document, but a tool for social regeneration that a) is about ensuring that the places where people live, now and in the future, create new opportunities, promote wellbeing and reduce inequalities so that people have better lives, in stronger communities, and achieve their potential and b) that can empower citizens to take ownership of their own community/town development and create for themselves these futures they see. The question then on most citizens’ lips is “What do we do? Who do we call? Who can help us?”
Places are spaces with meaning, and it is people who give a place meaning. It, therefore, stands to reason, that communities and places that are seen as the best to visit or to live have local champions who are passionate about the place.
It is therefore important that citizens, residents, partners, and everyone with a stake in improving the well-being (social and economic) of their town or community should be engaged from the earliest possible point. The first step is then to identify people in communities who are passionate about the existence and sustainability of the place and secondly to bring together these communities, and allow them to dream of their better future and provide them with the tools to not only plan but to IMPLEMENT in relevant and in-touch ways. Not all progress requires long-winded government-led processes, but any progress requires people to implement.
It stands to reason that more and more approaches to development are simplified, hands on people-led and inclusive as the historic top-down method has left a lot to be desired. Sometimes the simplest solution lies within oneself. The time is now, and the person is YOU!!
