Wouldn’t it be grand if SA could be the change it wishes to see: iLIVE

Wouldn’t it be grand if our name and reputation as individuals, families, and a country meant so much that we would never anything to compromise it and everything to protect it by living decent lives?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people spoke and treated others with dignity and respect as a matter of principle?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all South Africans prided themselves on consistently delivering work of the highest standard and were honest in all their dealings?

Wouldn’t it be grand if fairness, justice, mercy and compassion characterised our workplaces?

Wouldn’t it be grand if South Africans thought for themselves?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every President, Deputy President, Minister, Deputy Minister and ever DG had a PhD and other formal qualifications?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all of the above, and their spokespersons, would adequately prepare and manage to speak convincingly and with distinction (without using notes) when they address the public, or the media, and not have the country so often cringing in embarrassment when they open their mouths?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every other person who has to address the media for whatever reason – could do so effectively, efficiently and in pure simple English?

Wouldn’t it be grand if no radio station or television channel would air anyone who fumbles, mumbles, stumbles and bumbles along irrationally, or comes across as incoherent, stupid, unprepared – or anyone that is pompous, self-serving, insincere or incites people to violence?

Wouldn’t it be grand if dishonesty, maladministration, inefficiency, dishonesty, misappropriation of funds and bullying tactics did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all persons in public office were humble, selfless, hard working, honest, dependable and trustworthy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we could be proud of the people representing our great nation in every position of power, knowing that they are diligent, committed and will not be swayed in fulfilling the full extent of their duties, no matter what the personal cost may be?

Wouldn’t it be grand if no one was prepared to vote for a party that’s officials and especially their executive did not display these characteristics?

Wouldn’t it be grand if everyone with a loud voice and a following did not desire to be king of his/her own dung heap and despite the lack of any credentials of note in terms of education, leadership, devotion of time and tireless efforts to uplift the disadvantaged and through the exemplary example they set of humble servanthood in their communities, actually think or believe that they have the ability to lead our country to greatness?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people who have acted shamefully or are under investigation for any reason were not permitted to stand for any position in public office?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the lives, finances, and reputation of every person who stood to obtain a position on a national, provincial or municipal level would be open to public scrutiny?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the political arena was not filled with so much ugliness and disreputable behaviour?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the nation could actually trust and rely on our country’s leaders, national executive, national assembly, members of parliament, as well as every director and manager at national, provincial and municipal level?

Wouldn’t it be grand if South Africans based their election votes on facts, knowledge and trust and not on unrealised hopes or intimidation?

Wouldn’t it be grand if politicians were actually prepared to serve their constituencies?

Wouldn’t it be grand if politicians were not intent on self-enrichment, power and status?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the gravy train did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if public funds were never misspent and if they were – that they are recuperated immediately?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there were consequences to colossal cock-ups?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we could trust and rely on every member of our police force?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every child and adult in SA had sufficient healthy food to eat daily?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every animal in SA was cared for by its owners?

Wouldn’t it be grand if staff in hospitals upheld and lived the principles that govern the health profession?

Wouldn’t it be grand if no-one in our country was ever threatened, harmed, injured or killed?

Wouldn’t it be grand if women and children were safe in their homes, schools, streets and workplaces?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all South Africans respected each other’s possessions?

Wouldn’t it be grand if women consistently honoured good men?

Wouldn’t it be grand if children displayed more gratitude towards their parents and teachers?

Wouldn’t it be grand if social media was not used to shame, humiliate, gossip, boast or hurt others?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all reportage done was trustworthy, fair and unbiased?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people were treated fairly and justly no matter what their race, gender or age?

Wouldn’t it be grand if inequality did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people and businesses owners were not greedy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if no-one exploited nature, resources, animals or other human beings?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people understood that all rights carry responsibilities?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we did not need to fight for our rights?

Wouldn’t it be grand if forgery, fraud and corruption did not exist in our beautiful country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if theft and armed robbery did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we could live without fences, barbed wire, alarms, sensors and panic buttons?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there were visible consequences to every lie we tell?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there was complete transparency in appointments and nepotism did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there was complete transparency in tender processes and severe consequences to non-delivery?

Wouldn’t it be grand if persons found guilty of fraud, embezzlement or misappropriate or misuse of public funds were compelled by law to return every cent?

Wouldn’t it be grand if men would actually father every child they plant in the womb of every girl and woman?

Wouldn’t it be grand if men paid maintenance before feeding their own faces?

Wouldn’t it be grand if crimes of passion did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every illegal weapon could be destroyed?

Wouldn’t it be grand if our country was not infested with drug cartels and human trafficking?

Wouldn’t it be grand if in our land there was not a thirst for vengeance and a sense of entitlement?

Wouldn’t it be grand if racial suspicion and distrust could finally be laid to rest by everyone living in South Africa and that we never be accused to committing acts that constitute xenophobia?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every person involved in rhino poaching was eliminated?

Wouldn’t it be grand if intimate partner violence did not exist?

Wouldn’t it be grand if not a single farm attack or farm murder ever occurred again?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the weak and defenceless ones in our society were protected and helped?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more money could be spent on facilities for persons with disabilities and salaries for their staff?

Wouldn’t it be grand if South Africa had more affordable old age homes for the poorer segments of society?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every aged man and woman in our country was honoured, protected, visited, and adequately cared for when they become weak and frail?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every child had access to an outstanding education in schools where teachers were well-trained, passionate, creative and committed to their calling?

Wouldn’t it be grand if headmasters and teachers set a good example to their pupils?

Wouldn’t it be grand if our schools were safe places where no verbal or physical abuse or ever occurred?

Wouldn’t it be grand if dishonesty did not exist in tests and examinations at school and universities in our country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if mediocrity was simply not permissible in teaching and learning?

Wouldn’t it be grand if youngsters in our country did not grow up with a sense of entitlement and suffer from the gimme’s – but realised that their future rest in their own hands, in hard work, in commitment, because the world they will step into is terribly competitive?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every school-going child and student aimed for distinctions in every subject and understood that an achievement of 30% means that you are clueless bout 70% of the curriculum content of that subject?

Wouldn’t it be grand if our standard of education was raised – not lowered – and if marks were never adjusted?

Wouldn’t it be grand if a Grade 12 certificate or any post-school qualification obtained in South Africa was a reliable indication of competency and mastery – and was competitive on an international level?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in our countries were told more often?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every garbage programme on television was removed?

Wouldn’t it be grand if money did not pass hands to secure favours?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people did not screw other people and compromise their positions?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people showed mercy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if it we can favour those who sacrifice much to excel and not those who do the minimum?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every learner with great potential could be given an opportunity to study in order to equip them to make a difference in our country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every high school pupils believed that they have a future in this country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if so many excellent people did not emigrate because of the dismal prospects in this country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if cased could be investigated properly and perpetrators brought to justice?

Wouldn’t it be grand if our correctional facilities were not so full?

Wouldn’t it be grand if placement in any sport team was based on merit and competence alone?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the same privileges were given to others that we so easily entitle ourselves to?

Wouldn’t it be grand if vulgarity and tasteless or offensive content were never displayed on any public or media platform?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we were more sensitive about offending others?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people were not deliberately offensive, obnoxious, bull-headed or obstinate?

Wouldn’t it be grand if common courtesy was a characteristic of all South Africans?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people took care of their homes and gardens, their streets and neighbourhoods?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the needs children in orphanages were adequately met instead of spending millions on changing street names?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more children were adopted and placed into excellent foster care homes?

Wouldn’t it be grand if troubled children had access to therapist and therapy that enabled and empowered them?

Wouldn’t it be grand if potholes and robots were fixed faster?

Wouldn’t it be grand if almost no people were ever injured or killed due to road accidents, speeding, drunk drivers, or vehicles that simply are not roadworthy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there was not a single corrupt official working at Testing Stations around our country and that every single licence issued was valid and based on competent driving skills and not bribes.

Wouldn’t it be grand if people did not falsify personal information or certificates of qualifications they have never obtained?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people could be trusted not to lie and deceive, to cheat and betray?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we all displayed more meekness, tenderness, kindness and compassion?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we shared what we had with those less fortunate?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every mode of transportation in our country was reliable and every vehicle roadworthy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people would answer phones during business hours?

Wouldn’t it be grand if when they answer phones, they have paper and a pen ready should they need to take a message?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the building industry was populated by more honest and responsible individuals who did not mismanage funds, use mediocre materials, steal on building sites, or cut corners?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people would actually deliver on any work they are contracted for?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people did not rip off systems and bypass process because they discover loopholes?

Wouldn’t it be grand if single parents – who are mostly mothers – would be given fiscal support from government to cope with school, housing, clothing and medical needs of their children, especially in instances where they receive no maintenance?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we never provoked someone else?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every industry dealt appropriately with its toxic waste?

Wouldn’t it be grand if our rivers, dams and water supplies were uncontaminated and adequately preserved and protected?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people planted vegetables?

Wouldn’t it be grand if greater portions of our cities had parks and trees?

Wouldn’t it be grand if the arts and music were promoted to a greater degree as they are great enablers?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we were more grateful for our country, its majestic beauty, its food and its weather?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every person had a roof over their heads, and sufficient clothes and blankets in winter?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every taxi that is not roadworthy were removed from public roads?

Wouldn’t it be grand if all taxi drivers drove as if they were not the only road users and did not engage in reckless driving and parking?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people could live in peace and enjoy good neighbourly relations?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people donated their talents, gifts, time and money to pay for much needed surgeries; for wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs; for aids for the blind and training of more guide dogs; for cochlear implants, for special education; for cancer research – and for worthy charities?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we could retain a sense of humour?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people residing in our land remained lifelong learners, and always strove to better themselves and the world around them?

Wouldn’t it be grand if suspicion, distrust and mistrust would evaporate like dew every morning?

Wouldn’t it be grand if post office staff could be trained in client service skills?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we never had to stand in queues because every office operated efficiently and counters were manned by competent, enthusiastic staff who were actually on duty during business hours?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there were no abortions or unwanted or abandoned babies in our country – and no pregnant school girls?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we all practiced more restraint?

Wouldn’t it be grand if petrol were cheaper and the E-toll debacle had been better handled?

Wouldn’t it be grand if no-one littered anywhere…ever?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more was done to recycle materials and create jobs?

Wouldn’t it be grand if land and homes were not so expensive?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people would dress decently when they leave their homes?

Wouldn’t it be grand if hospitals were still places where decent medical care could be obtained at a decent price; where hygiene was paramount; hospitals where staff were respected, qualified and did not strike – or get hurt while on duty; and where linen and other resources were not stolen?

Wouldn’t it be grand if pharmaceutical firms were willing to forego huge profits to ensure that essential medicines reaches the folks that need it the most?

Wouldn’t it be grand if electronic items were not manufactured in such a way that they only lasted until the week after the warranty lapses?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people took pride in what they build and would never try to deliver shoddy work, or walk out until the job is completed satisfactorily, within budget and on time?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people could be paid a decent living wage?

Wouldn’t it be grand if strikes were never necessary, because people could act like adults and sit around a table and with courtesy and respect, negotiate fair deals, benefits, processes, layoffs and appointments without crippling our economy?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we did not need to resort to violence because we are not heard, or because we are stonewalled, side-tracked, ignored, or caught up in red tape?

Wouldn’t it be grand if everyone in the legal profession was honest, dependable, trustworthy and well-trained?

Wouldn’t it be grand if every person employed in this country was employed on merit and ability alone?

Wouldn’t it be grand if public funds were spent on infra-structure, education, housing, health care and on sustainable worthwhile projects?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people in service industries consistently delivered a worthwhile service?

Wouldn’t it be grand if we did not have illegal immigrants, but they people followed lawful routes of entering our country?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people were honest about their claims at insurance companies?

Wouldn’t it be grand if interest rates were lower?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people lived within their means, did not gamble and saved 10% of what they earned every month?

Wouldn’t it be grand if entrepreneurs were given more exposure in the media for they hold the key to economic wealth creation?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people were innovative and created products and services and patented them?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people wrote books?

Wouldn’t it be grand if more people read books instead of watching television mindlessly?

Wouldn’t it be grand if there was greater transparency in the way we do business on national, provincial and municipal levels?

Wouldn’t it be grand if people admitted when they are wrong?

Wouldn’t it be grand to hear the following words more often, “I am sorry. I made a mistake. And this is how I will fix it?”

Wouldn’t it be grand if consequences for non-adherence to laws, principles, policies and procedures in all businesses had severe consequences?

Wouldn’t it be grand if South Africa could transform itself and stand out as “the nation” in Africa?

Wouldn’t it be grand if you and I were the ones who start this movement in our fine land and became the difference we would like to see?

Wouldn’t it be grand?