Lead SA - Moving South Africa forward

Lead SA, a Primedia Broadcasting and Independent Newspapers Group initiative was launched today on Talk Radio 702, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm and 567 Cape Talk, with the aim of mobilising South Africans to look within, and be the change they want to see. At the same time, leading newspapers within the Independent stable: The Star, Pretoria News, Cape Argus and Daily News splashed details of the initiative across their front pages today.

“Our country has come through some of the toughest challenges, both in its history and in the recent past. Some of these trials may have produced miracles beyond imagination, but they have also robbed us of some our basic moral values,” said Primedia Broadcasting CEO, Terry Volkwyn.

With nation building and respect for the country and its laws as key drivers, Lead SA encourages all South Africans to make a difference, no matter how small, to the lives of those around them. The Lead SA initiative is a long term project that is set to be rolled out over the next few years.

“As a media group, it is our obligation to unlock the leadership potential in this country,” said Volkwyn. “If we are to take our rightful place on the world stage and make this country the success that it deserves to be, each of us must stand up and do something.”

Leads SA is asking all South Africans to stand together and unlock the potential of this extraordinary country through theirown behaviour. It encourages action with immediate effect and reminds all South Africans to have respect for the country’s laws, for its citizens, for the downtrodden, for the refugees and for those who they don’t necessarily agree with.

It aims to remind South Africans of the positive steps that have been taken over the years, rather than the negative actions of a few lawless individuals. Together with the spirit of ubuntu, of compassion and humanity, Lead SA motivates each person to stand up for what’s right. Stand up for the law. Stand up for decency, compassion, and respect. Stand up for the future. Stand up for South Africa.

“It’s easy to be negative and highlight the few bad aspects of the nation, but it takes courage and bravery to put your foot down and take action,” said Volkwyn. “Rather than blaming the government or community leaders, individuals need to start making a difference.”

Through Lead SA ordinary people are empowered. While it concentrates on so-called day to day issues, and continues to reiterate the need for citizens to do the right thing, Lead SA has identified five areas of major focus.

Firstly, there is a personal challenge for each South African to take charge of their moral leadership. People are encouraged to respect the law; blow the whistle on criminals and respect the environment.

Leadership is the second area of concern. Lead SA will promote excellence in any form and highlight the unsung heroes of the nation. It will also share leadership skills and grow and develop new talent.

Education will also be a focus. Lead SA’s goal is to help improve our Matric pass rate, and while it highlights the problems within the education system, it will also zoom in on solutions and celebrate pockets of brilliance.

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA) is set to be the most powerful radio telescope ever built. South Africa has been shortlisted to win the bid and host this world project. Lead SA is intent on mobilizing South Africans and ensuring the project is a success.

Lastly, Lead SA will focus on sport as a way of unifying the nation. Lead SA will ensure all South Africans get behind our national soccer squad as they prepare for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil and harness support to host the 2020 Olympics in one of our cities.

“The 2010 Soccer World Cup was a wake-up call as to what we could achieve if we had one vision as a nation,” said Volkwyn. “We need to sustain this legacy beyond the one month. We can choose to carry on in our task of reporting on issues as they occur around us, or we can take a stand and do what we can to make a difference.”

To find out more information visit www.leadsa.co.za