It is once again time for the national municipal elections. The evidence is apparent in the crammed postboxes with four or more different political party manifestoes waiting to be read, coupled with a list of services they have already rendered successfully over the past reigning period.

We live in a country that embraces and lives by the rules of democracy and equality. But the truth is that whether it is one political party or another, there is a majority who feels hard done by, who feel let down. Not you or me, but the people living in townships with no electricity, clean running water, proper infrastructure, proper housing, education, accessibility to the job market or proper healthcare facilities – those who are struggling the most. These are the people whose voices need to be heard.

It is during this time that political parties tend to promise all sorts of wonderful services to the people they are targeting; and because people living in these areas are so desperate to be heard and treated like proper citizens, they put their belief in these political parties.

Don’t get me wrong: I am not slamming any political party. I understand it is difficult to ensure all the services are provided.

Rather, I am pointing a finger at you, the reader, the businessman, the investor.

There are people who need to be invested in. The government is unable to take on this enormous responsibility on its own. It needs the private sector to hold hands, so that the bright future for all can be realised – particularly for those on the periphery of society.

Work together with the government, with non-governmental organisations, charities, faith-based organisations. Make a difference.

When the world sees that the rural, impoverished citizens of southern Africa are being treated as equals and given opportunities to make their world a better one, the rest of the globe will invest in this home of ours at the southern end of the continent.

Editor-Tracee Harvard