Showing respect and concern for other people regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, is at the centre of our collective South African culture and critical to create a harmonious and peaceful society for everyone. By recognising our diverse backgrounds and cultures, we can commit ourselves to the ideals and ethical values that unite us as a country.
We celebrate Moral Regeneration Month every July, the month, when the Charter of Positive Values was adopted in 2008. During Moral Regeneration Month, all South Africans are encouraged to reflect on the state of the nation regarding our moral and ethical behaviour. We need to encourage one another to be better citizens to achieve a sustainable moral, just, humane, stable, and prosperous nation.
It’s also the birth month of former President Nelson Mandela, who convened the first Moral Summit to discuss the spiraling moral decay that was becoming pervasive in our country. And as he rightfully said, “Corruption, criminality, tax evasion, venality, theft, disrespect for human life, fraud, rape, the abuse of women and children, unbridled self-gratification, drunkenness, extortion and family breakdown, much of it touched by violence, the outward forms of a diseased social climate which affects all of us.”
He also said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."
Caring for our families, communities, and the environment is central to being human. We shouldn't let the stress of our fast-paced lives take away our respect for each other.
Parenting
Parenthood is a demanding but fulfilling role. Raising children to become responsible and productive citizens should be an important focus of any parent.
Who we are as adults is based on the manners, discipline and morals that are instilled by our parents and teachers as we grow up. Children learn through what we say and teach them - but more importantly by the attitudes and behaviours we display.
We should teach children to:
Children who know their parents love them are positively encouraged and taught to love and respect themselves and are equipped to face life’s challenges. These children have better self-esteem and are more likely to make better decisions not based on peer pressure.
Find out about family planning to better prepare you for when you're ready to have a family.
We spend most of our day at work and it’s important to maintain working relations by being respectful and considerate of our colleagues. While most workplaces have codes of conduct, we sometimes forget what's acceptable behaviour when we’re at work.
1. Respect
Respect goes a long way in building professional relationships. Respect your colleague's possessions and work areas. Be mindful of arriving early to meetings and remember to greet with a smile.
2. Avoid office gossip
Try to stay clear from gossip and rumours because it can create unnecessary tension and be damaging to relationship building.
3. Courtesy is key
Always be kind and helpful to your colleagues. When you go the extra mile for them, they’ll go the extra mile for you.
Road behaviour
We all seem to be rushing somewhere in our cars. This often leads to inconsiderate road behaviour which can escalate to road rage.
It’s important to remember that we share the roads, and we should never allow our emotions to place our lives and the lives of others in harm’s way. The rules of the road are meant to ensure your safety. Ignoring these rules more often than not places lives at risk.
Do’s and don’ts for motorists:
Do’s
Obey the road signs. They are there to ensure our safety. Ignoring signs only places you and other road users at risk. Remember, always fasten your seat belt. Statistics show that if you and your passengers buckle up, you are much more likely to survive an accident.
Don’ts
Other road users:
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorcyclists
Visit our Safely Home site for more road safety information.
Public transport
For many of us public transport is a daily part of our lives. Thousands of people use a train, bus or taxi to get from point A to point B. With so many of us sharing our personal space, we need to be mindful of the following to avoid unnecessary discomfort:
Let’s play our part and make public transport a better experience for everyone.
Public spaces
We all share a beautiful country with many public spaces made available for us to enjoy the tranquil and scenic outdoors. We also share areas such as pavements, malls and stadiums. To ensure that we all enjoy these spaces equally, remember to be considerate of others by:
When we're respectful, considerate and helpful toward each other, then we are truly Better Together.
Visit one of our tranquil reserves managed by CapeNature.