Yes, YOU can!

I get messages from connections on this platform asking how they can help with RISE Mzansi 's campaign. I deeply appreciate all of these because unlike popular belief, political change happens only when many ordinary people choose to become involved even if they don't know if they can make an impact.

For those wanting to get involved, the best way is to click here https://bit.ly/3vdrqew . If you don't like clicking on links, then send a WhatsApp message to 072 400 7503.

Arguably the most famous political campaign of the 21st century was Barack Obama's 2008 run for US President. Everyone seems to remember the famous "Yes, We Can!" speech in Chicago when he was announced as the winner, and it may seem like speeches are all it took to win because he is such a unique, great orator. But there is more.

Please take a few minutes to watch this story https://bit.ly/4ae4oTF of Edith Childs, a woman from a small town who inspired his campaign. She is not the only one.

There is also the story of how young professionals working in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and other parts of the US trekked down to Florida to convince their grandparents to vote for Obama. Florida has a significant pensioner population. Anyone who does well with "seniors" in that state, as pensioners are called in the US, is likely to do well. Winning Florida is very important in the US electoral college system.

Anyways, the point here is that most people think they have to do really big things to contribute to political change. In most cases you don't have to do more than what is within your sphere of influence. That means talking to family, friends and colleagues about who you are voting for and why. It means sharing information with them that you believe will help inform their voting choices.

I get a lot of people saying "you are not visible. Improve your marketing." Believe me we are working very hard. We have many, many Edith Childs's but we need more. Political messages spread because normal people share them in their circles, not because of posters, billboards and radio ads. People believe people they trust.

So if RISE Mzansi 's mission and message resonate with you, spread the word on all digital platforms, and face to face with people you know. While the act of voting is private, talking to other people about voting and who to vote for is essential. Our country is in very deep trouble and we cannot afford to, even unintentionally, stand on the sidelines and wait for those who have chosen to do a lot more to do all the work on their own.

Political campaigns are mentally, physically and financially demanding. They only succeed if we all get involved.

Personally I am inspired by the young people for whom political change is not an abstract notion but a matter of survival. Even when I feel utterly exhausted after a gruelling day or week of campaigning, I think of their faces and energy and have no choice but to continue.

In the end if will all be worth it.