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Cape Town - South Africans often tell stories about bribing cops or downloading material illegally from the internet, yet all too readily point fingers at others when it comes to corruption, according to Zelda la Grange, former private secretary to the late president Nelson Mandela.
"If you worry about corruption in South Africa, remember that we allowed it. We have accepted that it (is) the norm. Go back to what Madiba said: That it is easier to change others than to change yourself," La Grange said as a guest speaker at the 29th congress of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, which took place in Cape Town last week.
READ: Corruption in SA could be 'almost out of control'
"Madiba realised he had to work on himself more than trying to change other people. He said if you want to make peace with the enemy, then work with the enemy because then he becomes your partner."
She said South Africans should not just wait for government to make partnerships.
"Reach out even to your competitor and become partners. If we are dedicated to a better future, we can contribute to a better country for everyone. It takes selfless effort. We must never stop trying," said La Grange.
Optimism is a choice
"Madiba lived his values every single day. We can emulate him. It is in everyone's ability to excel in life. Forgiveness and optimism is a choice. We can choose to make a difference in our country."
She said like everything in life, there is always room for expansion and more skill.
"I realised I needed to become a participant in this country – to do whatever I can. Madiba wanted to show the world that going forward, as long as you buy into the new South Africa, there will be space for you," said La Grange.
She said Mandela taught her the value of commitment, dedication, loyalty, discipline, respect and integrity.
"Madiba always said the way you approach a person will determine how that person will treat you. He had respect for people irrespective of colour of skin or status. He showed respect to (everyone) from the security guard to a president - equally. If we try to do that it will make our lives so much better," said La Grange.
"If forgiveness is a choice, then I believe optimism is a choice. If Madiba could do that after 27 years in prison, then we need to work at ourselves more than anything else. Madiba set an example to us. These values are not difficult. Madiba just tried harder than most of us."
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