Opinion pieces by members

We often like to believe that people are inherently good and that, given the chance, they will choose what’s right, just, and in the best interest of the collective. But reality tells a different story. When survival instincts are activated, when resources are scarce, when systems collapse, and when power is up for grabs, most people abandon principle for self-preservation. The truth is, when push comes to shove, it’s every man for himself.

This harsh reality is not just a philosophical reflection; it's something we see reflected daily in the leadership of our country. We see it in the betrayal of public trust, in the looting of state funds, and in the protection of personal interests over national well-being. Those entrusted to serve become the first to serve themselves. Promises of justice and development are replaced by patronage networks, while communities are left behind to deal with poverty, failing education, youth unemployment, and rising inequality.

We do not suffer from a lack of ideas or resources. We suffer from a lack of ethical leadership. The performance of any country is only as good as the values of the people who lead it. And when those leaders are motivated by self-interest, the results are predictable: economic decay, institutional rot, and a disillusioned public with no faith in the future.

At the Economics Excellence Association, we believe that to rebuild a country, we must first rebuild character in ourselves, in our generation, and in those who will lead tomorrow. Our mission is not just to understand economic systems but to shape a new moral economy where excellence, responsibility, and collective progress are the standard, not the exception.

It’s time to stop romanticizing the myth that people will do the right thing naturally. Goodness is a choice. Integrity is a decision. And leadership, when done right, is a sacrifice. If we want to see a better South Africa, we must raise a generation that understands this and is willing to live it out, even when it's difficult.

Only then can we escape the cycle of “every man for himself” and truly begin to build a country for all.