Advocate and author Ernst Roets and lawyer and policy analyst Martin Van Staaden discuss the importance of community institutions, the challenges faced in South Africa, the role of intermediate institutions in preventing abuses of power, the tension between freedom and the law, the value of civil rights organizations, and the desire to create a different way of ordering society for human flourishing and prosperity.
Intermediary institutions are crucial for holding the state accountable and achieving political goals in society.
Communities play a significant role in providing support and sustaining society, particularly in times of crisis.
Building institutions beyond the state is necessary to counterbalance its power, protect individual freedoms, and advocate for liberal ideas.
Deep dives
Importance of Intermediary Institutions
Intermediary institutions play a crucial role in society by holding the state accountable and achieving political goals. These institutions, such as trade unions and women's organizations, have historically been instrumental in building large networks and mobilizing resources. However, modern societies, with their increased economic pressures and two-income families, face challenges in maintaining and strengthening such institutions. While organizations like Equi-EfriForum Foundation have successfully built such institutions, there is concern about whether it is still possible to create robust institutions that can effectively advocate for political freedom and hold the state accountable.
The Power of Community Support
Communities can provide crucial support and a sense of belonging, especially in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people found value in contributing to their communities, either through direct engagement or charitable contributions. Community involvement can be a source of emotional and spiritual sustenance when the state assumes greater control. Organizations like Equi-EfriForum and AfroForum have successfully built communities that inspire participation and pride, with members actively contributing through volunteering and donations. However, the modern structure of society, with its high cost of living and dual-income families, poses challenges to creating and maintaining strong community institutions.
The Importance of Building Strong Institutions
The strength of institutions is crucial to achieving political freedom and holding state power in check. In modern societies, there is a need to build institutions beyond the state to counterbalance its power. These institutions need to be empowered and autonomous, allowing individuals to collectively defend their individual freedoms. While the South African state is weak, civil society organizations like AfroForum and Solidarity have emerged as powerful entities capable of exceeding state power. Some argue that facing totalitarian regimes like China necessitates underground community institution building to counterbalance state control. It is vital to recognize that individual freedom can only be secured through collective community building and defense of individual freedoms.
The Role of Communities and Volunteering
Communities play a significant role in sustaining society, often relying on volunteerism and the active participation of individuals within communities. Involvement in community institutions and activities, such as volunteering for charitable or educational initiatives, contributes to the overall well-being of a community and keeps it vibrant. Voluntary work, which may not offer monetary rewards, can be crucial in maintaining and nurturing a healthy and efficient community. However, changing societal dynamics and circumstances, such as increased financial strain and diverse demographics, can impact the formation and strength of communities, making it important to emphasize the significance of community engagement and the valuable work accomplished through volunteerism.
The Importance of Community Building and Voluntary Associations
Community building and voluntary associations play a crucial role in achieving political freedom and providing support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found value in contributing to their communities through private charity and volunteer work. Organizations like AfriForum and Solidarity have demonstrated the power of community involvement and support. They provide examples of how communities can create institutions that exceed the strength and influence of the state, allowing individuals to play an active role in larger causes.
The Gap Between Theory and Reality in Liberalism
The gap between theoretical liberalism and its manifestation in reality is a pressing issue. While liberal ideas may be sound in theory, the practical implementation often falls short. Liberalism faces challenges in gaining political traction and collective force within democratic systems. Democracy tends to promote rent-seeking behaviors and the expansion of state power, which contradicts the principles of liberalism. The solution lies in building power and influence outside of traditional political systems, creating institutions and organizations that advocate for liberal ideas and exert influence on society.
