Cape Town – As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Professor Eldrid Jordaan, CEO of Suppple, urges South Africans to move beyond passive political engagement and “take an active role in governance”.
In his latest thought leadership piece, Beyond the Ballot Boxes: Democracy does not just die in the dark, it shrivels when not heard, Jordaan argues that democracy does not hibernate between elections – it thrives when citizens demand accountability daily.
“Too often, public discourse fades after election season, as if our democratic duty is fulfilled with a single vote every five years,” wrote Jordaan.
“But waiting is not democracy; it is complacency.
“The real work of a democratic society happens in the spaces between elections – when citizens scrutinize policy decisions, demand transparency, and engage in civic participation.”
Jordaan highlights the potential of technology, particularly GovTech, in ensuring government responsiveness.
“Platforms like GovChat have shown us how digital tools can bridge the gap between citizens and government, providing a direct channel for engagement and accountability,” Jordaan explains.
“At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, GovChat facilitated over 100 million messages between citizens and government agencies, proving that technology can empower people and ensure government action – or inaction – never goes unnoticed.”
Jordaan’s argument was underpinned by the notion that South Africa must continue to innovate by building technological tools to aid us in this process.
He suggests digital platforms should be integrated into governance, allowing citizens to voice their concerns, track policies, and demand accountability.
Jordaan said a government that is always monitored is a government that must deliver.
Ahead of SONA on Thursday, (6 February 2025), Jordaan called for South Africans to move beyond merely listening to the president’s speech.
“This is not just an annual address; it’s a test of whether last year’s election promises are being honored. Democracy is not about waiting- it’s about acting” said Jordaan.
“With the right digital tools and civic engagement, South Africans can ensure that governance is a continuous dialogue, not just a moment at the ballot box.”
