INDEPENDENT
IN MIND.
UNITED IN DIVERSITY.
The Independent Citizens Movement is founded on the belief that citizens have both the power and the responsibility to help shape the future of their communities and country.
DISCOVER ICM →
INSPIRED BY
DEVOTED CITIZENS.
The movement was inspired by Pastor SC Mathebula’s book Devoted Citizens and subscribes to Christian values and norms with a number of common principles.
At the heart of those principles is a simple idea: the future of South Africa is not solely the responsibility of government or political leaders. Citizens themselves have an important role to play.
WHAT WE
BELIEVE.
These principles reflect the philosophy that shaped the Independent Citizens Movement and its understanding of responsible citizenship.
OUR COUNTRY BELONGS TO ALL OF US.
The Movement believes that building the brand and reputation of a country is the responsibility of all its citizens. A country’s brand and reputation are part of its wealth.
THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO TODAY.
There is a South Africa of tomorrow that carries hope and the possibility of a bright future. Its prospects depend on how we navigate today’s challenges while addressing the historical injustices of the past.
WE SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR COUNTRY.
As citizens, we have a collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen our country by being good and devoted citizens.
WE MUST CHANGE OURSELVES FIRST.
We must change ourselves first before we see the change we desire in our homes, schools, hospitals, public sector and private sector.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP REQUIRES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS.
ICM believes that being a good citizen is part of the art of being human. We must find workable and reasonable solutions that can benefit South Africans and Africa as a whole.
TURN CHALLENGES INTO POSITIVE ACTION.
An independent and devoted citizen identifies the role they can play in difficult circumstances and works to change a negative situation or narrative into a positive one.
Understand the times and know what South Africa ought to do.
EVERY CITIZEN HAS SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE.
The combined skills of millions of citizens can transform the fortunes of our country when people identify their purpose and make use of their gifts.
CITIZENS HAVE THE POWER TO DEMAND BETTER.
When citizens are dissatisfied with the performance of those they elected, they have the democratic power to choose better leadership.
VOTING IS ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP.
Voting is active participation in matters of national interest and an important democratic means of contributing to solutions. ICM believes this responsibility must be exercised thoughtfully and responsibly.
SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS PEOPLE WILLING TO STEP FORWARD.
South Africa needs true leaders with heart and integrity who are willing to raise their hands and serve in politics, organisations, businesses, churches and communities.
CHANGE BEGINS
WITH THE
CITIZEN.
Lasting change cannot only be demanded from others. It also requires citizens who are prepared to participate, take responsibility and contribute their skills to the communities in which they live.
FIND THE ROLE
YOU CAN PLAY.
ICM’s philosophy calls on citizens not simply to observe the challenges facing society, but to identify where their skills, experience and energy can make a positive difference.
KNOW WHAT
SOUTH AFRICA
OUGHT TO DO.
YOUR VOTE.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
ICM views voting as more than an election-day activity. It is part of a broader responsibility to participate, evaluate leadership and demand accountability.
CITIZENS CAN CHOOSE BETTER LEADERS.
When elected representatives fail to meet the expectations of communities, citizens retain the power to choose differently.
VOTING IS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.
Responsible voting is one of the ways citizens participate in national and local issues and contribute to democratic solutions.
LEADERS MUST ANSWER TO CITIZENS.
Citizenship includes remaining engaged after elections and holding public representatives accountable for their work.
THE PEOPLE
BEHIND ICM.
ICM’s leadership reflects the movement’s commitment to citizenship, community participation and accountable leadership.
DR JOE MOJAPELO
GLADYS MAHLANGU
REV CHRIS MATHEBULA
FROM THE ASHES
OF DESPAIR,
A BEAUTIFUL NATION WILL ARISE.
Citizenship begins when people decide that they are not merely observers of their country's future, but participants in building it.
