At a time when societies across the world appear increasingly fractured, Dr Iqbal Survé’s reflections on shared values and shared humanity arrive as both a reminder and a challenge. They remind us of who we are at our best — and challenge us to live up to that ideal in a world that often rewards division over dialogue.

Dr Survé’s message is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: human dignity is not selective. It does not depend on race, class, belief, or circumstance. It is universal. In revisiting moments from his own life journey, he highlights how resilience, gratitude and purpose are forged not in isolation, but through connection with others. These are lessons that resonate deeply in South Africa, a country whose history has shown both the devastating cost of division and the transformative power of unity.

Central to his reflection is the idea that leadership must be anchored in humility. In an era where authority is too often mistaken for dominance, Dr Survé reframes leadership as service — the responsibility to uplift, to listen, and to create space for others to thrive. This approach is particularly relevant in a society grappling with inequality, where trust in institutions and leaders remains fragile.

Equally compelling is his emphasis on shared struggle as a foundation for collective growth. South Africa’s story is not one of comfort, but of perseverance through hardship. From the painful legacy of apartheid to present-day socioeconomic challenges, our national character has been shaped by endurance. Dr Survé’s reflections remind us that acknowledging this shared history is not about dwelling on pain, but about drawing strength from it to build a more inclusive future.

The concept of shared humanity is often spoken about in abstract terms, yet Dr Survé grounds it firmly in action. Values such as empathy, respect and accountability only gain meaning when they are lived out — in how we treat workers, neighbours, strangers, and even those with whom we disagree. Shared values demand responsibility; they require us to look beyond personal gain and recognise our interdependence.

For South Africans, this message carries particular urgency. Social cohesion cannot be legislated into existence; it must be cultivated through everyday choices and collective commitment. When we recognise that our futures are interconnected, the success of one community becomes the success of all, and the suffering of one becomes a shared concern.

Ultimately, Dr Survé’s reflections are less about personal legacy and more about collective responsibility. They call on us to rebuild trust, reaffirm our shared values, and place humanity at the centre of our national conversation. In doing so, we are reminded that unity is not sameness, but a conscious decision to respect and protect the dignity of all.

Shared values are not merely ideals to be admired from a distance. They are principles to be practiced — daily, deliberately, and together. Only then can shared humanity move from rhetoric to reality.

* Masibongwe Sihlahla is an independent writer and social commentator.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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