What a Brazilian favela can teach SA voters about change

As South Africans cast their votes in local government elections, many communities grapple with unsatisfactory services, rising crime rates, and a high unemployment rate. In Brazil's Maré favelas, residents face similar issues, but a community organisation called Redes da Maré is demonstrating how people can empower themselves. Redes da Maré assists young individuals in attending university, supports women escaping abusive relationships, and provides aid to drug users and homeless individuals, addressing concerns that law enforcement cannot resolve alone.

The message for South Africa's voters? Political leaders are crucial, but long-lasting change requires organized communities advocating for services, generating opportunities, and maintaining accountability with their leaders. In this edition of our newsletter, Anna-Maria van Niekerk explores what South Africa can learn from Brazil.

As South Africans prepare for local government elections today, in hopes of receiving better governance, Brazil offers a reminder that change is attainable — but it demands more than a mere change in political leadership. Residents of South Africa are disheartened by inadequate municipal services, rubbish piles, violent crime (60 deaths daily), high unemployment among young people (50% up to age 24), militant groups barring immigrants from healthcare facilities, and daily water shortages in cities like Durban and Johannesburg.

These factors fuel frustration, especially due to empty political promises made every five years. Conversely, 8,000 kilometers away, Brazil is experiencing a different political narrative. On October 25, Lula da Silva secured another presidential term, winning a close election. For many impoverished Brazilians, especially those feeling marginalized by the country's economic growth, his win has rekindled hope.

Lula was known for combating poverty and inequality. During his past term, Brazil's poverty rate dropped, thanks to enhanced employment and government social programs. His return has increased expectations that the most vulnerable will continue to be a priority. Recently, during the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Bhekisisa visited Maré, a favela with approximately 140,000 inhabitants.

Some areas are ruled by armed groups, while police incursions frequently disrupt daily life. Residents often find themselves caught between these two forces. However, Maré also represents a story of community resilience: people refusing to surrender. We interviewed Carolina Dias, who works for Redes da Maré, a community organization defending residents' rights.

Their efforts extend beyond challenging police violence. They help young people gain entry to university, empower women to start businesses and leave abusive relationships, and offer ongoing assistance to drug users or those living on the streets. Their approach revolves around services, development, and safety. Safer communities require more than policing; they require opportunities, functional services, and people who influence decisions impacting their lives.

While Brazil and South Africa have notable differences, the challenges of inequality, crime, and communities feeling neglected are common. The lesson from Maré is that politicians can't deliver lasting change alone. Communities must organize, participate, and hold those in power accountable. Lula's victory may have given Brazil's poorest a renewed sense of possibility.

For South Africans, today could be an opportunity to demand the same: a future where living conditions irrespective of location determine safety, opportunities, and basic needs. Bhekisisa's TV news editor Anna-Maria van Niekerk reflects on her visit to Rio's favelas in July this year.