Justin is positively ‘write’ on the mark

UMHLANGA resident, Justin Foxton, has always wanted to bring about meaningful change through positive and constructive dialogues. Where most see pessimism, he sees optimism. This led him to begin writing a popular column called ‘The Flipside’ in a local newspaper.

The bi-weekly column of 800 words focuses on addressing the hard issues of life in South Africa, but in a positive light.
Foxton and the Democracy Development Programme (DDP) recently launched the book, ‘The Flipside’.

“Rama Naidu, the executive director of the DDP, first approached me with the idea of publishing the book, which is a collection of selected pieces I’ve written over the past five years. I was totally blown away and humbled by the offer. As an NGO they are all about citizen participation and my column talks to exactly that.

“They were fantastic throughout the publishing and printing process and I am delighted with the final product. We had about three or four meetings but they made most of the executive decisions,” he explained.

He added the collection was meant to be a positive, uplifting read and a catalyst for people to engage with each other through transformative dialogues.

“I hope the book is an agent for change in us all and that it triggers new thinking. So often we hear South Africa is the rape capital of the world, or the murder capital of the world. None of those myths are true. We often want to believe in this negativity, which ultimately determines our views and futures. The book touches on a number of issues, including vulnerable children, crime and the hope we can have for the future of SA. So far, since the launch of the book, the reactions have been very positive, which has been extremely heartening,” he said.

Justin Foxton is the founder of The Peace Agency, an umbrella NPO for four projects in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Justin and his wife, Cathy Foxton, run The Peace Agency from their home in uMhlanga.

The projects include The La Lucia Baby House – a small home for abandoned or orphaned babies; an information service for prospective adoptive families – The Adoption Companion; a mentorship programme for vulnerable children – Bright Stars; and a service that supplies impoverished girls with washable sanitary pads – Project Dignity.

To order a copy of the book, visit www.peaceagency.org.za