Date: August 7, 2023
In a thought-provoking Twitter post on Sunday night, ANC veteran leader and former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni ignited a fervent discussion on the role of young people in shaping the political landscape of the nation. The statement read, “Young people should understand that leaving politics to nobodies, results in nobody’s governments. ‘There is nothing dishonorable in Public service.’ But distasteful in the abuse of Power and Corruption.”
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Mboweni’s remarks came in response to a video shared by EFF leader and MP Mzwanele Manyi, which depicted local residents struggling to access clean water. The video, which emerged on social media, showed residents, including young children, collecting water from a river, emphasizing the pressing challenges faced by communities across the nation.
The juxtaposition of Mboweni’s message and the striking video encapsulates a call to action for the youth to actively participate in politics, thereby preventing a vacuum that can lead to ineffective governance. The sentiment echoed by Mboweni underscores the crucial role that civic engagement and responsible public service play in upholding a functional democracy.
Mboweni’s statement was not merely a call to arms; it also carried a stern warning against the corrosive influence of power abuse and corruption. It emphasized the necessity of maintaining honorable conduct in public service, while unequivocally denouncing any form of exploitation or misuse of authority for personal gain.
However, we need to understand that there are systemic challenges within established political parties themselves. For example, the ANCYL leadership was previously disbanded by elders of the liberation movement. Manyi said, “Sadly, you have just summarized what we did as the overwhelming majority and what happened when we left everything to the ANC. Instead of closing ranks, you need to call out your corrupt and incompetent comrades.”
The video shared by Manyi had served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by ordinary citizens, despite the considerable political shifts that have taken place. The video starkly illustrated the consequences of political inaction and inefficiency, prompting impassioned discussions on social media platforms.
As South Africa navigates the intricate path of governance and socio-economic development, Tito Mboweni’s words resonate as a clarion call for the younger generation to actively shape their nation’s destiny. The juxtaposition of his statement with the shared video underscores the urgency of responsible political participation, holding leaders accountable, and striving for an administration free from the taint of corruption and power abuse. It remains to be seen how Mboweni’s call will reverberate within the hearts and minds of the youth, and whether it will catalyze a renewed commitment to responsible public service and active political engagement.
https://twitter.com/tito_mboweni/status/1688307646191853570?s=20 https://twitter.com/MzwaneleManyi/status/1688319436468404224?s=20
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