Comrade Nkosiyazi joined the ANC in 2013, after being recruited by “the influential and spirited young lion, Cde Stanley AK47 Letsoalo. I saw a need for someone to inspire more young people in the LGBTIQ+ community to join politics and find a haven in the ANC, as I have”.
Mama Winnie believed young people should lead the nation.
He is inspired by the late, Mama Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela. “She has been at the forefront of gender equality, her activism in female leadership and equality for all – has groomed me to be the person I am now. She was the leader that believed that young people should lead the nation – because times have changed, and young fresh political minds are needed”.
Asked what the most important issue for the youth is today, he replies, “Education.”
The youth don’t know about Simon Nkoli
“Our education system has failed us and doesn’t teach us as young people about the vital issues that lead us to freedom. If you ask the youth of the 2000’s – who is Simon Nkoli? They will tell you that they don’t know but know there’s a small street named after him”.
“Leaders like Simon need to be known – as they have changed the history of the LGBTIQ+ community in the country. The only historical leader that the youth knows is Tata Nelson Mandela”.
Forget American history and teach our story He speaks for many when he says, “We need to stop teaching our youth about American history and instead start teaching them our history as Africans – because there are so many African political leaders, who are not written about or known”.
The way forward for South Africa is to start investing in the youth. “Many of our young people need jobs and guidance. I feel that young people are given the platform, they will bring fresh ideas to the country.” By bringing young people into ministry positions in parliament, the scene will change and they will understand the change that South Africa needs as we head to 5IR in the future.
Practice diversity with LGBTIQ+ leaders in the ANC.
If given the chance to speak to our leaders, Nkosiyazi would say, “We need new ideas and representation of all races, gender, and sexual orientation. We are a party of diversity and having people of the LGBTIQ+ community in the higher structures of the ANC will show the world and society that the ANC doesn’t just preach diversity – but also practices it!”