Q&A

Women and children ­find themselves in spaces where they must negotiate their existence against a patriarchal system that oppresses them. It is for this reason I have dedicated my life to be a gender activist. Through my activist life, I have had the opportunity to work with different people from different backgrounds. As a result of this, I have learnt that to be a leader you must be available to the people you lead so that they are able to engage you on issues that affect them. Leaders that are not available to the people never really know what is expected of them. That is the reason why I live by the quote “This work is not for yourselves—kill that spirit of ‘self’ and do not live above your people but live with them. If you can rise, bring someone with you. Do away with that fearful animal of jealousy kill that spirit, and love one another as brothers and sisters”

3. What is or was your generation’s mission as a young person?

“ECONOMIC FREEDOM IN OUR LIFETIME”

4. Highlight key roles you played within the MDM?

 I have held political roles and responsibilities which include, ANCYL Regional Secretary in Johannesburg, African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) Florence Mophosho Branch Deputy Chairperson, ANC Branch Executive Committee member of Florence Mophosho Branch. I am currently serving as the ANC Regional Deputy Secretary in Johannesburg as well as a member of the ANC National Youth Task Team (ANCNYTT). I also serve as a member of the ANC National Working Task Team (ANCNWTT)

5. What is your aspiration for young South Africans?

My aspiration for young people of this country is to see them taking up opportunities to lead, question and fully participating in democracy and be part of the process of determining the future of the country. As President Ramaphosa said in his youth day message this year – “Young people must become the vehicles of transformation, the vehicles of innovation, the vehicles of creating this great country of ours, South Africa”

1. What inspired your Journey into cadreship?

Let me start by saying that this time 44 years ago I was in Grade 1 (Sub A), in Alexandra Township. The only memory I had was that we were taken out of school and there were lots of police on our street and I learned the words, Black Power’.

When I was in Grade (Standard 8) in Realogile High School, we wanted to Commemorate 10 years of June 1976 as members of COSAS at that time led by Cde Ncane Mabhida Ntuli. This led to the police force, Special Branch, in particular, coming heavy on us as students which led to violence and the Alex massacre. Since that advent, there was no looking back. We took it upon ourselves as learners to join the fi­ght against Apartheid, which led me to my involvement in other structures. I found myself attending meetings of the ‘Release Mandela Campaign’ led by Cde Khulu Radebe (Now King of the Bungane). In Short, I wouldn’t say there was an inspiration but more being my political journey from an agitated young learner, and there was no looking back.

2. What are some of the lessons and values you have learned as a young activist that remain- useful to you, to this day? My biggest highlight was when I was elected Deputy Chair of the ANC YL in Alexandra in 1991/2 led by Comrade Lolo Kekana, where I learned discipline. I served on the committee with highly disciplined comrades, though It was a challenge to respect our elders who were leading us in the ANC, given the raising Black on Black Violence in Alex. Many people lost their lives, their homes, and their belongings. As devastating as the events were, the ANC taught us to be patient and disciplined – which led to the Country’s negotiated settlement. I still believe that serving in those structures then, has taught me a lot and today I can still use those traits.
3. What is or was your generation’s mission as a young person?

The main focus of our generation was to render the country ungovernable, bring down the Apartheid regime in a quest for the freedom of the masses of South Africans, and to collapse the Apartheid Municipal system.

4. Highlight key roles you played within the MDM

One key role I use to play was organizing events to raise money for the ANC. I recall hosting Miss Alexandra as part of Fundraising for ANC back in 1993/4. I was involved in the Alexandra Displaced Committee which led to the settlement of the people of Alex in places such as Riverpark. Moreover, I was a member of the SANCO branch and joined the SACP at that time.

5. What is your aspiration for young South Africans?

Education is key to the future of the Country. I wish to see young people taking this country to greater heights. We are tasked with creating a conducive environment for them to better their lives and ­fight inequality.