Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lerato Mutsila
Published on 2024-03-14 19:47:21
Zackie Achmat, an activist turned politician, expressed his concern about the loss of faith in representative democracy and emphasized the importance of focusing on what the Constitution promises. Speaking at the Daily Maverick’s The Gathering Twenty Twenty-Four event in Cape Town, he urged everyone to commit to fixing the state and understanding Section 195 of the Constitution in order to realize the Bill of Rights.
Section 195 of the Constitution states that public administration must adhere to high professional ethics standards while promoting efficient and effective resource utilization. Achmat, who is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, was part of a panel discussion alongside other political figures like Chris Pappas, Songezo Zibi, and Mmusi Maimane.
Each panelist brought fresh ideas on how to address the challenges facing South Africa. Pappas highlighted the need for skilled professionals like plumbers and electricians to address issues like flooding and power outages. Zibi advocated for moving away from the professional politician model, emphasizing the need for diverse backgrounds in politics. Maimane shared his experience of leaving Parliament to gain new skills and perspectives, aiming to serve the country better.
The discussion also touched on important topics like Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and coalitions. Pappas criticized the ANC’s approach to BEE, calling for a more inclusive model that supports small black business owners. The debate on coalitions revealed differing opinions among the panelists, with Maimane advocating for post-election coalitions based on shared principles and goals.
The panelists also addressed the role of young people in politics. Zibi highlighted Rise Mzansi’s focus on youth participation, while Achmat emphasized the need for older leaders to support and empower the younger generation. Overall, the discussion underscored the importance of diverse perspectives, ethical governance, and collaboration in addressing the challenges facing South Africa.
As the country heads into the elections, the call for a renewed focus on the Constitution, professionalism, and youth empowerment resonates strongly. The panelists’ commitment to tackling issues head-on and engaging with different viewpoints reflects a growing momentum for positive change in South Africa. It remains to be seen how these discussions will translate into tangible progress for the country and its people.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
