Brilliant Political Minds

These youngins are at the forefront of shaping the change and the direction of Mzansi’s political landscape and governance

- Sisonke Labase

#NOMPENDULO MKHATSHWA, 26, Activist and ANC MP was one of the prominent faces of the #FeesMustFall movement in 2015. The former Wits SRC President continues to rally behind youth and women issues. Thoughts on the state of our country…

The scourge of violence against women in South Africa can leave the most determined person feeling despondent. It can’t be that when women seek help from law enforcement, they experience further violations by the same people who’re supposed to protect them. Something has to give! President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined several interventions through his Emergency Action Plan on GBV and Femicide. A social compact between social institutions, the private sector and government must play a central role in ensuring that the plan is fruitfully and sustainably implemented.

On young voices and leaders shifting the direction of our country…

Throughout history, we’ve seen how young people have agitated for change in society. In 1976, the youth resiliently fought against the Bantu Education Act. In 2015, young people recognized the remnants of Apartheid through the inequities experienced in the higher education sector and fought for access and success through the #FeesMustFall protests.

Your dreams for SA…

To harness future generations that will not only be skilled and knowledgeable but also ethical.

What changes would you like to see in the political landscape in 2020?

Increased bold and decisive leadership that acknowledges good despite the affiliation of the proposer.