Coming To The Party

After taking a stand against corruption and resigning from the ANC last year, MAKHOSI KHOZA’S heading up a new political party. With her fiercely FEMINIST OUTLOOK, she is winning over many hearts and minds

- Joy Watson

It is a sultry November evening and I am at a panel discussion on the state of South African politics. It’s been a long day and my energy levels are dwindling as I slump in my seat and wonder when refreshments will be served.

The panel is made up of intellectual giants, all tripping over themselves in their bid to get us to think creatively about the pressing political and social challenges facing this country. Yet, when the questions are posed to Makhosi, her words ring out in cadences of such passion and fervour that we all sit up in our seats. There is no room for slacking in the face of her formidable force.

Her analysis of the issues facing our society is astute. As she sketches a vision for creating a different kind of social order, it is as though her mind has anti-gravity boots and she is leaping towards the sun, taking us along with her. In the past year or so, Makhosi has been catapulted into the public eye because of her feisty stance in weeding out corruption and promoting accountability in the state. She has been unapologetic in taking on those who use public office for their own gain and has been at the forefront of calling for political leaders to promote good governance and the interests of those whom they represent. Her stance saw her politically ostracised, and even led to threats against her life and those of her children. Through all of this, she has ploughed on, dogged and determined in following her beliefs. She has earned the respect of many and has become the embodiment of the values that a large portion of South Africans want from their political leaders.

I enjoy listening to her talk and am so enamoured with her words, that when she says that she is a feminist, I have to pinch myself. Identifying as feminist can be hazardous at the best of times; for a public-profile politician to do so unashamedly is just delicious.