Ramaphosa should put his ego aside, says Mondli Makhanya
The gathering held on Friday and Saturday aimed at bringing together diverse voices sought to begin citizen-led conversations that shape our nation's future.
But in a hard-hitting editorial written by veteran journalist and City Press editor-in-chief Mondli Makhanya, he cautioned that for the process to gain real traction, it must shed the perception that it is 'a Cyril Ramaphosa show.'
Makhanya says Ramaphosa appeared to be on a mission to revive his reputation as one of the "midwives of the Constitution", seeking to also affirm his legacy as the leader who led the nation into "introspection" and while also charting the way forward.
He also questioned Ramaphosa's opening address, in which the president challenged South Africans to ask themselves difficult questions: "why women live in fear of men, why so many remain in poverty, why opportunities are limited for black children, and why women continue to be paid less than men?"
But Makhanya says Ramaphosa is expected to provide answers to those questions.
He says now is the time Ramaphosa's shifts his "ego" to the side and stop seeing the dialogue as his 'personal legacy project' but rather allow the panel of eminent persons to be the face and eyes of this dialogue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
17 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Gayton McKenzie ‘intends' to meet with SAHRC over K-word tweets
The SAHRC sent an letter to Gayton McKenzie outlining the allegations against him after offensive social media posts resurfaced. Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Gayton McKenzie is prepared to meet with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). McKenzie faced a backlash last week after old social media posts resurfaced where he used the K-word multiple times. The resurfacing of the minister's social media posts came days after he chastised a group of podcasters for comments they made about South Africa's coloured community. Intentions to meet SAHRC The SAHRC announced on Friday that it's assessments concluded that there was sufficient evidence to take the matter of McKenzie's posts further. 'The commission has sent an allegation letter to Minister McKenzie. Thereafter, the commission will determine the best way forward, which may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court,' stated the SAHRC. McKenzie defended himself last week, where he attempted to provide context for his repeated use of the K-word. Patriotic Alliance spokesperson Steve Motale told The Citizen that McKenzie would be engaging with the SAHRC. 'We intend to take the SAHRC up on their offer of a meeting because there are numerous issues that we need to clarify to them, such as the fact that he was not even the author of many of the offensive tweets, which can easily be proven,' said Motale. 'After these points are clarified, we will have a better idea of what the way forward should be.' 'Hate speech is prohibited' McKenzie was referred to the SAHRC by ActionSA. There were also calls by some for President Cyril Ramaphosa to discipline the government of national unity signatory. 'Mr President, you appointed a minister who has publicly uttered deeply offensive and despicable words against black people,' stated African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula. The SAHRC asked South Africans to uphold the principles constitution and promote dignity and equality. 'The commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute. 'Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act, and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act,' the SAHRC concluded. NOW READ: Gayton McKenzie racism row deepens as string of racist comments threaten national unity
Eyewitness News
17 minutes ago
- Eyewitness News
Rise Mzansi's Zibi slams 'ill-disciplined' SANDF chief over Iran trip
JOHANNESBURG - Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has lashed out at South African National Defence Force chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, calling him ill-disciplined and out of line. This follows Maphwanya's controversial trip to Iran, where he reportedly co-signed stronger military cooperation between Pretoria and Tehran. His unauthorised visit to the country has not landed well with the president, as it risks worsening diplomatic relations with the United States. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Zibi said Maphwanya undermined government's ongoing effort to fix its turbulent relationship with the United States. "Why would he do that? There is a feeling by South Africans that he is a general and he should be allowed to say anything. Nonsense! He is ill-disciplined and he must be fired. It's not the first time the defence forces have gone rogue."
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
EFF Leader Malema calls for Zimbabweans in SA to seek jobs in their own country
EFF leader Julius Malema has called on Zimbabweans to seek employment in their own country, stressing that South Africans should be given first preference for municipal jobs and tenders. EFF leader Julius Malema has called on Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa to return to their home country and seek employment there, stressing that South Africans must be prioritised for job opportunities, particularly within local municipalities. Addressing supporters at an EFF rally in Seshego, Limpopo, over the weekend, Malema emphasised that while Zimbabweans are welcome in South Africa, it is unjust for locals to be sidelined in their communities. When we say we want jobs where we pay for services, we are not saying we don't want Zimbabweans. We are saying we should be given first preference before everyone else to get jobs,'' Malema said. 'We don't disagree that Zimbabweans should be given jobs, but they should be given jobs in their municipalities in Harare and other areas, so we have opportunities to get jobs in our municipalities.' Malema's remarks come amid ongoing controversy in the Polokwane Municipality, where Mayor John Mpe has been accused of awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies, including one allegedly linked to a Zimbabwean partner of municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni. Mpe denied the allegations and defended the municipality's procurement processes, stating that there is nothing unlawful about awarding tenders to foreign-owned companies if they comply with the law.
