THE call for young people to move into leadership positions seems to be gaining momentum as the election fever hots up.
They may come from different political parties, but South African youth are putting up a united front in demanding representation in all the three tiers of government.
This call has been prompted by the release of the list of names of people who will represent their parties in Parliament – many of them who are in the 60 year age bracket. This begs the question – should the debate about a retirement age for politicians be entertained?
Responding to the recent State of the Nation Address, EFF leader Julius Malema challenged the ANC to deploy its youth leaders to Parliament, saying today’s politics warrant men and women who understand the demands of the youth.
He further said that all those ANC members and ministers of the Nelson Mandela era should be removed because they have overstayed their welcome.
Malema’s sentiments were echoed by ANC Youth League Provincial Secretary, Thanduxolo Sabelo.
Addressing the youth in eSikhaleni, recently, Sabelo said it was time for senior ANC leaders to make way for the young blood.
However, observed from a distance, it remains doubtful whether the ruling party will bow to the youth’s pressure for leadership change.
This looks like a mission impossible.
Last year the country was surprised to learn of the appointment of 70-year-old Prof Job Mokgoro, who replaced 49-year-old Supra Mahumapelo as premier of the North West province. Mokgoro’s appointment was an ANC directive.
Another case in point is the incident involving KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, who fainted while delivering his KZN State of the Province Address.
For many his fainting was a wake-up call that his time in active politics was up.
It was a scary moment for those who watched the incident live on television, when Premier Mchunu asked Sihle Zikalala to continue with his speech because he (Mchunu) had a ‘challenge’.
There were those who questioned his continued stay in the KZN Legislature, saying he should have made way for young blood.
At 70 he is no youngster.
This however is not only an ANC dilemma.
The IFP is another party led by a veteran politician, Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year.
The difference with him is that he had long ago offered to step down as leader, but party faithful had on numerous occasions pleaded with him to remain at the helm.
By the look of things, we may as well accept that aging politicians are here to stay.
They do have wisdom on their side after all.
