Dear RISE Community,
Lessons from Politics and Parliament
I’ve been a Member of Parliament (MP) since July, and it has been a steep but rewarding curve. Of all the lessons I have learned, though, is that democracy needs its citizens to commit to making it work. Here is why, in what may be overly simplistic terms, but I hope it makes the point.
I have also learned the power of being politically organised to get enough political power to influence the direction of the country. There is really no shame in this if it is done for the right purpose, to build a better society that works for everyone – a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa. In my experience I have found that many people believe themselves to be powerless, with no prospect of accumulating political power in the right way for the right reasons. I will talk about this as well.
South Africa Inc’s Board of Directors
An election is like an Annual General Meeting where the directors are due for re-election, or new directors are nominated and either voted in or rejected by the shareholders. In this case, shareholders of SA Inc are the South African people, voters like you and I.
Most of Parliament’s work is done through portfolio committees (that oversee government departments). There are also standing committees, such as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa, which I chair), who have a sweeping mandate across the entire government. Boards work in pretty much the same way, with sub-committees (such as the audit committee, social and ethics committee, nominations committee, and the like) that deliver reports to the full board for ratification.
The most effective boards have a combination of skill (which includes educational skills), experience and dedication in all their members. Where a board is composed of people who just want to enhance their CVs or want high level networking for the sake of making money, then that board is likely to be weak and ineffective. The same is true for Parliament.
While there are many skilled people who want to be involved in business as executives and directors of companies, this is generally not so with politics. The government affects lives of all South Africans, and manages trillions of rands in public funds. I cannot stress how critical it is that the Board of Directors of the South African people, Parliament, has all the skills and experience it needs to do its work effectively.
Parliament needs people from all walks of life and experiences – nurses, doctors, engineers, cops, security guards, social workers, community workers, builders and so on – among the ranks of MPs. This is why I often encourage young professionals to consider parliament and legislatures for one term (5-years) of national service. Someone who enters parliament at 29 can exit at 34 with a wealth of experience most people never have in a lifetime, and still build a successful professional career thereafter.
South Africa simply will not work the way we want it to work if the most capable among us believe that being a board member of the South African population is for lesser people worthy of mistrust and derision only. South Africa will work if we recognise our collective potential to put the right people in parliament, legislatures and councils so they may help us build our lives, instead of ruining them.
The Dormant Political Power of Professionals
I also believe that South Africa’s professionals have far less political power than they should be having because of a fear that “politics is dirty business”.
Being involved in politics does not have to mean being elected, but it means participating sufficiently in political processes to influence their outcomes at all levels. It is impossible to do this as an individual, so supporting a political organisation becomes essential. I really believe that unless professionals choose to directly influence and lead political organisations, they shall forever be commenting from the sidelines – often about how “useless and corrupt” politicians are.
At RISE Mzansi we have many professionals, but they are not enough. We need more. I meet too many people who are happy that I am in Parliament, but I always tell them South African politics needs 1 000 more people like me. Getting there needs support and commitment from the people who want the change.
To begin to explore ways in which you can get involved with us, please click on this link and fill in the form: bit.ly/3XtIMO9, and follow our Whatsapp Channel to follow our work: https://bit.ly/4910NrE.
Have good week,
Songezo
RISE Mzansi National Leader