Dr Kgosi Maepa: Advisor to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
By Dr Kgoshi Maepa
Advisor to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
In politics, there are NO permanent enemies or friends – it’s all about interests”
When I grow up and become fortunate to find space and time; I would like to teach the younger generation of ANC comrades about the concept of “Palace Politics” (Contest/competition for political positions and power between similar/related political blocs in a party) and the terror of creating a Führerprinzip of sorts (Cult of Personality).
It is foolishness to die for a “Cult leader”, I would rather die for a noble course.
Young people should be careful and vigilant not to be used as proxies [a means to an end and not an end in itself] – Especially in political battles that are continually, forever and always unfolding wars for positions and power in political organizations – the “Palace Politics”.
Unfortunately, most young people become emotionally attached to the ‘Cult leader’ in a “Palace Politics” warfare and they end up as political wrecks in the battles that ensue.
In most cases if not all, these young people become victims for reasons or something that has little to do with their personal development as political activists – in worst cases, they die. This is because “Palace Politics” in their nature and character are brutal and fatal – participants are always on the edge – its a do or die situation for them.
It is therefore important, in my considered view, to give political education on the historical foundations, strategies and tactics involved in the horror of a Führerprinzip (The leader Principle).
I would also like to teach younger comrades about the dangers of being involved in such activities objectively or subjectivity – or being caught up in such sticky political environments where comrades want nothing but the “Cult leader” to be elected into power at all costs.
I have also established that the reason and motive for these young people being so hooked, steadfast and ready to die for the “Cult leader” [and NOT principle], is mainly the prospect and possibility of a better life ‘WITHOUT HAVING TO WORK HARD” and to avoid going to ‘SCHOOL’.
Some if not most young people in this category of “quick cash-in politics” think that supporting a section/faction in the ‘Palace Politics” is an easy way to get ahead in life without sweating for it – “EASY MONEY”.
Unfortunately contest/competition in politics is an event that comes once or twice in 3-5 years, its a temporary passing phase in a political cycle; it cannot become a business because its not supposed to be one.
Pinning your dreams and hopes on benefits coming from being a ‘child soldier’ in the battles and war of “Palace Politics” – is equal to accepting the subservient position to remain at the periphery for your entire political career as a young person.
Young people should never allow themselves to be pushed to perpetual dependency on factionalism and diatribe politics of the stomach.
The situation in the latter paragraph has to be speedily reversed in a gigantic liberation movement like the ANC – it is irrational and unsustainable to continue with such cruel politics – its like advancing a revolution that eats its own children [PIGS POLITICS].
I think it is barbaric, completely destructive and untenable.
Young people who enjoy and love politics must learn the art and craft before becoming emotionally involved and attached – because politics are contagious and are not for the faint hearted.
The first price for every young activists is to always get some form of education and then do politics as a calling and not a ‘one night stand’ – because it is not a vocation, but a calling.
In 2013, I had an opportunity to travel with other Gauteng ANC comrades under the leadership of Cde David Makhura to China and visit the CPC [Communist Party of China], during the excursion we visited a few Political Party Schools, CPC Branches and Business Schools.
One lesson I took with me is that CPC trained their cadres well in understanding party theory and objectives of government [Capitalism / Open market with Chinese characteristics].
In Political and Business Schools we visited, I met a lot of highly educated young people, Professors, Doctors etc – that’s CPC for you.
Young people had to wait 7-10 years before their membership of CPC was approved – in China its hard to join CPC, there are stages – you work your way up – its not an overnight success.
When the youth of our country engage in politics, they must at least have a fall back position – a skill or something better to do with their lives if their political objectives are thrown out the window.
It is important that young people get education at all levels and in all forms [Certificate, Diploma or a Degree].
The youth of our country constitute the vast majority of our people and we cannot bank on a future that is solely dependent on political crumbs falling from the ‘Cult leaders” table and nothing else – that is tragic and undesirable.
Young people must never accept a the “Cult of Personality/Leaders”, ” Führerprinzip (The leader Principle) and “Palace Politics” to control their destiny – they must never become ‘child soldiers’ in street battles on behalf of a “Cult of Personality/Leaders”.
What happens if the “Cult leader” is removed – what will happen to you as a young person – what if the “Cult leader” decides it is time to reach out to those you have already made enemies in the party – how do you deal with those you hurt because of the “Cult leader” – what happens to your character and personal integrity?
In the end, my humble advice to young people, is that:
“In politics, there are NO permanent enemies or friends – it’s all about interests”
DON’T BECOME A CHILD SOLDIER