The power of politics
When one hears the word ‘politics’, political parties, government, political workings and elections quickly come to mind. Politics has a wider terminology, and is related to the governance of a country and debate between parties.
Leave politics to politicians, some might say. Wrong! Everyone contributes to politics. The smallest decision one takes contributes to politics. For example, if during a house visit a person relays an individual problem to a politician, that is politics. If a person chooses to purchase something from one shop instead of another, he is doing politics. It goes without saying, politics revolves around choices. Choices, not only to elect a government or who will serve as a member of parliament, but choices and decisions an individual takes to better their life.
Politicians, contrary to perception, are elected to parliament to serve; serve their constituents, the party on whose ticket they were elected, as well as the country. I, for one, entered politics to serve and do so wholeheartedly.
Being the Opposition spokesman on housing, the fight against poverty, as well as solitude, I can serve. Taking interest in social issues, I help the vulnerable. I also believe in people contact, something I have been doing consistently throughout this legislature. This is my way of doing politics. I believe that people should be in the centre of society. No one lives in a vacuum.
Through politics, I meet all sorts of people from different strata in society; people with different needs and difficulties. I do my best to help them and to be an instrument to make people’s life better. I have seen misery, homeless people and loneliness. People who have never experienced or seen such things may think that it is not the reality and hence they think that I might be exaggerating. It is important to note that these problems are not confined to one particular area or region. They are nationwide.
The next election can be any day within the next two and a half years. Promises and recommendations for the buildup of electoral manifestos will soon be taking place. It is nice to draw up electoral manifestos but it is another thing to implement what is pledged. Promises are cheap.
The housing minister recently made a comment showing how out of touch he is with reality. Politics also helps to gauge the pulse of the nation and people’s feeling. Sometimes controversial decisions and/or comments can cause unnecessary pain that can take long to heal. Sensitivity in Politics is important.
I am not saying that the way I do politics is the best, as everyone has their own interpretation. The best politics is done by the people in society through the decisions they take and their economic stability. Dependence on the state is debatable and many disagree with it. This is also politics.
A healthy society determines politics and policies. The government implements, legislates and sees that order and stability is kept. It is the government’s role to maintain a positive climate. Politics by the people for the people is a guide for politicians to keep up with the electorate.
Through politics I meet all sorts of people from different strata in society; people with different needs and difficulties