ANC speaks to CPUT students

ANC bigwigs addressed students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) about the current political and economic issues at university institutions.

The debate was attended by former governor of the Reserve Bank, Tito Mboweni, former provincial ANC leader Ebrahim Rasool, provincial chairperson of Saco Buyile Matiwane, ANC Youth League member Mesuli Kama and the students of CPUT.

Topics revolved around the ownership structure in South Africa, economic transformation, challenges in the education system, and an emphasis on the current leadership.

Matiwane said: “If you don’t understand the complexity of our society, you (leadership of South Africa) will make the wrong decisions. “There is an emphasis on ethical values. “Leadership must have ethical values.”

Rasool said there are four groups debating economic transformation.

“The first group are those who debate the status quo but remain a part of the economy.

“The second group are those who were left behind during the 1994 elections, and when the country starts to crumble they are quick to report on the issues and challenges from the 1970s and 1980s in 2017.

“The third group are benchmark protesters since 1994 who have shown their impatience of RDP houses, electricity bills and why their parents should not be paying for these basics.

“The fourth group are opportunists who think transformation is to the way to get the most of the stake instead of using the economy to secure a good future for the country.”

Mboweni said that South Africa’s exports are now concentrated in the East, with 40% in Asia, and 20% in Europe.

“The money collected from tax is not for the benefit of the individual, but for the people,” he said.

Rasool said: “We have reached our quantitative goals in the first transition… South Africa needs to transform, renew and revive the current leadership.”