Politics impacts on every person’s life

Politics and politicians have of late been very much in the forefront of national, provincial and local news.

Mandela Day and the wouldbe 100th birthday of the struggle icon once again elicited praise and comment from a myriad of sources.

More especially, it re-ignited a spirit of benevolence and unity among the people of this country, also reminding us of the past forces that divided us as a nation

Above all, it inspired us to think, act and engage in a manner befitting the memory of the great Madiba.

Hardly a soul did not engage in some ’67 minutes’ activity that would bless others.

The African National Congress in KZN finally completed its selection of the provincial leadership, an important breakthrough on a number of fronts.

Firstly, a divided or uncertain top structure would (and did) divert the ruling party’s energies from its primary function of ensuring service delivery.

Also, lack of unity can often spill over into factionalism that foments violence and bloodshed.

A settled provincial government spells good news for all KZN residents and we welcome the leadership consensus reached over the weekend.

On a sadder note, the local community, as well as the province, has lost a person of great stature in the passing of Bhekisisa Vusumuzi – alias ‘BV’ - Mthethwa, following a long illness.

Although he was a renowned political leader who served for decades in various capacities, including district mayor, his contribution extended far beyond the political realm.

He was an historian, educationalist, church man and entrepreneur with a genial personality that endeared him to people across a wide spectrum of community life.

All the above serve to show that our daily lives are impacted hugely by those who operate in the political realm.

Thus, while some might say they have no interest in politics, politics has a profound interest in them!

It dictates many aspects of our existence, whether we acknowledge this fact or not.

With that in mind, we urge readers to already start giving thought to the general elections that will take place next year.

Begin by ensuring you are eligible to vote, and then look at the political parties and structures that conform to your views and aspirations.

Finally, do please take the effort to vote. People come into power as much by those who don’t vote as by those who do.