Mbhazima Shilowa on the state of SA politics

South African politician and former Premier of Gauteng, Mbhazima Shilowa, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the current political landscape in South Africa. Shilowa expressed concerns about the ruling party's focus, stating that there is a lack of balance between engaging in political issues and delving into party politics. He emphasized the importance of addressing social and economic issues that impact the working class, including the unemployed and organized labor force. According to Shilowa, organizations like Cosato need to play a more active role in shaping government policies and engaging with businesses and civil society to achieve meaningful transformation in the economy. He raised questions about how unions like Cosato would navigate their relationship with the ruling party if a new leader, such as Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, were to come into power, especially considering their previous support for her opponent. When confronted with the challenges facing South Africa, including a perceived lack of leadership and direction, Shilowa acknowledged the disillusionment felt by many citizens. He attributed the current state of affairs to a history of warnings about the leadership under President Jacob Zuma dating back to 2007. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Zuma's administration, Shilowa urged South Africans not to lose hope, emphasizing the need to focus on the greater good of the country. He called for a collective effort to address the ongoing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, outlining the importance of developing a solid plan for the post-Zuma era to ensure a prosperous future for all. The discussion with Mbhazima Shilowa shed light on the complexities of South African politics and the critical need for strategic planning and collaboration to overcome the current challenges and build a better tomorrow.