Minister encourages active citizenry

Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu stepped in for Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile after he had failed to pitch at Monash University in Ruimsig, where he was scheduled to address issues on Active Citizenry.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 6pm on 30 April, but the crowd of ANC top officials, members, supporters and community members waited for an hour before proceedings commenced.

In his opening remarks, emcee of the event Raymond Martin told the audience that this was one of the most important sessions.

“This will be an interactive session and your participation will help in understanding your role and importance of being an active citizen.”

In her address, Shabangu told residents that it was important for community members to engage in discussions of this magnitude, irrespective of their political affiliation.

“Active citizenship is about carrying out responsibilities and holding those in office accountable in the spirit of building communities we live in.”

She also pointed out that residents do not have to be politicians to be active citizens.

“Ward committees belong to the people. You should come forward with issues troubling you as a community member. That is what we call constructive criticism.”

Shabangu voiced her dissatisfaction with the behaviour of some leaders.

“As a politician, you are a soldier – a servant of the people and not a beautiful model who use her connections to jump the queue and compete with people she/he is supposed to be serving.”

According to her, there is a game change for the economy of the country with new mineral resources discovered that will benefit all South Africans. She said this referring to the discovery of potentially four hundred and eighty five trillion cubic feet resources of shale gas trapped in Northern Cape.

Shabangu also spoke about challenges facing the mining industry in Roodepoort.

“Illegal mining is rife in Durban Deep (Roodepoort) but we are working together with mining companies to bring an end to it.”

The day was also historic for the ANC Roodepoort Branch as they officially welcomed the former long-time DA Ward councillor and member Rae Baur into their party. In her acceptance speech, Baur said this was not a decision she took overnight. She thanked City of Johannesburg councillor Willie Van der Schyff for being patient and inviting her to join the party.