MMC shares his journey with the readers

One of the youngest members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the City of Johannesburg, councillor Mlungisi Mabaso (30), shared his views on different issues ranging from his upbringing, youth month, government, politics and life in general.

He chats with the CHRONICLE about his experiences.

• Who is Mlungisi, where were you born?

“I was born in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal. I believe I’m a very quiet, yet straightforward person. I tell it like it is. Although I’m a sweet person, I can be hard core. I am a Member of the Mayoral Committee for Housing in the City of Johannesburg.”

• Tell us about your family?

“I was raised by a single parent. At home, I have eight siblings. I’m not married but I’m not available.”

• What defines your values in your position as MMC for Housing?

“My ability to change lives, to change the way of living. To give people the opportunity to have access to shelter as this is a constitutional right. Also, to change the perception that housing takes forever. I also want people to know that we are accessible to talk to as human beings.”

• Where do you draw the strength in times of difficulties?

“The love I have for people. I have been a community leader for some time now. I grew up in a hostel, so I know how people live and the need of space to live. We are given money by the government and we have to channel it to the right direction. This is not our money, which is why we serve without expecting something in return. We want to leave a mark in this portfolio.”

• What value do you add in your team?

“I give them space to work and when they make mistakes I accept them because they are human beings. To me, my colleagues are more than friends and we understand one another. Teamwork is my strength, even in my previous job I used to share food with my colleague. There is no boss mentality where I work, we give each other space.”

• These are desperate times for the youth who are facing unemployment, what can you tell them to give them hope?

“There’s not much light at the end of the tunnel because of the system. Our government has opportunities; however, the system is failing us. There are youth agencies that spent allocated budgets but who are the beneficiaries? There’s no accountability. The environment is SA is not conducive for investment, so much red tape. National Development Plan was meant to address employment but instead people are losing their jobs. It is a bitter pill to swallow; however, change of government is the way to go. We are a dynamic country, we can pick and choose what works and allow it to thrive.”

• What does youth month mean to you?

In 1976, the struggle was about the discrimination in education. The youth wanted a system that would favour them. For us, firstly, we must be united, identify our struggles and deal with them. We have poverty, gender-based violence, an education system that does not represent our economic needs. Do not celebrate youth month with booze and meat because you are killing what the youth of 1976 fought for. Today’s youth protest is burning of schools and clinics. We need to reflect on the yesteryear youth.”

• Post Covid-19 what do you envisage for the future of young people?

“Government must prioritise the youth in terms of economy. Infrastructure needs to be prioritised and the scourge of gender-based violence. We need to get to the root cause of gender-based violence and not just say it is caused by alcohol.”

• Do you think the government of local unity works? In what way?

“It is working because there’s no one who is in the way of the other. All political parties have their own views. We have a political council where ideas are presented and there is oversight. There, everyone is invited and they feel the ownership of what is happening in the City of Johannesburg.”

• Personal plans for the future?

“I wanted to be chartered accountant but God had other plans for me. But maybe before I reach 40, I can still be one. I will always be the servant of the people and a volunteer for the people. If something else comes, it will be a bonus.”
• What do you do to unwind?
“I cook and enjoy soccer. I am a die-hard supporter of The Glamour Boys. When they play I make sure I go to the stadium. I also enjoy braai meat.”

Mlungisi Mabaso said he urged the residents of the City of Johannesburg to respect the regulations and follow what the Department of Health has in place. He said the reality is that people transport the coronavirus and only the attitude will determine where it goes. Also, people living in informal settlement must be mindful of their surroundings, never leave any fire unattended.