Call me ‘Mr President’
After recently winning the Magna Carta International Essay competition in Africa, the Grade 12 pupil of Crawford College La Lucia is more determined than ever to contribute to the country's democracy and political environment.
EIGHTEEN-year-old Mfundo Radebe seems like your average teenage student who enjoys hanging out with his friends and sharing his life on social media.
But behind the youthful eyes and humble smile lies a passionate and driven mind. After recently winning the Magna Carta International Essay competition in Africa, the Grade 12 pupil of Crawford College La Lucia is more determined than ever to contribute to the country’s democracy and political environment.
The Magna Carta is an 800-year-old charter document signed by King John of England. Over the decades, it has influenced many constitutions, including the United State’s Declaration of Independence as well as the South African democratic system, explained Radebe.
In celebration of its anniversary on 15 June, youth from around the world were tasked with the challenge of creating a brand new, 21st century Magna Carta for their home country, a document based on the original that would protect and promote the rights of their fellow countrymen.
In his essay, ‘Limiting the Powers of Government’, Radebe argued, “Some might say that our country faces a leadership crisis. We have one of the most liberal constitutions in the world, but it often seems that our government officials are above the law. In my Magna Carta I would limit the power of the president and the governing party. If our constitution is to be celebrated in full, it needs to be supported by our leadership,” he said.
The politically-minded Radebe also called for a separation of the state and party politics. “No political party is or can be ‘the state’. A separation of the executives and the judiciary system would mean that the state would operate much more efficiently,” he said.
Radebe also tackled the inefficiency of parastatal, Eskom, government departments, the legal system and the heads of state. He argued that efficiency and, ultimately, the county’s economy, is determined by the employment of adequately skilled and experienced individuals.
Inspired by the challenge, the Umlazi resident sat down and spent two-and-a-half-hours in his school’s computer room to write out his essay. “My life is juxtaposed. I live a privileged life and an underprivileged life. I see parts of my country that are suffering, and yet I also see how much we have achieved as a country. I also see so much potential that lies before us.
“As an individual who is passionate about politics and the law, I just want to make my contribution to society and our constitution. While I am not exactly sure about my career, all my friends already refer to me as ‘Mr President’,” he laughed.
On 13 October, Radebe will travel to London where he and the dozens of other continental winners will gather for a celebration gala and grand final, consisting of a speech and debate, where the winners will have to defend their Magna Carta. In the end, a grand winner will be selected.
The initiative was organised in collaboration with the University of England, the International English Speaking Unit and the British parliament.
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