The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has always been at the forefront of advocating for the empowerment and upliftment of the youth in South Africa. Recently, the ANCYL’s first deputy Secretary-General, Tsakani Shiviti, made a bold statement that has sparked a lot of debate and discussion. Shiviti stated that all stores in local areas should be run by South Africans. This statement has received mixed reactions, with some applauding the idea and others questioning its feasibility. However, upon closer examination, it is clear that Shiviti’s proposal has the potential to bring about positive change in our communities.
Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which Shiviti made this statement. South Africa is a country with a rich history of struggle and oppression. The effects of apartheid are still evident in our society, with many black South Africans still facing economic challenges. One of the ways to address this issue is by promoting economic empowerment among the youth. By advocating for South Africans to run stores in local areas, Shiviti is essentially promoting the idea of economic transformation and empowerment.
Furthermore, having South Africans run stores in local areas will not only create job opportunities but also promote entrepreneurship. The youth in our country are facing high levels of unemployment, and this is a major concern. By encouraging South Africans to run stores in their communities, the ANCYL is promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship. This will not only provide job opportunities but also create a culture of self-reliance and independence among the youth.
Moreover, having South Africans run stores in local areas will also have a positive impact on the economy. Currently, many stores in our communities are owned and run by foreign nationals. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does have some negative effects on the economy. For instance, a significant portion of the profits made by these stores is sent back to their home countries, which means that our economy does not benefit from it. By promoting South Africans to run stores in local areas, the ANCYL is essentially promoting economic growth and development within our own country.
Another important aspect to consider is the issue of cultural diversity. South Africa is a diverse country, with people from different backgrounds and cultures. By having South Africans run stores in local areas, we are promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity. This will not only foster a sense of unity among our people but also promote understanding and tolerance of different cultures. It is important to embrace our diversity and celebrate it, and having South Africans run stores in local areas is one way to do so.
Some may argue that this proposal is discriminatory and goes against the principles of a democratic society. However, it is important to note that Shiviti’s statement is not meant to exclude foreign nationals from running businesses in our communities. It is simply a call to promote economic empowerment among South Africans. Foreign nationals are still welcome to run businesses in our country, but it is important for us to prioritize the economic well-being of our own people.
In conclusion, the ANCYL’s first deputy SG Tsakani Shiviti’s proposal that stores in local areas should be run by South Africans is a step in the right direction. It promotes economic empowerment, job creation, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity. It is a call to prioritize the economic well-being of our own people and promote self-reliance and independence among the youth. Let us embrace this proposal and work towards building a stronger and more prosperous South Africa. As the saying goes, “unity is strength,” and by working together, we can achieve great things for our country.
