Pretoria - From being a University of Pretoria student activist who was at the forefront of movements such as #FeesMustFall, #AfrikaansMustFall, and #OutsourcingMustFall to building a career path in moulding the future debates of this country, Kabelo Mahlobogwane’s voice will be heard for a long time to come.
He speaks to the Pretoria News about his experiences as a resident in the capital city.
Born in Tweefontein, KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga, Mahlobogwane came to Pretoria in 2013 to further his studies. He currently lives in Groenkloof.
“I am a South African activist, student leader, public and motivational speaker and aspiring teacher. I am currently doing my final year (4th) Education degree at the University of Pretoria,” he said.
Motivated by the likes of Bantu Biko, Thomas Sankara, Kalushi Mahlangu, Robert Sobukwe and Julius Malema, the 23-year-old says he is fuelled by the drive to continue the struggle to liberate the exploited and marginalised black masses in Africa and the world.
“It is important to note that I am one of those who was lied to about the so-called democracy in South Africa and grew up being sold the fake narrative of being a born-free: this is until the white supremacy in this country got me repressed that I could not breathe anymore,” he explained.
Q: Are you originally from Tshwane?
A: No. I was born in KwaNdebele. I only came to stay in Tshwane to further my studies. That is when I directly met the brutality of white supremacy and arrogance. That is when I got to see the other side of South Africa, the one I never knew of.
This is where everything is gold. Poverty for some people is only read in the books. The things I only saw on TV and never thought really existed manifested themselves in front of my eyes.
This is when I understood what being black really means. On that count, I was reminded daily.
What do you like most about the city?
Nothing really. Instead I have a million things I hate about this city. Being in this city every second makes me live through the apartheid I grew up being told is history. The structures surrounding this city, the dead spirits of the fallen Struggle heroes, the poverty of my people, the hope and lust for freedom but also, the Canaan of a privileged minority.
But the level of consciousness and activism of a majority of the people here gives me life, it gives me hope. It is the only time I smile, smile from the brutalised emotions. The smile of hope. This is the smile I see when I look at the pictures of Mama Winnie pre-1994. The smile of Mary Masombuka speaking to her students in Sarafina. Get the picture?
Where do you hang out or go for fun?
It is usually Hatfield or Sunnyside. That is where most of my friends are. We chill there and also have programmes for young people around there.
There was a point where we had a place we called exile.
This was when we were being hunted by the police and some other groups with illegal warrants of arrest and guns for saying #AfrikaansMustFall.
After a conversation with one of my female comrades, I have even noted a place which I will occupy in Hatfield once we get back our land.
What five things would you change if you were mayor?
This is quite simple. I would obviously be under the guidance and mandate of the EFF, so I would simply implement the manifesto of the EFF which is a mandate by the people to the EFF, after it did a thorough face-to-face consultation with not only the people of Gauteng, but South Africa at large. I would, without fear of favour, put the poor first.
So the following is what I would do. The EFF will respond to and implement programmes and areas of functions that are outlined in the current constitutional and legislative framework.
Beyond this, the EFF government will implement programmes that respond to and implement programmes that are not necessarily in the sphere of local government, such as education, skills, safety and security, and training; healthcare, food economy; and many other activities that will improve people’s lives.
While covering all the critical areas that can and should be implemented at a local government level, the EFF local government elections manifesto can be summed up into the following core values:
1) Building local state capacity with the aim of abolishing tenders.
2) Creating sustainable jobs for residents of the municipality.
3) Provision of quality basic services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, electricity and clean communities for all.
4) Providing a conducive and accessible environment for education, skills and training.
5) Building and maintaining quality and safe infrastructure for all through labour absorptive and efficient methods.
6) Stimulating local economic activity and participation through localisation of economic activities.
7) Guaranteeing safety and security for all.
What do you think are the five advantages of living in the city?
You cannot really be lied to. You get to see the system for what is it. You become conscious and active in your own liberation as a people. That is, of course, besides access to most opportunities, like education. Though access on its own means the beginning of a constant battle to stay in the system of the particular space you get yourself into.
What job do you do and does it satisfy you?
I am currently in the constant struggle of remaining a student at the University of Pretorius (sic) until I complete my degree. I am therefore unemployed.
And in terms of satisfaction, as I have already mentioned, this is a struggle and it is not in any way nice in a struggle. Every second in this system is a physical, emotional and psychological battle. At all times, you find yourself alone.
If you could move away from the city. Where would you go and why?
I don’t think I would I want to live anywhere else because we can’t escape from the ills of this world. All over the world, black people are affected by the same system.
Which sports teams do you support?
Ha-ha on this one, I am not sure whether to still say I support, but I still feel a bit sad when Orlando Pirates lose. I am no longer really a sports person but I am usually there to show support where and when needed.
Are there any people from the city that you look up to or who shaped your life?
There is. I have a number of people that I look up to. Those dearly departed and equally those still alive. Mentioning names would not be a smart move in this case but there are people that give me life and fire in the city.
Recently, I got born again when the ladies at Pretoria Girls High stood up and said we cannot breathe. I felt alive again. I also look up to them.
Funny enough, I also appreciate the media people that give us a voice. Our voice as activists is loudly silent.
What mode of transport do you use and is it convenient?
I have used and still use taxis a lot. But the most convenient one is my legs. They are always there for me every time I need them, whether there is change in my pocket or not.
My Tshwane...
Simply answer the questions and send us your picture