Man's NOT a Politician 🚫

“Never compromise principle at the altar of political expediency.” Since the formation of Afrika MayibuyeMovement @mayibuye_afrika , we have spoken about the need for righteous leaders,leaders who are principled, accountable, disciplined and committed to serving the people. We made a promise to the people of South Africa that we would do better and deliver a different kind of leadership. Those principles must apply to all of us, including those of us who speak about them publicly. As a staunch Christian, a servant of God and a servant of the people, I believe that accountability begins with oneself. That is why I want to sincerely apologise to @mayibuye_afrika President Floyd Nyiko Shivambu @FloydShivambu , the national leadership and the members of Afrika Mayibuye Movement for some of the things I said in moments of hurt, disappointment and emotion. I spoke harshly about the President of Afrika Mayibuye Movement and about other leaders, and I acknowledge that I should have handled those emotions differently. @FloydShivambu is a significant part of my political journey. He was able to identify leadership qualities in me, brought me into politics and mentored me politically. Much of what I learned about political leadership, discipline and principle came through that experience. I remain grateful for those lessons. I have also spoken to some of the former national leaders I served alongside, who shared their experiences and spoke about instances where Floyd defended me and stood up for me. That gave me another perspective on things I had experienced differently at the time. That revelation brought clarity and understanding, and, strangely, a sense of peace. I still believe that I should have been given a disciplinary hearing and an opportunity to properly respond. But I also understand that this does not remove the responsibility to account for my own conduct. Sometimes we have to put personal hurt aside and be honest about where we could have done better. I can therefore say honestly that Comrade Floyd Shivambu is a principled leader. I have seen that principle in practice, and I have learned from it. I have spoken about servant leadership before, and I understand now that servant leadership requires principle. You cannot lead simply by pleasing everyone or protecting every relationship. Leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions and the courage to stand by a principle. You also do not have to be friends with everyone to respect them or recognise their contribution. During this Women’s Month, I believe this is an important reflection for women in leadership. We have a responsibility to demonstrate the values we expect from society: integrity, accountability, discipline and courage. So I am saying this publicly because some of my previous words were public. To @FloydShivambu , to the national leadership and to the members of Afrika Mayibuye Movement @mayibuye_afrika : I am sorry. I take responsibility for my words, and I accept the lessons that have come from this experience. I am closing this chapter with peace and with gratitude for the lessons it has taught me. Perhaps one day, @FloydShivambu and I can simply sit down over a cup of tea and speak as two people who have shared an important part of a political journey. Today, my focus is also on the work ahead, particularly investing in young people. Through my Afrika Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship Mentorship Programme, I continue working with young people across the continent, helping to develop leadership, entrepreneurship and a generation that understands the importance of principle and service. The principles we promised South Africans at the formation of Afrika Mayibuye must also be principles we are willing to live by ourselves. Principle must always come before political convenience. Enkosi Nolubabalo Mcinga “True wisdom on any journey is looking ahead with caution instead of rushing blindly.”