In a political climate where there is a severe lack of trust, South Africa needs to build leaders who are true to their word and who listen to the aspirations of its people.
In a political climate where there is a severe lack of trust, South Africa needs to build leaders who are true to their word and who listen to the aspirations of its people.
Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle hoped to teach this lesson by example when he followed up on a promise to pupils of Nombulelo Secondary School in Grahamstown to give them the piano they so desperately needed for their choir and other musical activities.
The story started earlier this year when Masualle visited the school as part of a TB awareness raising campaign and to hand over sports equipment.
Tina Ngesi, a Grade 11 pupil, put up her hand and, thanking the Premier for the sports equipment, said: “But what about some support for our music programmes?”
There and then, Masualle made the promise that he would personally donate a piano for the choir to use in rehearsals – and sure enough, the piano arrived.
Wednesday saw the official handover, along with performances by the school choir and its accompanist, Denise Lesar.
Addressing pupils and staff this week, Masualle said: “When we were here we thought we had thought of everything to make you do well and meet the challenge of learning − but then there was this request, very eloquently put across, and we had to respond to it.”
Referring to the country’s current political climate, Masualle said: “We are now in times when it is difficult to trust.
“If I were to use the metaphor of currency with regard to the profession of being a politician − if there is such a profession − then I would say the value is very low.
“People say things for the sake of saying them and without care, and politicians have become known for making promises they are unable to fulfil.
“I am sure you even hear your parents say ‘they like to make promises but only come back when they want our votes’.”
Masualle said this behaviour bred a lack of confidence because people need to see policies and promises carried out in order to believe them.
“We need to really cut a breed of people who honour what they say,” Masualle said.
He said coming to Nombulelo this week, to hand over the piano, was a gesture in that spirit.
Another quality missing from political leadership was empathy and connection with the people they were meant to serve.
“You see the other thing that I don’t like about government is that we tend to do things as though we didn’t care,” Masualle said.
“You see you ask for something and we just give in an ungracious manner.
“There isn’t that empathy to come and see if these people are enjoying what they had asked for and is it connecting well with their aspirations.”
He said he was happy to hear about the positive effects interventions were having not only for the school, but for the surrounding community.
“We want to see you succeed and be better leaders of our society,” Masualle said, pointing out that in order to have better leaders in future, South Africa must put effort and resources building leadership characteristics in young people.
School governing body chairperson Likhaya Ngandi spoke about the value of music against the backdrop of increased emphasis on the “hard” subjects at school.
“When you get an opportunity like this, I am not saying drop your accounting and mathematics.
“Come and join the class at the music room and learn how to play the piano.
“It will take you far,” Ngandi said.
Principal Nicci Hayes congratulated Tina on making her voice heard, and said: “Let this be a reminder to us today to not focus always on what has not been done for us, but also to remember what has been done for us and celebrate it.”
