Johannesburg, South Africa – In a rare and deeply introspective interview, South African anti-apartheid activist and former minister Tokyo Sexwale revisits his journey from political imprisonment on Robben Island to his current perspective on the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa’s political direction.
By Nthabi NEO Lesufi, Journalist
AfricaHeadline.com
Speaking with the candor that has defined his career, Sexwale reflects on the emotional weight of returning to Robben Island after 13 years of incarceration alongside Nelson Mandela and other struggle icons.
The Burden of History and the Reality of Today
Looking back at his time in one of the world’s most infamous political prisons, Sexwale describes a sense of unease at how history has unfolded since South Africa’s liberation. “When I returned to Robben Island, I asked myself: was it worth it? Are we where we were meant to be?” he muses. The question encapsulates a broader national sentiment, where economic stagnation, political infighting, and corruption scandals have overshadowed the ANC’s once unchallenged dominance.
He is particularly candid about the ANC’s decline in electoral support, acknowledging that the party’s trajectory is at a crossroads. “Dropping to 40% is a warning. It means the people are speaking. If we don’t listen, we might lose the very essence of what we fought for.”
Political Challenges and the Future of the ANC
Sexwale speaks openly about leadership challenges within the ANC and South Africa at large, cautioning that complacency could lead to greater instability. “We need strategic leadership, not just political maneuvering. The people need to see vision, not just rhetoric,” he warns, referencing the difficulties in governance and policy execution that have plagued the ruling party.
The Pala Pala scandal, which has placed President Cyril Ramaphosa under scrutiny, is a major point of concern for Sexwale, who argues that leadership must embody transparency and accountability. “Trust is fragile. If leaders do not act with integrity, the people will look elsewhere,” he asserts, pointing to the ANC’s diminishing influence as a result of internal divisions and mismanagement.
The Fragile State of National Unity
With South Africa facing heightened racial and political tensions, Sexwale warns that the country’s stability depends on cultivating an inclusive national identity. “Our liberation was not for a select few. It was for every South African. The moment we forget that, we lose our way.” He urges political leaders to focus on unity rather than division, noting that the increasing polarization between parties and racial groups threatens to undo decades of progress.
South Africa on the Global Stage
Beyond domestic concerns, Sexwale highlights the shifting dynamics in international relations, particularly South Africa’s position in a changing geopolitical landscape. “We are being pulled in different directions—by the U.S., by China, by Russia. But what matters is how we navigate our own path. Foreign policy is not about loyalty; it’s about national interest.”
His comments underscore the need for a more strategic approach in balancing South Africa’s role within BRICS and its broader international engagements, particularly as global power struggles intensify.
Lessons from Nelson Mandela’s Leadership
Reflecting on the qualities that made Mandela an effective leader, Sexwale emphasizes the importance of empathy, humor, and decisiveness. “Madiba led with both wisdom and warmth.
He understood the power of engaging with people, not just ruling over them.” He suggests that South Africa’s current leaders could learn from this approach, particularly in reconnecting with a disillusioned electorate.
A Call for Renewal
As the ANC prepares for a critical election cycle, Sexwale’s message is clear: adapt or risk irrelevance. He argues that the party must reclaim its revolutionary spirit, rebuild trust with the people, and prioritize policies that drive real change.
For many South Africans, his reflections are a sobering reminder of the country’s past struggles and the challenges that remain. Tokyo Sexwale’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action—a reminder that South Africa’s future hinges on leadership that is bold, principled, and deeply connected to the people it serves.
Source: YouTube Channel SMWX
