'Politics is about life': Getting to know Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa

Velenkosini Hlabisa is preparing for a marathon year, with the upcoming local government elections.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs says the elections are going to bring a "great shift" to South Africa.

"We're going to be having new councillors from new political parties in the local government space... It's going to be a different dimension – a number of municipalities will be coalition government."

Hlabisa says it's vital that these coalitions are stable, as people have no interest in the current ongoing motions of no-confidence.

"Once they have voted, they want a government for a period of five years to make a meaningful change in their lives."

Hlabisa joined the IFP Youth Brigade in 1978 at the age of 13. Even as a young teenager, he was aware of the effects of apartheid in his community.

"I was conscious, young as I was, that in the school where I was going, it was only Black people... and I was conscious of the fact that if you go to town, there was a difference in the shop where you can buy, if you are Black, you only buy in a shop designated for Black people."

Having been involved with the party at various levels almost his whole life, Hlabisa has a deep understanding of the meaning of leadership, and shared some thoughts on his political journey.

"Politics is about life, it's about how people live... politics is not insulting people, it's not marching... if people are not living in a way that is good, politics must address the kind of life people are leading."

Initially working as a History and English teacher, and then a principal, Hlabisa promoted active citizenship, but kept politics out of the classrooms.

"I wanted to protect education, I wanted to protect the mind of every child, not to impose certain ideas."

On how he handles negative feedback in his current ministerial role, Hlabisa shared some wise words.

"When people criticise you, you need to look at what they're saying, because it might have been something you were not aware of... and then evaluate their criticism, if there's something you need to change, please do so."

To listen to Velenkosini Hlabisa in conversation with 702's Clement Manyathela, use the audio player below: