ANC must free the millions from the serfdom of poverty

The good story that the ruling party force-fed us during the elections said nothing of greed - it was silent about the many political representatives who live and behave like kings and queens.

The good story that the ANC talks about relies on service-delivery numbers. People were made to believe that things were changing.

But most black people have not moved an inch since winning their political freedom. They still rely on white-owned companies for survival.

The few black billionaires created since the dawn of democracy are yet to be massive employers.

We will tell a good story the day a black child can become whatever he wants without having to overcome the social and environmental restrictions that still hold back black people.

The changes we see are just an illusion.

We are yet to build institutions that will truly transform black lives. A black child, whether bright or dumb, still has to endure a system that favours those with means.

The good story we want to hear is not a mere recitation of the number of houses built - we want to hear about people no longer having to rely on social grants for survival. It cannot be "a good story to tell" when millions have been forced into a life of begging from the state.

In his final term of office, the president must overhaul the economy and ensure that we have enough growth to transform lives.

Unions have a bigger role to play and must be disabused of the notion that capital is the enemy.

This country needs a national project and the time has arrived to decide what it shall be.

Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama cautions against idle minds. He says we must work towards progress in every aspect of our human and spiritual lives.

When elected officials are sworn in, they should bear in mind that they carry the responsibility of transforming people's lives.

The good story must be seen and felt. The ANC must stop its numbers game. Millions have given the ruling party a mandate to transform their lives. President Jacob Zuma and the ANC must not fail them.