Finance minister Tito Mboweni has opened up about how being in politics at times feels like “swallowing a rock”, suggesting that he may have some regrets about joining government.
On Tuesday, Mboweni went on a Twitter rant about “swallowing a rock” to suit a collective, even when you don't agree on certain matters.
Mboweni's series of tweets came after it was revealed that he does not support the continued ban on cigarette sales.
However, the cabinet has reiterated that the ban will stay in place and the government is prepared to defend the decision in court, saying it has valid reasons for insisting on the ban.
“Not so long ago, I was a free man, no political constraints. Then I agreed, voluntarily to join government,” said Mboweni.
“You have to obey the majority/collective decisions! Sometimes it feels like swallowing a rock!”
Not so long ago, I was a free man, no political constraints. Then I agreed, voluntarily to join Government. Tjoooo! Free but not free!! You have to obey the majority/collective decisions! Sometimes it feels like swallowing a rock!😳
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) May 5, 2020
Mboweni also described his job in government as “poorly paying, thankless and abusive”.
I have often asked myself the question: What is the art of politics? The Path to Power and how to stay in Power! And lead your People correctly. Corruption free. Why do people want to be in Power, actually? Why? It’s a poorly paying, thankless and abusive job!!
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) May 5, 2020
In what seemed to be a piece of advice to future politicians, Mboweni said: “If you cannot swallow a rock, stay out of politics.”
So, if You cannot Swallow a Rock, Stay out of Politics ! Remember that?👉🏿
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) May 5, 2020
Reacting to his tweets, many suggested that Mobweni could always resign if he wasn't happy with his job.
Here is a snapshot of what tweeps said.
As long as your party continues to allow itself to be held into ransom by its Alliance partners, who have no electoral mandate, people like u won’t last in government.
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) May 6, 2020
Tito is pathetically signaling to his settler masters that he’s a different native. Despite your nauseating pandering they will always view you as a kaffir like all of us.
— Andile Lungisa (@mrlungisa) May 5, 2020
“.... Poorly Paying”
— Great Zulu👑 (@SuperiorZulu) May 5, 2020
MPs R92,245 monthly salary places them at the top 1% of earners in the country. The minimum wage in South Africa is R3,500 pic.twitter.com/wdyB6Js06S
Please Tito we are not kids Since you seem to be against some of the decisions taken by the government why don't you resign to show that you are against their decisions?
— Asenele_Velebayi17 (@phumus) May 5, 2020
You are saying this as if you are forced to stay. You can resign, a rego rapele. pic.twitter.com/Ema2SL22N5
— Anna Hartman (@Anna0Hartman) May 5, 2020
