Focus on SA affairs, Mboweni told after weighing in on US vice-president-elect Kamala Harris
Finance minister Tito Mboweni says the election of Kamala Harris as US vice-president “feels really good” and “uplifts the spirit in these horrible Covid-19 times”.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the minister said Harris' blackness made her election special.
“American elections: it feels good that an African-American woman will be vice-president. Feels really good. Just feels good to witness this. Uplifts the spirit in these horrible Covid-19 times,” he tweeted on Wednesday.
American elections: it feels good that an African-American woman will be Vice President. Feels really good. Just feels good to witness this. Uplifts the spirit in these horrible Covid-19 times.
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) December 16, 2020
While some shared his sentiment, many were not here for Mboweni's analysis of US affairs and said he should focus on local politics.
Others debated Harris' “Africanness” — a debate that has been ongoing ever since she ran for the presidency alongside president-elect Joe Biden.
According to NBC News, Harris was born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother who both immigrated to the US. This means that she is Asian and black.
Some Twitter users said Harris' election and identity means little if she won't make a difference in the lives of people of colour. They asked the minister to focus on his own portfolio and local affairs, but others agreed with the minister.
Here are some of the reactions:
What difference will it make, Black people are in power in South Africa 🇿🇦 and what difference they are making, stop lying to yourself, color matters when we see change not by getting position
— Inkosi uCetswayo (@CetshwayoG) December 17, 2020
What would feel good is you focusing on south African affairs and leave Americans those guys have a strong economy and recovery plans to ensure their citizens don't lose their bread and butter.focus khehla focus
— Dr _Pienaar (@PhaphamaPienaar) December 16, 2020
Yep the white Americans also voted in a black president. Makes you think doesnt it
— karl kramer (@karlfkramer) December 16, 2020
I'm so happy for America
— Patrick Mohlala (@patrick_mohlala) December 17, 2020
READ MORE:
Lifestyle Kamala Harris, Mackenzie Scott make debut on Forbes' 100 most powerful women list 3 years ago |
Politics Tito Mboweni dragged for 'the land shall be restored to those who work it' post 3 years ago |