At what age should ministers and MPs hang up their hats?
The spotlight is on cabinet members this week as the ANC Youth League and the party's national chair Gwede Mantashe clash on the call to appoint more young people to top political positions.
The league wants 50% representation in parliament and provincial legislatures.
Former finance minister Trevor Manuel recently said the country does not need those older than 65. Instead, more leadership opportunities should be given to younger people.
Manuel resigned as finance minister in 2008, at 52, with several other ministers, when former president Thabo Mbeki was replaced by Jacob Zuma.
When Manuel, now 67, was asked whether he would consider returning to cabinet, he said the government did not need more older people in leadership positions.
“I just happen to be of the view that our political leaders need to reflect South Africa more closely. South Africa is a young country. That you have so many people over 65 sitting in cabinet and parliament is part of the difficulty.
“Politics is a very exerting activity; it is not a profession. I served as an MP and minister for 20 years. It is a distinct privilege to be able to do that. You do it with everything you’ve got and then you step aside and hope the next generation will come through,” he said.
POLL | At what age should ministers head for their easy chairs?
Image: GCIS/Gov media/Freddy Mavunda/Thulani Mbele
At what age should ministers and MPs hang up their hats?
The spotlight is on cabinet members this week as the ANC Youth League and the party's national chair Gwede Mantashe clash on the call to appoint more young people to top political positions.
The league wants 50% representation in parliament and provincial legislatures.
Former finance minister Trevor Manuel recently said the country does not need those older than 65. Instead, more leadership opportunities should be given to younger people.
Manuel resigned as finance minister in 2008, at 52, with several other ministers, when former president Thabo Mbeki was replaced by Jacob Zuma.
When Manuel, now 67, was asked whether he would consider returning to cabinet, he said the government did not need more older people in leadership positions.
“I just happen to be of the view that our political leaders need to reflect South Africa more closely. South Africa is a young country. That you have so many people over 65 sitting in cabinet and parliament is part of the difficulty.
“Politics is a very exerting activity; it is not a profession. I served as an MP and minister for 20 years. It is a distinct privilege to be able to do that. You do it with everything you’ve got and then you step aside and hope the next generation will come through,” he said.
Here is a look at the ages of ministers:
TimesLIVE
READ MORE:
Oldies must retire and give young leaders a chance, says Trevor Manuel
LISTEN | ANCYL wants 50% of party’s parliamentary seats as they want youth to play key role in SA economy
Mantashe in looming showdown with ANCYL over youth representation
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