Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has triggered a fierce national debate after suggesting that South Africans have grown overly dependent on the government.
Speaking in an interview with SABC News ahead of the ANC’s 8 January birthday celebrations, Mantashe argued that the ruling party has failed to fully promote its achievements, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) and the country’s social security system.
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“We don’t talk about that,” Mantashe said, referring to the ANC’s record in government.
Drawing a comparison with China, the ANC national chairperson claimed South Africa had developed a culture of passivity.
“The difference is that Chinese people put their skin in the fire,” he said.
“South Africa has developed a theory of delivery, which means you sit back, you sit in the sun and expect the state to deliver, and people are not involved.”
‘ANC Gave You a Fishing Rod, Not the Fish’
Mantashe said greater citizen participation was key to unlocking South Africa’s potential, adding that while the ANC had delivered opportunities, many people were failing to take advantage of them.
“I am happy that we have delivered. We have changed the outlook of the country,” he said.
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“I am unhappy that many of our people don’t use the advantages of an ANC government. Instead, they expect that government to take them there.”
He cited the example of a young woman from the Eastern Cape who studied pharmacy through Nsfas funding but struggled to find employment.
“I said to her, ‘The ANC has given you a fishing rod; it must now catch fish for you,’ and she says, ‘No, I never looked at it from that angle.’”
‘They Don’t Look for Jobs Themselves,’ Says ANC Veteran
Mantashe also reflected on a failed community farming initiative in Cala, Eastern Cape, which he said illustrated how government support can unintentionally breed disengagement.
“Many thought that was a government project, but it was my project,” he said.
“They refused. They wanted me to rent the piece of land. They didn’t want to be part of the project until after three years.”
After a lack of participation, he said he eventually abandoned the project.
“They don’t want to be part of the improvement, and I’m unhappy about that. I would prefer a society that is doing things themselves.”
Calling for a shift in mindset, Mantashe urged citizens to stop relying on the state for solutions.
“We must all be part of the solution and not depend on the state or the ANC for solutions. The more people get involved, the better the country will be.”
Reflecting on his own life, he added: “I am now over 70. I’ve never had a government looking for a job for me.
“The difference is that today, because there is a progressive government, people expect that government to go and give them jobs. They don’t look for jobs themselves, and that must change.”
“Let’s move out of being a parcel society and become an active society,” Mantashe said.
Social Media Backlash Over ‘Out of Touch’ Remarks
The comments quickly drew backlash online, with critics accusing Mantashe of being disconnected from the realities of poverty and unemployment.
Former Public Protector and MK party member Busisiwe Mkhwebane was among those who condemned his remarks.
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“Gwede Mantashe, if you can know how many applications the unemployed graduates and those who are not qualified, you will never utter such irresponsible statement,” she posted on X.
“Your family and those close to you are not exposed to the poverty and unemployment our families are going through.
“You are so distant to reality and it is sad. #unemployment #poverty and #inequality.”
Mantashe Defends BEE Amid Criticism
Earlier in the interview, Mantashe also defended Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which has faced increased criticism over the past year.
“I’m not expecting a John Steenhuisen to be a fan of the ANC,” he said.
“I still expect them to say, ‘BEE is not right for us’ because they prefer white supremacy.”
He rejected claims that BEE beneficiaries are politically connected.
“The loose talk that people who get benefits from BEE are connected politically, which is a farce,” Mantashe said.
“Politics don’t create entrepreneurs.”
He added: “Entrepreneurs are born, and they develop their own skills and develop into big empires, and we must do that as Black South Africans and not expect to be given gifts called wealth. That is not a gift.”
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