Not afraid to raise his political opinion
This Kagiso-based writer makes a regular appearance on the News' page four opinion page.
Since he was a child Thabile Mange has loved politics.
Today he is not afraid to raise his opinion on matters that concern people within a political society.
“It is important to me because politics affects us all. Every decision the president makes, will affect me in some way,” he told the News.
The 43-year-old husband and father of three grew up and still lives in Kagiso from where he writes opinion pieces for newspapers like Sunday Sun, Dikgang Isa Mogale and the News. For the past three years, Thabile has focused on writing regularly to the News.
Thabile has on numerous occasions started a conversation in a newspaper platform and encourages others do to do the same. He said he does not believe in self-censorship and that by expressing your opinion you are practicing your constitutional right.
“I was once threatened by Cosatu (Congress of South African Trade Unions) for a piece I wrote in the Sunday Sun. They wanted to take me to court,” he said.
Luckily, Thabile never had to face the union in court but told the News that it is very important to base your opinion on facts and you should have references for the accusations you make.
Even though Thabile will never stop writing he said that raising your opinion as freely as he does can sometimes be career limiting.
But negative feedback has never stopped him from utilising his freedom of expression. In his most recent letter submitted to the News, named The ANC is in a state of decline, Thabile highlights that most still believe in the governing party, but “the ANC is in a state of decline. And there is no external force to blame for but the party itself. It has allowed power to consume it or to go to its head.”
Thabile is excited for young writers to add their opinions in newspaper publications throught the country. He said it is very important for the youth to learn how to read and write so that their voices can also be heard.
And if Thabile can give young aspiring writers a bit of advice, “just write” he would say.
“If you want to write, write, That’s it.”
To read Thabile’s letters to the News, click here.
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