Dr Mathews Phosa delivered a powerful speech at the Greypower (Gryskrag) 2025 Inspiration Session, asking members to hold the politicians they voted into power accountable, to be part of the solution by sharing their wisdom and by using differences, like language, to build bridges and overcome obstacles.

The Greypower get-together was held at the Waterkloof Marina Retirement Estate on Tuesday. Greypower is a non-profit organisation started in 1995 as a service and charity organisation helping those over 50 plan for retirement expenses and avoid exploitation.

Phosa admitted that his views of presidents since 1994 are often harsh. This is due to his belief that after former president Nelson Mandela, there was too much talk and too little action taken by leaders. South Africa’s first citizens missed too many chances to create jobs and ‘unlock the jails of bureaucracy’ for businesses, he said.

In his book Witness to Power, co-written by Pieter Rootman and prescribed for third-year students in 2026 at the University of Johannesburg, Phosa tells of his personal experiences of behind-the-scenes events in political history.

“I write about how thankful I am for literally running away from the Guptas because I did not trust them. It made me hugely unpopular within my party, but I could sleep at night. They have caused massive harm to our country, our government and our international reputation.”

Touching on the newly formed Government of National Unity, Phosa said their poor performance in the elections had forced the ANC to look for associates, putting the president, John Steenhuisen, Pieter Groenewald, Gayton McKenzie and others around the Cabinet table.

“I hear that they sometimes butt heads, but not yet to the point of breaking.”

He explained that coalition partners are now in the awkward position of having to defend decisions they may disagree with, all while trying to appease angry voters concerned about issues such as land expropriation and education issues.

Phosa said citizens must take back the government by letting politicians hear, see and feel their criticism.

“There is no use in complaining and moaning to each other while not placing our politicians under pressure with questions, calls and WhatsApp messages.”

He said that he views Afrikaans as one of his mother tongues, a language in which people can laugh, cry and celebrate.

Phosa urged people to build bridges over language, cultural and racial differences, saying that our country will be better if we actively search for opportunities to make it a happier, safer and more prosperous place.

He explained that to heal from the bitterness caused by apartheid’s devastation of his family, he became involved in community projects that unite people of all colours and political beliefs to create a better future for all.

Phosa asked others to join him in seeking opportunities to share their experience and wisdom to make a positive impact.

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