Bethuel says he is not a racist

eMBALENHLE – Bethuel Zunguza wants people to understand that he is not a racist but that he is a young man, a radical comrade who is fighting for the plight of young black South Africans.

He became popular when he was caught on camera making controversial statements about white people during a protest at Hoërskool Overvaal and demanded the end of the use of Afrikaans.

He is the treasurer general of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and was born and bred in eMbalenhle. He is facing charges for public violence during that protest.

Mr Zunguza said despite everything that he is going through politically, he will not back down but will continue to fight for the rights of the black child.

He began his political journey as a T-shirt and food coordinator for the African Congress matches while he was in primary school in 2008 when he joined Cosas.

He was the nominated as the branch chairman in the same year and became a regional task team member the following year.

“It has been a wonderful, but difficult journey for me. It was not easy because my parents did not approve of my involvement in politics, but I managed to convince them that this is what I want.

“I strongly believe that I am called for this and to help my peers and community to live a better live.

“I have grown as a politician in Cosas and have held several senior positions in the organisation and the ANC.”

Mr Zunguza is also involved in another youth structures, such as the Black Youth Business Council (BYBC) where he was a national spokesman in 2016 and became a deputy secretary in 2017.

He was very involved locally as a leader of the BYBC and engaged with local businesses to prioritise employing the youth and to help with skills development.

He recently resigned as a ward committee member after he had served two terms.

Mr Zunguza said he could not cope anymore because the responsibilities were growing by the day.

He said he has learned to always to put others first and to ensure that the community is satisfied and that good services are delivered daily.

He is concerned about the high rate of unemployment in the area.

“It is sad to see young people roaming the streets of eMbalenhle and hanging out in tuckshops from sunrise to sunset.

“This results in young people, especially boys, abusing substances and doing crime, while our sisters are impregnated by sugar daddies who give them money.

“We bury young people because of these social ills nearly every weekend.

“I am calling on the private sector, the government and NGOs to have a dialogue about these fundamental issues that are affecting the youth.”

Mr Zunguza also challenged the youth to restore their African morals and respect.

He said he has noted that the youth no longer respect the elderly people.

Mr Zunguza loves reading and swimming and his favourite sport is rugby.

He often reads his favourite book, Eat the Frog, which he said has helped him to develop a vision for the future and has taught him a lot about planning and setting goals.

He thanked his friends, family and colleagues for always believing in him and supporting him.