Paul Mashatile calls for affordable electricity and water, SA asks: "Isn't he the Deputy President?"

Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed FEDUSA's 8th National Congress in Johannesburg on 14 October
Mashatile outlined priorities including affordable electricity and water, job protection, and opportunities for young people
South Africans on social media questioned why the Deputy President was calling on others to act on issues within government's mandate

Paul Mashatile called for affordable electricity and water, leaving many asking who he wanted to provide them. Image: DjelicS/ Emmanuel Croset
Source: Getty Images

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

GAUTENG — Deputy President Paul Mashatile used his address at FEDUSA's 8th National Congress on 14 October to outline what he described as urgent economic priorities.

These included affordable electricity, accessible water, job protection, and expanded opportunities for young South Africans. Speaking from a podium flanked by South African national flags, Mashatile stressed that the country's shift toward a sustainable economy must be inclusive.

"There's no use for us to be talking about an inclusive economy, sustainable economy when we can't take everybody with us," he said.

Mashatile's call for action over talk

The Deputy President drew on South Africa's democratic foundations to make his case, arguing that the tradition of resolving differences through negotiation must be renewed through tangible action rather than rhetoric.

"Our democratic settlement was built on the conviction that negotiation could resolve differences. Therefore, we must renew that conviction through our actions, not talk," he said.

His remarks covered several policy areas: creating openings for youth, safeguarding existing employment, making electricity costs manageable, and growing industrial output.

Social media users question Mashatile's statement

The address drew a wave of scepticism online, with many South Africans pointing out that the Deputy President was calling for changes that fall within his own government's authority.

@BUafulufhe59045 wrote:

"Calling on who? Isn't he the Deputy President?"

@DelanoAlexander responded:

"If only he knew someone who worked in government to make all this a reality."

@Qbduu_ was blunt:

"'We must, we must', but it never happens. Viva ANC, together we can frustrate citizens more."

@Quinton_Mendes said:

"Blah blah blah. Same rhetoric, different day. Do you ever get tired of hearing your own voice and stupidity?"

@FionaT0109058 added:

"Recycled speech. We need to see action and implementation. We are living in reality here. Cost of living is high. Unemployment is higher. Lack of basic services is getting worse. Citizens' needs are not being fulfilled. Don't remind us what we know already."

@Jacodc40 wrote:

"The government calling on itself for improvement? Spectacular own goal from the ANC. You are done."

@LilyTucker95 summed up a common sentiment:

"He's the Deputy President; who is he asking these things from?"

Paul Mashatile calls for affordable electricity and water, SA asks: "Isn't he the Deputy President?"

Mashatile's call for action over talk

Social media users question Mashatile's statement

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