Buzza James

What nobody really tells you about speaking at the main TED Talk global conference is how small you feel before stepping onto that stage. You think about all the incredible and groundbreaking achievements, scientists, artists, thinkers, you start asking yourself: what have I actually done? Why did I agree to this? Who do I think I am? And then, just as the self-doubt knocks you over the head, one of the organisers says: “Do you honestly think we’d have invited you if we didn’t believe you belonged here?” And suddenly, you remember. It’s not about you. You’re a vessel. And yes, you tell yourself, even if I shake, I will do it. Before and after, I met some of the most generous, grounded, and quietly brilliant people I’ve ever come across. Some of who are literally saving the world. And not once did anyone carry the weight of their achievements like a crown. It’s as if what you’ve accomplished matters far less than who you are. What matters more is your humanity, not what you have done, your accomplishments are but a bonus that earn you seat at the table. Not that I am saying I have some special humanity. Just a great space to find yourself in.

The next president of the ANC should be none of the usual suspects. The natural order of things has been passing the baton to deputy president of ANC. The last time this was effective was with Thabo Mbeki and we have failed ever since. While I understand people’s ambitions, those should matter less than what ought to be done for the country’s sake. I get why a Paul Mashatile would be eager, he has been with the organisation for decades, or a Mbalula. Capability should be more important than how long one has served in the ANC structures. What we need as a country is technocrat. Someone who understands systems, a person who can fix what is broken. As an engineer, I think Sputla, aka Kgosie Ramokgopa would be a great choice to lead the ANC. He would be 55 by the time the next general election takes place. Mbeki still remains the youngest elected president we have had. whatever your take on his politics, you can’t deny the intellect and the strategic thinking he brought to the role. Another consideration would be Parks. Another strong name to consider is Parks Tau. Again, a capable, policy-minded leader who doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be effective. The ANC doesn’t need another celebrity politician. It needs someone who knows how to govern. If the ANC wants to survive, it needs people who can make painful sacrifices and forgo personal ambitions. We don’t need more leaders giving us the tired line about “if the branches choose me, I’ll have no choice but to accept,” when we all know they’re quietly (and not-so-quietly) campaigning behind the scenes.