Mkhuseli “Khusta” Jack is a wonderful example of someone who beat all the odds. Jarette Petzer recently sat down with Khusta, a valued advisor in the #ImStaying movement. Having been very involved with the birth and organisation of #ImStaying, Khusta’s primary contribution to the movement was helping to decide what should be done to achieve the aim of uniting South Africa.
It enabled him to see both sides of the problem better than most.
He related an occurrence from his childhood: his parents, farmworkers in the Humansdorp, Eastern Cape region, once found themselves homeless. An Afrikaans farmer allowed them to live on his farm even though they were not employed by him. Khusta remembers that well. He feels that it played a part in developing his character. It enabled him to see both sides of the problem better than most.
In his teens and young adulthood Khusta was often imprisoned because of his political activities against the apartheid regime.
In the 1990s he received an Honours degree in Economics and Development Studies. Today he is a well-known businessman and author in Port Elizabeth.
The interview with Jarette touches on a number of issues currently taking place in South Africa. His message is not always popular with people, yet it is no less vital.
Disruptions
“…there are always some people who like disorder and think they can benefit from it. Chaos is not sustainable. Disorder cannot lead to prosperity as it is always replaced by still more disorder.”
Class Divisions
“We had one common enemy and we were easily united around that.”
In the old days people knew what they were fighting for. In the old days there was no black middle class. All blacks were treated the same then, no matter who or what they were. But today there are many divisions.
“In the USA … no matter where people come from, loyalty to the nation and the country is paramount. And that is what we need to strive for in this country … And if we build that common ground, we will become the nation we could be and were meant to be.”
Building the Society
Mkhuseli is of the view that every effort towards constructing the society of our dreams is wonderful.
“No amount of failure should be allowed to change peoples’ dreams.”
But it is very slow. He said that if you were consistent, never lied, were straight and honest, people would take note. And one day they would join you.
Any effort towards normalising society and standing up for what is correct is imperative in order to avoid anarchy.
The Economy
“Not one of us [comrades in the struggle] ever discussed what was involved in actually running a factory.”
BEE was basically a good idea. They needed to fast-track people who had been kept outside the economy for all those years. However, it foundered.
“But if they succeed through artificial means, then that is where it goes wrong.”
“All radical economic progress has been fictitious because of this.”
Small Business
He thinks that small businesses are the way to go. Small business people who have shown ability should be given an adequate amount to get their businesses going well. And they will thrive.
“Give the people money proportionate to what they need.”
A model that is already successful should be expanded. Soon there could be a workforce of thousands.
Prosperity breeds more prosperity.
He had much advice for our leaders on how to tackle problems.
- Keep your promises
- Get rid of crime
- Fix Eskom
- Fix township schools
- Educate future farmers
In the final analysis . . .
“There is no other choice, Bru,” Khusta said to Jarette. “We have to stay and save South Africa.”
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Edited By: Patricia Stapleton
GOOD THOUGHTS • GOOD WORDS • GOOD DEEDS
