SOUTH AFRICAN LEADER URGES: Get involved in politics

The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs for the South African Province of Eastern Cape, Mr Gugile Nkwinti, has called on Aboriginal people to be more active in the political process.

Mr Nkwinti was speaking at a meeting held recently with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), where he spoke of the need for Aboriginal people to be more involved with mainstream politics as a way of ensuring the needs of Aboriginal people were met.
Mr Nkwinti identified the first step would be to become members of a political party that best represented Aboriginal people.

"I think the best way to make your voice heard loudly is to be in the 'main game' of politics. If there are more Aboriginal people as members of Parliament, you will have a greater chance of obtaining your rights," Mr Nkwinti said.

Mr Nkwinti also spoke of the importance of leadership and of identifying the descendants of those who were the leaders in traditional times. "All cultures have prominent people in their societies, these people can help to mobilise people into action." he said.

NSWALC Chairperson Mr Les Trindall agrees with Mr Nkwinti's comments about becoming involved in the political process.

"Currently we have no Aboriginal people in the NSW Parliament and only one in the Federal Parliament. We cannot rely on white politicians to speak for us. An Aboriginal member of Parliament will guarantee us a black voice at the table." he said.

Cr Trindall believes that some of the young talented Aboriginal people in the community should consider a move into politics.

"We have a lot of talent in our community. I hope that some of these people will decide to broaden their aspirations outside of the Aboriginal community," he said.

Mr Nkwinti who was leading a 6 member delegation met with several state government bodies in NSW and the ACT, with the NSWALC being the only Indigenous organisation on their agenda. He was keen to understand the structure of the NSWALC and the role the Land Council plays in advocating for Aboriginal people in NSW.

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