Cape Town – ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has sparked fresh debate about the role of citizens in South Africa’s socioeconomic development, saying many people have become too passive and overly reliant on the government to create jobs and solve problems.
His comments, made during a recent television interview, reflect long-standing concerns within political circles about unemployment and civic participation in the country.
Mantashe acknowledged that the relationship between government and society is “flawed,” and said this has contributed to what he described as a passive public that “sits in the sun” expecting the state to deliver services and employment.
“In South Africa, we have developed a situation of delivery, which means you sit back, you sit in the sun, and you expect the state to deliver, and people are not involved,” he said.
“I am certain that if our people were to get involved, we would be a better country.”
Mantashe, who is also Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, said the ANC bears some responsibility for fostering this mindset.
WATCH | Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has urged South Africans to be proactive, adding that people must look for work and not wait for the government to give them jobs. pic.twitter.com/Ey9VG1Rdem
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 4, 2026
“It’s a mistake we have created as the ANC where we have created a passive society instead of ensuring there is an active society that participates,” he said.
Using a vivid analogy to illustrate his point, Mantashe recounted a conversation with a young woman who acknowledged the educational opportunities the government has provided but complained about the lack of job prospects.
“So I said to her, the ANC has provided you with a fishing rod; now you expect the ANC to catch the fish for you,” he stated, adding that citizens must take more responsibility for their own futures.
Mantashe also shared personal reflections, noting that at over 70 years old, he had never expected government to find work for him.
“Today, because there is a progressive government, people expect the government to give them jobs; they do not look for jobs themselves, and that must change,” he said. “People must begin to appreciate that you queue up for jobs… let’s move out of a passive society to become an active society.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
