In a recent candid interview, political commentator and pastor Bonsai Shongwe offered a scathing critique of South Africa's current state, particularly focusing on the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy and the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Shongwe, a former record company owner and entrepreneur, asserted that BEE is a "scam" that primarily benefits the black elite at the expense of the poor, while the ANC, far from being incompetent, is highly skilled at manipulating public sentiment for its own gain.
BEE: A "Black Poorer Robbing Strategy"
Shongwe unequivocally labeled BEE a "scam," stating that it's a "black poorer robbing strategy by black elite". He highlighted that the policy has benefited only a small number of families, approximately 100, who have amassed immense wealth, including those driving Rolls-Royces, while the poor black shack dwellers remain impoverished.
Key criticisms of BEE:
- Lack of Empowerment: BEE, according to Shongwe, "doesn't empower people with skills" or "merit". Instead, it functions like giving "a fish a day, not teach somebody how to fish".
- Moral Degradation: Shongwe believes the most significant damage of BEE is the "moral downgrading" of black people. He finds it insulting, akin to telling someone, "you are untalented, you have no brain, you have nothing special, no value, but hey, you're black, come along". He refuses to engage in BEE deals due to his "self-respect".
- Control Mechanism: He views BEE as a "sneaky thing" designed to control people, making them believe they need help when, in reality, they are being controlled. He argues that it has become "impossible to run a good business in South Africa" without needing a "comrade on your board" for protection, effectively forcing businesses to pay for political connections.
- Perpetual Victimhood: The system encourages a "perpetual victim mentality," which he believes makes people "dumb" by rejecting knowledge and promoting propaganda.
Shongwe contrasted this with the period between 1990 and 2000, under what he refers to as "apartheid economics" (or "national party economics"), which he claims offered significant "economic freedom". He pointed to the music industry during this time, where, despite existing laws, black artists and entrepreneurs gained significant control and ownership of the industry organically, producing millionaires who remain so today. This, he suggests, demonstrates that black people "don't need anyone's help" to succeed economically.
The ANC: "Competent Operators" Selling Anger
While many perceive the ANC as incompetent, Shongwe strongly disagrees. He described the ANC as "one of the most competent operators I have ever seen in my life". However, this competence, he asserts, is not in governance or prosperity for the nation, but in maintaining power and enriching themselves.
The ANC's "business model":
- Selling Emotions: "They sell anger for a living, they sell envy for a living, they sell resentment for a living".
- Division and Control: The ANC uses "the language of division," creating an "us and them" narrative, often pitting black against white, to hide the true conflict, which is "between citizens and politicians".
- Colonization of Mindset: Shongwe states that the ANC, like other African leaders, "colonized Africa to think as Marxists," pushing socialist and communist ideologies into the continent.
- State Capture and Church Control: He argues that the ANC's policy is to "capture everything, including the church," offering "carrot and stick" incentives like land or building permits to control institutions.
He asserts that ANC officials and their partners know their dealings are "under the table" and would "rather go for the easy way out". Shongwe cites the fact that "all the leaders are wealthy" while those they are "mugging are on their side" as proof of their "competence" in retaining power and wealth.
Marxism vs. Free Markets: A Biblical Stance
Shongwe is a staunch advocate for free markets, which he prefers to call "free markets" rather than "capitalism" to avoid Karl Marx's framing. He believes capitalism is "of God," "biblically sound," and evident "right throughout scripture," even suggesting that "Jesus deals with us like a capitalist" by expecting growth from what is given.
In contrast, he views Marxism as a "Judas spirit" that preys on jealousy and seeks control. He explains that Marxist ideology, being atheist, believes "men are not selfish" and therefore plans society "with a thinking that we can trust Julius Malema with all the land and he will be so generous and kind to split it equally before us". Shongwe dismisses this as naive, stating, "that's not human beings, it doesn't work like that". He advocates for spreading power through free markets to prevent individuals from causing widespread damage to the system.
Identity, History, and the Illusion of Racism
Shongwe stresses that identity should be found in Christ, not in one's race or past suffering. He laments that South Africa "keeps pushing the masses towards history to shape their identity" as victims of apartheid, which he believes prevents the country from progressing.
He argues that much of the history presented is a "tool" used by Marxists to "trigger someone so that they can give you their life and destiny". He provocatively claims that "you had more black self-made black millionaires under apartheid than now," if "comrades" (who gained wealth through stolen money) are excluded.
On racism, Shongwe contends that "racism is the card of a poor individual," meaning those lacking education and creativity. He sees it as an "excuse" to avoid personal responsibility. He also addresses "white guilt," calling it a "strength in the hands of the ANC" used to silence and control white people. He urges white individuals whose surnames are not "De Klerk" to "stop apologizing about white guilt" for actions of politicians, emphasizing that the conflict is between citizens and politicians, not between racial groups.
The Church's Role and South Africa's Future
Shongwe expressed disappointment in the South African church, believing many leaders are "sold out to the ANC" due to perceived benefits or fear. He challenges the notion of "black church" or "white church," asserting there is "only a church of the Lord Jesus Christ". He calls for the church to remain "loyal to our calling" and never "put the gospel aside" for politics. While acknowledging the church's role in combating corruption, he suggests they should also address deeper issues like identity and the pervasive Marxist ideology.
Despite the challenges, Shongwe sees a potential turning point for South Africa. He believes the internal divisions within the Marxist edifice, such as those between the ANC, EFF, and MK, are creating an "opening for common sense to get through to people again". He anticipates a period of "drama" as the nation undergoes a "deliverance from the Marxist ideology".
He places significant hope in the rise of "common sense voices," particularly "black voices," as their dissent directly "weakens their lie and their tactic". While he doesn't foresee BEE being relaxed under the current ANC, he believes it "has to collapse" eventually because it is fundamentally unsustainable and only serves the interests of a corrupt few. Shongwe's overall message is one of cautious optimism, believing that truth and economic freedom will ultimately prevail in South Africa.