This Mitchells Plain youngster has started his own political party and says the only way people can escape poverty is through education and up-skilling.
Twenty-five-year-old Fawwaz Mowlana recently registered the South African People First (SAPF) party and will be running for office in next year’s general elections.
Born and raised in Lentegeur, where he still lives, Fawwaz is already a well-known community worker, handing out food and teaching people how to cook for example.
Fawwaz says he grew up in a home where his family struggled to make ends meet, but they survived with the help of the neighbours.
“We need to focus on education, and providing skills training, which will lead to creating job opportunities and, in doing so, improving the lives of our people,” the passionate young man says.
“Our political party will start in our own communities, then move across the province, the country and then globally.
“We will put people first. I firmly believe it is possible to build societies across the continent that are generous to the poor, protective of our children, afford our men and women equal status and protect our human rights by enforcing the rule of law.”
With his non-profit organisation, the Mowlana Abrahams Foundation (MAF), he works closely with community leaders.
“We provide meals through the generosity of sponsors and go out and march for the rights of our children across the Cape Flats. We also visit children’s homes and by simply giving our time to these children, we are making a difference,” he says.
“I grew up in a time when we were free to play in the road. It was an era where we played drie blikkies and hide and seek. Our children cannot do that now, but I aim to start creating that environment again.”
Ouma Fowzia Arendse, 57, from Tafelsig says she would vote for Fawwaz.
“I don’t know what party they are, but they come and bring us food all the time. They don’t want anything, but sit and talk to us about cleaning up our communities. I like that and I appreciate what they are doing.”
To be part of this movement, contact the SAPF at [email protected], or call 021 371 1242