Youth empowerment, transparent governance, and improving the education curriculum will be on top of the ‘to-do list’ for Pabalelo Selema, who joins the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo.
Affectionately known as Papzito by his fans in the creative industry, Selema served as an independent candidate at the Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality during the 2021 local elections. Despite significant obstacles he faced as a lead candidate for the Lebowakgomo Civic Organisation (LEBCO), he secured a seat on the municipal council within Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality.
Talking to Limpopo Insider, Selema described the recent transition from being an independent public activist to joining DA as a move towards the revolution.
“I want to assist in DA policy education amongst young people and black people who believe that DA is anti-black. By so doing, I want DA to grow its black constituency so that it can get a lion’s share of votes in local and national elections,” said Selema.
As an activist, Selema has been vocal about the collapse of basic services and absence of economic opportunities for young people. He said DA’s policies underpin his political perceptions.
“DA attracted me with its non-cadre deployment way of doing things, meritocracy-based model, and strong economic development policy. Everything in the development of a nation boils down to economics,” he added.
Going the extra mile to embrace education as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, Selema highlighted that he converted the academy he founded, Musk Academy, into an NPO to continue to educate learners in maths & sciences in Limpopo with no cost.
“The most important aspect of youth development is preparing them for the future. I plan to expand the career guidance we do at Musk Academy to have a wide reach. Lastly, I want Maths Literacy to be scrapped from the curriculum,” said Selema.