I WAS quite excited to see Thando Mgqolozana’s third novel, Unimportance, on the 2015 Sunday Times Barry Ronge fiction prize long list. Set at a university campus, Unimportance explores the meaning of honour and integrity against the backdrop of student politics.The main character Zizi, a student leader, is due to deliver a speech in 12 hours that could clinch the student representative council presidency for him. But instead of writing this important speech, Zizi is frantically searching for his girlfriend, whom he had physically assaulted.The question of leadership has occupied SA’s public discourse for some time now. Census 2011 put the average age of a South African at 25; like our sister countries across the continent, our public leaders do not reflect the youth and diversity of our country.It is quite obvious that this country is in desperate need of younger public leaders, yet we do not adequately explore the environment that deters young people from pursuing public positions...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.