South Africa stands at a crossroads.
Our democracy demands leaders chosen for merit, not recycled through power. The recent reappointment of a Minister previously removed from office undermines public trust, civilian oversight, and the integrity of our armed forces.
We, the undersigned, call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace the current Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. This is not a partisan demand — it is a constitutional one.
We demand leadership that reflects the values of accountability, transparency, and national service.
We ask the Presidency to:
- Appoint a new Minister of Defence based on merit and public trust
- Commit to transparent criteria for future cabinet appointments
- Uphold the principles of the South African Constitution in all leadership decisions
This petition is a civic ritual. It calls for structural correction, not personal attack.
Why I Started This Petition is...
Unemployment is not just a statistic — it’s our daily reality. Every day, more South Africans lose hope as opportunities shrink. Yet our leadership system recycles the same people from one ministry to another, decade after decade, without delivering real, lasting solutions.
We cannot solve generational problems with outdated systems that protect positions instead of producing results. We need leaders with realistic, measurable goals they can achieve within five years. If they succeed, they can earn a second term — but after that, they must pass down their knowledge, networks, and experience to the next generation.
No more seat-swapping. No more inherited power. Once you’ve served in national leadership, you should not serve again anywhere nationally. This will open the door for fresh thinkers, skilled professionals, and passionate citizens to step up — people who have proven themselves in their fields and are ready to lead with integrity.
We, the youth of the late 90's and 2000s, are ready to claim our voice. We want a system where leadership is earned, not inherited — where every South African can see a clear path from hard work to high office. This will inspire our parents, our peers, and our children to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that they, too, can lead.
The government is for the people. It’s time we all had a real chance.
Sign and share. Let your voice be heard.