Tired of all the same old politicians crowding the scene this election? In our series of interviews with young activists from various parties taking part in the May 7 elections we give you a heads up on some people who may one day be our country's leaders, in our parliament and our legislatures.
Political Profile
Name: Awie Erasmus
Age: 26
Joined: FF+
Named after his grandfather Abraham, Awie Erasmus, 26, describes himself as young, dynamic, Christian and proud. He believes it is important to do things for others who wants to make a difference for others.
Switching between English and Afrikaans, this youth leader in the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) party constantly refers to “a way forward, for all people of South Africa”, while fighting for minority rights. His message to the youth is to not forget your culture.
He describes himself as not only a politician, but also an activist. This dual role grew from his days as a student where he campaigned on issues close to him, such as mother tongue language and quotas.
It was at the University of Pretoria where he learned to protest and realised that even though he was alone against hundreds of people, it is important to say “I am here”. Now, as a member of the Tshwane City Council where decisions and issues are often steam rolled, he has learned that one must say “I have a responsibility to the people I represent and I am going to stand up and say something.”
Fighting for the rights of the youth is also high on his agenda. He says that there is enough money in the country, yet young people suffer.
He says that his party fights for the rights of all minorities, not just white Afrikaners.
“Why would we go stand on our own when other minority groups admit that we are here? Admit that the Khoisan is here, admit that the Afrikaner is here.” He says that a Khoisan group attended the FF+ manifesto launch.
He believes that it is important to fight for a country for everyone. “We are a rainbow nation, but it is as if there is just one colour in the rainbow nation – just one way of thinking.”
Awie says he lives a principled, faith-based life, referring to his belief in God as an inspiration to his life. He dropped out of technikon in his first year of engineering, and while despondent at first, knew that “there was a plan.”
At the age of 24, he faced another disappointment when he was up for candidacy in the party, but not elected. He describes it as “depressing, because I put so much into it.” But once again he says he leaned on his faith. The following year someone resigned and another opportunity came up and he was elected to the council.
Despite the big part that politics plays in his life, and being a member of the Tshwane City Council, his proudest moment was getting married in October 2013. His wife, Qume, also a member of the party and actively involved in activism feels a responsibility to helping others and those who suffer, especially women.
Awie sees himself as being part of a minority, he believes that there is still hope and that “people have a fighting spirit” and won’t just lie down.
Moving forward with faith and freedom: young political activist
Tired of all the same old politicians crowding the scene this election? In our series of interviews with young activists from various parties taking part in the May 7 elections we give you a heads up on some people who may one day be our country's leaders, in our parliament and our legislatures.
Political Profile
Name: Awie Erasmus
Age: 26
Joined: FF+
Named after his grandfather Abraham, Awie Erasmus, 26, describes himself as young, dynamic, Christian and proud. He believes it is important to do things for others who wants to make a difference for others.
Switching between English and Afrikaans, this youth leader in the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) party constantly refers to “a way forward, for all people of South Africa”, while fighting for minority rights. His message to the youth is to not forget your culture.
He describes himself as not only a politician, but also an activist. This dual role grew from his days as a student where he campaigned on issues close to him, such as mother tongue language and quotas.
It was at the University of Pretoria where he learned to protest and realised that even though he was alone against hundreds of people, it is important to say “I am here”. Now, as a member of the Tshwane City Council where decisions and issues are often steam rolled, he has learned that one must say “I have a responsibility to the people I represent and I am going to stand up and say something.”
Fighting for the rights of the youth is also high on his agenda. He says that there is enough money in the country, yet young people suffer.
He says that his party fights for the rights of all minorities, not just white Afrikaners.
“Why would we go stand on our own when other minority groups admit that we are here? Admit that the Khoisan is here, admit that the Afrikaner is here.” He says that a Khoisan group attended the FF+ manifesto launch.
He believes that it is important to fight for a country for everyone. “We are a rainbow nation, but it is as if there is just one colour in the rainbow nation – just one way of thinking.”
Awie says he lives a principled, faith-based life, referring to his belief in God as an inspiration to his life. He dropped out of technikon in his first year of engineering, and while despondent at first, knew that “there was a plan.”
At the age of 24, he faced another disappointment when he was up for candidacy in the party, but not elected. He describes it as “depressing, because I put so much into it.” But once again he says he leaned on his faith. The following year someone resigned and another opportunity came up and he was elected to the council.
Despite the big part that politics plays in his life, and being a member of the Tshwane City Council, his proudest moment was getting married in October 2013. His wife, Qume, also a member of the party and actively involved in activism feels a responsibility to helping others and those who suffer, especially women.
Awie sees himself as being part of a minority, he believes that there is still hope and that “people have a fighting spirit” and won’t just lie down.
Click here learn about another young activist
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