Al-Qalam 
Joosub of Ermelo is one of 32 influential people picked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to help make a difference. Sometimes, he asks himself: ‘Goodness, what am I doing here?’, Azra Hoosen reports.
The young constitutional lawyer from Mpumalanga was recently handpicked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to serve on the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group – a team of 32 influential South Africans working to develop a long-term plan for the country.
at the Union Buildings.
Among some big names in the group are SA Rugby team captain, Siya Kolisi, Judge Edwin Cameron and humanitarian Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. But Joosub stands out, not just for being the youngest, but for the clarity and conviction he brings to the table.
Joosub told Al-Qalam about a moment that left a lasting impression during the group’s inauguration. “President Ramaphosa straightened my tie in a recent meeting. A small gesture that felt huge,” he said.
Despite sitting in high-stakes meetings filled with national icons, Joosub remains grounded. “I sometimes ask myself, ‘Goodness, what am I doing here?’ But I stay grounded by holding close the roots that shaped me and the purpose that drives me,” he said.
Joosub’s confidence stems from his upbringing and deep grounding in constitutional values. “I grew up in a small town, in a Muslim household where I learned that fairness and justice start at home. My father and mother instilled in me the values of honesty, compassion and standing up for what’s right,” he said.
Joosub’s love for justice was shaped early. Even as a young boy flipping through the Constitution, he did not see a dull book; he saw a promise that every person deserves dignity and equality. “My heroes, like President FW de Klerk and my late relative Chief Justice Ismail Mahomed, left legacies rooted in principle, not position,” he said.
Doting on his father’s advice, Joosub said he wants his name to stand for integrity, fairness and service – values that now fuel his work as Manager of Constitutional Advancement at the FW de Klerk Foundation and in his role as Co-Chair of Public Mobilisation for the National Dialogue, a massive civic process that he believes could redefine South Africa’s path. “I hope to inspire others to lead with their values and make a real difference. That’s the legacy I want to leave,” he added.
As a young Muslim in a high-profile role, Joosub said his Islamic faith was central to how he approached justice and leadership. “My faith also emphasises shura, or consultation, which means leaders should listen and include others in decision-making. That principle is at the heart of the National Dialogue,” he said.
Joosub noted that the National Dialogue is not just another talk shop for politicians. “It’s a conversation by the people, for the people. We’re aiming to hear voices from all 23,000 wards of the country. It’s a bottom-up approach like we’ve never seen,” he said.
He hopes the plan sparks real change in practical terms: “Quality education. Jobs for our youth. Safe, thriving communities. If we do this right, the next generation will inherit a country on the rise.”
His passion for the Constitution comes from seeing how it empowers ordinary people. “I come from a small town and a minority community, so I know what it’s like to feel your voice is small. The Constitution says: “Yes, you matter. You have the same rights as everyone else,” he explained.
To young Muslims who may feel politics or public life is not for them, Joosub has a clear message: “You absolutely belong in public life and your country needs you. Politics can be messy, but that’s exactly why principled people must step in.”
His advice is to simply start where you are. “Join a student council, a community board, or speak up about an issue you care about. Bring your values with you — honesty, justice, compassion. These aren’t just Islamic values; they’re assets in any field. Staying true to my faith has earned me respect from people of all backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to dream big,” he said.
and dignitaries at the Union Building
