Zandile Vilakazi-Mwenda

This book engages the reader in an analysis of how democracy is being practiced by most governments (especially in Africa), and how this falls short of the promised benefits that should come with democracy. It aims to empower citizens to participate effectively in the governance of their communities and in the legislative processes of all levels of government, so that they will ultimately become active contributors to the building of thriving, prosperous, healthy nations.
Secondly, this book promotes the notion of ending cadreship and cronisym in Africa's politics, to a dispensation of ethical leadership and appointments based on merit. It envisions a dispensation where public officials have the genuine interest of their communities at heart, are held accountable by their voters, and can be called back from office by their communities for failure to perform. The Author boldly suggests that Africa needs a shift towards a new value system founded upon the solid bedrock of biblical principles, to provide the moral compass that takes our governments back to the path of ethical leadership, effective institutions, and ultimately  thriving, prosperous nations.
 'The People Shall Govern' presents a clearly outlined process for self-governance, by which citizens in communities can organise themselves to take control as active citizens, involved in the well-being of their communities rather than passive spectators. In essence, this book proposes what could be called a 'People's Government' or in some contexts, a 'People Centred Government'. South Africa is used as a case study to give context to the discussion.