Time to review what has not worked

IN YOUR editorial, “The Power of Words” you made the telling point that “we have to be careful, now more than ever, of intolerance and particularly of the power of words”. Indeed, the political situation is becoming increasingly volatile in a rapidly worsening economic climate. What recently happened in the parliamentary committee and what is happening in Coligny indicate that frustration is igniting and that in place of tempered words and sober reaction, anger is flaring up.

In 1994, there was such an enormous amount of forbearance, idealism and patriotic fervour in parliament and in society. The iconic and regal Nelson Mandela was masterfully shepherding the nation forward from front and behind. Words had such currency then. When President Mandela entered the chamber, the rafters shook with the choral rendition of ANC MPs welcoming him. That was indeed a time for song and hope. It was music to the ears of those who sat in opposition benches.

In 1999, the very formal and intellectual President Mbeki had gravitas and though not everyone agreed with him and he was not tolerant of criticism, he was nonetheless presidential in his demeanour and presentation. There was a great degree of formality in parliament and a very strict adherence to the rules. Frene Ginwala made certain that the rules applied to all. If anything, she was generally harder and harsher on the ANC than the rest of us. Many ANC ministers felt the sting of her wrath. Even though I was an opposition MP who had the good fortune to preside over the House, there was full cooperation from everyone.

Then came 2009 and suddenly everything changed. These unwelcome changes came from the very top. The struggle for power and the seeking of gratification from perks, privileges and power subsumed every other consideration. The elites became a narcissistic and self-absorbed group playing bit parts in the contest for power and resources. The new Speaker showed very quickly how conflicted and partisan she was.

It took an outstanding judgment from the Constitutional Court welcomed by the whole nation to bring both the president and Parliament to order. Sadly neither the president nor the Speaker did the honourable thing and resigned as they ought to have.

The question of judicial overreach is plain balderdash. Our constitution is the supreme law and the constitutional function of the apex court is to protect the constitution and hold all role players strictly accountable to the constitution. Where is the overreach in that?

When words become devalued it is akin to currency itself becoming devalued and worthless.

Bantu Holomisa of the UDM has made the point that we have completed 21 years of our journey and it is therefore time to get together and review what has not been working for us. That is certainly the situation.

If the potency of carefully spoken words is not saved in time, the language of violence will gain currency.

Like you, Editor, all of us have a duty to ourselves and the generations to come to go back to basic principles and to engage one another decorously rather than encounter one another violently and angrily.