VOTERS MUST SCRUTINISE PLAYERS IN ALL POLITICAL PARTIES

AFTER 21 years in education, where I did well and rose to become the deputy president of our Teachers Association, politics intervened.

For the past 30 years, my life has been mainly about politics.

Having a degree with majors in English, Economics and Politics helped a great deal.

Being at Codesa and being an MP in 1994 were life-changing experiences. There was such positivity about our politics. We had visits from MPs in England, Holland and elsewhere.

When we went to gatherings of the International Parliamentary Union, MPs from around the world were astounded by the unity and amity we displayed, even though we came from different political parties.

No one could believe I was leading the South African parliamentary delegation, even though I was from the IFP. We evoked wonder wherever we went.

In Tunisia, and elsewhere, it was enough for people to know we were from Mandela Land. “Ah, Mandela!” they would joyfully exclaim.

That was when the politics of belief prevailed. That was when we saw the bigger picture. That was when decency and integrity still existed.

Today, there is so much disillusionment with our politics. The Zondo and Nugent commissions are revealing some of the most sordid goings-on in the government.

The problem lies with the Closed List Proportional System. Many people who get on the list should not be there. Character, education and capability don’t matter. Sycophancy gets the nod and sycophancy allows for the state to be stolen in broad daylight.

As we come closer to the next general election, voters should scrutinise the character of those who are on the list carefully because it is they who will characterise what the governing parties will be.

Mandates and policies will be of secondary importance. If shady characters get into government it will not require rocket science to work out what kind of government will take charge.

Now, more than ever, disillusionment must give way to careful scrutiny and evaluation of players in all political parties. Character is the issue voters should be most seized with.