Can ANC renew and lead authentically?

WILL the ANC rise once more?

That is a question that has been lingering in my mind recently. The question is rhetorical, but we can be thinking about it as we are approaching the upcoming local government elections.

What has happened that made me think about this now?

If we can turn back the clock and remind ourselves about the enthusiasm that we saw in 1994 about elections, in general, it is no longer in people.

The lack of interest manifested in dwindling numbers of eligible voters declined for several reasons.

In addition, this decline impacted the governing party failing to take control of major municipalities, especially in Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

As I am writing now, I wonder if the loss in those municipalities resulted from voter apathy or communities crying out to the leadership to intervene over their dissatisfaction.

It is, however, evident that the control of those municipalities by opposition parties did not benefit the communities, as envisaged. The question remains: are the coalitions working for our cities?

What is needed to help avoid coalitions in our municipalities?

The communities, at every opportunity, call for a party with an excellent plan to help eradicate poverty, create employment, services and provide support to local businesses in order to win the hearts of those communities.

I would, therefore, think this was a turning point in listening to the cries of those communities and ensuring service delivery is something that tops the agenda.

Since the start of Mr Ramaphosa’s presidency, we have seen some changes, which gives hope to what we can expect from our municipalities. We started seeing the step aside rule implemented at all levels by the governing party – this rule helps remove all those who are not for service but are there for themselves.

In addition, this is when we need to see authentic leadership and ensure service delivery, especially for those marginalised communities.

We can’t, in 2021, still be grappling with kids drowning in pit toilets or kids going under a sinkhole.

Mushrooming of shacks is a national concern, and it is those affected municipalities that need to engage the government in finding solutions for those in need of houses or land.

It will be an authentic leader that is willing to hear these voices, like Mzwakhe Mbuli’s poetry, where it says: “Images of a new dream, images of new society should emerge.”

I remember watching soccer on television, and heard a commentator uttering these words “See me now, see me no more.”

It is reasonable for all public representatives to be in contact with the communities they serve and assist them in all other service requests the communities require.

It can’t be that representatives only visit those communities in response to an upcoming election.

These elections serve as an opportunity for the ANC to stay in contact with all communities and constantly ensure the delivery of services.

A rising ANC will ensure removal from positions of those not in for service and a new cadre deployed.

NYANISO QWESHA | Wynberg