The will of the people must be heard

The 2016 local government elections have come and gone. The ANC’s loss of the municipalities of Nelson Mandela Day, Tshwane and Gauteng respectively to the DA, could be attributed to its arrogance. For the past two decades or so, the ANC has been arrogant and reluctant to allow the will of the people or democratic will to prevail. On the contrary, it has been hell bent on imposing the will of Luthuli House on its constituencies and the electorate who voted it into office in the first place.

For instance, the imposition of leadership who aren't people's choice in the form of ward councillors, mayors and involvement in undemocratic practises. And moreover, that’s contrary to its (ANC) Freedom Charter which contains a clause that says “... no government can justly claim authority, unless it’s based on the will of the people”. In these elections, the electorate punished it (ANC) severely by either voting for the opposition or abstaining from the polls. There are a number of factors that could have detrimental effect on ANC voter decline.

On Inkandla

The Public Protector’s report stated it categorically clear that Zuma and his family unduly benefited and must pay back a certain portion of the money used to build his private residence. And subsequent to that, Zuma assigned Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko to institute an investigation around that Nkandla saga. Zuma was vindicated by Nhleko’s findings. Zuma and his defenders demonstrated a high degree of disregard for Public Protector's office.

On Concourt Judgment

Zuma was found to have broken his oath of office. According to the Concourt ruling, the Public Protector’s remedial action was binding.

On State Capture

The relationship of Zuma with a controversial Gupta family is seen as “state capture”. This wealthy family is alleged to have influence of appointing and dismissing cabinet ministers as they please. Zuma is believed and perceived to have handed the state over to the coporate on a silver platter.

On the loss of Nelson Mandela Bay

The loss of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by the ANC to DA was inevitable.

That region has been characterised by factionalism and rifts. That state of affairs warranted the upper structure to descend on the Bay and dissolve the Regional Executive Committee (REC). A regional task team (RTT) was set up by the ANC’s national leadership. And subsequent to that, Danny Jordaan was deployed to the helm of that municipality in an attempt to rescue the sinking ship. However, that particular deployment was too little, too late. The irreparable damage has already been done.

Ramaphosa proposed that the party (ANC) should consider embarking on introspection and drawing board. In my view, if the national executive committee (NEC) of the ANC, doesn't remove Zuma from the helm of the party and the country, that particular exercise will be futile. The huge elephant in the country’s politics is Zuma.

What the ANC is reaping today is what it planted yesterday – arrogance! You reap what you sow.

Asinavalo