It’s make or break in SA politics
THE DA has recently been dominating both social media and mainstream news platforms.
Leader Mmusi Maimane’s comments on white privilege and black poverty irked a few, while it was applauded by many, including Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba and President Cyril Ramaphosa. We cannot forget and move on on this matter simply because it’s not dead, so it cannot be buried. It must be addressed because if you look around you, its existence is evident.
The other issue is that of ousted DA ex-mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille. This is a matter that potentially is more detrimental to the DA.
De Lille has been a long-time fighter for justice and equality, and her role in leading the call for an investigation into the infamous arms deal has left an indelible impression. All eyes will once again be on our courts where De Lille plans to fight her dismissal. The outcome of that judgment will undoubtedly have marked repercussions for both parties.
In my view, this process of establishing a definite political identity within the DA is unavoidable. This will make it clear not only to DA supporters and the general public but more importantly to the DA leadership itself on the direction forward. The DA still attracts a diverse spectrum of the population and will continue to do so in the future but it will be naive to think that the effects of these matters will not impact on the party. The impact can have positives should DA spin doctors choose to play the right notes that appeal to some.
The DA is not the only party trying to break away from a degree of negative public perception. The ANC is trying hard to cast away the corruption demon which possessed the ruling party for far too long.
The EFF’s brand of populist politics has garnered support but remember that the EFF is the only political organisation to openly reject the National Assembly’s adoption of the political party funding bill.
It remains to be seen if the EFF walks the talk when it comes to transparency regarding donors and sources of income. The contracted Congress of the People (Cope) is presented with an opportune time to implement a turnaround strategy if they should choose to do so. It won’t compare with the euphoria from a decade ago but there is no better time than the present.
Interesting times lie ahead and, as politics in South Africa go, you can expect more bumps in the road. As Barack Obama said: “Democracy cannot be imposed on any nation from the outside. Each society must search for its own path, and no path is perfect.”