CRY, OUR BELOVED DEMOCRACY…
ONE wonders where we would be sans our constitution, Chapter 9 institutions and our over-utilised judiciary. The judiciary, even though it still needs transformation and still harbours judges who upheld (and voted for) apartheid and its unjust draconian laws, deserves a standing ovation. It seems the only thread by which our near-collapsing democracy is still hanging. Clearly, our beloved country’s democracy is disengaging and cracks are widening especially in the wake of events that led to the finance minister (and his deputy) being sacked under questionable circumstances, causing an uproar, even among the ruling party’s loyalists, and led to the downgrade to junk status by a rating agency.
The country is being mostly run by Chapter 9 institutions and the judiciary, which has hindered looting (to some extent) by the government. In the long run, we cannot afford to run a country through these institutions and the judiciary.
We have a patriotic duty to vote in selfless, altruistic leaders (of the calibre of Ahmed Kathrada, Robert Sobukwe, Steve Biko, Joe Slovo and Thuli Madonsela) with the passion and vision to advance our country and tackle crucial issues with diligence – such as land and expropriation, poverty, inequality (race-based and the highest in the world), porous borders and corruption. We need out-of-the-box approaches for our unique challenges.
For instance, we could engage experts (who will undergo stringent tests) and universities to come with innovative models tasked with rendering the optimum, effective utilisation of land after expropriation.
We need a government that won’t dismiss the genuine concerns of the masses. We’ve inherited an enviable human resource and mineral-rich country with infrastructure and the potential to become an epitome of success.
ALL TALK, NO ACTION
Patrick Mphuthi
IN ITS January 8 statement, the ANC declared 2017 as the year of Oliver Tambo – the year of unity in action by all South Africans in celebration of this great unifying leader of the ANC. To buttress this unity declaration, the centenary of the October Revolution in Russia was also invoked.
It has become a norm that such declarations are thrown about without any follow-up by real action. They should not just be for rhetor- ical purposes.
Unfortunately the pronounced unity does not manifest itself when one views the tumultuous political climate in South Africa and inside the ANC and the tripartite alliance.
In line with this declaration, President Jacob Zuma had a duty to emulate the esteemed unifying leadership of Tambo.
Zuma said that all cadres of the movement must emulate the historic examples of Tambo and Cuba’s Fidel Castro to influence our ongoing selfless service to the people.
As leader of the ANC, it is his duty to try as best possible to unite, first the alliance, and secondly the people of South Africa.
South Africa has been under attack from imperialism since 1994, and as such it is important that intense but meaningful consultations be conducted before cabinet reshuffles.
Despite the presidential prerogative that Zuma enjoys, it is imperative he consults properly with the alliance so that cabinet reshuffles and decisions that take place are welcomed by all or at least are seen as a product of meaningful but robust discussions. Tambo’s name should not be used in vain!
Thabo Thwala