We’re nowhere near to becoming Zimbabwe
THE PAST few weeks have been an interesting time for the country. Despite fears of chaos and protests, the recent elections went off smoothly without any red flags being raised about manipulation or intimidation, and when the results were made known and it became obvious that the ruling party had been given a serious lesson in accountability by the voters, especially in the main seats of power, the metros, there was the usual rhetoric and bluster, but no threats of court challenges to the validity of the outcome.
In their hearts, the ANC knew they had been weighed and found wanting. The people had spoken.
How heartening to see the coalition debates between parties with widely differing political agendas being conducted in a mature manner that indicated a recognition that the parties involved at least had a common vision – to improve the lives of the poor.
Even the actual handover of power and appointment of new officials was seamless, albeit rowdy. For the citizens of the country, this was South Africa at its best, and a beacon of hope to those who despair for the future.
Admittedly, the revival of the witch-hunt of Minister of Finance Pravin Gordon by the Hawks did remind us just how tenacious the forces of state capture still are.
But the reaction of the public and many businessmen and politicians, even those loyal to the ANC, showed we had found our voice.
The immediate reversal in the gains that the currency had made against the currencies of our major trading partners was a swift reminder of how quickly the markets will punish any threats to the democratic processes, and once again, the public will pay the price for political meddling.
Throughout these varied events, the media was unrestrained in its reportage, and covered all aspects of the events in critical detail.
Equally heartening was the way that a host of prominent South Africans, of all persuasions, were absolutely scathing in their condemna- tion of attempts to undermine the rule of law.
How then can some people say we are on our way to becoming another Zimbabwe?
Admittedly, nobody can say yet how well the new administrations will actually perform, but at the very least, we can expect more transparency and less manipulation of tenders.
In addition, the pending departure of the public protector has also raised some concerns, but Thuli Madonsela has set the bar so high that any successor will have their work cut out to maintain her record of excellence, and any drop in standards or deviation from that standard will be immediately apparent.
This week my wife went to the Krugersdorp Department of Home Affairs, to apply for a new ID document, and she reported that the entire experience was an absolute pleasure.
The process was slick and seamless.
Every member of staff was competent, professional and, above all, friendly. The entire process took no longer than 25 minutes.
A colleague of mine applying for a new passport at the Randburg office reported exactly the same experience.
This would indicate that we are developing a core of professional and competent civil servants who understand that they are there to serve the public, not the politicians.
If the Big Man in South Africa is hoping to mimic the Big Man in Zimbabwe, recent results are indicating he will be sadly disappointed.
The groundswell of demands for transparent, competent and honest governance is growing louder by the day, and both Zuma, and his cohorts in the Premier League and at state enterprises like the SABC and SAA, will not be able to ignore it for much longer.
South Africa is not Zimbabwe. Mitch Launspach Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp