Khoza is speaking up for the masses

FIREBRAND ANC MP Makhosi Khoza is vociferous in articulating the shortfalls of the ruling party and has raised the ire of President Jacob Zuma’s allies.

She’s advocating that the vote of no confidence against him, which is set for August 8, be done by secret ballot.

Khoza has publicly called for the president to step down, as have leaders from the alliance and elsewhere, but the daggers seem to be pointing in her direction.

Khoza’s disciplinary hearing is set for next week but she seems as unperturbed and resilient as ever, stating that the hearing is being handled by an “ille gitimate structure”.

She’s going to be defiant to the bitter end. With death threats hanging over her head and minimal protection, Khoza seems to be prepared for the inevitable.

An e.tv commentator said on Sunday he hoped she survived the massive onslaught against her and was alive to see the results of the vote of no confidence in the president. Death threats have become an instantaneous norm as soon as leaders speak out against the rot in the government or call for Zuma to step down.

Tenacious former lic protector advocate Madonsela’s life was also threatened because she openly spoke out against the criminality of corruption and its devastating impact on the most vulnerable.

In a country that claims democracy as its guiding principle, death threats need to be extensively investigated and protection given to the person receiving them. Protection must be absolute, irrespective of which political party the person belongs to.

The public tentatively awaits the outcome of disciplinary hearing against Khoza. Many predicting she might be recalled as an MP. She comprehends the ramifications of her actions. A principled leader sees the injustices and is willing to fight against them, even if it means standing alone.

Herein lies the heart of our constitutional democracy which is the right to choose. You can either choose to remain silent while the country collapses or you can choose to make your voice heard.

The voice of the revolutionary conciousness can never be ignored. It is in this context that Khoza will continue to be defiant and relevant because she is raising issues that affects the people she represents. Vijay Surujpal

The dagger is pointing only in her direction