Votes can save us from chaos

IN 1994, South Africa became a new democracy when the voters made their marks with the promises of a much better tomorrow ringing in their ears.

Promises of equality and an almost heavenly future was the motivation for South Africans voting for the politicians and political parties of their choice.

Up until now, the new victorious South African voter benefited from a wonderfully compiled constitution envied the world over – however, their dreams of freedom and a better life were not realised.

But the voter – the millions of disciples of a better life – had one big advantage and it was that they became politically-wise, thanks to seeing empty promises year after year still remaining promises and finding themselves worse off.

The political dramas taking place in our political arena are not for the benefit of the men and women in the street, with the perception that political leaders have abandoned community concerns and the day-to-day struggles of the voters to survive with respect and dignity, to concentrate on their own in-house political fighting.

The scary part is that the wisdom of Solomon has made the voter realise that their votes are not getting the desired effects from those elected, and they have become more vicious in their protest actions to get attention.

This viciousness can lead to our societies getting almost close to anarchy, a situation in which we all lose.

When one looks at the attitude of the voter, then the politicians in the next municipal and general elections, with all their different departments and officials, will have to address with passion and dedication, and with limited time frames, the outstanding political promises or face the vicious backlash that will consume our country.

Voters are tired and frustrated at the political dramas in the form of chaotic parliamentary sittings and walkouts, legal and counter-legal actions between political parties and politicians, roadshows, media briefings, the embarrassing appointment of political leaders and the neverending corruption scandals that stain our country locally and internationally.

In the olden days the “Van der Merwes” were almost superior to the “Smiths”, and in the new South Africa the Gupta family is not the guppies in the political pond, but rather the big fish.

This frying in the political pan is not being digested well with the opposition as no private persons are allowed to influence the menu of a ruling political party.

The aftermath of the vote and the delivery of promises in future elections in South Africa is going to determine the outcome of the victorious or vicious attitude of the voter, and it depends on the political party who is voted into power.

This is not a fairy tale but reality.

KEITH ALFRED ADOLPH BLAKE Ottery