A coalition government would be a disaster

SOUTH Africa must be careful what it wishes for in connection with the much-vaunted panacea that, after the 2024 elections, the ANC will get less than 50% of the vote, making a coalition government desirable.

Such a scenario portends a disaster. This is not a concern about the ANC losing power, but the myopic view that opposition parties should concentrate on making sure the ANC loses power. They should each focus on their strengths and winning the elections on their own so they can govern alone. It does not matter which party it is, coalition government on the empirical evidence, locally and regionally, are a mess.

In Joburg and Ekurhuleni, DA mayors are being thrown out of power, then quickly brought back, with efforts continuing by the opposition to again throw them out. This results in public confusion, as energies are spent on these games and societal challenges remain unresolved.

Lesotho has experienced coalition governments since 2012, but not one has lasted its term. They have all been victims of political sabotage, worsening the socio-economic and political crisis the country faces.

And who suffers through all this? The voters who need real change, not the elites who are playing games.

DR THABISI HOEANE | Pretoria