Why do African politicians succumb to greed?

South Africans must demand a more just life that democracy promises, writes Ted O’Connor.

Regarding your editorial “Remember Madiba’s vision” in Tuesday’s paper. Bishop Tutu, at the dawn of our democracy, was inspired to describe the country as a rainbow nation.

That proved short-lived and once Mandela had gone, the ANC soon allowed his vision to fade.

It was the start of corruption that Joe Slovo had warned against and Chris Hani had hoped to avoid, but the incompetence of those placed in positions of responsibility resulted in government departments failing to perform, followed by many municipalities and state-owned enterprises collapsing.

These setbacks seriously affected service delivery and there was a loss of confidence by the business community, increasing unemployment and soaring sovereign debt.

The disaster of recalling Thabo Mbeki and replacing him with Jacob Zuma was a mistake of major proportions.

It thwarted progress as Zuma allowed the Guptas, the Watsons and other freeloaders access to the country’s resources from which we are unlikely to recover.

What is it with African political elites, who succumb to greed and a delusional sense of power; who fail to understand the broader aspects of democracy, which is to allow the people to enjoy freedom and the fruits of sharing in the wealth of nation?

The slums of Nairobi, the poverty in Zimbabwe and our sordid squatter camps are examples of neglect and indifference.

Post-colonial Africa will continue its backward journey until its citizens realise their worth, demand respect and a more just life that democracy promised.