Unruly political acts disrupt our democracy

THE late Ahmed Kathrada dedicated his life to the liberation of the poor and marginalised. The Active Citizens Movement who organised the memorial service applied to the courts to have the ANCYL barred from attending, but their court bid failed.

What the movement anticipated taking place, the disruption of proceedings, did indeed happen. Senior officials like Sihle Zikalala and Zweli Mkhize tried to quieten the ANCYL supporters with limited success and political analysts are saying they are becoming a law unto themselves.

It seems when they feel the truth is being articulated against their support base, they drown out the speaker by chanting slogans. Organising an event of such stature takes time and money. To disrupt proceedings is easy.

If this is going to be a culture of forthcoming meetings there needs to be serious introspection by political parties. The legacy of a stalwart in the liberation movement was disrespected and dishonoured.

The factional battles within the ANC need to be sorted out expeditiously. The electorate is looking for stability and clean governance.

Ahmed Kathrada would want to see an ANC that dedicates itself to the upliftment of the poverty stricken citizens in our country. He would want to resuscitate the ideology of a better life for all and see it resonate the length and breath of South Africa. Phoenix