Having one political party in power for a long time is unhealthy, especially in a democracy. The unintended consequence of that is the governing party behaving as if it has a natural right to power. That is not ideal.
The ANC has been in power for more than 25 years – uninterrupted. And it can possibly extend its rule with another 10 years. Not that it is popular with the masses, but because the opposition is ineffective.
That said, the governing party has developed unhealthy and unprogressive tendencies. For instance, corruption has become the order of the day in our country – and those involved in corrupt activities are untouchable.
This practice poses a serious threat to our development.
As it is, our economy is down and unemployment unprecedentedly high. Thanks to corruption and mismanagement.
Instead of the governing party working tirelessly on improving our economy and creating jobs, it’s busy looting the state funds, unashamedly so.
The pertinent question is: is the ANC to blame for the above? Yes and no. Yes, because it has promised to take the nation to the Promised Land. But it has failed to do so, even after it has been in power for a long time. This is proof that it is bankrupt with ideas on how to take the country forward.
No, because the governing party did not put itself in power; voters have – and they continue to return it in power. So, citizens should also shoulder some blame for the country’s current state of affairs – corruption, weak economy and high unemployment.
The problem is that: South Africans accord political leaders too much respect and too much power, undeservedly so. They don’t realise that they are also stakeholders and role players, and not spectators, in the country’s affairs. Until citizens realise that power lies with them, and not with politicians, the status quo will remain.
