Editor’s weekly views affecting the public
Swords have been drawn among South African political parties, more so now that we're fast approaching the general elections next year.
The interesting thing about the current the political scenario, is that the ground has been levelled for all of them to play their part, equitably so, but the most successful and most resourceful parties shall make it to the national parliament, also at provincial level, and that will be followed by representation in municipalities too.
It may seem easy for some to climb on platforms and call for change, but that change comes at a very high cost, especially to the electorate, who are likely to be the ones taken for a ride, by endless promises which they’ve endured for the past 19 years of democratic rule.
Comrades have turned against comrades and established their own parties like the recent Economic Freedom Fighters led by former president of the ANC youth league, Julius Malema. In some quarters, they seem to be a threat to the ruling party in as much as they won’t succeed to take a lot of seats, but they will certainly disturb the clear-cut majority rule the ANC always enjoyed.
You’ve got the likes of Agang SA led by Dr Mamphela Ramphele who also poses a threat to the ruling party. There’s also your COPE to deal with, Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance, United Democratic Movement and many more which have stuck in parliament since 1994.
Be that as it may, it is only the electorate who will decide their fate because at the ballot box, no matter which one has offered you food parcels and other goodies, your vote is your personal choice at the end of the day.
We’ve seen an acceleration of service delivery by the ruling party in an attempt to convince the electorate that they need to be retained.
My take here is that the smooth-running delivery that’s taking place now, should be an everyday matter, rather than waiting for elections to take place.
The hard manner in which they deal with some cases of corruption within their ranks is very commendable, but they should be carried out on a daily basis as had always been requested by the electorate.
The newer parties should come up with meaningful and practical strategies that will improve the lives of the people. The already established parties should change their tactics if they want to beat the ruling party, because no matter how much they criticise them, they always come out the victors in the end.
The race is on, but only the strongest will survive.
