The constitutionalist opposition failure to make gains requires deep soul-searching. Why did their quest achieve so little?
Illustrative image: The DA’s Helen Zille. | Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane. | IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa. | Former president Jacob Zuma. | ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. | DA leader John Steenhuisen. | Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi. | Gayton McKenzie, president of the Patriotic Alliance. | ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. | | James Lorimer.
Their delegation was mature, modest, and respectful of the magnitude of the process they are involved in, and of an electorate that includes some strongly suspicious of them, fueled by fake social media claims that their hidden agenda is Western Cape succession or a return to apartheid.Nevertheless, it would be dangerous to forget what the electorate told the DA as well as the other parties, old and new, that cloaked themselves in constitutional values and non-racialism.
The two small opposition parties that became a factor in Parliament for the first time are the Patriotic Alliance in the Western Cape and the Gauteng-based ActionSA . But the leaders of both now have a lot of words to eat. The EFF wants far-reaching constitutional amendments, especially on land rights. What both these populist parties have in common is their enthusiasm for shortcuts. The MK party and the EFF together have 24.1% of the vote.
What do successful leaders in other democracies have that we aren’t offering? Too often we look at Barack Obama or Bill Clinton, and try to imitate their style. I covered both at different times. They were much more than outstanding and charismatic speakers. Until we face the causes of long-term deindustrialisation and declining mining output, and figure out the drivers of the rapid growth essential to mop up our horrendous unemployment, we are flailing about. Our politicians talk in vague, general terms about “entrepreneurship”, “small business”, the “private sector.” Government has endless rhetoric about everything from the ocean economy to government works programmes.
All races need a more resonant message that they all matter, that there is a place for all, and a harmonious way to get there. What will politicians do to make all races see a place for themselves that connects what politicians say with what they experience in the job market? What will politicians do to protect them in public?There is a third key issue that voters can see, but it’s for politicians to find solutions.
So, amidst the warm optimism of opposition politicians going into Cabinet, it would be dangerous to believe their own PR — that they succeeded in dislodging the ANC from its majority after 30 years of one-party dominance.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why the GNU is not legally binding, and why it should not matterEXPLAINER | Why the GNU is not legally binding, and why it should not matter
Read more »
Why the health department will send flood and heatwave warnings to pregnant womenWhy the health department will send flood and heatwave warnings to pregnant women
Read more »
Why Sekhukhune-linked Komphela was unsettled at ArrowsWhy Sekhukhune-linked Komphela was unsettled at Arrows
Read more »
Ex-Captain: Why I Decided To Leave Real MadridEx-Captain: Why I Decided To Leave Real Madrid
Read more »
Why the presence of Hlophe, Mkhwebane in Parliament makes case for electoral reformANALYSIS | Why the presence of Hlophe, Mkhwebane in Parliament makes case for electoral reform
Read more »
Why Chiefs Are Giving Matlou A ChanceWhy Chiefs Are Giving Matlou A Chance
Read more »