Testing time for politicians

VERY soon we will be witnessing the ANC’s 54th national conference, and I wish the organisation, participants and supporters all the best.

As participants will also be electing a new ANC president, it is incumbent upon all members to encourage debate and diverse political engagement, as well as to critically evaluate each candidate to establish a healthy electoral democracy and continue the good legacy of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and others.

Warring factionalism, character assassination, tension, break-away groups, intimidation and public mud-slinging destroy nation-building, transformation, social integration and cohesion among citizens.

Politicians need to display political maturity and agree to disagree amicably. They should not disagree for the sake of disagreeing, to show power or to prove a point.

For South Africa’s democracy to grow stronger, we need political leaders who work together and co-operate with one another for the greater good.

Corrupt and clandestine governance is not in the best interest of the country. To heal from our atrocious past and address the needs of the people, we need to reconcile our disagreements and make informed political decisions beyond our selfish desires. MOHAMED SAEED Pietermaritzburg