Polls: Did we listen to our stalwarts?
HATEVER the eventual outcome of the election fracas, it has certainly been a messy and distressing two weeks since the May 29 polls.
With political parties and their candidates jostling for power, positions and paisa, the coalition talks had degenerated into a tangled web of contradictions, mistrust, brinkmanship, arrogance, populism, intransigence, greed and self-interest.
Disorder was the order of the day.
Stir all these noxious ingredients in the pot, add a pinch of divisive race-baiting and factionalism, and you end up with a recipe for electoral indigestion.
Yet, we could have avoided much of these unpleasant hostilities and confusion had we heeded the wise words and advice of our liberation stalwarts who steered our country into a democracy in the first place.
Records of their keen foresight and infinite wisdom would fill entire libraries, so let's restrict ourselves to a few random examples today.
Many South Africans have expressed shock and disbelief that the once powerful ANC failed to win a clear majority and dropped to a dismal 40%.
But was it all that surprising when you recall the angry outburst by Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu (pictured) in 2011 as he lambasted the ruling party for its arrogance in believing the freedom enjoyed by South Africans was all due to them?
Tutu’s words still ring in my mind: “I am warning you that we will pray as we prayed for the downfall of the apartheid government. We will pray for the downfall of a government that misrepresents us. You have got a huge majority. The nationalists had a huge majority that was increasing. They bit the dust. Watch out, ANC government. Watch out. Watch out. Watch out.”
When it comes to the tone and language of negotiations, we should take our cue from peace icon and former president Nelson Mandela who said: “If you are negotiating you must do so in a spirit of reconciliation, not from the point of view of issuing ultimatums.”
Inclusivity is a must in a future South Africa if no one is to be left behind. And who better to champion this cause than courageous lawyer and activist Phyllis Naidoo who spent her life fighting injustice and abuse of power.
On receiving her honorary doctorate in 2007, she said: “A better life for all is our slogan, not a better life for any elite minority, not a better life for you or certainly not for me, but for all South Africans.”
When I look at the paucity of women in leadership of our current political parties, I’m reminded of the words of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Chief Albert Luthuli way back in 1961: “When the women begin to take an active part in the Struggle, no power on earth can stop us from achieving freedom in our lifetime.”
Were we listening?
You have a friend in Modi
| Reuters ust thought you’d like to know that as Indian South Africans, you have a special place in the heart of Narendra Modi. Modi, who was sworn in as India's Prime Minister for a third term this week, has waxed lyrical about his special relationship with people in the global diaspora in a wide-ranging interview with Newsweek recently.
He said he understood why it was “natural” for Indian people in the diaspora, especially the older generation, to feel a special connection to their roots.
“They want their children to also be connected to their roots and it is also our duty to ensure that this bond remains strong. Our diaspora should feel that there is someone back home who cares about them and is there for them in any situation.”
Modi went on to praise people in the diaspora for their hard work and commitment, which was being recognised internationally.
“Our talented people are filling skill gaps across the world. Whenever I go abroad, leaders of the country always have high praise for them. They are acting as our ambassadors across the world,” he told Newsweek.
Mzansi is lekker, okay!
ake a bow, all South Africans. We may have our problems locally but we’re still regarded globally as the friendliest nation in the world.
A scientific study has placed us top of the pops when it comes to showing warmth and hospitality to visitors.
“It is not uncommon to be greeted by polite strangers while walking down the street, and South Africans are generally happy to socialise by engaging in conversations and showing off their good humour, making plenty of jokes,” said the report by digital money company, Remitly.
By the way, Greece finished second and the UK, 18th.
Last stop
ssst, between you and me, I hear that 99% of politicians give the rest a bad name.
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