Would an ANC by any other name smell as sweet?

Two scholars reflect on the implications of Lekota and Shilowa’s ANC breakaway party for South African political leadership …

“Thank heavens for Shikota”

The South African political situation has never truly been ideal; for the most part it has always seemed that the average South African has had a choice been the devil and the deep blue sea. With the appearance of Zuma and the inability of opposition parties to sit around the same table, the political menu has been, for all practical purposes, reduced to a choice between a “turd sandwich” and a “minority douche”(as so eloquently and colourfully put by Matt Stone and Trey Parker). With the recent addition of a side order of Malema-Kill-for-Zuma fries, the sandwich has become even more unpalatable.

Thanks heavens for the appearance of a truly multi-racial party, lead by “Terror” Lekota, that seems (at first sight) to have the interests of all South Africans at heart. With the recent victory of Obama still fresh in the air, perhaps change is coming and I, for one, hope that this is a sign of the times. Hopefully South African citizens will follow the American example and choose our leaders with both heart and mind, and not just heart. I believe this new party to be the best thing to happen to our young South African democracy since, ironically, the un-banning of the ANC.

Anton I. Botha

“Let’s not get too excited”

As we squirm in bobbing, ingracious gratitude to grasp this “lifeline” to pull us from our self-dug political hole I only hope it is not a snake’s tail. The announcement of the ANC split has reduced South Africans to thankfulness for the opportunity not to empower a principled, ubuntu-driven and good leader (Shilowa, Lekota etc. had ample pre-Polokwane time to demonstrate this was them; I don’t think they did), but thankfulness for the opportunity to take some power out of the hands and tongues of a fabricated ‘majority-ideology’ (which still serves a minority).

We as leaders must remember that no valid vote is cast, no citizen’s voice is heard, to elect someone to power. Rather votes are cast with a hope for change, the people speak of the chance for a good life well-lived for their children, for their lovers, for their parents and for themselves. This is what unites us. Lament this day, take joy at small victories, but remember always the struggle for freedom, equity and a good life well-lived is daily, prosaic and starts with you.

Graeme Hoddinot