The recent national elections have sparked keen interest and deep reflection about the future of our country. These elections, presented as a major turning point with the loss of the ANC’s majority, nevertheless revealed a certain well-known stagnation in the South African political landscape.
The National Assembly formed this week, and although the parties holding the seats have changed, the faces occupying them evoke the same latent apprehension that has always hovered over our society. A simple reading of the names of the deputies reveals the presence of people who one would not hesitate to describe, using euphemisms, as disreputable.
Crooks, racists, provocateurs and evildoers of all kinds are inevitably found among the representatives of the main parties, some being more blatant than others.
It is still too early to judge the performance of this new parliament, but the idea that 2024 could mark a renewal for our politics seems illusory.
Nothing symbolizes this feeling better than the ANC’s “step aside” rule. Presented as a measure intended to usher in an era of accountability under Cyril Ramaphosa, it has been used selectively and inconsistently, at best.
The fact that Zizi Kodwa, a former party spokesperson accused of corruption, was sworn in this week is a striking example. He claimed he was forced to fulfill his duty as a nominee on the ANC list.
The issue of diversity (or lack thereof) on electoral lists is also a hot topic, as evidenced by the inclusion of Renaldo Gouws on the democratic opposition list, despite problematic past statements. It was only when incriminating clips resurfaced that the party was forced to acknowledge the facts and take action.
Opposite is the new opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe, difficult to pin down in many respects.
Controversial figures like John Hlophe, whose disgrace made headlines within the justice system, or Des van Rooyen, synonymous with the pinnacle of state capture in a single weekend, now sit alongside a racial agitator such as Andile Mngxitama.
The beauty of our democracy is that there are no barriers to entry; everyone, regardless of their origin or qualifications, can become public representatives. However, this process is compromised when political parties send questionable individuals to parliament without blinking an eye. As long as this continues, the term “turning point” will be nothing more than an empty word in our political landscape.
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