The ANC of today is eerily consistent in putting itself ahead of this country, or anyone in it for that matter.
What it seems to completely ignore is that through this selfish, immature political approach it has inspired many in society to behave in a similar manner, with each part putting itself ahead of everyone else.
Through its well worn propaganda “leader of society”, the ANC has led us to become a society of supremely self-interested groupings instead of a coherent nation.
As a result, its closest study, the EFF, has managed to push the ANC into a corner, employing the ANC’s very own strategies, or rather political manoeuvrings.
It did not matter what decision the ANC made on land expropriation without compensation, the result was always going to be at the risk of losing face and support.
If it had stood by its more mature position that land redress could be effected without a change to the constitution, it would have seemed resistant to popular sentiment. But now that it has succumbed to the EFF’s pressure, it has decided to risk a functioning economy, albeit operating at less than optimal level, in the hope that this will convert into electoral points.
However, in the medium to long term, the ANC may lose control of South Africa, whether via a wide-ranging breakdown of law and order, an out-of-control fiscal debt crisis, acute investment outflows, or corruption and infighting.
It is entirely possible that the ANC will not win this one.
Had the ANC stood by its mandate as servant and true leader of society, putting South Africa first, it would have at least salvaged its position as … eh, servant and leader of society, acting for the overall good of society.
It may have taken a possible dip in electoral support in 2019, but the evidence of its commitment to a better South Africa, regardless of the populist political dance of the EFF, would have signalled the return of a politically mature ANC.That opportunity seems to have been lost. Instead, the ANC is clumsily dancing to the drum of an immature EFF, whose delinquent leader harbours aspirations of being a guerrilla fighter, shooting guns or … eh, “toy guns” at mass gatherings.
We have to ask some questions here. What is the “new dawn” ANC willing to give up to ensure a better South Africa?
What cost are they willing to bear to fulfil their mandate as “leader of society”?
Or could it be that they expect the populace to rather bear the cost of their party dominance?
What else is President Cyril Ramaphosa willing to give up to ensure a stable and prosperous country? Is he so consumed with holding on to that presidential seat that he is prepared to allow us to bear the cost of him staying in that presidential seat post 2019?
Are the perks of being a ruling party and a ruling party president more valuable than the prosperity and future of South Africa as a whole?
Does this not imply a completely perverted structure of political leadership in South Africa?
This is surely the case when leaders are not willing to expose themselves to any political risk or even marginal losses to secure a national win.
If leaders are keen to destroy the one thing which sustains us all, the economy of this country, just to gain short-term support, can we still call them leaders?
Especially when their “success” will mean nothing without a vibrant economy.
So how can we punish these kinds of actions in a manner that does not unnecessarily cost much more than the cost we are already bearing for the excesses of leaders whose hearts are not in leadership, but in perks, power and pomp?
What is even more disturbing is the ANC’s sudden appetite for meddling with our highly regarded constitution.
This is despite the fact that the constitution does not preclude land expropriation without compensation in certain circumstances.
The ANC’s acquired appetite makes light of the value of our constitution. Worse, it sets a precedent, for if tampered with now, the door is opened to further tampering later, maybe by a different political formation.
Whilst we are likely to see a legal challenge mounted against the latest ANC position on land expropriation, we as citizens must consider that once tampering is allowed, it may rapidly erode our constitutional protections, something which may be impossible to stop.
If we agree to allow our constitution – the glue of our nation – to be undone by Khongolose, the ANC, we may be allowing this nation to come apart...