Changes for our fledgling democracy…

So, what important thing could Zuma and his supporters have done for democracy in South Africa? Well, according to some reports we may see a split in the ANC as a result of Mbeki’s removal from office, with one report stating that Mbeki’s mother is in support of the idea to form a new political party.

While, others may not share my view on this I think this is a great thing for our fledgling democracy and something that I have expected and hope for over the past few years. To date there has not been any serious opposition to the ANC on a national level and that could be the very thing it needs to hold it accountable for its actions or lack thereof. Furthermore, with the more than two-thirds of votes cast in any election (as it achieved in the last election) the ANC has the power to make changes to the constitution – a power that fortunately it has not acted on so far. These are my reasons for hoping for a split and potentially a stronger opposition.

My main reason for expecting this spilt was simple. The bloc of voters supporting the ANC is huge (nearly 70% of votes cast in the last election) and the differences post-1994 experiences within this bloc is vast. On the one end of the scale there are those who have become millionaires through various means (occasionally with the assistance political contacts and the benefits of Black Economic Empowerment) while on the other end of the scale there are those who as yet do not have basic necessities such as running water. How does anybody hold such a disparate group of people together under one banner and maintain South Africa’s position and good name on the world stage? I would say it’s a/n (near) impossible task.

I’m realistic though and I know that any significant change or shift in power could likely arrive coupled with unrest and violence – something South Africa has seen all too often and which nobody needs to face again.

PS: I neither support Zuma nor Mbeki, but I feel that change was inevitable and necessary...