By Andy Carolin
Contrary to popular perception, opposition parties in South Africa actually intend on making themselves relevant. It was with cautious trepidation that I heard about the possibility of an unspecified cooperation between the DA, ID, UDM and Cope. What will loom ominously above any collaboration between them is the fact that each of the parties have themselves been forged from other organisations in desperate moments of political opportunism.
Given, however, the extreme importance of building the capacity and influence of opposition politics, we may be forgiven for momentarily putting aside our cynicism. Offering almost infinite potential, the parties already have access to considerable resources, administrative experience, and a capacity to mobilise their supporters. That said, harnessing this potential will require some important and difficult decisions: if opposition politicians are committed to building a moderate and accountable alternative to the ANC that is both sustainable and relevant, the leaders will have to relinquish their political fiefdoms and merge to form a single party. Parliamentary coalitions or “working agreements” simply will not facilitate meaningful and long-term opposition to the ruling party.
If opposition politics in South Africa continues to be dominated by small political personalities that represent partisan minority interests then their advances will be slow and insignificant, posing innumerable threats to democratic constitutionalism.
The membership of the different political groupings needs to construct a new political identity, relinquishing both their current loyalties and their uncompromising approach to formulating policy. Bringing together some of the brightest minds in the country, a united opposition party would need to mediate alternative ideologies, and formulate new proposals accordingly. Navigating the ideological rifts between leftist intellectuals and traditionalists on the one hand, and disparate economic proposals on the other, merging political identities may prove to be far more difficult and acrimonious than my idealism would let me believe.
Without a merger of this nature, however, there is little doubt that opposition politics will continue to drift towards the fringes of relevance.
Pessimism about a unified opposition are justified, especially if one considers that this patchwork quilt of personalities would probably include the former leader of an apartheid-era homeland, the official opposition — the supporters of which include those that “never voted for apartheid” — as well as political opportunists who abandoned the ruling party when their popularity was beginning to wane. The success and sustainability of a unified approach therefore hinges, I contend, on reconstituting the national leadership of opposition politics. Not only are Patricia de Lille and Bantu Holomisa antiquated and divisive in a post-transitional democratic order but Helen Zille and Athol Trollip’s racial demographic imposes an almost impenetrable distance between the DA and the larger electorate whose support they require. Combining the opposition parties will not only bring together a new generation of dynamic thinkers but it will also open new spaces for public debate.
I can’t help but feel somewhat uncomfortable about this particular amalgamation of interests, and seriously doubt that the current political leadership in South Africa possesses the selflessness and maturity that our democracy so desperately needs. Until we see the emergence of insightful and courageous leadership, opposition politics will fail to forge a sustainable alternative to the ruling party.
It is time that political parties, and the public whose votes they so desperately covet, engage with each other on the role of parliamentary opposition and how best to mitigate the ANC’s political hegemony.
Andy Carolin is completing his Masters in English at the University of Johannesburg.
there is one thing blacks hate in unison white rule. for cope to align itself with zille and others is suicide and they have comitted it.
the possibilitty of having zille as leader is just revolting not while people who remeber apartheid still exist
Such an ask, is much easier to fulfill, than to expect anything good to come from the ANC in the current status of our politics.
Well Andy you write: “Navigating the ideological rifts between leftist intellectuals and traditionalists on the one hand, and disparate economic proposals on the other, merging political identities may prove to be far more difficult and acrimonious than my idealism would let me believe.”
Well as far as I know the leftist intellectuals are happy in the ANC and SACP, so why should the opposition bother about them? The lefties produce failure after failure anyway.
Maybe a bit of realism would help you to realise that a large amount of people is not very happy with the current ANC government – empty promises housing – electricity – corruption and a lack of service delivery just to mention a few things.
So if an opposition party can give better answers and prove that their promises are not as empty as the promises of the liberators – why then should people not vote for them?
Another comment you make is: “Helen Zille and Athol Trollip’s racial demographic imposes an almost impenetrable distance between the DA and the larger electorate whose support they require.” So what do you want? Demographic dictatorship or post-racial politics, if you want the later you should get over this racialised discourse.
You will never get “selfless and mature” politicians – this is a romantic believe with no empirical evidence – you simply need strong checks and balances and sanctioning against wrongdoers – may they be in government or opposition.
Your demonstration of articulate verbiage and pyrotechnical syntax will probably secure the ‘Masters in English’, presuming, that is, that there’s no Political Science element!
The DA is a lineal descendent of the Progressive Party which splintered off the United Party in the late Fifties. It was anything but opportunistic, as the Progs had to hang on by Helen Suzman’s fingernails for over a decade and a half before their opportunity came in modest quantities in the 1974 elections.
There was no “high-hopes piggy-back ride” when the Progs started off. They were born out of hard principle (which still apply) and all the other splinter groups who have joined them subsequently have all had to water down their idiosyncratic sectarian ideas and fall into step with the old Prog credo of broad-based classical liberalism.
It’s continuing to grow in relevance, after more than half a century.
And it will become the guiding principle of any new opposition formation too.
Maybe you should stick to English and remain a pessimist
This is a very good analysis. The emergence of a leader with the ability to bring together all good, caring South Africans – who are no doubt a majority – and has the understanding of what has to be done to build a nation committed to tackling its enormous social problems is critical. Having worked with him 15 years ago, I have a feeling that Mvume Dandala could surprise us all. He is an outstanding South African – unfortunately he does not have a high political profile but this could be changed.
This would be the politicians viewpoint? Now, perhaps look at it from the supporters viewpoint. The ANC coalition has already tried your suggestion and, it seems, has discovered that whilst short term victory is assured, long term cohesion is lacking. (It is falling apart more spectaculary than the wet gooey stuff hitting the fan at the moment). A party exists because of their supporters wants, needs and beliefs, not in spite of it. If a party has become too small to have much support, infecting another with its ideologies would simply serve to weaken the second in the long term. Whilst no opposition party is strong enough to beat the ANC at present, they do collectively make a viable opposition to keep democracy strong. Joining them into one organisation would simply concentrate too much power in the hands of too few people again, the results of which are only to visible in our current government, the ANC. Rather, the ANC should split into its component parts again so that their are once again clear goals to each part. This would surely serve the interests of more voters and fewer would feel cheated. Ultimately the solution in a multiracial society lies in representative government.
What is required of a united opposition is that it cares enough about democracy to see it continue and improve. The vote for it will not be a vote for individuals, but a vote for consensus, justice, ethics and freedom. None of which this country presently has.
Andy
A very good article and I agree existing opposition is not going to be able to provide the ‘new opposition’ SA needs – that is because existing opposition shares the same past as the ANC that the need is to change. Events have changed SA but all the ‘old’ parties, like old generals, are still fighting yesterday’s wars.
What must happen first, though, is a change in what is known as ‘the people’. Until a general discontent with the status quo develops no new party can form. When there is that change the new party will emerge because it will have a franchise.
We always look at what the politicians are doing in SA because so far the politicians have had it all their own way.
If we want answers, we must look to what is happening among the voters. What they feel. What they think. How they are changing.
In a democracy the people are agents of change and the politicians are tamed because they know it.
Take a look at richmarksentinel.co.za for more along these lines.
The emergence of this marriage is certainly a death knell for democracy but a huge success for narrow opportunism which by the way is what all these oppositions parties are about. ie narrow opportunism. But I wonder how much of these are about anti-ANC and anti-black politics. Noting that media is very quiet about infighting between non-whites and whites in DA and also the groupings of Nats and Progressives in the same DA, one would have been given an insight into boardroom dancing of DA. Nonetheless, given the new anti-black mania fuelled by minorities and media at the moment, one wonders if a love affair based on this type of hatred will have a long life. Its sad though simply because we are such a diverse nation and the expression of this diversity would have reflected in political groupings. We have many issues to fight for and many challenges in society. The risk however is that these small political parties are unable to make big decisions to take big risks. They would rather congregate in small dark corners fuelled by their hatred of a very powerful liberation movement.
@Kitty Kat – “Noting that media is very quiet about infighting between non-whites and whites in DA and also the groupings of Nats and Progressives in the same DA”
This would be wishful thinking on your party? Perhaps you don’t hear about these things because there it doesn’t happen but the ANCYL sure wish it did? Please do not confuse the NP with the DA. The DA emerged from the PFP who used to fight the NP same as the ANC.
What Andy says is in many ways true and relevant to our political landscape. Albeit that he raises the pertinent issue that some role players in the proposed alliance are reminants of the former dispensation, I wonder what is his take on the inclusion of the likes of “kortbroek” Van Schalkwyk (ill-fated “leader” of the former NP) in the present dispensation – does this lend any credibility to the ANC? – I think in a way it does because it brings along with kortbroek’s inclusion a number of sycophants and gives the organisation a nice little colour wash. Given, the ANC do not need to explain the inclusion of ex-rogues, and this is where I offer my opinions on a future opposition:
While the words of a blogger ( haiwa tigere – above) hits the nail squarely – blacks in unison hate white rule (and this will be a challenge for opposition politics), the DA are fast gaining the support of colour in the Western Cape via action verse lip service, and tactfully have a large number of true black academics in their youth ranks…I believe that the DA will increasingly become a party of colour, and cleverly, they are establishing a meaningful brains trust – people of colour in our country may still suffer under self-created oligarchy in our country, but eventually they will learn that good governance has no colour – see the USA example with Obama and all! It took time but eventually happened!
@Kitty Kat,
You are exploding imaginary firecrackers, and you are doing this completely alone. Utterly delusional. Shoo.
@Haiwa
I think – very sadly – that you articulate the views of many black South Africans (the majority?).
This race and identity based mindset is behind the axiom that says the likes of Trevor Manuel, Pravin Gordham and Barbara Hogan can never aspire to lead the country as they are not black.
The same mindset suggests that the only hope that the DA have of gaining significant black support is to have a black leader.
Is that what our politics comes down to – vote according to your race and tally up the count?
Surely we should be looking at issues and ideologies?
The DA in the Western Cape are probably doing the most sensible thing – trying to run the province successfully, with a minimum of corruption and inefficiency.
If they achieve this, they might just win over a substnatial amount of support across all races and classes.
@Andy – the ANC are in opposition in the Western Cape – you might want to do an analysis into THEIR performance – or lack thereof as an opposition.
@Kitty “They would rather congregate in small dark corners fuelled by their hatred of a very powerful liberation movement.”
Well as far as i know ‘crisis committees’ and political demonstrations are happening in public and not in ‘small dark corners’ in which one minority hides.
But the worst sentence you wrote is: “one wonders if a love affair based on this type of hatred will have a long life”. One wonders if a person for whom politics is a matter of love and hate is able to value rational decisions.
@ Kitty Kat.
Hi Dave (Harris)…I see one pseudonym is not enough for all the hogwash you sprout. You really are one delusional character. Listening to you over a period of time is like being caught in some sort of Ground hog day scenario….
Shane Brody…very succinct. Chatting to ex Die Hard ANC supporters in the Eastern Cape, Zuma’s ascendancy has brought with it another consideration and that is tribal politics…the Xhosa are not happy with a Zulu run ANC and are showing increasing amounts of dissatisfaction. The absolute implosion of service delivery in the rural areas is also fanning the flames of discontent. The oft repeated phrase I am hearing is three strikes and your are out. One gets a sense of an impending realignment in SA politics happening soon.
@shane brody,ANC needs no individual to lend credibility to this powerful liberation movement but let me say: Your DA does not render services to the poor but to the wealthy and middle class exclusively. DA is the first administration post apartheid who builds open air toilets on the sides of roads. Also, DA misled the public when it promised that there was corruption by the then mayor or ANC. To date, not one person has been hauled before any court. To add insult to injury, it is deceptive abt the land which is viable to build houses. In fact, DA is on a crusade to make CT a city for ex-rhodesians and those who have trekked to the colony.
@ xcepting, are you suggesting that there is no infighting in DA? Their own members who by the way has been gagged, have sent emails all over the world and that is why media could not ignore this story.
But what abt gross human injustices, this city is on a crusade to introduce the most spiteful and petty by-laws. For goodness, it is so petty, that capetonians have to control how loud or how many times a dog barks. If that is an eg of service delivery, then by God what are you saying about the current state of townships?
This article was written by an academic [English masters @ UJ] and not someone “in” politics. Leaving all the trite waffle aside, what the article actually says is:
º non-ANC parties are irrelevant. Judging by the response to de Lille’s raising the Arms Deal probe, the FF taking on J Malema the opposition is anything but irrelevant. To call a party that is running on of the provinces and several municipalities irrelevant defies logic.
º the getting together of the parties is “in desperate moments of political opportunism.” Since this was first proposed before the previous municipal elections (circa 2007?) and it is in the public domain that Zille invited de Lille into a coalition before the 2009 elections and the two have been talking ever since.
º his focus on “opposition” (vs alternative) and personalities vs principle is exactly why this article, within the ANC paradigm (of “us vs them”, “big men” [& women] and personal fiefdoms and factions ) is exactly what makes the article irrelevant.
@Kitty Kat
healthy robust debate is great, and discussion around the interpretation of facts and trends is a part of that, but to make statements that are blatant untruths and misrepresenataions, devoid of all logic as you have done is a sign of malevolence and extreme political immaturity.
Have you ever lived and worked in W Cape?
the DA won the W Cape as a result of majority black (Black in the broad sense of non-white not caucasian, commonly used by ANC supporters)
It is a blatant untruth to allege that DA administration only supplies services to white middle class people.
The opposite is actually true – Middle class ratepayers and taxpayers receive on average 9 cents worth of services for every tax rand.
Do you honestly think that they would be so stupid as to deliver no services to Khayelitsha, Mitchells plain and the Cape flats and thus ensure their defeat at the next elections?
Get a grip!
The scandals and corruption that Nomaindia Mfeketo were involved in are well docuemented and there are mountains of evidence to support criminal sanction.
The fact that she has not been prosecuted says more about our criminal justice system than it does about the veracity of the allegations.
Zuma had over 700 criminal charges withdrawn – this does not make him innocent it simply means that the evidence hs not been tested and no findings have been made.
@ peppi
Demographic dictatorship? I see the art of political fear-mongering as lost none of its fire. While “post-racial politics” sounds like a great ideal to strive for, to ignore deep-rooted social prejudices born of a three hundred year history is just bad political science. I think it would be difficult for South Africa to adopt a post-racial discourse on politics during this current generation -to suggest that it can would be a romantic belief with no empirical evidence.
@ William Smith, J Mckie, Peter L, and others
As the blogger points out, a big problem facing this ‘coalition of opposition parties’ is their deeply sectarian bases of support. As a result of this sectarianism, it will be difficult (if not impossible) for these “opposition” parties to forge any real ideological unity. And without ideological unity and a clear message for the electorate, this “coalition” will be weak and never gain the broadbase appeal needed to become a relevant force in SA politics and challenge the ANC. And FYI “We are not the ANC” is not a basis of ideological unity that appeals.
……..continued
It is a fact that fewer than 5% of rapes are reported, and the conviction rate for reported rapes resulting in a criminal charge is 7%
That means that 0.35% (one third of one percent) or 1 in 285 rapists are ever convicted for their crimes.
Based on your warped logic, the other 284 rapists are all innocent of their crimes.
The strict application of “petty” bye laws is based on the very successful mayor Guliano of New York “broken wndows” principle.
By the way, if you, like me, have ever been kept awake all night by your inconsiderate neighbours dogs barking, you might not consider such bye-laws to be so petty.
Much of the state-owned land that the DA refuses to allow formal or informal housing on is not fit for human habitation, being subject to toxic waste contamination..
The fact that some basic building standards that prevent the spread of disease, runaway fires etc are being applied is surely a good thing?
The open air toilets issue is a non-issue – an agreement was made with the community around the installation of services (individual units versus communal)and a small minority of the community did not stick to their side of the agreement – now it the the DA’s fault!
By the way, a similar open toilet situation has prvailed in (ANC controlled) Mpumulanga – how come you don’t give air time to that?
Stop with the lies, propaganda and BS, Kitty – facts, please.
Andy writes: “small political personalities that represent partisan minority interests then their advances will be slow” etc. I think the test for a good democracy is one that can accommodate small political personalities. Look, in Africa, even ONE soul that can say No! to a post-liberation, nationalist dictatorship is better than nothing. Otherwise, good analysis by an English student … welcome to the world of REAL politics!
@ Kitty Kat ( or Dave Harris, whatever)
The ANC led government is failing precisely BECAUSE it is a ‘powerful liberation movement’, and not a powerful governing party. Liberation has come and gone. Once, the ANC was great at beating the horse, but the horse is now dead, ne. Yet still the ANC flays away.
A strong governing party and government needs leadership. A single person showing leadership. You say NO!
The story of the DA open-air toilets is old news and since resolved. 1380 toilets were build without enclosures instead of 600 enclosed toilets, at the request of the community involved. 1300 extended their dwellings to enclose their own toilets while 80 did not.At least these people in Cape Town are getting toilets, while informal settlements in ANC led municipalities still shit in a bucket. Nice.
Oh Peter L, if DA delivers why do we still have toilets built on the sides of a PUBLIC road, with NO WALLS. Whilst you sit in your toilet which is probably bigger than most of the shacks we blacks live in, then its not a problem for you.
Also, DA wasted millions of taxpayers hard earned rands to waste on forensic investigators to dig up dirt on ANC. TO DATE NO CASE. This is no coincidence, THERE JUST IS NO EVIDENCE. Unless you are party to information that Joe Public does not have, you cannot continue to make false allegations. Furthermore, one of the stadiums that will be used for world cup has got to be uprooted and replaced with new ground despite prior advice and then noting the brt debacle and the R2 billion rand overspend. If ANC did this, you will be lamenting and threatening to take govt to court, so why the silence. We must be honest when dealing with facts and fact of the matter is that the Claremonts of the world enjoys manicured lawns whilst the poor are stricken by dirt, no toilets, no jobs, no electricity, no running water, no protection from rain at bus stops etc. Whilst you might think that this is nonsensical imagine for one day not having the PLEASURE of opening up your tap to enjoy unlimited amounts of running water!
@Kitty Kat – that is urban legend-mongering at its best. Yes, of course there are debates in the DA party and between party and supporters, as, I imagine there are in any other parties. This is what democracy is all about and how a party democratically decides what is best for all. Helen Zille would not want to, or dare to “gag” her supporters. She fully embraces the notion that leaders should fear their supporters, not the other way round and has said so in public.
Infighting was given real meaning by the ANC and are usually about power/money share between party leaders. The debates in the DA are about what is best government practice for the majority of voters. I suggest you come and talk to some of those who live in Cape Town townships about how fast things have improved under DA governance before you speak about it. At least one can complain directly to Helen Zille and see immediate action and do not have to burn tires to get things done. As for the dogs? I applaud. Some people have no sense of how to give their children and pets enough attention and love so as not to become a nuisance to others.
Your argument actually sounds like petty sour grapes. Yes, it is not easy to admit you have been backing the wrong horse but, believe me, living under DA leadership instead of ANC rule is a lot more pleasant. Try it, you might like it.
By the way Kitty Kat – Could you please show me what you mean by emails that went around the world? Keep in mind the ANCYL has an extremely well paid DA Discrediting Department (DAD) who are busy full time sowing this type of urban legend and attempting to sabotage anything any of the opposition parties do. It seems to help to take the attention away from what ANC leaders have done to their voters lately.
@Kitty
FYI – yes, I used to live in Rondebosch – the suburb adjacent to Claremont (although my lawn was not manicured – I hate gardening and am useless at it) and my triple garage is bigger than most RDP houses.
I now live in a small ANC controlled seaside village, and do regular community work in the local township (teaching maths and Accounting)via an International NGO.
I approached the local ANC Mayor offering my (community work)services and received no replies or feedback, other than “we will definitely get back to you” at a face to face meeting.
I am still waiting………….
I have a Masters degree and two undergraduate degrees – all earned part-time whislt I was working and paid for by myself,as I was orphaned as an infant.
Some might consider that to be a somewhat “disadvantaged” background.
I am pretty passionate about helping people pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, but am not at all shy to admit that I have zero tolerance for the lazy, idle and those with an attitude of entitlement that expect handouts and believe the world owes them a living.
I have even less time for crooks, fraudsters and those that raid the public purse, irrespective of whatever political party they might belong.
The DA is far from perfect and I am very critical of them when they make errors (and no – I am not a member)but on the evidence of what I see, they are far, far better than ANC.
@PeterL – Well said! My sentiments, much better expressed.
@Kitty Kat – the bottom line is: no matter how hard you pretend, which robs you of much energy, it just won’t alter reality, which is based on facts.
@ Kitty Kat – Ja, the DA did build open air toilets, but why does the glorious ANC follow suit? Cant they think any further?…You evidently have not been to Cape Town to see what the DA are doing for the homeless (???), I assure you that the place looks much better than Umthatha etc…and, Ja Rhodesians may like Cape Town because it’s light years better than Harare which was demolished by one of the continents most infamous sons…do you blame them?
@ Kitty Kat-cum-obfuscator harris et al, please find my open letter to Queen Helen of Cape Town:
My dear Queen, your loyal highness
During my days as a rebellious activist at Rhodes University I hated you pseudo-liberal types, and tried my best to emulate Dave Harris. I voted “yes” for the glorious liberation movement that would bring freedom and democracy. I soon realised however that many of my dear friends were dying from AIDS because the movement denied that this killer virus exists – I saw my friend bongani wither away before my eyes while a certain Dr Mantho prescribed garlic and beetroot!
Then I realised that the struggle was turning into a struggle for fancy cars, houses, and designer watches – I became very cross and changed my allegiance to you. Yes, you who they say “suffers from satanism” (I didnt know communists believed in religion), and who has a penchant for men – well no problem, JZ has a penchant for woman!
They say your party built open-air toilets (sis!), but worse than this crime, many of my friends in the rural areas still use the open veld!, others in Umthatha drive through the stuff in the streets! They say you can’t govern CT but as a mayor you won an international award(???).
Strangely, your party deemed for “whites only” won more votes than white numbers in SA (?), keep poaching from the new elitist party!, and maby you’l become queen of SA soon!
Your future subject
Shane
@ John EveryMan fearmongering wasn’t my intention – you write: “I think it would be difficult for South Africa to adopt a post-racial discourse on politics during this current generation -to suggest that it can would be a romantic belief with no empirical evidence.”
Well i think Hellen Zille is not a romantic belief but a reality.
There needs to be a unity of purpose among opposition parties, that transcends the cultural and ideological divide. The Malaysian example shows it can be done, but that’s because enough Malays are waking up to the fact that their current racist government is leading their country down the toilet.
The ANC falls into the same trap of “liberation” movements worldwide, creating a scenario that a “second liberation” is required from its destructive policies, as it has been in almost all of Africa.