South Africa poorer as Motlanthe and Manuel step down

It is hard to say goodbye to two prominent members of our parliament. Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and the Presidency's national planning minister, Trevor Manuel, addressed the National Assembly for the last time on Tuesday.

Both are quitting active politics but we hope their spirits will always be with our struggles. Their departures make us the poorer and it will be difficult to replace their honesty and attitudes.

Motlanthe sailed against the wind when he challenged Jacob Zuma for the top post in the ANC at Mangaung. The odds were stacked against him but he persevered and stuck to his principles. He set an important precedent - that it is possible to raise your voice in the ANC without fear of retribution from an opposing faction.

A leader whose position is not contested can grow arrogant and aloof. Zuma needed to be challenged to preserve the tenet of internal democracy. Motlanthe has been an example of how politicians should conduct themselves.

Manuel's record is one of integrity and consistent hard work . As finance minister he had the difficult task of steering the economy through the transition to democracy and out into a globalised world. He differed with a number of his comrades, both inside and outside the government, but his commitment to his cause was unshakeable.

From the time he joined the United Democratic Front, Manuel has shown his loyalty to South Africa.

As these stalwarts of the struggle and beacons of excellence in governance step aside they throw down a challenge to those remaining in office. We have seen how others in politics choose the path of least resistance, which is fast becoming a rutted track to nowhere.

Populism has taken root. The recent ANC parliamentary list sends the message that, as long you are part of the right faction, you will win personal reward.

Manuel said recently that this democracy can get stronger only if we refuse to outsource our responsibilities. He was right - we have a duty to continue to hold our leaders accountable.