Expectations are high. The politicians who were voted into the National Assembly have the responsibility of ensuring that the lives of the people change for the better.
We heard promises and more promises leading up to the elections and our vote was influenced by what was put on the table. Now that the elections are over, it is time to deliver on the promises made.
The ruling party, which received a mandate to rule for another five-year term, must ensure that it is no longer business as usual.
We expect Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters to stir up the parliamentary pot and enliven debate in the house. Ministers and other national leaders who are used to a free ride should realise that the electorate has changed and that meeting its demands cannot be put off any longer.
South Africa has entered a new phase and the "-isms" are taking a back seat. Gone are the days when slogans alone won the vote - it is what you are able to deliver to the electorate that count.
The ruling party must turn the economic tide around and offer South Africans an opportunity to determine their destiny. It will not help the ANC government to continue hoping that people will support an organisation that fails to deliver on day-to-day needs.
It must improve the lives of the people.
Malema has promised not only to bring vigour to politics but to hold those in leadership accountable. He, too, must realise that the state machinery moves slowly. If he is to fast-track change, he has to do things differently.
The time has come for us voters to bring about the changes that we want and let no one, not even the ANC, determine the agenda.
The struggle we fought has given us the know-how to revolt against a system that stands against the people. The time has arrived to change politics as we know it.
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