As thousands of South Africans converged on KwaZulu-Natal for the ANC’s manifesto launch at the weekend, it took one person’s social media post to redirect attention to a scourge afflicting many: millions unable to watch because “it was not their turn to have electricity”.
While president Cyril Ramaphosa, resplendent in skinny jeans and trendy sneakers, tried his best to sell an image of the ANC as a party at war against unemployment, inequality and other social ills, many who wished to watch just simply could not because of the ANC’s own power-supply shortcomings.
The party must now hope the second-hand information reaching those left in the dark will still be useful enough to offer some insight into the party’s vision for the nation.
Ramaphosa’s address, while acknowledging the ANC’s shortcomings over its 30-year tenure at the helm, made a resounding plea for a second chance.
Outlining six critical focal points — including job creation, investing in people, defending democracy and advancing freedom — the manifesto promised the ANC-led government will, if re-elected, generate 2.5-million jobs in five years, elevate the R350 social relief grant to a basic income grant, and introduce “prescribed assets” legislation for developmental projects.
The relationship between the ANC and its supporters resembles a romantic yet abusive one. It is characterised by disappointments and unfulfilled promises
To the ANC’s credit, shifting from providing food parcels to offering cash deposits speaks of strategic evolution in efforts to entice voters, capitalising on the harsh economic realities facing many citizens.
But R350, or however much it will be increased to, does not make up for the past and present failures of the ruling party. As the countdown to elections begin, it’s time for us to be honest and make informed choices ahead of the elections, holding those in power accountable while scrutinising promises made by pretenders to the throne.
The relationship between the ANC and its supporters resembles a romantic yet abusive one. It is characterised by disappointments and unfulfilled promises. Yet the faithful remain deeply committed, as witnessed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The question for many is whether the party of Nelson Mandela is worthy of forgiveness and, with that, another five years at the Union Buildings — or if this will only perpetuate a cycle of unfulfilled promises.
After years of corruption, failed promises and disrespect, is it perhaps time for introspection? Are the pleas for another chance genuine or are they borne out of a realisation that the end is nigh?
In broken relationships, it's often best for parties to spend time apart, reflect and grow. Would it perhaps serve the ANC and the country best if it spent a few more years in opposition benches in parliament? Or would the country be best served by an ANC in a forced coalition with another party closely holding it accountable?
In the end, elections are about numbers. As South Africans we will get the government we deserve. Those who feel they need change — and those who are happy with the status quo — have a duty to go out in their numbers on May 29 and vote.
When that happens, we will then be able to say that those who represent us in parliament are true and genuine representatives of the people, regardless of whether the people have electricity supply in their homes and companies!
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