Cope brings hope despite its dubious leadership choices

01 September 2009 - 20:38 By unknown
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THE resurrection of Allan Boesak and the return from the political grave of Peter Marais, both recently welcomed into the ranks of Cope, are not welcome developments.

THE resurrection of Allan Boesak and the return from the political grave of Peter Marais, both recently welcomed into the ranks of Cope, are not welcome developments.

Perhaps Boesak, who has done his time, should be forgiven. But, like the ANC's Tony Yengeni, he ought not to rise to high office because of the message it would send that corruption is not being taken seriously.

Nonetheless, Cope has been launched with a bright optimism that carries with it hope. For those who long for a credible alternative to the ANC, Cope is long overdue. Its message that the constitution, the independence of the judiciary and reconciliation should be protected is powerful. But even those who do not support Cope should welcome its formation.

In the somewhat mangled words of Cope's newly elected president, Mosiuoa Lekota: "History will never be the same again." South Africa might have the beginnings of that vital ingredient for democracy: political competition.

Without political competition, the disenchanted become cynical non-participants, poisoning the well with their disdain for political and social life. Political competition offers such people a home inside the system. They can believe once more that they are represented in political processes.

And it will make the ANC a better party, perhaps even a stronger party at the polls. From now on, statements, comments, policy pronouncements and the choice of leaders will be weighed up more carefully by voters as they ponder whether to place their vote elsewhere.

And the launch of Cope comes as the DA appears to be finding new life under the leadership of Helen Zille.

We ought to take these developments as signs that our society is maturing, not as evidence of its disintegration.

We are finally becoming the democracy we promised the world in 1994.

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