A wolf in sheep's clothing?: News24: MyNews24: Letters

sadike 1/7/2009 12:27:13 PM

You make very valid points in this article.I've spoken to a lot of former ANC supporters and if you listened carefully to their grievances,they are very much aligned to the poor leadership the ANC had in Mbeki/Lekota/Shilowa et al. I however do believe that the time for the ANC to be challenged has come and it can only be good for the country!

Pro COPE 1/7/2009 12:27:39 PM

I think that COPE is just what we need in SA and hope they give the ANC a run for thier money! Vote COPE:)

Kolobe 1/7/2009 12:31:55 PM

Well they spoke against the corruption of Jacob Zuma, but you the ANC members voted him back again in polokwane, policies were discussed in Bloemfontein, and wait as those policies to be forwarded, the lection manifestos are only beginning next week if you are not aware chief, whether it is a ploy to remain in government we all don?t know all that we know is that it is a good ploy for democracy.

Point Blank 1/7/2009 12:34:36 PM

Your facts are old and distorted. You about 2 months behind what Cope has done. Cope has not yet released its manifest, it's like buying a new car and saying that it hasn't broken down yet. How are they supposed to impress whaen they are still forming? Also, the leadership was not self elected, where have you been?? If we are supposed to give Zooma a chance why not Cope?

wb 1/7/2009 12:39:57 PM

paragraph I do assume that you are then not a fan of ANC or Cope, i do agree with you then; both ANC and Cope are far from the right party for the job - I still rate DA is the best bet at the moment!

Johan Maartens 1/7/2009 12:40:37 PM

Its narrow minded twits such as yourelf Gilbert that type these long and boring propaganda letters shunting COPE,DA,IFP,basically anything not ANC.A lalapipe living in the past.COPE will bring change for the better to our suffering country,ANC will only bring more corruption,COPE want democracy,ANC Claim they are for democracy yet they rule like Dictators.

Philani 1/7/2009 12:42:04 PM

You took words off my mouth, as I was discussing the same issue with a coeleague of mine this morning. When you buy a car its only new to the second owner, but very old and passed its sell by date to the previous owner, thats how I see COPE and its leadership. The performance will still remain the same and deteriorating. If the ANC losses my vote, I will rather vote another party, but not COPE.

Bongo 1/7/2009 12:42:56 PM

Giving Allan Boesak the podium recently on TV was a bad move by Cope. The ANC denied Allan 3 positions he wanted so he 'overnight' became a 'staunch' supporter of Cope. Wasn't he in prison for FRAUD? How can a new party wanting to attract voters welcome a former convict? This wasn't a struggle crime.

Mphula KP Napo 1/7/2009 12:44:45 PM

I do concur with you here because I just see old wine in a new bottle in COPE, those are just bunch of undemocratic felons who are now preaching democracy while the have not accepted the outcomes of democratic process within the ANC

Antelope 1/7/2009 12:46:02 PM

they hold hope that as a splinter party, they can be persuded by the other smaller parties to see reason and logic. Hopefuly they will be the divide that will limit the ANC from forcing through legislation that is not in the interests of the country at large. Hopefully they will assist in keeping the ANC from destroying this country even further. The ANC policies are not all bad, it is just the people implementing them that are bad. The new ANC tyrants are certainly worse than the outgoing lot!

Ronald 1/7/2009 12:47:05 PM

Another Zuma supporter.

Peter Maluleke 1/7/2009 12:47:58 PM

Politicians stink. They all want good treatment and money. Will allow their voters to suffer and die. As a government your first priority is to ensure the safety of all the people of the country. This guarantees a stable tax income. Then good service delivery so that jobs can be created by the private sector. This does not happen. ANC agrees with Zimbabwe is a good example. We deserve better. Vote with your mind and not your heart this time.

Teutonic Knight 1/7/2009 12:48:37 PM

Gilbert the fact that COPE can prevent the ANC from acquiring 2/3 majority vote in this election is enough for me. No party should have 2/3 majority, it is a sign of healthy democracy when different parties govern for a period, although we are far from that the fact remains that absolute power CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY. It is human nature so I welcome the formation of COPE.

Les-Maada 1/7/2009 12:49:56 PM

Only the dumpest will try & dispute reality in the form of this article!!COPE is an opportunistic party formed by opportunists & supported by opportunists!By the way....anybody watched special assignment?

ElectroMan 1/7/2009 12:52:41 PM

A breakaway party always has some genes of it's mother although the child might better himself and show character, the apple rarely fall far from the tree. It's should however be noted that for SA's future this has to happen. Competition will drive better policies and pick-up the performance. Parties will join forces and others will evolve. Soon we might have two strong and well-driven parties (at least on public service standards).

Schmied 1/7/2009 12:53:54 PM

However, they do provide something quite vital to SA's democracy - another viable party to vote for, and one that will draw votes away from the plagued ANC. I will always remain an independent voter, and I'm glad that Cope has come into existence, showing that the ANC's near total political hegemony is all but over.

Calvin Mkhize 1/7/2009 12:56:46 PM

COPE is an organization of "digruntled opportunists " former members of the ANC. This party was created purely for its leaders to maintain their status quo i.e, priveleges of being a parliamentary member. They lost their positions in Polokwane because they did not serve the ANC but were Mbeki's cronies. These guys are politically bankrupt & irresponsible although they have somehow managed to dupe gullible blacks into their little party. History will judge its leaders harshly for betraying blacks.

Filemon 1/7/2009 12:57:19 PM

by Andrew Feinstein and realise that the ANC leadership deviated from the ANC core policies and did not allow dissenting voices in their ranks so yes, some of Cope's leaders did follow the NEC blindly but at least they realised that this was not the ANC of old and have moved on. The current ANC leadership are the blind mice that will continue to fail because of their greed for power and cover-up of failure and corruption. At least Cope brings more hope for those following basic ANC policies

Luke 1/7/2009 12:58:36 PM

The affects of aparteid will always be the disease within the spines of the majority rulers,whether ANC COPE IFP etc etc.Promises are made to the uneducated and when they fail or dont deliver,aparteid is blamed.Once the majority can be counted and admit their wrongs and stop the hunger for power will the greed stop.That my friend will not happen in our lifetime.

Jack Spratt 1/7/2009 12:58:48 PM

100% Couldn't agree with you more

Rushet 1/7/2009 1:00:20 PM

I do value your analyzing skills.

Jayson 1/7/2009 1:04:00 PM

Since the ANC took power in 1995 they have done nothing then give empty promises.I live in a coloured area and since the ANC was elected into power 16 years they have doen nothing for our community our parks,staduims,swimming pool is in the same condition it was like in the apartheid days its in a mess amd our children can't even play in this public place.Sogive me a reason why i should vote for change in the form of Cope

JM 1/7/2009 1:05:31 PM

Theres no 'VIP' to be had, COPE are not 'swimming in cash' and are not sending '400 buses to the EC' indirectly through tax payers money. At least with COPE you stay clear of one party state and keep the parties fighting amongst themselves in parliament. Right now, COPE seem to be doing a good job of forming opposition. The REAL ?party? that should be supported , in an abstract sense, is the party/principle of democracy. Not 'single-party state'.

Stryker 1/7/2009 1:05:36 PM

You say desperate for meaningful change yet I guarentee you the ANC will win the next election and the next and the next ad infinitum. Why? beacuase until you all starve and have even less than you have now - you will vote for the ANC coz its black. You deserve the ANC just like the zimbos deserve the twit they elected. Good luck mate.

Tom 1/7/2009 1:06:07 PM

Gilbert you make many good points, however, for democracy to work we need several parties with enough support to prevent one from being able to unilaterally make decisions about our constitution. Having the ANC with 2 thirds majority is a dangerous situation to be in and is not healthy for the country, we dont want individuals having the power to change the constitution to protect themselves from prosecution for example. So while Cope may not be the next best answer for the people, its a start!

Isi 1/7/2009 1:08:49 PM

"should also be held responsible for all the failures and mismanagement occurred since 1994." But eish we shall still vote for them ne?

mlungisi 1/7/2009 1:08:53 PM

Just after they launched their party we've heard less about them. I am amazed that they want to do their manifesto launch in EC, simple because ANC will do so. Finally people will get a break from these power mongers since they do not have anything to say. Interesting enough they even undermined the history of the country by launching their organization on 16 December. I wonder what they are planning to steal now. People who had hope on COPE should start looking for a home again.

Bathandwa 1/7/2009 1:09:00 PM

Gilbert Makaba has no indepth of the politics' he's just commenting on air. There's no more ANC but SACP pushing its programmes under the name ANC. The letter written by COPEs' Presid be4 he left ANC remains unanswered by ANC even 2date b'coz he was raising hidden problems.Terror Shilowa etc were suffocated in the ANC & couldn't move freely & the honest person cannot resist the ANC. ANC leadership is just finished & the fraudulent electi in Polokwane are the source hence ANCYL forced 4 manual con

wayne 1/7/2009 1:09:37 PM

I agree Gilbert, these guys are just wanting to start a new gravy train. they played a huge part of all the ANC's failures in the past! a new name with the same empty promises and lack of service delivery? I believe that the only people entitled to vote in this country are the tax payers, as they are the people responsible for funding South Africa,

jackey 1/7/2009 1:09:57 PM

If the COPE member resigned from the ANC, Its beause they do not agree with what new ANC stands for.The ANC under Mbeki & Mandela was the real ANC and was not ruled by the SACP, Cosatu and the YL.I for one dont want to be ruled by a president thats facing criminal chargers or by a drunk carpenter & a whole bunch of communist.If they promise to create 5 mil jobs how will that be possible with communist policies that are investor unfriendly??This is SA we talking about not Zim or DRC !!!!

wayne 1/7/2009 1:10:11 PM

I agree Gilbert, these guys are just wanting to start a new gravy train. they played a huge part of all the ANC's failures in the past! a new name with the same empty promises and lack of service delivery? I believe that the only people entitled to vote in this country are the tax payers, as they are the people responsible for funding South Africa,

nthatuwa 1/7/2009 1:10:26 PM

But you fail to realise that mst of us will not be voting COPE because they are better(though I believe they are) than ANC,we don't expect their policies to differ much from ANC.We do however,expect to reduce the ANC majority in the hope that our rights will respected & that there will finally be service delivery.ANC is arrogant.It needs to be HUMBLED.COPE is the tool to do so.

Rian 1/7/2009 1:10:51 PM

We have not assurances. In fact, I'm sure they will be just as crap as the ANC to start with. But competition will produce better service delivery. So even if the people of South Africa don't benefit directly from COPE, they will benefit as a result of there being competition to be the ruling party.

amazed 1/7/2009 1:14:27 PM

I will never understand the majority of people in this country. Gilbert, in his article, acknowledges the mismanagement in evidence since 1994 - every department in Government is limping along or in total shambles, crime is out of control yet the DA, not the ANC, is villified at every turn. Helen Zille, the only decent polictician in this country (internationally recognised as such), is ridiculed. Why Cuz she is white! I wonder what that says about racism in SA and who the real racists are?

Relieved 1/7/2009 1:16:22 PM

Quite frankly, the only thing that matters is that the ANC no longer has monopoly. GO COPE!!!

Fred 1/7/2009 1:17:27 PM

Hey Dude don't you have anything new to say, I'm sure that you are just repeating what was said many times on this site during the latter part of last year (2008). You must be one of those brainwashed ANC clowns who can't think for yourself and continue to sprout / rehash old news and then pretend that it is your own work. Next time do something original you fool.

LUCK 1/7/2009 1:20:13 PM

I disagree with you when say Cope leaders are like corrupt ANC leaders, the reason these guys left ANC was not about most of low minds South African look at it as an opportunistic moves it's simply because they could not take it anymore the corruption happening in the organisation since the appointm ent of corrupt leadership at ANC, FACTS ONLY...

VG 1/7/2009 1:21:41 PM

No, clearly COPE is not the change people are looking for - someone (Jabu Pule?) called them the Congress of Polokwane Losers and that's the name thats stuck in my mind. BUT, I welcome opposition to the ANC's dominance - suddenly, since the emergence of COPE they're making the right moves: Barbara Hogan in Health, firing Selebi,setting up an institute to monitor Minister's performance etc..COPE is the kick up the backside that they needed.

T-man 1/7/2009 1:22:05 PM

Part of the reason of why COPE was formed is that its leaders DID take up these issues with the ANC top dogs, but were shot down. The basic attitude was - we are in charge - deal with it. Well - COPE did just that - dealt with it in their own way..... Just because they were part of the process, does that mean that COPE must now deal with the all the fallout and may not concede the decisions were wrong or that they may now have better solutions what is your real point Gilbert?

CHIPS 1/7/2009 1:24:06 PM

gilbert you r talking nonsense!

Smanga Zulu 1/7/2009 1:24:28 PM

Those of you who see Cope as 'The Messiah' and continue to criticise the ANC in the same breath will soon learn that the apple does not fall far off from the tree... What ever you do not like about the African National Congress, you will not like about Cope until you lot become presidents of the Republic and serve your own interests! Well... that will never happen. Those of you who see Cope leading South Africa in my life-time [and I'm only 25 yrs-old] are day dreamers ZZzzz...

LUCK 1/7/2009 1:25:23 PM

I disagree with you when say Cope leaders are like corrupt ANC leaders, the reason these guys left ANC was not about most of low minds South African look at it as an opportunistic moves it's simply because they could not take it anymore the corruption happening in the organisation since the appointm ent of corrupt leadership at ANC, FACTS ONLY...

MJB 1/7/2009 1:25:36 PM

A well written letter containing valid arguments. Here is my take on some: 1. I agree that the people are desperate for good, fair and competent leadership. 2. We are all aware that anyone that dared to stand up against Mbeki was harshly dealt with and removed. Could this be why the COPE leadership was silent? 3. I don?t believe that the idea behind COPE is for the leaders to remain VIP?s or employed. Maybe they did see the light and genuinely want to make a difference? Maybe they (and many others) do not want to be part of an ANC that is shifting to communism & socialism.

Lynda 1/7/2009 1:27:14 PM

Gilbert, I'm sure you would agree with me when I say change is what we need in this country and whether you agree with me or Cope is what was needed to ensure that that change does happen. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt and I believe Cope is still working on their policies and election manifesto. Nobody believed that Obama would win but the PEOPLE of America needed change and guess what, CHANGE is what they voted for. The rulling party id fighting a losing battle.

Duzi 1/7/2009 1:28:47 PM

I think I might have to agree with you and there is a very possible chance of COPE being a "wolf in sheep's clothing", but as I am sure most comments here will support, the ANC are just as bad if not worse. So the question remains then: Who is the right choice if the ANC and COPE are full of power hungry muppets/adulterors/thieves/liars? With ppl like CTKid, Mlungisi, Les-Maada, Kolobe and Poep Idol blinded by the colour of people's skin, apparently the DA is not an option... so who then?

nzs 1/7/2009 1:29:18 PM

Gilbert Magapane Makaba, you forgot to mention that you are also a self-appointed, self-styled and embittered ANC apologist, whose morbid cynicism for COPE makes if impossible for you to see further than Terror Lekota and Sam Shilowa. Wipe off the mucuous deposits from your eyes and realize that COPE has many other leaders who were not part of the ANC. Grow up, embittered little Bill!

JK 1/7/2009 1:29:51 PM

the election, just reduce the ANC majority - if they reduce it by a sufficient margin we will be closer to a true democratic government. Anyway, if they deal with criminal elements in their ranks by getting rid of them (see the story about the COPE member in the EC) rather than promoting them to their NEC (remember Yengeni?) I would vote for them.

Wayne 1/7/2009 1:30:29 PM

Very interesting point of view, I do beleive a man can change and they are yet to prove that they have learnt from the past, so lets wait and see what happens, I dont trust ANC or COPE at the moment.

SJ 1/7/2009 1:31:02 PM

Its just a matter of time before the burble burst. If you take action for the wrong reasons you cannot sustain it for long. Maybe we too quick to judge them cos even the ANC have not released thier manifesto. However what suprises me is that they will release thier manifesto in EC like the ANC - Whow!!! these guys are suffering from seaparation anxiety! They can fool some -those tired with the DA, not the real ANC

Zaid 1/7/2009 1:32:52 PM

COPE as a political party is the only party strong enough to fill the role as Opposition. DA and others are just too light-weight. Ensuring that the ANC does not get a two-thirds majority is NB to ensure that this country does not become another Zim. However, I agree with the writer... the politicians that make up both the ANC and COPE are shit. Both parties are in it for themselves.

Luzuko 1/7/2009 1:37:49 PM

Some of the current COPE leaders might have failed during their tenure with the ANC but let us look on the bright side of life, its also true that the current ANC leadership?s silence was deafening during the past 15 years, even today, how many current ANC leaders can stick to their guns and say "NO" to the demands of SACP and COSATU? What differentiates the COPE leadership from the current crop of ANC leaders is that they had audacity to stick to their guns and abandon the sinking ship without being seen as the ?yes-man? of Vavi and Nzimande, you can call it "blind loyalty" but in my world that is progressivism and its far more better than being pigeonholed as the ANC without any voice left, the current mouth of the ANC is the SACP and COSATU. Wait until Manuel and all those who are branded as intransigent to the demands of the lefties are forcefully removed from their position and you?ll know what I am talking about now keep wishing that COPE is not the force to be reckoned with, as you might know the COPE is a new party that is currently building its own constituency, therefore you can?t compare a start-up formation of its leadership with that of the ANC.

Beaver 1/7/2009 1:37:54 PM

COPE would be the last party I'd vote for. I'm seriously considering voting for the DA. The ANC has tried, but has fallen well-short in a lot of places. The COPE boys then jumped shipped when their authoritarian leader got the sack, but to me they are still the same old ANC.

Lebohang 1/7/2009 1:39:45 PM

We will still vote for them,to take away the majorty from the ANC,the ANC is pathetic and useless, go to small towns like Welkom where i come from,they build houses 4 people without proper sanitation and water,what stupidity is that,this is 2009 not 1809.useless all of them

Luzuko 1/7/2009 1:39:50 PM

Some of the current COPE leaders might have failed during their tenure with the ANC but let us look on the bright side of life, its also true that the current ANC leadership?s silence was deafening during the past 15 years, even today, how many current ANC leaders can stick to their guns and say "NO" to the demands of SACP and COSATU? What differentiates the COPE leadership from the current crop of ANC leaders is that they had audacity to stick to their guns and abandon the sinking ship without being seen as the ?yes-man? of Vavi and Nzimande, you can call it "blind loyalty" but in my world that is progressivism and its far more better than being pigeonholed as the ANC without any voice left, the current mouth of the ANC is the SACP and COSATU. Wait until Manuel and all those who are branded as intransigent to the demands of the lefties are forcefully removed from their position and you?ll know what I am talking about now keep wishing that COPE is not the force to be reckoned with, as you might know the COPE is a new party that is currently building its own constituency, therefore you can?t compare a start-up formation of its leadership with that of the ANC.

CTheB 1/7/2009 1:40:17 PM

How exactly do you think the leaders of Cope got to those positions? Apart from anything else, when a new party starts up there have to be leaders to start it. They don't find a party with lots of members wandering around with no leaders and just say, "Hey, we'll jump in and lead." The ANC has admitted to lying, to ignoring the needs of the people. That means they've abandoned the Freedom Charter. They said themselves that they have. (Fortunately I'm in agreement with Point Blank here, so at least one person won't be writing comments borne of not properly reading what I write :-) )

TB 1/7/2009 1:40:48 PM

They said it will be relased in mid January. Stay informed before making silly assumptions. They were only formally established in December. Do you expect them to write these documents in one month? These type docs are not Grade 8 school essays!

mlungisi 1/7/2009 1:41:06 PM

I disagree with you. They are resigning in solidarity with Mr Mbeki and also because they do not imagine themselves being lead by Zuma. Also they do not want to associate themselves with some people, simple because they think they are superior and the rest are inferior. They even call themselves a group of intellectuals yet they do not use their intelligent when facing real issues. They drink and claim ANC people are alcoholics. FYI I don't do alcohol and I am ANC member.

Jomo 1/7/2009 1:42:38 PM

I do wish ANC supporter would at least try to hide their bias when writing these ?articles?. Here is a quick lesson in how ?Is it another ploy to remain a VIP in the South African political arena by both the main defectors and their cronies?. Should be written ??Is it another ploy to remain a VIP in the South African political arena by the cope leader and his colleges? Leave out the statements like ?The alleged drift away from the Freedom Charter/policies by the ANC as claimed by the new self elected leadership of Cope has yet to be substantiated.? Because that just a dead give away. Your first statement was brilliant. ?The majority of South Africans are enduring the hardships of poverty and unemployment and as a result are desperate for a meaningful change and hope, and for that reason they remain prey to unscrupulous and deceitful campaigners whom will resort to backstabbing, blaming and also make unpractical promises.? So brilliant that anyone reading this would have thought you were a COPE supporter referring to the ANC

KOBUS 1/7/2009 1:48:48 PM

So what you are saying is, don't vote for either the ANC or Cope. That's pretty obvious for me too.

Mike F 1/7/2009 1:49:14 PM

Cope is the best thing to happen 4 democracy & the political situation in SA. The current ANC power mongers masquerading as leaders r arrogant, disrespectful, & have plunged our beloved, once noble, dignified movement into embarrassing disrepute. Cope r not the nme's of the ANC. The nme's of the ANC r right there inside the ANC. Those who usurp leadership positions yet cannot even register candidates intime for an election. And then they threathen the IEC. Those r the nme's of the ANC.

Troger 1/7/2009 1:49:16 PM

I know that Cope is just a party of people that did not accept the outcome of democratic process in polowane & will do every thing to stay in power one way or another.some did leave the party by saying they can't be lead by a rapist but we just heard that one of them was suspended for having sex with under age girls in beaufort west is it really the type leaders that cope wants to believe they can lead us? Zuma was acquitted in the court of law while a cope leader was convicted, draw a conclusion

Troger 1/7/2009 1:49:17 PM

I know that Cope is just a party of people that did not accept the outcome of democratic process in polowane & will do every thing to stay in power one way or another.some did leave the party by saying they can't be lead by a rapist but we just heard that one of them was suspended for having sex with under age girls in beaufort west is it really the type leaders that cope wants to believe they can lead us? Zuma was acquitted in the court of law while a cope leader was convicted, draw a conclusion

Point Blank 1/7/2009 1:51:34 PM

Yes I did watch special assignment, funny how he was a member of the ANC first but because he WAS a member of Cope that that comes into it... you also live on old news mate.

Julius 1/7/2009 1:54:40 PM

ANC disbands several election teams in the North-West January The ANC National Executive Committee has disbanded several election teams in the North-West province. But the ANC provincial executive committee says it has rejected the move. Following the formation of the Congress of the People (COPE) party there have been allegations that the provincial executive committee may have potential defectors within its ranks. Luthuli House has dispatched members to investigate and ensure that the ANC in the North-West is not being hijacked. ANC spokesperson, Jesse Duarte, says the team has worked within the mandate of the National Executive Committee in disbanding some of the branches.

Nationalist 1/7/2009 2:20:53 PM

The write rightly put his thought, we should never allow power mongers to lead us again. ANC was and is still formed by people so if did bad in the past 14 yrs means people have done bad and unfortunately most of those people have regrouped under COPE.

kagees 1/7/2009 2:24:35 PM

The only good politician is a dead politician . What the country need is a strong civil movements which will advance our course and take power form this politicians. The change we want will not come through parliament but through are organising ourselfs better and taking our power from this criminals which are known in the community

Rian 1/7/2009 2:29:14 PM

Cope suspended the guy who was caught shagging underage girls and rightly so. Unlike the ANC who would never suspend a comrade, no matter what he does. This is the way that COPE is better than the ANC. Cope hold members accountable for their actions.

nthatuwa 1/7/2009 2:31:18 PM

DO YOU MIND TELLING ME WHEN THE ELECTIONS ARE?YOU SEEM TO BE IN A HURRY TO HAVE THE COPE MENIFESTO AS IF YOU'LL GIVE IT ANY ATTENTION AND THEN VOTE FOR IT.WHY DONT YOU TELL ME WHEN ARE WE HAVING THOSE ELECTION YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT,IN A FEW MONTHS?I DON'T RECALL HEARING ANYTHING ON THE DATE OF ELECTIONS.HOW ABOUT,INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON COPE,YOU ASK MR MOTLHANTHE OR ZUMA WHEN ARE WE HAVING THE ELECTIONS SO COPE CAN KNOW HOW MUCH TIME THEY STILL HAVE TO CAMPAIGN...

Trevor 1/7/2009 2:32:20 PM

I?m an ANC support COPE will not win the election this year but is good run for ANC and the people of RSA will benefit even move from ANC because there?s COPE as a treat and ANC will have to delivery to the people?

South African 1/7/2009 2:33:58 PM

Its just my opinion, but I think that the avarage South African is sick of empty promises. Anything that resembles a chance at some new confident leadership in what ever shape or form deserves a shot to make a difference. Bottom Line: ANC had there chances and they let power corrupt. Next in line please....

Conscience 1/7/2009 2:34:33 PM

There are many reasons to crucify the ANC and COPE and to applaud the DA - and visa versa. But if one looks at what parties promise the people and what they actually deliver... the DA comes out tops. I just wish that the people will start voting with their heads and not their hearts, but due to intimidation, lies, deceipt and pure racist opinions of the electorate; the DA are still viewed as White and obscure. Maybe you the voter, should give them a chance as well. Think about it...

Boerseun 1/7/2009 2:53:05 PM

In a way I can agree with you, but I still think anything that will lessen the percentage vote to the ANC will be good for RSA. The DA is as far as I am concerned the most creditable party. They have a good track record in the Cape and anyone who votes with their head should vote DA.Any other vote at this time, can in no way be logically or even morally explained. We need a way forward and COPE and for sure not the ANC offers any hope.

GailC 1/7/2009 3:51:32 PM

I don't think that the ANC's promises were necessarily empty, just misguided and unrealistic given the material we were working with and still are. Nothing in life is free except air and even then you do have to work for it. Close too many people breathing in an airtight room and unless someone lets them out or figures the way out all die. Freedom comes with responsibility from all including the voters. Accept constructive criticism and help from the experienced people. We're all in same room.

T 1/7/2009 3:54:26 PM

Point well stated, and who knows. My view is that not the ANC or COPE deserve any votes.All these big guys where involved in the process where SA went into reverse gear so why trust them now. To be honest, they all sound pretty dumb to me. I cannot and will not tell anyone who to vote for, but i would like people to think about themselves a South African and not a sheep that follows everyone else.

GailC 1/7/2009 4:23:35 PM

A member of the ANC in a Bible study I attended recently suggested that we don't vote for parties because we have always voted that way. Parties change and leaders are human and not God. COPE ex ANC members. How different are they to ANC now? DA, I have supported for about 40 yrs. Familiarity both sides. Who to vote for? The ones who don't want to kill but build, follow the laws, do what they promise.