Over the past few weeks I have followed several articles discussing religion (the existence of a God) and science (the Big Bang Theory - BBT). After all that was said by both atheists and theists alike I learnt that even well-educated adults can argue like little girls. Finally, I learnt that humans are stubborn and it’s almost impossible to change someone’s mind even when presenting them with ‘proof’. This got me thinking…
Politics is another one of those cautious topics of conversation which always ends in blood and tears. Just like a strong Christian won’t lose faith when shown a few BBT sites, ANC supporters won’t stop voting ANC even after years of under-performance and corruption. My question, and the purpose of this article, is why?
I am a VERY proud South African. I love this country and don’t ever see myself leaving our beautiful shores. This country has so much to offer and it pains me to see it going in the wrong direction. Let’s just get this straight, this is not a race issue, this is an issue of the wrong people being in power, regardless of age, gender or race.
No one can deny that the ANC is lost. Even our heroes who helped shape the South Africa we live in don’t deny it. Desmond Tutu was recently quoted saying, “It is difficult to believe people are getting such money and benefits, and are driving such flashy cars while the masses suffer in cramped shacks.” Yes, he is referring to the ANC and its leadership. He even compared the ANC to former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, both of whom were overthrown in popular uprisings after years of war crimes, hate crimes and corruption.
I don’t need to state facts and figures highlighting the ANC’s underperformance and corrupt dealings. It is all public knowledge. Since coming into power, around 20% of South Africans still have no electricity and 10% no running water. Protests over service delivery are frequent, yet they are still voted into power over and over again. The government’s excessive spending on luxury hotels and small armies of round-the-clock security to officials is also well publicized. The ‘leaders’ live lives of luxury and safety while most of the population battle unacceptably high crime rates and poverty.
I urge the population to start taking their own futures into their own hands and to start making the right decisions. Like Desmond Tutu, I too shall, “…pray, as we prayed for downfall of [the] apartheid government, we will pray for [the] downfall of a government that misrepresents us."
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