The simplest of definition of a democracy to me means that the majority rules. As South Africans we have all been given the blood earned right to make our mark during elections. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has enlisted a menu of a choice for us to make our mark on, a few weeks ago. Elections are done, votes counted - So the people have spoken!
Congratulations to the African National Congress (ANC) for having won the elections fairly on a National level. May God guide our new President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.
Congratulations to the African National Congress (ANC) for having won the elections fairly on a National level. May God guide our new President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.
For my Province (Western Cape Province) – congratulations to the Helen Zille led Democratic Alliance (DA) for a hard earned victory in the Western Cape.
Now this in my view is the result of a democratic election playing itself out. I am aware of the other Provinces in our rainbow country - but will speak only for my home. The ANC has earned their office fair and square in contesting the election – so they will rule the majority of the provinces in the Republic.
I like the fact that we have a loud opposition such as the DA to keep the ANC on their toes. Helen Zille reminds me somewhat of the story of Joan of Arc. Joan was a fearless woman who led a battalion of men into victory. It was an unusual phenomenon at the time, as women did not go into battle, let-alone lead. Sadly Joan lost her head – physically speaking.
I like the fact that we have a loud opposition such as the DA to keep the ANC on their toes. Helen Zille reminds me somewhat of the story of Joan of Arc. Joan was a fearless woman who led a battalion of men into victory. It was an unusual phenomenon at the time, as women did not go into battle, let-alone lead. Sadly Joan lost her head – physically speaking.
Ms. Zille has proven herself worthy her weight in salt during her reign as the Honourable Mayor of Cape Town. She also campaigned tirelessly during electioneering. She has earned the respect of the world with (mainly) her management style. I even remember one of my lecturers a few years back speaking of her style of management in a Strategic Management study. We discussed, dissected and debated her style of management at length. I like the way she works – she certainly earned my admiration. Now, she is the Premier of the Western Cape – well done!
Mr. Zuma on the other hand has lost my respect in the past few years. I have heard him (and Zille) at many talks (live) and he certainly is very charming. However – he lost my respect because he did not honour his day in court. He asked for it – I was present when he made such a plea at a luncheon with the Cape Town Press Club in 2007. When the time came – he got his power house of attorneys and supporters of the tripartite alliance to wiggle him out of it. This tells me – in my simple layman’s mind – he has something to hide. However, I freely gave him my empathy when the media annihilated him and basically charged him before he actually went to court.
So, what now? Well, it’s very simple. The people have spoken. Jacob Zuma is the President of the Republic of South Africa! We must accept and respect that.
So, Ms. Zille you have earned your piece of the pie, and Mr. Zuma his. Let the man get on with business and you do the same. The slanderous comments where you attack his person (and insult his wives – indirectly) is just proof of the contempt you have for the ruling party. Set an example and attack the ruling party’s President on matters of governance and not what he did and apologised for publically ages ago. There are new fish to fry – start chopping the wood.
When our leaders go at each other in an undiplomatic way as you guys are, would that not set a standard for us all to follow suit? What would this country end up like if business start doing the same, then community organisations and then neighbours and children. So in the name of love and peace – renounce the name calling ( you know Julius Malema will come at you with force) and start governing. If you have evidence that the President should be convicted, bring it out for the courts to decide. Don’t lead us into a moral dilemma now, please.
I believe you both have chosen you your cabinets (on what ever level you find yourselves in office) based on your own well thought through strategic analysis – now let the people be the judges of your performance. Stop acting like spoiled brats and deliver to those who put you on your ivory towers. We all know how hard you can fall from up high – ask people like Peter what’s his name and Thabo someone or the other.
I say yes to positivity and no to mudslinging!
