OPINION: ‘Small parties are undemocratic’
Resident writes about how some small political parties are undemocratic and hardly change their leaders.
• Thabile Mange writes:
In 1994, South Africa became a democratic state. For the first time, black Africans were allowed to cast their vote, a right they were denied for many years.
Since the dawn of democracy, the ANC has been in power, particularly at a national level. The governing party has changed its presidents almost every 10 years. This is a party that is more than 100 years old.
Interestingly, some small political parties are undemocratic and hardly change their leaders. These parties promote personality cults, where the party is seen through the image of its leader.
Chief Gatsha Buthelezi (May his soul rest in peace) founded the IFP in 1975. Buthelezi remained the party leader for many years. When he finally stepped down, the party lost its identity. The current leader is struggling to find his feet.
The UDF has been in existence for the past 26 years. Since its inception, Bantu Holomisa has been – and still is – the leader of the party organisation. Nothing suggests that he will step down anytime soon.
Nelson Themba Godi is the former deputy president of the PAC. Godi was hounded out by Dr Motsoko Pheko. He left the PAC and formed his own political party, APC, in 2007. He has been its president since then.
In 2013, Julius Malema formed his political party the Economic Freedom Fighters. This was after Malema was expelled from the ANC. He has been the EFF leader since its formation.
Next year December, the Red Berets will hold their elective conference. Juju has thrown his hat in the ring. Interestingly, it’s a foregone conclusion that he will retain his position. He said so himself.
Leaders of small parties treat their political organisations as their personal fiefdoms. They don’t have a succession plan, deliberately so. Therefore, these parties are undemocratic.
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