Dr Mathews Phosa donated R100 000 towards books for the University of Technology in Maputo’s library. During an event at the university on April 20, he made his predictions on the future government of South Africa. He said South Africa faces the prospect of a coalition government in 2024.
“In such a process, all options are up for discussion, even a coalition of smaller parties where they gain power and control far beyond their popular support. The opportunity inherent in such an outcome is that parties will strive to improve service delivery, build stronger social cohesion, and focus on economic growth and more opportunities for entrepreneurs. In the process, hopefully, we will shape and redesign governments that are substantially smaller, more functional and less corrupt.”
According to him, countries in the region have a sworn duty to strictly monitor the spending of budgets at all levels of government.
“Governments given unchecked powers will loosen the shoelaces that bind them to those whom they represent. In some countries, the security and justice systems have failed to control rampant corruption. There rests a heavy duty on us to look through our constitutional lenses and find ways to improve those institutions that are directed to protect the sacred rights of voters and their highly taxed incomes.
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“In this regard, both our countries would do well to consider the creation of anti-corruption institutions that have powers to the highest level that the law allows to weed out misuse and criminality. Current institutions, as well as leaders appointed to manage them, are far from adequate or efficient. The political phase of parties that are dominant to the extent of unchallenged control is over. More and more, we will see single parties struggling to achieve majorities that allow them to do as they please. It is a phase that allows for broader and deeper participation in our democracies and economies. While it is democracy in action, the needs and services of taxpayers are (more often than not) forgotten in the process. As a result, service delivery suffers.”
Phosa said during the struggle for liberation, he spent many happy months as a lecturer, teaching students the creative language of Afrikaans in Mozambique. Both South Africa and Mozambique come from a scarred history of colonialisation. “Mozambique from the Portuguese and South Africa mostly from the British, but also from the Dutch and others.”
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He said colonialism has become much more subtle, nuanced and seemingly less aggressive than before. “Whether it is pure unadulterated theft that captures unscrupulous politicians and businessmen and women, or much more subtle through seemingly beneficial formations, aid programmes and financial co-operation, it remains a dangerous agenda unless controlled, designed and managed locally. So, beware of the second wave of colonial invasion that is less visible and always arrives with financial inducements cleverly clothed as co-operation and assistance. It is our duty as proud and modern Africans to ensure that our constitutions reflect the changes in geopolitics and economies, as well as countries taking ownership of their futures and the growing social changes around us.”
