Editors views on issues affecting the community

The issue of releasing political party lists to the public seems to be a problem for many an organisation, with some having confidential candidates.

To me, this is not democratic as the electorate needs to know exactly who they are voting for and in what capacity. The secrecy around these lists indicates that the organisations are hiding something that will affect the electorate detrimentally.

If one can use the example of the ANC’s struggle stalwart, Mr Andrew Mlangeni, lashing out at his own party not to include members who have previously been convicted of fraud, maladministration and so forth from their list. Although it smacks of much bravery from the veteran, the question is, will his warning be heeded by the powers that be?

The answer is no, as many such culprits appear on their list and who knows, if the ANC still respects the elderly, they may change the list and remove those names which will cost them a lot during the elections.

An interesting fact, once again, is Agang SA’s leader and founder, Ms Mamphela Ramphele standing as the DA’s presidential candidate and then allegedly reneging on that agreement. She left some of her party’s followers confused and one can immediately detect that she seems to be an autocratic leader than a democratic one – why would her followers be all over the news crying foul over her move to stand for the DA?

The EFF’s leader, Julius Malema has smoked the peace pipe with the IFP’s, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi and a marriage of convenience is in the offing after the election to build a stronghold for themselves.

The UDM’s Bantu Holomisa seems to be on a solo political journey and has been able to retain his seat in parliament, and judging by his recent role during the late Dr Nelson Mandela’s illness and death, he may receive more accolades from voters.

These are certainly interesting times in South African politics, whereby, opposition parties have indicated establishing a coalition after the elections all in an endeavour to oust the ANC from power. On the other hand, the ruling party got a wake-up call and needs to make numerous adjustments to its leadership and manner of doing things, although they’ve pronounced that they are not threatened by anything.

Time will tell.