The ANC is way past its sell-by date

The ANC is in for a landslide win in the May national election. So predicts one of the party’s stalwarts, who’s also facing charges of Gupta-initiated corruption.

What a cheek. But then, we are accustomed to the arrogance shown by the governing party believing it is untouchable when it comes to the ballot box.

So far that’s been proven right. The rural masses, brain-washed by empty promises, have always been relied upon to make their crosses against the names of unscrupulous candidates who, at election time, hand out food parcels and T-shirts.

That was then, but since the exposure of deep-rooted wrong-doing in a party formerly known as the champion in the struggle, and the widespread coverage it enjoyed, hopefully more of the disillusioned will see the light and make their displeasure known.

That this election is vital – a watershed, in fact – for a country hijacked by criminals in every facet of its infrastructure, is obvious. But to whom?

Let’s put it another way. Has the nation as a whole woken up to the fact that we’re in a precarious position and that if the ANC is not stopped in its dirty tracks, nothing will change and the crooks will continue on their merry old way, still at the expense of the poor?

If the ANC is serious about routing out corruption, it’s not doing a good job of it, is it? Even President Cyril Ramaphosa has proved to be a damp squib, concentrating more on party unity (an insurmountable task) instead of showing statespersonship by listening to the groundswell wishes of an electorate sick and tired of the status quo.

His first step should have been cleaning up his Cabinet. This would’ve been a clear indication he is serious about saving the nation. But no, the crooks remain in a bloated Cabinet – and on the candidate list.

Let’s hope the prediction of the man who thinks he has an ace up his sleeve, is proved wrong, and the ANC will be caught up in a landslide against it. But this is dependent on the voters who must come out in their droves at every single polling station.

Anything less spells disaster.

The ANC has overshot its sell-by date by far.

Cliff Buchler.

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