In 1852, American liberal ideologue, Wendell Phillips once cautioned thus: “Eternal vigilance is the price to pay for liberty and stable government.” During his prolific times, Phillips warned American politicians against “the over-concentration of power in the hands of one leader or party”.
Comparatively speaking, democracy is the best method of governance available to humanity. The most inhumane systems of governance are autocracy, tyranny, dictatorship and totalitarianism. Democracy breathes oxygen into the institutional heart of society. Equality, impartiality, justice and legality are the foremost tenets of a democratic state.
As South Africans, we must feel exceptionally blessed to live in a country that is highly democratic and very stable. Our constitutional democracy offers ‘checks and balances’ against any possible abuse of state power. Our judiciary, Chapter 9 institutions, opposition parties and civil society are the true guardians of our liberty. The Constitutional Court is the greatest custodian of our constitutional ideals and democratic liberties. Opposition parties are also playing a pivotal role in the consolidation of our democracy. For example, the ultra-militant EFF has brought “leadership accountability” to Parliament. It was the EFF that piled up pressure on president Jacob Zuma to “pay back the Nkandla money”. The EFF, DA, UDM and COPE have worked tirelessly to enforce presidential accountability in Parliament. Without opposition parties, our democracy would be worthless, meaningless and useless. The EFF has also deposited some comical humour and adventurism into our politics. The red berets have brought immense spectacle, Hollywood theatrics and marvellous excitement at Parliament.
For democracy to thrive and prosper, we must create institutions that are highly resilient, stable and solid. In the last 9 years, our democracy has been gravely tested by then president Zuma. In spite of those presidential aberrations and scandals, our democracy remained highly resilient. Zuma tried in vain to paralyse the institutional fabrics of our democracy. But he failed so dismally. We must also praise former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela for safeguarding our country’s democratic resilience. We must also salute the citizenry for protecting and enriching our democracy.
