Any election needs a great debate
There is nothing like a really good and informative debate when political parties compete for votes when elections draw closer.
Unlike most of the public, I really do not enjoy the constant personal attacks and name calling when politicians compete for popularity. Call me old-fashioned or naïve, but I believe the public needs to be given an opportunity to listen to policies rather than the constant attack on opposing leaders.
While anyone has the right to challenge or question the credibility of opposition leaders, the public never has the opportunity to really hear what political parties have to offer and how their promises are more appealing.
Although there are programmes which host political debates on television; South Africa needs political leaders to be in the hot seat. Unfortunately, debates may damage the image of other political parties more than others – this does not mean they should not exist.
A great debate is necessary because the public has the opportunity to listen to leaders themselves and not their representatives. Imagine a debate between Helen Zille and Jacob Zuma – it would be interesting to listen to both leaders represent their respective political parties.
I single out these two parties because they both have the ‘most established and tested policies’ compared to all other political parties.
A democracy only works well when each voice is listened to and various parties are given an opportunity to voice their opinions. Although an associate of mine once said, “The problem with South Africa is democracy,” I believe the problem with South Africa is leadership, not democracy.
Just because everyone is allowed to have a voice, it does not mean their opinions make the decision – it is only the voice of a leader that makes the final decision.
A great example is former President Nelson Mandela, when the people wanted to intensify violence; he insisted that ‘violence had to stop’. Although he allowed anyone an opportunity to have their say, he was bold enough to make a decision, even though it was not a popular one.
A debate may damage the image of politicians, but it will benefit the interests of the South African public; it is only when the public receives education, they are able to make decisions without manipulation.
