Party politicking that will spoil our (rainbow) party

The shenanigans in parliament have many of us thinking the end is nigh. That couldn't be further from the truth. You see dear reader, the thing is that our democracy is still young and that means we are just figuring out that we can hold a so called ‘liberation movement’ and not feel bogged down by loyalist sentiments that ask nothing and say nothing.

<Pic sourced: www.speakforchange.org>

The notion that questioning or having a dissenting voice from a party you support; are a member of; vote for or even serving in, that you are somehow being disloyal is flawed to say the least. Let me move from innuendos and call nonsense what it is (and no, in a bid to be politically correct it’s not group-think caused by loyalty) it’s just nonsense!

In a country in which millions live under the poverty line and the inequality gap grows wider every passing minute, parliamentarians falling over themselves to please their party seniors in a bid to secure favour, patronage or positions should be a thing of the past. Loyalty to South Africa first should be the foremost preoccupation of everyone seeking a career in politics.

Indeed the political mutes keeping quite while President Zuma is tearing this great nation into shreds are going to be held liable for it sooner or later. I have nothing but contempt for people who turn a blind away when injustices or blatant disregard for ethics and morality all together are being perpetrated, only to come out years later when they no longer stand to lose anything and lambaste those acts.

 Former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils and equally erstwhile Trevor Manuel come to mind when I think of this. When the former was a high-flying cabinet minister he had nothing to say about the corruption, cronyism and mismanagement done by the ruling party, but the moment he was out of the firing line he was telling South Africans to spoil their votes than vote for the ANC! The latter similarly went on a rant about the dysfunctionality taking place in government, and yes by that time he was on his way to a cushy job in the private sector.

Before I leave let me categorically say this. The above-mentioned doesn't only pertain to the ANC but every one of us. The gist of our calling as activists and public reps alike is to this great nation of South Africa and not a political party, and that means that if ever your party deviates from its mandate of serving this country you cannot just toe the party line and sell your soul in return for a comfy existence for you and your kin.