FROM prodigal daughter of the revolution to high-powered, pantyhosed empress of the ANC Club – yes that’s sexy and sassy Lindiwe Sisulu, who at 67 still displays the exuberance of youth with her mop of unruly hair, well-manicured fingernails. But youth and beauty aside, the Tourism Minister’s acidic attack on the judiciary and Constitution in an opinion piece had tongues clucking.
She was publicly reprobated by Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on national television. This was followed by President Cyril Ramaphosa spilling his objurgation at the recent ANC lekgotla, backed by Cosatu’s head honcho. Now “sweetie pie” has been summoned to shed her honey before the ANC’s integrity committee.
In a recent television interview, author of Great Pretenders, Dr Ebrahim Harvey commented that not since 1810 has the South African Constitution been in a state of such fatal destruction. Hailed as one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, it is enshrined with the Bill of Rights, which gives one the freedom of speech, among others.
But Harvey asks what does it do for millions of South Africans who have been denied basic service delivery like water, housing, sanitation and electricity. Harvey goes on to state that the ANC government is in grave danger of losing its majority in the 2024 national elections.
But political analyst Professor William Gumede, in a venomous retort, was as quick as a green mamba to point out that the Constitution was not about service delivery issues, but rather about respecting the rule of law. He says the Constitution sets the rule for how the government should govern.
The government needs to invoke a sense of “jus dicere” and not “jus dare…” That is to interpret laws, and not make their own laws. While I write, the vigorous selection process for South Africa’s Chief Justice is winding down with Raymond Zondo.
Zondo’s dialectal endeavours would not go unnoticed, but would come under the radar of scrutiny. Personally, the only other candidate that comes near him of the other three will be Justice Mandisa Maya. If it’s a gender-based decision, she’ll scoop the top prize.
The ANC, it seems, is loaded with relics of past extravagance ready to go to pasture. They bask and live in past glories. How honest was President Ramaphosa at the recent ANC indaba, when he openly proclaimed that the organisation was in a “state of decay and disintegration”. The only favour they have on the side of an impoverished nation currently is the R350 Covid-19 grant, which they are feverishly trying to continue. God forbid what will happen if it has to gradually cease, just like the pandemic.
I often wonder what type of psychology defines the millions who vote for the ANC. What type of obsequiousness is this? Is this a case of seagulls following the trawler. Perhaps it’s the grand delusion of the weak-filled; the vulnerable, gullible and fearful – the sheep of South Africa who haven’t the strength to lead, but only be led which inevitably leads to their slaughter.
The millions who were burdened by the scars of the past and by an aching sense of inadequacy and shame, thought that they would finally find justice, peace and restoration of dignity when the ANC came to power. Almost three decades later, they are still “disadvantaged”.
It is for this reason Harvey believes the ANC’s sell-by date will expire in 2024. There is some justification in his thought, but is it enough to change the mindset of the hoi polloi?
KEVIN GOVENDER | Shallcross
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