Garelebe motho, Releba molato: Voters and Non-Voters Say
Guest Writer: Kagiso Pooe
Mark the date 2 November 2021, for we could well remember this day, as the maturation or the key date South African citizens handed many of the traditional parties their marching orders. One might contend that this date should be remembered as our own referendum on the current political system, by those that refused to vote more than anything. The British had their Brexit, and it would seem we have just had our ‘SaXit’ from the clutches of the historical colossal, the African National Congress (ANC), the unimaginative but managerial Democratic Alliance, or even the boisterous but unproven Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) in many municipal regions.
Make no mistake, if you look deep enough and listen to the feedback given by any of the officials and officeholders of these three parties, what you see and hear is the dawning of their political mortality. Much like the previously unbeaten African American boxer Deontay Wilder, who was humbled and bloodied by British world champion Tyson Fury these political parties and their attaches now know what it means to be bruised and bloodied, by voters in these Local Government Elections 2021 (LGE-21).
I am reminded of the Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius words, “Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it”. One is not saying this is the end of the journey for any of these political parties, but rather am saying in the minds of South African voters and non-voter they have been weighed and found to be unworthy of their trust and even time.
However, a full reading of the quote by Marcus Aurelius hints at the fact that acceptance of one’s mortality and vulnerabilities offers an opportunity for renewal and freedom. However, judging by how often the ANC either through its office holder’s words or conference documents flirts with death, it would seem the wise words of the former Stoic philosopher might fall on deaf ears there. Alternatively, could the DA and EFF go back to the drawing board and listen to the deafening criticism of non-voters, I do not know, only time will tell if they can humble themselves and revisit some of their more unattractive offerings or individuals.
Yet, let us not forget the birth of new or remnant political ideas and institutions in the form of ActionSA, Freedom Front+, Inkatha Freedom Party, or even community-based movements. This reminder is not an endorsement of any of them, but a realisation that something has happened or is happening within our municipalities and communities, therefore we need to ask ourselves what is it and what does it mean for our beautiful but troubled Republic.
In conclusion, the title of this article, ‘Garelebe motho, Releba molato: Voters&Non-Voter Say’ for those not familiar with this Setswana Proverb, it was chosen because it captures perfectly what I believe many voters (and non-voters) have told the ANC mainly and the other two parties the DA and EFF. Namely that, ‘we are past looking at you as individuals, but now are judging the numerous mistakes you represent, you are judged unworthy of us’. The people have chosen via their non-votes or votes it is now up to these parties to change their approach and actions, but it’s critical that citizens (voter and non-voters) also change their behaviour to local government and start to get their hands dirty and hold newly elected officials to rules, expectations via Ward Committees and the like. We make the Republic, not the politicians, lest we forget that.
Also Read: ActionSA rakes in township votes as IEC tallies up election results
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