Sibusiso Tshabalala
writes:
It was no secret going into today’s
announcement plenary that Zuma’s slate would wipe the floor. With National
Chaplain Mehana chanting ‘Viva God’, the Zuma Moment was ushered in. Song,
dance and even prayer accompanied Zuma’s victory in the ANC.
A different moment is missing - this moment
was not in sight or in the air today in the ANC’s main tent. The "other" moment I suspect; lies sheltered in the hearts of millions of South
Africans.
Zuma’s re-election rings like a hymn gone
wrong. The lead chorister has his hands up in the air conducting with gusto,
the choir sings along obediently and we, the people sit in the audience, observant but disappointed.
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| A 'Viva God' moment. The newly elected ANC top 6 bows in prayer. Photo by: Linda Fekisi |
What is never mentioned is our lethargy
(wholly or partially) in maintaining the current order. South Africans might be tired of hearing the mantra of ‘active citizenship...blah blah blah’ -
but perhaps now, more than ever, this is just what is needed.
The ANC is at odds. The party cannot sing
in unison because its beautiful hymns are filled with empty promise and their
lead choristers are out of sync. We shouldn’t (and cannot) expect anything
from the ANC. The ANC’s problems are deep seated and it is detached from the
concerns of our country.
Perhaps it’s time to hum a different tune.
One that does not yearn for the "renewal of the ANC" but one where citizens
place their agenda at the forefront of South African politics.
Next time when someone sings the ‘active
citizenship swansong blah blah blah....’ try to do more than just listen. Sing
along and then do something.
From Mangaung and beyond
Here’s the problem. Our obsession with the
ANC is endemic, a national obsession if you will. We watch them with hawk- eyes
as they throw their toys (and chairs sometimes) out of the cot. The ANC will leave Mangaung deluded about their alleged unity and dominance and very little will change for South Africans. My unease
has nothing to do with the ANC or their Chorister
in Chief, but the next decade for our country.
With the next general election comes along in
2014, a lot will remain unchanged. Inequality levels will remain entrenched
amongst (mainly) poor black South Africans. Health, education
and economic reform will remain embossed in government policy documents.
The key challenge for South Africans will be to drop their focus on the ANC and start building a solid civic
base that will counter the game of patronage, power and petty politics.
Mangaung has preoccupied our public discourse
over the past year not because we expected much from it in terms of policy and
fundamental change but because we’ve relinquished so much of our power
to a single group.
A new hymn is waiting to be sung. This hymn
will find its rhythm in the dusty streets of South African townships and in
the leafy South African suburbs. The divide that is so visible will lead to
much legitimate anger and strife. The reliance on political will to change our
circumstances will plummet.
Like any blessing, gratitude is best
expressed by a hymn: you know which hymn to sing.
