At the time of the introduction of democracy in 1994, South Africa was seen as the hope of Africa. Fast forward 24 years and here we are, desperately trying not to fall into the same group as the rest of Africa: lost potential.
All it takes is one moment, a spark, and a country can collapse as we saw with Zimbabwe in the early 2000’s. A leader’s own hunger for power caused hundreds of thousands to die a cruel fate of starvation and almost two decades later, they have still not fully recovered. South Africa is playing a fine line with expropriation without compensation and the world is watching closely.
We cannot afford to make more mistakes, our credibility as a country is at stake. The Zondo Commission is exposing the corrupt activities that were committed in the government and it is shocking to see that it is the senior politicians, the cadres, who have spent years in government who are guilty of the most. Do they get too comfortable in their top positions that they feel they can take advantage of the state coffers? Well it is thanks to them that South Africa is sparring with junk status and recession.
South Africa is lagging behind the rest of the world, and it is undeniable that this is a direct result of corruption and mismanagement. Billions have been lost as a result of it, billions that could have built schools, improved infrastructure and all round bettered the lives of so many people. And yet when confronted about this in parliament, our politicians laugh and come up with excuse after excuse.
We have had enough of this and we need to stand together and say enough is enough. We can make a difference, but only if we unite. The 2019 National Election is a chance for the citizens to say, “No. We will not fall for false promises. We are no longer bound by loyalties, we want real change.” Rid South Africa of corrupt politicians who think they are above the law. Register to vote on the 26th or 27th January 2019 and have your voice heard.
-Justin Daines, Port Elizabeth
