Greed, poor leadership upends liberation dream

Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu

This year marks 31 years of South Africa’s freedom from apartheid. The advent of democracy in 1994 was characterised by euphoria and ecstasy. This was expected, especially among those who had been excluded from voting.

The apartheid regime used its ‘divide and rule’ strategy through what it called the ‘Tricameral Parliament’ which somewhat accommodated coloureds and Indians through the House of Representatives and the House of Delegates. It was only in 1994 that all South Africans of voting age cast their votes.

There were high hopes and optimism about the future of post-apartheid South Africa. Among the anticipated changes were the creation of jobs, reduction and eventually ending of poverty, embracing racial equality, and many such developments.

In a way, those who held such high hopes were vindicated when Reconstruction and Development (RDP) houses were built to ensure that South Africans had their dignity restored. Many jobs were created in the construction industry.

On racial equality, all races were represented in parliament. Government policies such as Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment were said to be geared towards ensuring racial equality. Phrases such as ‘rainbow nation’ ‘nation building’ and ‘social cohesion’ brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was embarking on a new political trajectory.

Over three decades later, the question becomes: how far have we gone as a nation in realising the goals of freedom? In other words. To what extent has South Africa's political freedom improved the lives of her citizens? Importantly, which factors have contributed to either the acceleration or stagnation of progress in various areas of life? Lastly, what is the way forward?

In addressing these questions, it is important to begin with the positive developments. One of them is that on 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black president – with Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk becoming the first and second Deputy Presidents respectively. Both the cabinet and the National Assembly included South Africa’s various racial groups. It is correct, therefore, to argue that politically, South Africa experienced positive change. 

The new constitution (Act 108 of 1996) brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was on a new political path. The many rights enshrined in Chapter 2 of the country’s constitution left many South Africans convinced that indeed things were changing for the better. Whether these sections of the constitution were going to be implemented or not did not seem to bother South Africans. All they were excited about was a constitution which embraced the views of South Africans across the racial divide.

On the economic front, the country showed signs of improvement. The global community also offered a helping hand to consolidate South Africa’s nascent democracy. Private companies used this changing situation to invest in the country thereby creating job opportunities.

On the academic front, the first Education Act was passed in 1997. This was followed by the reconfiguration of the higher education sector. Tertiary institutions were merged to reflect the changed political environment. At the basic education level, learners could now attend any school of their choice. Similarly, at the tertiary level, students could enrol at any institution of their choice without being forced to attend institutions reserved for certain racial and ethnic groups.

Even in religion, the fact that South Africa was declared a circular state meant that no religious formation would be deemed better than others. This resonated with the 1648 Westphalia agreement which separated the church from the state.

But if our freedom has brought so many good things, how come the lives of the people have worsened? Why do we still have the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality? Why is the level of crime so high? Why is our economy not growing? Why has our justice system lost credibility? Why is the country’s education system said to be weaker when compared to other countries? Why is there rampant corruption both in the public and public sectors?

These are some of the questions the country must wrestle with as it reflects on 31 years of freedom. I will only proffer responses to some of them without claiming to be prescriptive or conclusive.

The main culprit is our political leadership. Politicians have ceased to put people first. Instead, they focus on their own needs. Secondly, factionalism has meant that these politicians operate along factional lines when they elect leaders or render services. The same goes for the prosecution of those implicated in wrongdoing. Depending on the faction one belongs to, the case either sticks or simply disappears in thin air.

This is what has created fertile ground for corruption to thrive. By extension, this has delayed service delivery. Thirty-one years down the line, voter apathy has become a lived reality. The excitement of 1994 is gone as evidenced by recent voter turnouts in each election.

Another factor is the electorate. Instead of voting for an idea, voters tend to follow individual politicians and political parties blindly. This has reversed many of the gains of our freedom.

Thirdly, failure to implement legislation and policies has delayed development.

Fourthly, the deployment of people with no requisite skills and knowledge has produced negative results for the country. The ANC’s ‘Cadre Deployment’ policy is not wrong in principle. But when incompetent people are deployed, this takes the country backwards.

Fifthly, after thirty years, South Africa’s honeymoon is over. Countries that used to support South Africa financially have either reduced their support or ended it entirely. As the political leadership tries to find its feet, it has made many political blunders. A recent case is how both President Ramaphosa and Former Ambassador Ibrahim Rassool handled President Trump’s political posture.

Therefore, as we celebrate 31 years of freedom it is important to reflect on the road the country has travelled critically. There is no doubt that South Africa is better now than it was under apartheid. Equally, the country is not where it is supposed to be. Many things have gone wrong.