Mr Mathekga’s glass is half-empty.
His article about the mediocrity of the three largest political parties is in need of a response.
In today’s day and age it is all too easy to fall into a negative mind-set, particularly if you are an ardent follower of news. This can have a detrimental effect on how politics is perceived.
For starters, as an open supporter of the DA, I take strong exception to being cast in the same mediocre boat as the ANC and EFF. Whilst there have been events that have taken some gloss off the DA, these are miniscule compared to the patent racism we have seen from the EFF and failures of the ANC including leading to loss of life on many occasions. One just cannot generalize with the word mediocre. More like a good DA, a bad EFF and an ugly ANC.
Mr. Mathekga is entitled to his opinion that the DA’s prospects are mediocre. However, based on what the DA has actually done in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape and not its facelift, I would say the DA has good prospects in those areas. And people are seeing the importance of an effective, large and strong opposition countrywide.
So, while the DA’s support will increase from the municipal elections it is also worth keeping in mind a swing vote to parties such as COPE and the ACDP from the ANC and even FF from somedisillusioned DA supporters. Not to mention to the IFP in KZN and to a lesser degree elsewhere However these parties, like the DA have their eye on the ball which is the ANC, unlike the EFF which has been like a little brother grandstanding for attention.
It is quite simple really, the status quo of the coalitions in Gauteng – to govern effectively at the expense of the ANC. Obviously something is being done right there if one looks at all the investments attracted, not merely pledges at the behest of the President.
Procrastination is the thief of time as the saying goes and the dilly-dallying of the ANC on a number of issues may yet well see them running out of time next year. As somebody who sees his glass half full, I would not disregard this.
