2/09/2024
(editoral/general)
The fine line between preserving the GNU to save the ANC from itself and the elimination of corrupt practices in government are difficult enough tasks, even without maverick ANC ministers promoting their own agendas or being found with their hands in the cookie jar. But its good to know that “We the people” have recovered as citizens a good portion of our lost parliamentary power .
Good oversight and even sanction is now a possibility in Parliament, together with the fact that there is now in position a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker who both understand and respect parliamentary rules. https://parlyreportsa.com/editorial/democratic-processes-under-attack/ Even more hopeful is the fact that all the parliamentary chairpersons of all types of committees, whether they be ANC, DA, EFF, IFP or PA, are acutely aware that they are being performance graded and watched. The saving of Parliament has begun.
Early results
In what was a great effort by the IEC to record to count all our votes and to the satisfaction of all, the result clearly indicated that“ We the People” were shouting very loudly on two matters. Firstly, was the clarion call to get rid of corrupt politicians. Secondly, to bring about meaningful improvements in service delivery.
In the political wrangling that followed to form a coalition, South Africa established a new tool for economic development and policy development by establishing a Government of National Unity to make new policy rules between the two majors and then adding five others. This formula should leave Parliament with considerably more power, divided but together as it were, and not emasculated by a majority government.
Red lights
In the meanwhile, setting traps everywhere for lively debate will be the tough guys - Manyi of EFF and Hlophe of MK – representing now the opposition in Parliament. So far, there have been no serious confrontations with either gentlemen; in fact, Jimmy Manyi, always seemingly too sleek and rather slippery as Zuma’s spokesperson at Nkandla, is now handling the brief as EFF leader most professionally – an MP who is always well prepared and equally well read-up on subject matter. Both the MK and the EFF trash the GNU, of course.
Good start
Its going to be a difficult journey but the newfound voice of “We the People” in Parliament has already initiated a good answering call. It is as if the GNU has set standards. Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, is going a storm on mysterious building leases and vacant property. Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, has similarly grasped the nettle in no mean fashion. Minister Senzo Mchunu, seemingly bearing down on the police portfolio with a far more professional approach, has added some dignity to the SAPS uniform and gives progress that is understandable. All of this is change for the better, whatever is said. So, let’s bring it down to basics.