IN May South Africans will once again have the opportunity of voting for the party they believe will rule with wisdom.
Politicians and wisdom is, of course, a perfect example of an oxymoron.
Nevertheless, citizens will have to brace themselves for the flood of promised goodwill (real or imaginary) over the next few months.
They will be subjected to a bombardment of comical deception as the contesting parties haul out their heavy artillery to wage war for the hearts and minds – and eventual crosses – of the people.
One doesn’t want to make light of what should be a serious business. This year’s election is crucial for many reasons.
A heavy responsibility rests on voters to apply their minds and ensure they make their feelings known about what direction they believe our leaders should take to keep South Africa on the path of progress and greater prosperity.
Those who follow the news know things are at a tipping point in many respects and, as never before, decisive and wise leadership is required.
While burning, looting and toyi-toying do have some effect in that authorities take corrective measures to quieting matters down over the short-term, South Africa simply cannot continue to function by reactive means and popular sloganeering.
Proactive governance eliminating the need for secondary mob rule is what is required.
But elections times are not about noble realities.
Over the coming months – if for a moment we discard the ominous dangers of ever-present violent conflict so part and parcel of ‘democratic’ process – the populace will be entertained and hoodwinked by cavalcades of gift bearers spouting empty promises and half-truths.
The good times will roll in the poverty-stricken rural areas, albeit very briefly. Food parcels will be dished out left, right and centre, children will be handed school uniforms and shoes, gogos will receive houses, roadshow and concert freebies will be in abundance, while all kinds of community initiatives will be cast on the horizon of heavenly bliss and happiness.
On stages politicians will breast-thump failures into successes and opponents will selectively distort facts.
For once politicians will be humble and they’ll march for the people.
Then, of course, once the results are out, it all evaporates and the voters will be kicked in the butt – until the next time.
But what the heck, let’s be grateful for small mercies and enjoy the ride as superior partners in the election contract while it lasts.
