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Lets Rather Talk About the Opposition and NOT Coalitions

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South Africa’s 2024 National Elections refer here when we remind you that the very foundation of a good democracy is premised on a strong opposition offering checks and balances to the ruling party.

Lets say straight off the bat; “Love them or loather them the DA has offered some sterling opposition to the ruling ANC these past 25 years.”

And now in the 30th year of our democracy we have a change in guard with no one party gaining te magical 50% plus 1 figure to enable them to form a government.

So now they have to form a working relationship between a number of parties to get to 50% plus 1 (i.e 201 seats) in the National Assembly in order to govern.

At present the front runners for this coalition (call it what you will) are the ANC/DA/IFP trio.

Most of the voters (Social Media amateurs) seem to favour such a grouping.

BUT

We are forgetting the very foundation of a good democracy which is a strong and capable opposition!

WHY

We need a measured voice to counter any misdeeds by the government in power, we need a strong capable disciplined opposition that will, by their actions, strengthen our democracy and the country as a whole. Besides the fact that we actually pay these people to sit in parliament.

So, rather than fretting over who are the best suitors to join hands, sing Kumbaya and govern the country together, maybe we should be choosing our official opposition FIRST and then just letting the cards fall.

South Africa has a long history of focussing on the oppressed and being strident when we see wrong – by having a strong opposition we will ensure that the lives of the less powerful, the less fortunate, the vulnerable and the youth actually DO MATTER!

Maybe it is time to pay the opposition more than their counterparts in government?

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.