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Why the ANC Will Benefit for Years to Come by Becoming the Official Opposition

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Dear ANC – you may thank me for this suggestion after the 2029 elections.

Stay with me as we hash this one out in a series of statements:

For 30 years the ANC have had declining support.

The ANC have been the main party leading national government since 1994.

The ANC have never experienced politics from the point of view of an opposition party in Parliament.

It is a given that when two large parties (e.g. the 1994 ANC and NP ‘coalition’) form a working relationship to govern, that one of them gets swallowed up or disbands.

The ANC has lost it’s way in terms of what they say; the Freedom Charter and Manifesto are great signals of intent that have been rubbished by party members and dragged through the mud.

The whole country is in two minds about whether an ANC/DA/IFP coalition will work.

To my mind those who object are doing so on the basis of ‘tribe politics’ and are only looking at historical disgruntlement with those parties rather than looking at, “WHAT IS BEST FOR SOUTH AFRICA”.

What is best for South Africa is a combination of good governance AND a strong opposition to give balance.

The ANC does struggle politics very well and has amply demonstrated their commitment to struggle and righting the wrongs over more than one hundred years.

BOTTOM LINE:

The ANC should take a long term view for South Africa (first) and the ANC (second) by becoming the official opposition.

This will allow them to clear the decks of those member who are only in the party for the benefits and not for South Africa.

By taking the role of Opposition Party on the ANC will score IMMENSE brownie points with citizens and be able to spin the fact that they do things for South Africa unselfishly.

Being the official opposition on 40% will give them lots of ‘air time’ in parliament and time to regroup, rethink and refocus on winning the 2029 elections – maybe even on my one vote for a strong opposition.

It is my contention that if you get cANCer sometimes you need to sacrifice a lot in order to survive – especially if you want to remain relevant for the next 100 years. The war is long and not based on a mere 5 years in the opposition benches.

PS: Another anticipated benefit is that whilst the ANC relish their role as ‘South Africa’s Saviour’ the other parties in government will do a good job of squabbling, fighting and destroying each other all by themselves!

 

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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.