‘The Struggle is Over’ How the ANC is pulling the wool over the nations eyes By Dr Funokwakhe Cedric Xulu In the run up to the 2014 national general elections, it would seem the ruling party has again initiated strategies and manoeuvres that, on the surface seem laden with good intent and genuine concern, yet in truth, represent the exact opposite. As is custom of the ANC in the run up to the days in which they must yet again tussle against worthy adversaries such as the Inkatha Freedom Party in a battle for governance of South Africa, the flow of food parcels and other services seems to increase exponentially. To those on the ground, it would seem as though our ruling party is nothing short of saviours, providing for the needy in dire times. But why now? Surely there is an ulterior motive? One needs only to look at the bigger picture to see that our government is merely twisting the arms of the voters, preying on the needy with well timed good Samaritan provision. In the gaps between elections, when the citizens on the ground are no longer needed, where voters matter little in the 4 year coffer-draining periods, where are the saviours then? Many examples exist of substandard service provision country-wide during the periods when voters matter little. Examples of corrupt government officials giving each other contracts and tenders, nepotism and favouritism, a large factor of this. Schools going with very few or no textbooks at all. The government clearly does not care for the youth, the future, how much more - to you who have been waiting for so long for 1994 promises to be delivered. Contrast the erstwhile Kwa-Zulu government pre-1994, run by the IFP, to the ANC run provincial government of today. Deprived of the large coffers the ANC has today, the IFPs effect on the Kwa-Zulu government during its tenure in leadership is undeniable. Having built as many as 6000 schools prior to the transfer of power, the IFP clearly placed value and attention to furthering the educational needs of young South Africans, in the aims of providing them with a future. Compare this to the mere few schools built in the 20 years since the ANC took over power in KwaZulu Natal, the numbers speak for themselves. How can a government that has had more time, as well as greater funds from the central government, provide such a measly amount of educational institutions. When the numbers shout like such, how can the ruling party begin to claim that they have the vested interests of our nation at heart? All the while, we watch as government officials empty the state coffers into their own pockets, using taxpayers money on lavish buys and inappropriate trips in the name of diplomacy. The fact that our government has the audacity to provide nearly 40 million rand to a boutique marked out as a start-up (through the NEF now essentially defunct) is appalling in a country where nearly a third of its population is unemployed. How can one sit back and watch without feeling an immense sense that something somewhere is direly wrong. In the days prior to 1994, our nation was filled with the promise of a better life for all, yet as we labour on, nearly 20 years, we are right to feel that tomorrow isnt quite as bright as promised. One needs to look into the past service delivery records of the erstwhile KwaZulu Government under the IFP to see that the present government is a serious political joke for the majority. The leader of the IFP, His Royal Highness Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, through his athletic prowess created industrial regions in multiple areas of Kwa Zulu Natal. These include Mandeni, Newcastle and Ladysmith. His efforts were also seen in the creation of Ithala Bank, a now reputable South Africa financial institution. This, tied to the fact that he owned no shares in any ventures in either of these is a sturdy reminder of the leadership potential that still exists within our country. In recent times, the ANC spent more than R100 Million in centenary celebrations, in the name of history and heritage and struggle How on Earth is this justifiable in the slightest? The use of history as justification is flimsy. The struggle, 20 years on, is most definitely over. It is time for our leaders to start standing up against fraudulent and detrimental behaviour. Public opinion is swiftly changing, and the ruling party is rapidly losing the little power they hold. With the man who is the leader of the country deeply involved in unseemly dealings with a certain wealthy Gupta family, this despite blatant denial, and his offspring partaking of the same dirty dealings, including recently uncovered evidence that indicates that the government overlooked infringement of mining laws, one is sure to say the legacy the ANC hides behind is abandoned and tarnished. A recent article by esteemed political analyst Justice Malala, for the Times, which criticized Zumas behaviour at a recent provincial function, embodying these sentiments, capped of in such a fashion: Zuma does not have a central, guiding idea. He has nothing to give him courage and so, a fearful, cowardly man, he stood by and said nothing while his adoring mob beat on a woman and trampled on our hard-won right to freedom of speech. This is the man who now wears the shoes of Tambo, Luthuli and Pixley ka Isaka Seme. How far we have come. So, whilst the government provides services it is meant to be providing in any case, in the aims to trick voters, the truth is now yours to see. The only question that remains, is, in the face of all of this damning evidence, would you allow yourself to vote for a party with little regard for you? The choice is yours. The struggle is over, and the people are starting to wake up. Dr Funokwakhe Cedric Xulu is a member of Inkatha Freedom Party National Council, as well as a member of the Political Oversight Committee. He also Heads the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:44:54 +0000
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