The Soapbox | Where South Africans Speak Out

The ANC’s election victory was a resounding triumph for democracy in Africa and the best tribute we could have given to the older generations of struggle that began to take shape in 1912.

I am particularly referring to Chief Albert Luthuli, Pixley kaSeme, ZK Matthews, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu and of course, Nelson Mandela. I may have left others out but the point is sparkling clear –this special generation of ANC leadership are smiling with us today –may their souls rest in peace! This hard fought victory must strengthen the ANC to come back stronger during the local government elections.

We also need to say a few words with regards to our research institutions Markinor and Research Surveys –as expected in our community they got it horribly wrong. They need to seriously look at whether they are asking the right questions when they conduct their research and whether the fieldworkers are capturing the data correctly. When you ask questions that presuppose a particular outcome –you cannot call that independent research. The South African public needs to look at other sources of research. The CSIR for example, was quite close to the true picture but they are not quoted as often as Markinor in the media because their research is not what the powerful neo-liberal editors want to read or see.

To comrades in the Western Cape –consider this –your votes also contributed to the national total –so they are a very important component of the whole. As the mathematicians would tell you –“the total is greater than the sum of its parts”. We also need to take stock of problems that exist in this province. As honestly stated by comrade Jessie Duarte, the ANC needs to build bridges between the Coloured and African communities and make them understand how the ANC works and emphasise that it does not prioritise certain races or class. That it is a movement of the all who belong and fought on its behalf. The ANC must also explain how the leadership squabbles cost us the province where we previously scored a 45% win.

The DA must be humble in victory as we must be gracious in defeat. The ANC will rise to the Western Cape challenge as we have done in KwaZulu-Natal – ask the IFP. But this, comrades, depends on you. We must go back to our branches and continue to be active members of the ANC and volunteer our time in helping our communities re-establish the strong links we had with all the communities in this province.

For now, let us celebrate our well deserved victory.

AMANDLA! AWETHU!

Vuka works in public relations. Check out Blackspot, his blog.