The ANC led government has let me down. I am not a political analyst or very opinionated about politics BUT I am a citizen of this country that has the power to vote. I am writing this with a sore heart and anguish about our future. What is going on? I will express each and every emotion I have felt for the past 7 years that Mbeki has been president. I feel scared about my rights to express myself freely and willingly without being victimized for my point of view or opinion. I feel ashamed at the state our nation is in.
My stance
I am not an Mbeki or a Zuma supporter, I WAS a huge fan of the ANC and its policies. I have been let down and I need to let it out.
Arrogance
Whenever a politician is interviewed or questioned about the state of affairs in our country – the sheer arrogance perturbs me. They seem to have forgotten that we, the citizens of the country, voted them in power and can remove them. They seem to send out this message that “What can you do?” I feel totally disgusted by this behaviour as I feel my vote is worth more than the crap we are being dished by government each day.
Our president has arrogantly denied the people of Khutsong an answer or even an appearance to say – “I hear you, my people”. Nothing more. Just an empty promise, even on TV, would have sufficed for those people. Does our president listen to us? The voters, the citizens; THE people that need his leadership?
In retrospect, he just pretends they don’t exist. People are so frustrated about their plight that most schools are closed and life is just dull in Khutsong. All they want is to be addressed.
Denialism
Our president is in denial about HIV and AIDS. We all know this. If you don’t know then I suggest you find articles where his opinion of AIDS and HIV has bordered on “it’s not my problem”. SOUTH AFRICA IS now NUMBER 1 in THE WORLD with HIV infections… I know it is up to the individual to ensure they don’t get infected but the countries that had government leading the education and roll-out of information to people and processes that helped the people understand AIDS and HIV are now very low on the list!
Ineffective Ministers
All I really remember them for is the squirms and uncomfortable looks they give to Debora Patta when she asks them direct questions. They are forever clueless about our plights and needs. They make promises on camera and even communicate via letters AND then they seem to completely forget until it hits the headlines. Then all of a sudden, you see them scramble for explanations – Why are they reactive?
Manto Tshabala-Msimang, oh my gaad! Where do I begin? What has she done for our plight on health issues? Some places still do not have adequate health facilities? Nothing! What is she doing? Drinking with Mbeki, according to the reports – she is ill, Kindly let her go and rest gracefully. Let someone else that knows our health needs and issues address and lead us.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Another hopeless case that seriously needs to get out of government!! Zimbabweans are suffering, isn’t she our foreign affairs minister – help the people, you don’t have to physically wrestle Mugabe but open the lines of communication and address the plight of Zimbabweans… They need our government to intervene… Do something!
The men! I cannot even begin to list their inefficiency and my total disgust (strong word, I know, but I am being honest) at their huge waistbands that just seem to grow and grow and grow but when it comes to delivery I fail to remember or see anything!
The only MP I have complete respect for is Trevor Manuel. Maybe it’s because he deals with my bread and butter, indirectly and directly. But when that man talks, I listen because I know he will deliver. This is one MP I would sadly sob for when he passes away and I pray he stays on until he is old and grey! Everyone else, I really don’t care – they need to quit!
Succession battle
The Zuma and Mbeki battle is now on the news. How do I feel about it? I am truly sad and sickened by it all. Mbeki needs to bow out and do what the constitution says – He has had 2 terms and he has not delivered, let someone else lead. Mandela led and guided him to lead; I am very proud of the move Mandela made with the grooming and the support he gave Mbeki as he stepped down. I would have so much respect for Mbeki if he had done the same, or even does it. It is not too late! He can put his support behind Cyril Ramaphosa and I have belief that Cyril would win! Mbeki needs to know when it is time to go. AND HIS TIME IS UP!
Zuma is not a candidate I would vote for to be president of the country. I would not support him as I feel he lacks something that I really can’t put my finger on. His hands are too dirty for my liking; he has just been in the news for all the wrong reasons and that makes me uncomfortable to put my support behind him.
Public Interviews
Mbeki has not accepted interviews on Radio and TV for a long time, he has a weekly blog. All of a Sunday Zuma is set to appear on Debora Patta’s show – wham! Bang! Slam! Mbeki is on the same slot on SABC… and AGAIN this week he will address the nation on 17 SABC radio stations and TV. Wow! Why SABC only? Do I smell propaganda? Why not accept an interview on 702 fm and e-tv (Debora Patta)? Are we now worth an address when the succession battle is in the news? I don’t buy it, Mr President! You may be too late!
I am slowly considering which party to vote for in 2009. ANC unfortunately is not on my radar, whoever becomes president of the party doesn’t mean squat to me. I have not seen results from the ANC government and I am not disillusioned about any manifesto they come out with.
I have friends that REFUSE to vote and did not vote the last elections, I REFUSE NOT TO VOTE – I have family that died so I can have the right to and I will do it! Whether I vote for KISS is up to me! BUT I will VOTE! Those that refuse simply say “What’s the point? There’s never any results except ministers getting fat!” The point I say is to choose the people that know your pain and needs! Vote for them!
This is MY opinion. I may be wrong, but am willing to listen and hear what you guys think and feel. I really would like to know that I am not the only angry citizen. Please convince me to have faith in our government… Give me your opinion of what our current political climate or situation is leading us to? How will you remember Mbeki or the ANC led government? What has Mbeki done for this country that you will remind you of his leadership?
14 Comments
Only TVSA members can reply to this thread. Click here to login or register.