Generally, the rise of parties like MKP and the EFF is the direct consequence of the loosening of the bond between voters and the representatives they elect, and the increasing perception that the governing party, and lately it will be the GNU, serve a narrow elite and capital interests.
Unfortunately,
no dogma exists to reverse such a tide except to deliver services and make the
liberation dividend as broad-based as possible. Dismissing issues-driven
opposition to the emerging elite consensus is a serious mistake.
The
phase the leader of the GNU finds itself in produces 'anti-system voters'. These are
characterised as voters who are frustrated with political systems they perceive
as broken and with economies that reward only the wealthiest. We are now in a
position where every ANC member, especially those carrying the brand of
'izikhokho ze ndawo' like Zuma used to and still is, needs to think about this
development as an existential threat to the movement.
The
MK Party and the loosely arranged opposition complex's rise will always be best
explained as a broad-based rejection of the existing political establishment
and its failure to protect the living standards of the poor, most of whom are black,
and in particular African, majority. Given where capital and resources are
concentrated, the contest for political power requires socially intelligent
strategies to mitigate the force of money in determining election
outcomes.
In
a multicultural society like RSA, being in politics involves understanding the
fundamentals of intercultural interaction, developing a mindful approach [and]
building adaptive skills and a repertoire of behaviours so that you are
effective in different intercultural situations. Similarly, understanding that
poverty, unemployment and inequality are not random gives you access to those
that are victims.
Seeing
those who are poor and downtrodden as being consequential to an organized
system of values, attitudes, beliefs and meanings that are related to each
other and the context of dominance created by economic templates will define
you in the hearts and minds of the anti-system voter population in-wait for a
political alternative.
Aside
from inertial forces of complacency, denialism, fear of the mirror, and comfort
of incumbency within the liberation movement, it is inarguable that as an institution of
leadership, it may simply be poorly equipped to deal with the MK Party as an
opposition complex. That the liberation movement is the system and establishment over a process they know is 'incomplete' in liberation struggle terms is a limitation that requires a
serious engagement on what are the true balance of forces.
By
building strategy and tactics capabilities into its new offering as the system
and establishment, it will have the ability to not only label the people as the
motive forces of the NDR but accurately articulate what are their issues beyond
just being fodder to freely elect representatives to preside over the status
quo.
The brute truth is that the movement has an enormous opportunity in front of it: a chance to use the most powerful political and social brand others don't have to make a real difference; brand ANC. This is its new choice, responsibility, and privilege, it cannot fail.
What should the response
be? The liberation movement,
· must recalibrate cadres into leaders of society brigades.
· must redefine most of the nomenclature that keeps it stuck in a
world of opposing the system that it has now become.
· must interrogate why it still says some of its members are
revolutionaries- which revolution- what are its attributes- what defines its
end state- and so on.
· must embrace the idea of being a strong state that has an
intolerance of anyone acting outside national interests.
· must build hard power through a strong army, police force, and
sophisticated intelligence and security services.
· must create the capacity to ensure the liberation movement
character of the ANC is mainstreamed into the new Political Party character
which attracts career politicians, some of whom are not interested in ANCness,
save to demonstrate knowledge of historical facts.
There is a character of the ANC, which is always in conversation with its past, history of struggle, and fundamental and monumental chronicles that shaped it. These have become social, political, and cultural rituals holding the ANC together for more than a century, they are the fabric of being ANC. If the movement is not careful, those who left with Zuma might curate this and hence it might be a serious mistake to dismiss them. CUT!!!
ROY MSIZA
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of the rise of the MK Party (MKP) and its implications for the ANC and the broader political landscape is both insightful and critical for understanding the current dynamics in South Africa.
The emergence of parties like the MKP and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is indeed a response to the perceived failures of the existing political establishment, particularly in addressing the needs of the poor and marginalized. The disconnect between the governing party and the electorate, coupled with the perception that the government serves elite interests, has created fertile ground for anti-system sentiment. This is a trend that should not be dismissed lightly, as it represents a significant shift in the political landscape that could pose an existential threat to the ANC if not addressed effectively.
Your emphasis on the need for the ANC to recalibrate its approach is crucial. The liberation movement must evolve to meet the challenges of the present, moving beyond its historical role as an opposition force to fully embrace its responsibility as the system and establishment. This requires a deep introspection and redefinition of its identity, strategies, and objectives.
1. Recalibration of Cadres
The idea of transforming cadres into leaders of society is essential. The ANC must empower its members to not only understand the complexities of contemporary South Africa but also to lead with vision and integrity, ensuring that they remain connected to the people they serve.
2. Redefining Nomenclature
The language and terminology that have long been associated with the ANC's revolutionary past may no longer serve the movement in its current role. A re-examination of terms like "revolutionary" is necessary to ensure they are aligned with the ANC's present goals and the realities of the modern world.
3. Embracing State Power
Your call for the ANC to build a strong state with robust security and intelligence capabilities is a recognition of the importance of state power in maintaining national stability and protecting national interests. This, however, must be balanced with a commitment to democratic principles and the protection of civil liberties.
4. Mainstreaming Liberation Movement Values
The ANC's unique identity as a liberation movement is a powerful asset that must be preserved and integrated into its new role as a governing party. This identity should be a source of strength, guiding the party's actions and policies while ensuring that it remains connected to its historical roots and the aspirations of the people.
The possibility of those who left with Zuma curating the ANC's legacy and using it to their advantage is a real concern. The ANC must, therefore, be vigilant in preserving and promoting its historical narrative, ensuring that it remains the custodian of its own legacy.
In conclusion, the ANC stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to redefine itself and reassert its relevance in a changing political landscape. This requires not only a strategic and tactical shift but also a reaffirmation of the values and principles that have guided the movement for over a century. By embracing this challenge, the ANC can continue to be a powerful force for positive change in South Africa, ensuring that it remains a movement of the people, for the people.
This is the moment for the ANC to demonstrate its capacity for renewal and adaptation, ensuring that it can meet the needs of a new generation of South Africans while staying true to its revolutionary roots.
KHAYA NGEMA
ReplyDeleteI would imagine that it's important to decide whether the question we are responding to is : 'how to keep the ANC in power' or 'how to attain and mobilise all levers of power, including state power, to change society, to remove the deep generational inequalities, as well as to grow the economy speedily and sufficiently to provide an adequate quality of life for all its citizens'
If we agree that it is not sustainable to have a political economy in which almost half the population are unemployed (and almost two thirds of young people), and which has the highest rate of inequality in the world, then the question of what type of political movement do we need is not a matter of nomenclature (don't say you are revolutionary) or political fashion (people are no longer left leaning, they are liberal)
Surely defining the ANC as a 'disciplined force of the left' premised on the Freedom Charter is really about how we have understood the challenges we are responding to, and what king of organisation can best respond to that. The quality of the political and economic ideas matter, to deal with these issues properly, it's not simply a question of 'dealing with bread and butter issues'
Then the question becomes how to become that kind of organisation, and which leadership collectives at regional, provincial, and national levels helps us best
Of course if the starting point is who has the most cash to share, and such, we will always lose the leadership question
Having answered the question of what kind of organisation, then we contest in the political arena, and we compete with all kinds of forces. And of course we want to be best positioned as much as we can
But seems to me, if we have already lost the substance of who we are in the first place, then it's simply a game of 'political chicanery', then it's about who wants power and influence the most, whether through ANC, through EFF, through MKP or whatever. The only thing is that that whole establishment is unsustainable, because the underlying structural contradiction remains
Roy MSIZA
ReplyDeleteYour reflections capture the essence of a critical debate that the ANC must urgently engage with. The core question isn't merely about retaining power but about fundamentally transforming society to address the deep-seated issues of inequality, unemployment, and economic stagnation. The ANC's identity as a "disciplined force of the left" rooted in the Freedom Charter is not just a label but a commitment to specific ideological and practical objectives.
1. Ideological Clarity and Substance:
- The ANC must reaffirm its commitment to its historical mission as articulated in the Freedom Charter and the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). This involves a clear understanding that the party is not just any political vehicle but one that must pursue social and economic transformation, challenging the structural inequalities embedded in South Africa's political economy.
2. Leadership and Organizational Integrity:
- The question of leadership should not be reduced to who has the most resources or influence, but who is most committed to the ANC's values and capable of guiding the party through complex challenges. Leadership collectives at every level should be evaluated on their ideological commitment, ability to mobilize the masses, and their integrity in upholding the party’s mission.
3. Addressing Structural Contradictions:
- It's essential to acknowledge and address the structural contradictions in the economy, such as high unemployment and inequality. The ANC needs to focus on creating policies that not only provide immediate relief to the population but also tackle these issues at their roots. This requires innovative economic thinking and political will to drive through necessary reforms.
4. Political Education and Mobilization:
- The ANC must invest in political education to ensure that its members and supporters understand the party's objectives and the complexities of the socio-economic issues at hand. This education should foster a deeper commitment to the principles of the NDR and equip cadres to articulate and implement policies that reflect these principles.
5. Strategic Positioning:
- Competing in the political arena requires strategic positioning, but this must be grounded in the ANC's core mission. The party must articulate a clear and compelling vision for South Africa’s future, one that resonates with the electorate and distinguishes the ANC from other political forces. This vision should be rooted in practical policies that address the lived realities of South Africans while remaining true to the party's ideological commitments.
Possible Solutions:
Recommit to the Freedom Charter and ND: Ensure that every policy and action taken by the ANC is aligned with these guiding documents.
Revitalize the Branches:
Branches should be centers of political education, discussion, and action, not merely structures for mobilization during elections.
Leadership Development:
Establish rigorous programs to identify and develop leaders who are ideologically sound, capable of critical thinking, and committed to the ANC’s transformational goals.
Economic Innovation:
Develop and implement economic policies that go beyond traditional approaches, focusing on job creation, reducing inequality, and fostering inclusive growth.
Civic Engagement:
Strengthen the relationship between the ANC and the communities it serves, ensuring that the party remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
The ANC must redefine its role not just as a ruling party but as a transformative movement committed to the deep and necessary changes that will secure a better future for all South Africans. This will require courage, discipline, and a recommitment to the ideals that have historically driven the ANC forward.