A total of 48 political parties contested the general election in 2019.
This was a record high, perhaps indicating at the very least a diverse set of interests that some believe can only be served through attaining political power.
Critically, this number indicates a much broader and perpetual search for viable alternatives to the political status quo. Objective performance indicators point to the fact that the ANC has spectacularly failed to govern this country.
It is also widely accepted that the party has a credibility crisis, which is arguably the reason why many who would otherwise support it, instead choose to boycott polls.
Since the last vote, a number of political parties and formations looking to contest next year’s election have been established – the latest being Rise Mzansi, launched this week and led by former editor Songezo Zibi.
Zibi is an established professional, commentator and thought leader who enjoys confidence in some quarters of our population.
But the formation of his party was met with a level of scepticism, which is a familiar and even justifiable response by those who believe that, like many times before, the formation of yet another party – no matter its promise – is unlikely to bring a significant shift to our political landscape.
In fact, some go further to argue that the latest entrants to the political arena, including Bongani Baloyi’s Xiluva and Mmusi Maimane’s Bosa, are so similar in posture and that any nuanced differences between them are insignificant to ordinary citizens and, therefore, do not justify their fragmented approach to the polls.
This argument is not without merit.
However, we believe that the most fundamental challenge of our politics is not necessarily the fragmentation of political players but the quality of the leaders who drive their decision making.
The never-ending madness unfolding in the coalition governments in our metros underscores this.
Second, our challenge is that although we as a population are vibrantly engaged and hold strong views on matters of public debate, we are often disengaged where it matters the most – at the ballot box.
The sooner we grapple with the fact that there will be no messiah to come and save our nation, the sooner we will take up our responsibility to influence a much higher quality of leadership in our body politic and hopefully, a much more accountable and efficient government.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.