Kay Sexwale
With critical elections -being held in a few days the political landscape is rife with speculation and uncertainty.
A highly debated issue is the possibility of the ANC entering into a coalition with the DA in the unlikely event that the ANC falls below 50% of the vote.
This potential alliance while making sense to those interested in attaining and maintaining governance by any means necessary, is a betrayal of the ANC’s base and principles.
The ANC must publicly reject this idea before the elections so that it can remain credible to its supporters. Founded in 1912, it was at the forefront of the liberation movement against apartheid. Its policies and ethos are associated with constructive social reforms, economic emancipation, and the upliftment of the black majority.
On the other hand, the DA defends the rights of the privileged, mainly the white population of South Africa, and advances policies of neoliberalism that are in sharp contrast to the ANC’s policy of redistribution of wealth.
The most fundamental policies of these two parties are in diametric opposition to each other. The majority of ANC voters have faced a lifetime of socio-economic challenges and voted for a party promising to deliver radical economic transformation and a more equal society. To align with the DA which most consider to be a clear antithesis of these objectives would be a blatant betrayal of trust.
Entering a coalition with an unprincipled DA is counterproductive for the much-needed democratic values that the ANC espouses. As voters, we choose our preferred candidates based on party positions and values. It would be highly regressive for the ANC to entertain the idea of entering into a partnership with its antithesis.
Democracy is about respecting people’s choices. Party leaders should not blur clear distinctions that voters rely on to make informed decisions. We simply cannot allow an erosion of the core principles of a representative democracy.
An alliance between these two parties will most definitely foster disillusionment and anger among the electorate, who will feel that their votes have been rendered meaningless. Voter turnout is already a concern and further disillusionment could weaken democratic participation, particularly among the youth who are somewhat suspicious of the political process.
Concerning policy and particularly if an alliance with the DA is power sharing arrangement, unacceptable compromises would have been made, thus diluting the ANC’s transformation agenda. The DA’s neoliberal economic outlook, which emphasises deregulation, privatisation and austerity, would clash with the ANC’s policies aimed at state intervention, public sector growth and redistribution of wealth. Such a coalition will most certainly result in watered down policies that fail to address the systemic issues of poverty, unemployment and inequality created during hundreds of years of colonialism and nearly a half century of systemic apartheid.
A critical issue for many of the ANC’s supporters is its commitment to land reform, which will most certainly be compromised in a coalition government. The DA’s position on land reform, which emphasises market-based solutions, contrasts sharply with the ANC’s more interventionist approach.
Any dilution of the ANC’s stance will certainly alienate its voter base, particularly economically disadvantaged communities who see land reform as a crucial step towards justice and empowerment.
For a decisive victory, the ANC must prevent further speculation and potential voter disillusionment and must communicate a clear and unapologetic stand against any coalition with the DA. By so doing, it will affirm its commitment to its core values and the aspirations of its supporters. Such a stance would also reinforce the ANC’s credibility and integrity, crucial factors in maintaining public trust and confidence.
This will allow voters of both parties to make informed decisions based on a clear understanding of each party’s intentions and commitments. It would also ensure that the elections are fought on genuine issues and policies rather than on speculative alliances.
In these precarious times, the ANC stands at a crossroads. The allure of a coalition with the DA might seem like a pragmatic solution to some to retain power but it would be a profound betrayal of its historical mission. The ANC must reject this path and reaffirm its dedication to its historical principles and the majority it represents.
By publicly denouncing any potential coalition with the DA, it can uphold the integrity of our democracy and honour the trust placed in it by millions.
- Sexwale is a communications consultant and social commentator
