Good for SA, good for the region
Mmegi Editor | Tuesday May 12, 2015 15:05
Coming from a nondescript background – growing up in Kagiso on the West Rand – Maimane represents a refreshing break from the typical African political leader, who in most cases is advanced in years. The ‘Rainbow Nation’ could just have caught its second wind. From the heady days following independence in 1994, reality soon set in, in our neighbour as the government there took in the scale of a historically skewed socio-economic challenge.
Expectations were high, even unrealistic, and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) soon found itself falling out of favour with some of its previously most hardened supporters.
Justly or unjustly, the crescendo of criticism has risen against the ANC’s performance since independence and the absence of a credible opposition has only alienated some of the aggrieved or increased political apathy.
While splinter ANC breakaways have emerged over the years, the DA since 1999, represented the only credible opposition to the ANC and the best chance for a fully representative multiparty democracy. However, whatever its ideology and branding, the DA has never been able to shake its image as a ‘white party’, a weakness that has severely impacted on its ability to campaign effectively nationally and more importantly, contribute to the sustenance of a politically pluralistic democracy.
Maimane, in this respect, represents the Rainbow Nation’s best chance at a second wind, an opportunity to breathe life into the socio-political spectrum, challenge the status quo of the development agenda and usher in an era of robust national debate where race is eliminated as a factor.
Despite his youth, Maimane’s performance since his first appearance in the limelight in 2011, has been stellar and strongly reminiscent of both Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama’s own careers.
The young leader echoes both Mandela and Obama in his eloquence, delivery and charisma as well as his ability to unite views across divides.
Indeed, Maimane’s election is good for South African politics and in that respect, it is also good for the region, given the precarious economic balances therein.
Maimane is an inspiration and hopefully, the first in a fresh wave of youthful African leaders who can be given the benefit of the doubt, just like the Nyereres Kaundas, Mandelas, Mugabes and others were accorded in year’s past.
Today’s thought
“In a free society every person has the power to improve their lives, because freedom means nothing without opportunities. Every citizen must be given a chance to be the best they can be.”
-Mmusi Maimane