ANC Agenda, Defend Zuma

If there is one magical fact only a few of us can deny, is that at some point in our lives, we were/still are supporters of the ANC, either staunch and passionate or simply just for the ANC. We revered, respected and honoured those who led it, and in the same spirit held with great regard what the ANC was. Fortunately, much of what it was has not died out yet, but from a short distance it isn't very clear either, it looks faded. What this means is that the ANC no longer reflects what it used to be, and therefore cannot be reflective of what its objectives were before assuming power in 1994. 

It used to be an organisation of character, it attracted individuals with great leadership qualities, and was about empowering others before anything else. Much of this rare breed has not yet died out either, however, what is alarming is that it could be what remains of what was once a great movement. The generation that made the ANC what it was then, is what remains and possibly what still holds the centre. More so, the credibility and integrity of the organisation appears to be on a downward spiral. From inception, the ANC was associated with chiefs, intellectuals, educationalists and the like. And this crop of leaders inspired confidence and hope in the lives of thousands of South Africans across all racial lines. Today the ANC, although still popular amongst the majority of South Africans, is somewhat a shadow of its original self. 

The primary reason for this is one, the organisation has adopted a new agenda; Defend Zuma, whatever the cost! This character has not only compromised the integrity of the organisation, but has tainted its image so much that people who were once very much a part of its lively soul find themselves out in the wilderness and throwing their weight behind opposition organisations if not always criticising it. Essentially, the ANC has developed a shabby outlook, its priorities are gradually changing shape, and the man who is supposed to be leading it is forever involved in scandals, forcing the very organisation he is leading to come out barking in his defence all the time.

The rape and corruption charges brought against him prior to his ascendency to the position of State President (though not found guilty), the alleged use of taxpayer's money to build a multi-million rand compound in Nkandla and the Guptagate scandal, just to mention a few. Most of us would like to play blind to this unpleasant fact, but all of these and many others have contributed in one way or another to the growing uncertainty around whether the ANC is still the organisation to lead us into the battle for economic freedom, the land question, unemployment and inequality. This battle is no longer between the general population of this country and the ANC, but between South Africans and the man at the top of the ANC's agenda. He is becoming unpopular with every day that comes to pass, and like in 2009, it is inevitable that the ANC will experience a decline in votes. 

This is not to discredit the ANC, or to suggest that it has failed to deliver on its promises to South Africans. But to remind those responsible for its survival not to play with what is most valuable to it; IT'S INTEGRITY. The masses may appreciate the development already in place, but where development seizes to exist, the face of the provider must serve as a symbol of hope to those living in despair. It is a well-known phenomenon in the townships, particularly among young attractive females, that regardless of how smart and beautiful you may be, if you become too popular, notorious and happen to sleep with almost every man who comes your way simply because he can afford to buy you drinks at the shebeens, your value depreciates drastically. 

My advice to the ANC: Don't be that  girl! Yours should be to restore and preserve the dignity  and credibility of the organisation and not defend those who continuously compromise it. ANC needs saving, and that is what should be at the top of the agenda.