I haven’t registered to vote in the 2011 municipal elections. There- I’ve said it!
Here’s the thing: I haven’t registered which means I can’t vote. If I don’t vote, it means I don’t have a say in the running of the municipal area I live in. And what really irks me is that the statistics will count me as another apathetic member of civil society. Dear Jacob Zuma and the Independent Electoral Commission, am I apathetic if I don’t have a party which represents my interests?
In order of preference:
Cope: I think we can close the coffin; the sight and stench of a dead corps is unbearable. Even the media is bored of reporting on the he said- he said fiasco. Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota we appreciate your 8 years in prison in aid of a free South Africa. Your work in the United Democratic Front as well as the ANC remains admirable. The same sentiments go towards Mbhazima Shilowa and Lynda Odendaal. Many of us had hoped Cope was going to bring together a fragmented opposition atmosphere. Alas, they have followed the protocol of many break- away parties: how to fail before the next elections.
DA: To be honest, I have nothing against the Democratic Alliance. They are doing their part in demanding decisive action from President Jacob Zuma. DA policy places job creation and economic growth as a top priority. They have built a reputation around transparency and accountability and lets face it, Helen Zilla is a Cougar (without a cub). However, even in politics, I like the idea of women representing women. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma (Minster of Home Affairs), Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya (Former Minister of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities) and Edna Molewa (Former Minister of Social Development) are a few names that come to mind as an example of this. I do understand that women in politics have the constant pressure of balancing the masculine rules of the game whilst representing and transforming gender rights and equality.
ANC: Lunch is at 13.00, where’s my food parcel? No seriously, if there’s a cheese platter, some cranberry tea, BBQ chicken wings and some roasted vegetables tossed in rosemary and olive oil- I might just change my mind. Firstly, I was crushed when Mbeki was ousted from power after the Polokwane conference in 2008. I watched Mbeki transfer his powers through a handshake to a dancer/ singer wearing a brown leather jacket (Ntate Zuma). Secondly, I hate the Socialist façade. The fraud, bribery, abolishment of the Scorpions and wasteful expenditure on conferences, cars and luxury hotels kind of gives you away guys! Lastly, thank you to Gwede Mantashe for clearing up that eating sushi off a model is “politically incorrect”. I think a lot of us weren’t sure, I personally thought of hosting a R700 000 party and inviting some businessmen and socialites to eat sushi off my chest.
Is it worth debating and unpacking the relevance of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Independent Democrats, Freedom Front Plus and other such registered political parties? Ag shame, I guess we can be proud that we have a multi-party political system. In the mean while, I'm looking for a party that will represent my interests.
PS. The State of the Nation Address is taking place tonight at 7pm
DA: To be honest, I have nothing against the Democratic Alliance. They are doing their part in demanding decisive action from President Jacob Zuma. DA policy places job creation and economic growth as a top priority. They have built a reputation around transparency and accountability and lets face it, Helen Zilla is a Cougar (without a cub). However, even in politics, I like the idea of women representing women. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma (Minster of Home Affairs), Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya (Former Minister of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities) and Edna Molewa (Former Minister of Social Development) are a few names that come to mind as an example of this. I do understand that women in politics have the constant pressure of balancing the masculine rules of the game whilst representing and transforming gender rights and equality.
ANC: Lunch is at 13.00, where’s my food parcel? No seriously, if there’s a cheese platter, some cranberry tea, BBQ chicken wings and some roasted vegetables tossed in rosemary and olive oil- I might just change my mind. Firstly, I was crushed when Mbeki was ousted from power after the Polokwane conference in 2008. I watched Mbeki transfer his powers through a handshake to a dancer/ singer wearing a brown leather jacket (Ntate Zuma). Secondly, I hate the Socialist façade. The fraud, bribery, abolishment of the Scorpions and wasteful expenditure on conferences, cars and luxury hotels kind of gives you away guys! Lastly, thank you to Gwede Mantashe for clearing up that eating sushi off a model is “politically incorrect”. I think a lot of us weren’t sure, I personally thought of hosting a R700 000 party and inviting some businessmen and socialites to eat sushi off my chest.
Is it worth debating and unpacking the relevance of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Independent Democrats, Freedom Front Plus and other such registered political parties? Ag shame, I guess we can be proud that we have a multi-party political system. In the mean while, I'm looking for a party that will represent my interests.
PS. The State of the Nation Address is taking place tonight at 7pm
Love it! First read & I'm hooked girlfriend - wish we were still rooming in the same dorp, that way we could have fiery middle class debates, i.e: the MCC affliction I like to call 'Cafe Graduation' - the phenomenon whereby first Jacobs, and then any old plunger coffee will no londer do. Vida, Illy, Seattle, please! Will think of more - you know I'm riddled with them.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I hope to be the owner of a Russell Hobbes coffee- maker asap and I've started rolling my eyes at people who can't drink coffee past noon! Perhaps I can link it to the Fairtrade coffee debate. Keep the MCCs coming!
ReplyDeleteLove this :) witty, laugh-a-minute and poignant. *high 5 friend*
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