More than ever before, South Africa needs decisive Leadership.

Author: Manganyi Mbhoni Witness

Please note: This was written from a personal point of view with structured, disciplined and logical common sense. Either accept it or ignore it

Dr Mamphela Ramphela, an anti-apartheid activist and co-founder of South Africa’s black conscious movement, has proclaimed the formation of a new political platform to take on the ANC, COPE, PAC, IFP, FF, AZAPO, UDM etc. The initiative was launched under the name of Agang, which can be interpreted in English as "Build".

Studying societies and government holistically is a very daunting task; it requires a great deal of time, time to observe human behaviour and time to interview members of various societies. Mamphela and her team will be using the political platform to mobilise people in different communities; in her eulogy, she indicated that "the ruling party is practicing corruption, thwarting democracy and abusing power". However, others can argue that; since she is accusing the ruling party of corruption, when did she come to a conclusion that indeed the ANC is practicing corruption and what did she do to ensure that such penchant is jeopardised? The ruling party is led by arrogant people who reckon that constructive criticism is political jealousy; they hardly take other people’s ideas because they surmise that theirs are always the preeminent.

Mamphela mentioned that Agang ought to tackle challenges in education, economy and electoral system. We have a failed education system, we have a failed health system, we have a failed safety and security system. People rely on private security because our police and law enforcement system is not working. We have crumbling infrastructure, both socially and physically. And we have an economy that is not taking opportunities for the majority of young people, that in itself is a sign of failure and yet we got the governing party very confident that they win the next election. I mean no democracy with that track record is expected to win seats in a parliament. Proportionality electoral system led SA to have coalition government, which in turn lead to legislative gridlock and consequent inability to carry out coherent policies. Hence, it should be changed.

Having said that; for ANC spokesperson to go on public and say that Mamphela Ramphela is a disappointment is like disappointment saying disappointment and political jealousy at its best. However; some folks can dispute that she would be have been more powerful and convincing if she joined an opposing party. Her strength would have boosting any of the opposition parties, not starting her own political platform. No, we lack effective leadership that can dispel confusion, corruption and disconnection by demonstrating authenticity and building a foundation of trust. What we have is plenty of demagogues that ought to enrich their own selves; it is bliss that Mamphela introduced something new because she is capable of changing SA for the better.

Others think that the new political platform will not bring anything new. I vary enormous, instead; Agang is going to strike a chard and will introduce something new into SA system. I personally think that South Africa desperately needs leaders who aren't afraid of the discomfort that is required of leadership and do the job of putting the needs of others first, not their own selfish interests. More than ever before, South Africa needs decisive Leadership. I feel the lack of constituency could affect the formal build-up and whether or not it will sustain longevity or just die out after the momentum fades; the timing of her decision is enough to build social currency. She brings a hope which is desperately needed amongst our people. Not only to keep the ANC on their toes but to make people believe in reformation again.