The big lesson of 2011: colonialism is very alive and vicious
THE year 2011 was a dramatic year. On the world front we saw regime changes in most parts of North Africa through the so- called Arab Spring revolts.
We saw how desire for liberation turned into a mechanism for imperial control. Egypt was perhaps the most emphatic example of people's power going wrong.
We will never forget how two million protesters faced up to the Hosni Mubarak dictatorship and won - only to return power to the same dictatorial army that had repressed the people for so long.
Currently there is a stand-off in Egypt between protesters, the army and impatient politicians who want to install a democracy for elites like we have had in our country.
Muammar Gaddafi's public murder after being bombed by Nato is a clear indication that imperialism is lethal.
In the coming years the story of Libya will unfold in sorrow that is going to follow and poverty unknown under Gaddafi's rule.
The US and France are set to have a major influence over the spoils of Libyan wealth. There will be elections and a new native elite will be the managers of the new colonialism and the people will suffer.
Alternatively, the country will be destabilised through tribal wars to facilitate plunder.
Libya shows that people want both bread and freedom. Gaddafi gave them bread and denied them freedom.
The big lesson for 2011 is that imperialism is alive and vicious. The second lesson is that resistance against injustice can be turned into an instrument of self-disempowerment.
This means those who desire real change must not make haste to approve of protests, we must ask the question, protest for what? From now on all protesters and resisters need to clarify their objectives or be swept by imperial interest into serving evil by default.
That is why even the so-called "occupy" movement needs to be questioned about its objectives. Right now they only want a capitalism with a human face.
This will not resolve the problems of the poor.
This questioning is also true for service delivery protests in South Africa.
If we cast our eyes beyond the ongoing tender wars in the ANC, which are manifested as leadership struggles, we see the figure of Andries Tatane on the cross.
We must not forget how this man was publicly executed for demanding water.
Tatane's blood flowed so that we may free ourselves from the illusion that the ANC can deliver us from the ravages of systematic impoverishment of blacks.
As we know democracy has meant that the new leadership in power gets a tender, the majority are rendered powerless.
What were missing in the past year were strong and workable solutions. Unfortunately our communists are capitalists.
The only practical idea worth pursuing this year is the September National Imbizo's campaign, which says politicians and public servants must be compelled by law to use public services.
Imagine what the quality of our public education would be the day our ministers and directors-general are forced to take their children to public schools. Imagine how quickly our hospitals would be improved.
Yes, 2012 must be a year of service to the people!
candilious
Yes, 2012 must be a year of service to the people!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
And next year and the year after that ,who the hell are you fooling
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candilious
This means those who desire real change must not make haste to approve of protests, we must ask the question, protest for what? From now on all protesters and resisters need to clarify their objectives or be swept by imperial interest into serving evil by defaultWell said Andile Mngxitama - Only if ANC can come out and smell the possibilities really
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4biko
If only a change in calender meant a change in people attitude. Unfortunately that is not true. We will continue on a downward spiral....Report Abuse
tabadiametwa
Nice article Andile, unfortunately it is directed at the wrong crowd. Arabs might heed your call to start revolting and demanding better service delivery, but black South Africans!Just take a look at the stadium were the celebrations were held, fools filled the stands, the same fools who in two months time will be murdered by police for demanding bettter service delivery. I bet if this Tatane fellow was alive, he would have attended this stupid, money waisting celebrations.
Everytime i see a needy person ko mshengovilles, i see them wearing the ANC t-shirts, they deserve what they are voting for. tsek.
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mnngwenya
"politicians and public servants must be compelled by law to use public services." Results:Loss of skills in the public sector,
Acceleration of Looting (so as to get out fast)
More CORRUPTION (Who will enforce this law? people or machines?)
etc
How about jus reducing their salaries so that they can't afford bettter than the average
and enforce anti-corruption bust units. Make sure examples set.
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ncokazbe
"We must not forget how this man was publicly executed for demanding water" - that was unforgivable, that was inhumane, I thinks those lunatics are the ones deserving lethal injections instead of Nolubabalo( the Grahamstown girl) and sundry, good article Andile, keep it up boeta...Report Abuse
Tasto
@Andile, impatient politicians who want to install a democracy for elites like we have had in our country.Be careful sonny !!
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langman
I dont know who to vote for , I have been voting for ANC all this time , but next ellections I dont think I will stand for FIVE HOURS in the que again for what?Report Abuse