I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with a political party for gays and lesbians in this country.

I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with a political party for gays and lesbians in this country.

After all, ours is a democratic country and anyone is at liberty to do as they please.

Twelve years into our democracy, our country is still without an effective opposition.

This situation gives the ruling party a licence to do as it pleases and disregard the wishes of the people. It's sad that our opposition parties are failing to persuade the voters, who are gatvol with poor service delivery and politicians who are engaged in self-enrichment, to vote for them.

Thursday's signing into law of the Civil Union Bill has angered many people. The ANC is aware of the people's feelings, but it went ahead and passed thecontroversial law any way.

If the voters had a choice they would punish the ANC by not voting for it again in the next elections for legalising same-sex marriages.

Unfortunately, voters are stuck with the liberation movement that is fast turning against the masses it liberated.

One of the challenges we face is the lack of public participation in decision-making processes.

Many people feel let down by the ANC. They never thought their liberators would turn to their oppressors.

So if our democracy is to survive, we need an effective opposition party that will challenge the ruling party. Otherwise, we'll be another Zimbabwe soon.

Thabile Mange, Johannesburg