The ANC conference displayed a clear image of people who base their decisions on emotions rather than reasoning and intellect.
The ANC conference displayed a clear image of people who base their decisions on emotions rather than reasoning and intellect.
The two centres of power will now be in operation and such a structure is most likely to impact badly on service delivery.
Leaders are likely to be consumed in party politics and unity leading to national elections in 2009. One keeps on coming across comments such as "the people have spoken", suggesting Jacob Zuma was voted into the ANC presidency by all citizens instead of the ANC branches.
One disturbing aspect about our democracy is that regardless of the outstanding flaws in the ANC-led government, people still feel obliged to vote for the ANC in national elections. One cannot dispute people's choices but such loyalty is likely to backfire.
The word on everybody's lips is change but talk will always be cheap. Change will be due to people standing up to those who lead the country.
It remains to be seen whether we will see a transformed ANC during Zuma's tenure. Such transformation would be a major but welcomed surprise considering the incumbent's infamous track record.
One would not go as far as predicting doom for the ANC, though the thuggish behaviour of delegates in Polokwane gave an indication that Zuma's followers will not tolerate any criticism directed at their leader.
Lwazi Stuurman, East London
Loyalty is bound to backfire
The ANC conference displayed a clear image of people who base their decisions on emotions rather than reasoning and intellect.
The ANC conference displayed a clear image of people who base their decisions on emotions rather than reasoning and intellect.
The two centres of power will now be in operation and such a structure is most likely to impact badly on service delivery.
Leaders are likely to be consumed in party politics and unity leading to national elections in 2009. One keeps on coming across comments such as "the people have spoken", suggesting Jacob Zuma was voted into the ANC presidency by all citizens instead of the ANC branches.
One disturbing aspect about our democracy is that regardless of the outstanding flaws in the ANC-led government, people still feel obliged to vote for the ANC in national elections. One cannot dispute people's choices but such loyalty is likely to backfire.
The word on everybody's lips is change but talk will always be cheap. Change will be due to people standing up to those who lead the country.
It remains to be seen whether we will see a transformed ANC during Zuma's tenure. Such transformation would be a major but welcomed surprise considering the incumbent's infamous track record.
One would not go as far as predicting doom for the ANC, though the thuggish behaviour of delegates in Polokwane gave an indication that Zuma's followers will not tolerate any criticism directed at their leader.
Lwazi Stuurman, East London