THERE is no question that we need a strong opposition to enhance our democracy.
History has proven that a ruling party, especially a former liberation movement, which stays in power too long poses a threat to the very people it leads.
The news that opposition parties are in talks to form an alliance before the local government elections is not surprising. The DA's Helen Zille has indicated that a coalition is the way to go.
But why was the IFP not invited to the meeting? Was it deliberate or just a slip up? I think the former. But the IFP has indicated that it is not interested. It said it had crossed that bridge before and it didn't work. Once bitten, twice shy?
That said, it would be unfair to use the IFP's experience as a barometer of the planned alliance, though the opposition has the right to learn from that experience.
Would a coalition pose a serious threat to the ANC in the elections? Definitely not . Though communities are up in arms about the lack of service delivery, the ANC will win the 2010 elections convincingly.
The alliance lacks credibility in the eyes of voters. It is seen as ganging up on a liberation movement the masses hold dear.
A coalition will also bring their baggage to the marriage, which will work against them . And who will lead it ? Zille seems the obvious choice because her party is the official opposition.
And their policies? A coalition has more problems than benefits. For instance, if Zille leads it will be seen as serving the interests of minorities (read whites). If it fails, how will it shed the stigma? But we won't blame them for trying.
Thabile Mange, Gauteng
Opposition coalition no threat to ANC
THERE is no question that we need a strong opposition to enhance our democracy.
History has proven that a ruling party, especially a former liberation movement, which stays in power too long poses a threat to the very people it leads.
The news that opposition parties are in talks to form an alliance before the local government elections is not surprising. The DA's Helen Zille has indicated that a coalition is the way to go.
But why was the IFP not invited to the meeting? Was it deliberate or just a slip up? I think the former. But the IFP has indicated that it is not interested. It said it had crossed that bridge before and it didn't work. Once bitten, twice shy?
That said, it would be unfair to use the IFP's experience as a barometer of the planned alliance, though the opposition has the right to learn from that experience.
Would a coalition pose a serious threat to the ANC in the elections? Definitely not . Though communities are up in arms about the lack of service delivery, the ANC will win the 2010 elections convincingly.
The alliance lacks credibility in the eyes of voters. It is seen as ganging up on a liberation movement the masses hold dear.
A coalition will also bring their baggage to the marriage, which will work against them . And who will lead it ? Zille seems the obvious choice because her party is the official opposition.
And their policies? A coalition has more problems than benefits. For instance, if Zille leads it will be seen as serving the interests of minorities (read whites). If it fails, how will it shed the stigma? But we won't blame them for trying.
Thabile Mange, Gauteng
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