Sometimes it is easy to get negative about South Africa, but there are times when I am reminded why this country is still worth it. Last week, a few days before the election as I was driving back to Johannesburg I saw many signs that democracy in South Africa is still alive and well. On the radio, various political issues were hotly debated, meanwhile outside every single public space seemed to be covered with political posters, even the occasional car or pedestrian were sporting political slogans! People everywhere from wealthy suburbanites to cleaners and security at the university could be heard discussing political issues: as I drove into campus I could hear two security guards loudly debating the merits of their favoured candidate.
When Wednesday, Election day, finally dawned there was an universal sense of excitement in the air. Voter turnout was extremely high, yet the election process itself went smoothly for the most part, and queues moved quickly. People seemed proud to vote, and I was proud to cast my vote too. When the final results were released today, the ruling party had, as expected won a massive percentage of the vote, despite the many mistakes and scandals of recent years. For the moment however I do not feel negative about it, I may not agree with the results but it is clear that everybody took their vote and their right to free speech very, very seriously. That is not a sign of a democracy in trouble! In a few months the euphoria will have worn off and it will be back to negativity again. But for now I am enjoying the festive spirit that seems to be in the air.
Comments (7)
First!
This post makes me wonder what my CPS teacher would say about democracy in South Africa--it's a shame we're not getting to study your country this year. She is extremely skeptical about democracies anywhere. Anyway, even if your choice didn't have much chance at winning, at least you went out and voted. I'm glad you still feel South Africa is "worth it."
I'm glad you feel its worth it too. I've read criticism and jokes about the elections in the (western) media but I'm happy to have read what you had to say about them.
The political process is wonderful when it works.
*sigh* I miss you...
Come back!!
Hello Francois,
You made your site simple yet elegant.
Now is a good time to learn about the true God, Jehovah and His plans for us. "On that day of judgment," says the LORD, "I will punish the leaders... and all those following pagan customs." (Zephaniah 1:8) (New Living Translation)