Is South Africa heading towards a communist revolution?

Early in the 20^th century, autocratic Russia headed to a draw-out and violent revolution, ultimately resulting in a government that was the polar opposite of the system before. While South Africa's current situation may not be even slightly similar to that autocratic system, there are many parallels that can be drawn between the two.

The ANC, and most of it's senior members were allies of Cuba, China, and Russia during Apartheid. These Communist countries strongly opposed the capitalist and suppressive system that existed in South Africa at the time, leading to their support for the struggle against that system. During this period, many ANC (and other) opposition leaders were trained in Communist ideals and tactics, ultimately resulting a very left-orientated.

Trade-unions are given complete freedom and considerable power, resulting in prolonged and regular strikes by millions of people. The fact that COSATU and the SACP are included in an alliance that strongly promotes socialist ideals is an indication that Communism lurks around the political corner. The recent Protection of Information bill, the media tribunal, and the proposed nationalization of mines highlight this stance and the possible future for South Africans.

But is this socialist stance relevant for the new South Africa? On the surface, it may appear to be the right way to go – millions of jobless, uneducated people are suddenly relevant at the end of Apartheid; socialism seams to fit this kind of system. But there is another side to this story. Only 10%-15% of the total population regularly pay taxes, meaning that this 10%-15% must support the other 85%. The question then becomes, is this possible? Countries such as the USA and Britain can afford to provide free healthcare, education, and compulsory insurance because most of that population pays taxes. Shouldn't South Africa rather focus on promoting business, entrepreneurship, and investment, thereby enriching the country as a whole.

Related: ANC (wiki), Russian revolution (wiki), Info bill

Cabinet Reshuffle

The biggest news of this week must be the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Jacob Zuma. Seven ministers were replaced in the reshuffle, including (alleged) corrupt Communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda. Nyanda was accused by his former director general, Mamodupi Mohlala, of tender irregularities of R70-million, which Nyanda denied with outrage.

This seems to be a clear move towards routing out corruption in the upper echelons of government. More steps toward this end could very much be taken, such as the formation of an effective and powerful anti-corruption investigative unit. Such a unit should have the power and resources to investigate anyone in government without interference, prosecute those people they deem to be corrupt, and ensure that they no longer work for the people.

Another major change in Cabinet was the appointment of former ANCYL Presidents Fikile Mbalula and Malusi Gigaba as Minister of Sports and Minister of Public Enterprises respectively. This seems to indicate that Julius Malema's constant whinging and stomping has not been ignored. During the NGC meeting earlier this year, the two major points that Malema pushed for were the nationalisation of mines and the inclusion of former ANCYL presidents in government.

Although Malema was severely rebuked by Zuma on several points, he was also granted some concessions (either to calm him down and prevent a repeat of the Zuma/Mbeki breakdown, or for legitimate reasons) on his policies. Evidently, Zuma is giving him further concessions in granting Malema one of those wishes.

Is this the right move? Are these the right people for the posts, or is Zuma just trying to please everyone?

Related stories: ANCYL praise, Nyanda corruption, Cabinet reshuffle, DA calls for changes, Malema in trouble again

Welcome!

Welcome to South Africa Now! This blog is a repository for opinions on the current state of South African politics, society, economy, and anything that affects the citizens of the country.

It is meant to fight the one thing that can destroy this unique and extraordinary country – apathy. The indifference of people towards political policies, corruption, poor management, greed, and generally poor governance leads directly and inexorably towards the complete deterioration and eventual destruction of everything we hold dear. As Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”.

However, there are a few out there that fight this apathy in their own way and with their own weapons. Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Walter Sisulu are a few that come to mind. Freedom fighters brought down one of the most tyrannical regimes of our time with a simple tool that we can all wield; information. By making the world aware of the gross human-rights violations that took place on a daily basis, they ensured that Apartheid and the people that promoted it would eventually implode.

In the same way, we can fight those people that seek to enrich themselves, and fail entirely to improve the situation of the citizens they swore to save several decades ago.

Here, you will be informed of news and opinions that may affect the way you see those people, and hopefully will inspire you and many other people to take what action you can.