Before I start, I want to make it clear that I am neither anti-democracy nor pro-communism. In my opinion, communism is just a theory and should remain as such, as it is impossible to implement effectively given human nature. Pure democracy, as seen in Switzerland, is also a pipe dream. With that said, let’s dive in.
Everyone loves to have a choice (in theory)
While I was out buying groceries at one of Europe’s biggest supermarket chains, my mind started to wander as I considered why they are so successful.
I am indeed an expat Saffa living in Europe, like many other South Africans. I’m one of those Saffas who doesn’t think South Africa is a complete shit-hole and believes our country has a lot of potential. But that’s a story for another day.
Anyway, back to my thoughts as I pushed my shopping cart. European supermarkets are quite different from what we’re used to. There aren’t many options available for each item they sell. Let’s say, for argument’s sake, you want some canned tomatoes. You can either get their house brand or something more premium. That’s it. In Checkers, for example, they would stock 20 different brands and types of canned tomatoes. The sheer number of options is exhausting and makes the shopping trip take 10 times longer than it should. In European supermarkets, you won’t find Chakalaka-flavoured canned tomatoes or other exotic shit like that. Europeans focus on offering just what you need (canned tomatoes), and if you want something more specific, you need to make it yourself. Is that a bad thing? No. Is it inconvenient? Well, sometimes, yes. Long story short, sell the right items at a good price and give customers what they need. Yes, less is indeed more.
Now back to the real topic at hand. Is it a good thing that there are so many political parties in South Africa? Is it better to have only two options (like in the US) or is it better to have no choice at all (i.e., a dictatorship)?
South Africa’s current political landscape
As far as I can remember, the last election ballot was as long as my receipt when I go buy groceries for a month. There is a party for (mostly) everyone, which is nice, I guess. There is a party for conservative Afrikaners, woke Afrikaners, Zulus, Coloureds, Muslims and the list goes on and on and on.
South Africans still vote mostly based on language, race and tribe. This is starting to change slowly, but it will most likely continue for the foreseeable future. In addition, the political parties are really weak in my opinion and do not have leaders with whom we can relate or get behind. I would say someone like Gayton McKenzie is the closest we have to a someone who can truly rally a nation. If he is our best option, we are in serious kak. In short, we have far too many options and most of the options are kak, finish en klaar.
Examples of leaner political landscape
As I am writing this, it looks like Donald Trump will go on to win the US election. I really don’t care about the US and their politics. Whether a Republican or a Democrat is in charge, it all feels the same to me. It just feels that there is less shit-posting and hate spewing when a Democrat is in charge.
I do think that only having two options is the better way to go. Yes, there will probably be some matters where you don’t agree, but on most important topics the majority of voters will be able to relate. The issue with the current US election, is that the candidates are kak. America’s credibility is seriously under threat if Trump and Harris are the best two candidates that the “world leaders” can offer. Besides the bad candidates, I feel that given the large population of the US, limiting choice on political parties is good, since more options will make the country completely ungovernable. I know the US electoral system is completely different, but just imagine trying to form a coalition in the US…
The (functional) dictatorship
I guess people who lived under comrade Stalin won’t agree that a one-party state is a good idea. Given human nature and the accompanying paranoia which comes with power, it is destined for failure. It is a given that human rights will be thrown out of the window, it is just a matter of how far.
There are some examples of one-party states that work surprisingly well. The best example I can think of is Singapore. Given their history, their first government thought it best to focus on developing and growing the country under tight control. Singaporeans had to sacrifice lots of civil liberties to get there, but they are one of the most prosperous countries in the world per capita. The only issue now, is that the country has been prosperous for a long time, but the party in charge since 1959, is still clinging on.
Closer to home, we can look at Rwanda. After the genocide they had to do something radical to get the country functioning again. Luckily for them, they didn’t descend into the abyss like their neighbour Burundi. Rwanda is still way behind where we are in South Africa, but their turnaround has been quite remarkable. Just remember to not make fun of Paul Kagame, and you will be fine.
My two cents
Democracy definitely isn’t a good fit for every country, and that should be accepted. The notion that you can implement western ideology in any country is utter garbage. I think the Taliban can tell you all about it in their next Podcast.
I will probably be crucified for saying this, but democracy doesn’t work in the majority of third world countries. What they need is their own Kagame to drag their country out of the pit latrine and into stability and prosperity. Sadly, this is also unlikely, as most countries are stuck with liberation governments or ruthless military dictatorships. These guys don’t give a shit about the country, but just want to enrich themselves. These countries also don’t enable their population to escape the poverty cycle and grow the economy. In other words, they need a dictator with a love for their country, and less interest in Louis Vuitton and Bentleys.
I feel South Africa is very stable compared to other African countries. We can count ourselves lucky, but things can also change overnight. We need to streamline our political options and find relatable, efficient, non-corrupt and inspirational leaders. We don’t need a Kagame, but we probably only need two canned tomato options instead of 20.
Until next time, dear comrades.
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