Written by: Errol Naidoo
Article source: familypolicyinstitute.com
The Constitutional Court handed down its judgment on Monday 4 December 2023 relating to the constitutionality of the recently enacted Electoral Amendment Act. Justice Mhlantla dismissed the “Independent Candidates Association’s” (ICA) application declaring the 200/200 split of the National Assembly seats in the Act is not irrational and therefore, constitutionally valid.
Significantly, however, the Constitutional Court further ruled the 15% signature requirement for independent candidates to register is unconstitutional and replaced it with 1000 signatures. This is a major victory for the “One South Africa movement” (OSA) and independent candidates.
Despite the disputes regarding the technical aspects of the Electoral Amendment Act’s specific formula – it does not detract from the fact that independent candidates can now contest the General Elections alongside political parties – for the first time in South Africa’s democracy.
What everybody does agree on, is that the 2024 General Elections will be the most consequential for the country’s political, social and economic survival. South Africa is failing in every sector. Many argue the country has already achieved failed-state status as a result of poor leadership.
The governing ANC appears to have abandoned all pretense of governing the country in the best interest of citizens. The dangerous “General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill” (GILAB) or “Spy Bill” is a case in point. Most political analyst agree GILAB grants the state undue authority to manipulate the State Security Agency (SSA) for its own corrupt and nefarious ideological agenda.
The “Spy Bill” grants the SSA authority to monitor and spy on private citizens it deems a “threat to national security.” These include leaders of Churches and Non-Government-Organizations (NGO’s). Government can therefore legally persecute citizens or groups it considers a threat.
The ANC regime has lost significant political support as a result of rampant corruption, gross maladministration, the degradation of critical state-owned enterprises, and the decline of the country’s once robust economy – which deepened poverty and increased joblessness.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed an order dismissing the trial judge presiding over the evidence implicating former deputy-president, David Mabuza in massive corruption. The Zondo Commission Report is gathering dust while Ramaphosa’s government ensures the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains chronically underfunded – to undermine its vital work?
The ANC faces the prospect of liquidation. The governing party was sued for not paying suppliers. Two court cases went against them. The ANC owes R150 million to debtors. At the time of writing, the Sheriff’s department arrived at Lethuli House to attach the party’s assets to cover its debts.
The crisis at South Africa’s ports is making headlines. Apparently, the logjam at the Durban port is delaying trade worth R7 billion a day – intensifying the country’s economic woes. The collapse at Transnet is primarily to blame. ANC corruption and incompetence is evident everywhere.
Soaring crime has also undermined any hope of economic recovery. Bheki Cele, the clueless Police Minister – who rushes from one crime scene to the next – has no plan to effectively combat and reduce out-of-control crime. Yet, R3.3 billion is allocated to protect government ministers.
There is a growing realisation that South Africa must rid itself of the corrupt and incompetent ANC to have any chance of survival. A coalition government of smaller parties may be the country’s best alternative. You and I must pray earnestly , speak up and vote for change in 2024.
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Date published: 05/12/2023
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com
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May THE Christians wake up PRAY Vote and SPEAK UP WITH A UNITED VOICE. MAKING THE WORD OF GOD ITS STANDARD