Opinion: Why the ANC lost the recent Local Government Election; Many factors but one common denominator!

Jacob+Zuma+March+17+2016

This is one of these days where the legacy of a grand party of old is faltering in the midst of controversy and agony. You might still have the National Assembly and have fellow loyal comrades in state-owned organizations and companies. Still, the vision of the ones legendary party is dwindling. The ANC of the liberation struggle isn’t there anymore. The ANC of today is of a bloated ruling regime under His Excellency Jacob Zuma.

The ANC lost their way when they went haywire with Thabo Mbeki and chose to change guards with Jacob Zuma. Through the meagre display of character from Mbeki, that even at one point co-sponsored a draconian regime under President Mugabe and his then newly vice-president in Tsvangirai. This together with the corrupt behaviour accepted against the original will of the party when the cronies of Party sold the soul of the party for the Anglo Leasing monies back-in-the-day.

Shivambu

The then giddy ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader Julius Malema we’re supporting to get rid of the loyal guards and triggers to galvanise the party with his running mate Jacob Zuma. This lead way to the destruction of Mbeki; they tarnished him for corruption and weak leadership skills as he came from the old-school ANC who brought them liberty. The new ones we’re ready to take and eat without the work. The ANC became the men who lead without impunity and honour of codes of conduct.

So later the relationship between Zuma and Malema also started to falter and become hazardous. They even suspended him for his ambition as he was one of the men who got the now President support for his position; decided to suspend him and therefore the creation of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) begun, the socialist and nationalistic party started by a man who loves to wear Louis Vuitton from top to toe. The LV socialist of RSA and with that he still asks for the same nationalize mines and generate trade while wearing and owning expensive suits.

The other character created by the maladministration of ANC. The Zuma elite who have made Oakbay Investment and the Guptas powerful; they have gotten both economic and political capital in the country. The institutionalized control as the family of Zuma even got hired by the companies run by the Investment Company. The ceasing of trust in Finance Minister who created stability and stopped the Executive from buying Private Planes on the Government funds and public billing of even his home in Nkandla; the Presidency of Zuma have been targeting goals of open corruption and alleged corrupt behaviour in an extent that are not healthy.

SABC 27.05.2016

Also with the extended control of the coverage of South African Broadcasting Company (SABC) who is not allowed to cover demonstrations and suspending, even sacking journalist who doesn’t want to follow the new codes as the CEO of the SABC even resigned in the controversy. The SABC is a long line of political control of the ANC where the Government Institutions are used to ploy the agenda of the government and not serve the public. The DPP have been addressing concerns, but the President has answered with only answering court orders in Parliament. The Courts have ruled and he has still not given in. The National Assembly have had motions of no confidence in President Zuma. Still, the ANC have defended him and not given in. The MPs of the National Assembly together with the ANC branches have defended their leader. Even if the ANC Stalwarts and the ANC Elders that we’re part of the liberation from Apartheid have asked for Zuma stop down and save the party. Still, the leadership haven’t listened to the men and woman on the side-line since they have sounded like the EFF and DA.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) have gotten a new blood and new leadership which shows the new generation of politicians that actually speaks of the same progress and society as the old ANC. Something that hurts the ruling regime as they just want the power, but not build a nation anymore. They have the duty and kept the cronyism instead of managing the country and its institutions. The ANC have been more busy keeping power and feeding their loyal businessmen then creating new governance and government programs to continue the liberation of 1994.

The ANC had back in the day a role, a leadership and an ethical backbone with leaders and progressive codes of governmental work to mend fences and create a peaceful rainbow-nation that the Apartheid government fought a little White minority. Now the ANC have created a Black new minority who works with the party to gain economic advantages compared to the ones that are keeping themselves with somebody else.

Feesmustfall South Africa

Back in the day the DA where a “White Man” party, but with time they have become the sound of difference from ANC who has sold themselves to the corporate and embezzlement business and political framework instead of representing the people. Therefore the Local Government Election of 2016 is showing that the ANC doesn’t own South Africa and South Africans. They never did own them, they we’re holding the mantle and had the men that the South Africans did trust. But with time the leadership of ANC, the ANC NEC and all the branches forgot the key to keeping the mantle. The people are the key to any political party.

The ANC had the mantle, had the reason to be the liberation and the party making their role for a peaceful transition and make the South African Nation into the Democratic and Economic power-horse it has been. But with time it was easier to trade to Eskom agreements to loyal businessmen in Oakbay Resources than doing it fairly on the open market. The same happen with other government businesses and therefore the value of Rand is falling and the inflation is not in order. The overall rating of the economy have been falling over the years and the ANC have forgotten the way to be accountable and transparent as the changes of Financial Minister has even been influenced by cronies to the party.

DA 04.04.2016

With all of this with the rise of the DA and EFF, Mmusi Maimane of the DA who been battering and excoriating the deficiencies in the ANC leadership and questioning their decisions that even made the ANC naked in public as the tuition fee protest of 2015, even showed the ANC government hid the “white-paper” made few years before with the answers to the conundrum of establishing better and more respectable fees for the students in South Africa. Together with other cases the dismay of the erratic behaviour have been seen and not been favourable for the President Zuma or the Minster Blade Nzimande of Ministry of Education for Higher Education and Training.

If you put all of this recent history together with a bunch of others factors that are not even mentioned. The arrogance and orderly thinking that the poor and living in townships automatically votes for the ANC; that is not the case anymore as the people can change their stance towards the liberators. That is shown in townships and the major towns of South Africa that now are from this election run by the DA and not the ANC. This is Port Elizabeth, Tshwane, Nkandla, Johannesburg, Cape Town and others where the DA have won the leadership.

Therefore the ANC have to find them as they might still run the National Assembly, but on the grass-root level their majority is dwindling because of their forgotten pledges and loose accountability. The little progress and forgotten lost-generation of students and activist who has lost faith in the ANC. The long lived liberation cannot sustain the new generation who didn’t see them succeed the oppressive government of the past. The ANC have worked and will for a long time ahead have a special place in history and contemporary place in South Africa and for South Africans. But, they do not own South Africa where they represent South Africa and the South Africans. This is something any party can if they pledge and promise positive change through different political framework than the ANC. That is why the DA have conquered and won this Local Government Election in South Africa. Because they feed into the dissolution the ANC have gotten to many people in the Rainbow Nation.

yalo

The DA and certain parts of EFF have caught up with the legacy of the ANC and eaten into the citizens who want to see less unemployment, better education and better infrastructure. Where the government fulfil the citizen’s needs and make sure the industry and economic future is for more than the elite and the corporations, but for the people. That is the people left behind by the loss of this election. This is the reaction to the corrupt behaviour and impunity of the central ANC leadership. That is why the ANC lost the Election in 2016 as they didn’t accept to be bushwhacked another term by leaders who doesn’t serve others then themselves and their cronies. The ANC has lost touch and become something the liberators never wanted to see. A political party who has eaten the state and taken care of the institutions where the ANC runs them for themselves and not for the citizens… something the citizens doesn’t accept over time and when DA and EFF says they want to change that therefore they voted for them instead as the service record of ANC have been lost with time. The loss now for the ANC is not their legacy, but their present affairs and their reputation.

What the ANC did at one point is noble and honourable, but the leader of today and MPs doesn’t show the same ability to serve and wishing to create the nation that the ones who fought for the freedom did. Therefore the citizens in their right have provoked the ruling regime and party in their constituencies to say: you do not own South Africa, you might have ruled over since 1994, but now it is time for somebody else to rule. This is because the ANC or you have become ghastly greedy on public funds instead of building more for the citizens. Time for the ANC NEC and ANC branches to change this effort and begin from the grass-root to involve the public and generate positive change. If they don’t then the lost-generation after the liberation might turn away for every, while the young ones who never saw and felt the oppressive behaviour never feels the need to vote for the Old-Party with the legacy of liberation. ANC have had the upper-hand. That hand is now played out. They might have solid foundation, but that is not there forever. The ANC can rise again, but then they have to go back to the reasons for why they exist and the Madiba ethics. Where the citizens can see the economic and transparent model for progress has to come back to the people. Peace.

South Africa Elections: Interview with Phillip de Wet, Editor, Mail and Guardian (Youtube-Clip)

Footage: “I’m not here to contest for Madiba’s membership, his membership was ANC. But his VALUES are timeless and they are values that South Africans must fight for.” – Mmusi Maimane

RSA Election update: Defacing DA Posters in Tshwane!

Tshawne RSA

“The ANC’s theft and defacing of our posters is nothing more than a desperate attempt to slow down our momentum in Tshwane as it becomes increasingly clear we can WIN.The theft and defacing of election posters is a clear violation of sections 91, 92 and 97 of the Electoral Act and must be condemned in the strongest terms. We will be lodging a complaint with the IEC” (Democratic Alliance, 2016).

The proof of the ruling party continuation of controlling the Electoral environment by defacing opposition posters. The ANC should be so proud of their reckless behaviour towards the DA. Even if it elections and soon ballots. There should be some respect for each others craft and material. As the Citizens should pick on the merit and free choosing, not by who apparently has a President for the moment. The ANC and their comrades better act up and be within reason. Especially since they have been the ruling party for decades now and need to give way for justice and common sense. Peace.

Press Release: EY states that African Economies are staying the Course, Despite a Relative Economic Slow Down (25.07.2016)

Southern Africa loses its clear lead_East Africa and West Africa level playing field

US remains the leading investor into Africa.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 25, 2016/APO/ —

  • Africa one of the only two regions in the world achieving growth in FDI project numbers over 2015
  • Seven percent rise in FDI projects for Africa
  • East Africa the biggest gainer, while other key economies recover ground
  • US remains the leading investor into Africa

According to EY’s (EY.com) 2016 Africa attractiveness program 2016, Staying the course, despite a relative slow down, Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world. This is reflected in the foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in 2015, where FDI project numbers increased by seven percent. Although, the capital value of projects was down year-on-year — from US$88.5b in 2014 to US$71.3b in 2015 — this was still higher than the 2010–2014 average of US$68b. Similarly, jobs created were down year-on-year, but, again ahead of the average for 2010–2014.

Ajen Sita, Africa Chief Executive Officer at EY, comments, “Over the past year, global markets have experienced unprecedented volatility. We’ve witnessed the collapse of commodity prices and a number of currencies across Africa, and with reference to the two largest markets, starting with South Africa, we saw GDP growth decline sharply to below one percent and the country averting a credit ratings downgrade; in Nigeria, the slowdown in that economy was impacted further by the decline in the oil price and currency devaluation pressure.”

Sita adds, “The reality is that economic growth across the region is likely to remain slower in coming years than it has been over the past 10 to 15 years, and the main reasons for a relative slowdown are not unique to Africa. In fact, Africa was one of the only two regions in the world in which there was growth in FDI project levels over the past year.”

East Africa closes the FDI gap, with Kenya a big gainer

In 2015, East Africa recorded its highest share of FDI across Africa, achieving 26.3% of total projects. Southern Africa remained the largest investment region on the continent, although projects were down 11.6% from 2014 levels. The West Africa region saw a rebound in FDI projects by 16.2%, and interestingly in 2015, the region became the leading recipient of capital investment on the continent, outpacing Southern Africa.

North Africa experienced 8.5% year-on-year growth in FDI projects. Furthermore, while projects are increasing in North Africa, they are increasing at a much faster rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Michael Lalor, EY’s Africa Business Center Leader, adds, “In a context of heightened concerns about economic and political risk across the continent, FDI flows remain robust, and in line with levels we have seen over the past five years. A key factor here is the structural shift in FDI — from a high concentration of source countries and destination markets and sectors, to a far more diverse FDI landscape. As a result, risks and opportunities are being spread much wider, and there is no longer an overdependence on a limited group of investors or sectors to drive FDI performance.”

Historical investors gain strength, new investors emerge

The US retained its position in 2015, as the largest investor in the continent, with 96 investment projects valued at US$6.9b. During 2015, traditional investors such as the UK and France, as well as the UAE and India, also showed renewed interest in Africa.

Investors diversify focus across sectors

Over the past decade, there has been a shift in sector focus in FDI from extractive to consumer-facing industries. Mining and metals, coal, oil and natural gas, which were previously the key sectors attracting major FDI flows, have given way to consumer products and retail (CPR), financial services and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), accounting for 44.7% of FDI projects in 2015. In 2015, further evidence of sector diversification came through, with business services, automotive, cleantech and life sciences all rising in significance and becoming the likely “next wave” for investors.

Striking a balance between growth, profitability and managing risk

Sita concludes, “Given the growth potential in and relative underdevelopment of many African markets, the primary focus for many companies over the past few years has been on entering new markets, capturing market share and driving revenue growth. A combination of factors — including tightening economic conditions, increasingly well-informed consumers and citizens, intensifying competition, a heightened sense of global geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting priorities from global or regional HQ — is now driving a change in focus toward striking a greater balance between growth, profitability and risk management.”

Bishop’s Private Jet smuggled money to South Africa (Youtube-Clip)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JD4txpDJZ8

“the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) owns the private plane with US registration number N808HG, which is one of the jets recently seized by the SA officials. The money totaling $9.3 million cash was packed in several suitcases. The cash was seized at the Lanseria airport following the luggage search. Reuters previously revealed that SA police started investigation in terms of 2 Nigerians and an Israeli contractor, who were on board trying to illegally bring cash into the country, in what might have been part of an arms deal” (Uncensored, 2016)

UNCTAD Warns on Debt, Says Africa Should Find New Ways to Finance Development

Ghana Currency

This year’s UNCTAD Economic Development in Africa Report 2016 finds that Africa’s external debt ratios appear manageable, but African governments must take action to prevent rapid debt growth from becoming a crisis, as experienced in the late 1980s and 1990s. 

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 21, 2016 – African governments should add new revenue sources to finance their development, such as remittances, public-private partnerships, and a clampdown on illicit financial flows, an UNCTAD report said on Thursday, warning that debt looks unsustainable in some countries.

This year’s UNCTAD Economic Development in Africa Report 2016 finds that Africa’s external debt ratios appear manageable, but African governments must take action to prevent rapid debt growth from becoming a crisis, as experienced in the late 1980s and 1990s.

“Borrowing can be an important part of improving the lives of African citizens,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. “But we must find a balance between the present and the future, because debt is dangerous when unsustainable.”

At least $600 billion will be needed each year to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, according to the report which is subtitled Debt Dynamics and Development Finance in Africa. This amount equates to roughly a third of countries’ gross national income. Official development aid and external debt are unlikely to cover these needs, the report finds.

A decade or so of strong growth has provided many countries with the opportunity to access international financial markets. Between 2006 and 2009, the average African country saw its external debt stock grow 7.8 percent per year, a figure that accelerates to 10 percent per year in the years 2011–2013 to reach $443 billion or 22 per cent of gross national income by 2013.

Several African countries have also borrowed heavily on domestic markets, the report finds. It provides specific examples and analyses of domestic debt in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. In some countries, domestic debt rose from an average 11 percent of GDP in 1995 to around 19 percent at the end of 2013, almost doubling in two decades.

“Many African countries have begun the move away from a dependence on official development aid, looking to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with new and innovative sources of finance,” Dr. Kituyi said.

The report argues that African countries should look for complementary sources of revenue, including remittances, which have been growing rapidly, reaching $63.8 billion to Africa in 2014. The report discusses how remittances and diaspora savings can contribute to public and development finance.

Together with the global community, Africa must also tackle illicit financial flows; which can be as high as $50 billion per year. Between 1970 and 2008, Africa lost an estimated $854 billion in illicit financial flows, roughly equal to all official development assistance received by the continent in that time.

And while governments should be vigilant of the borrowing risks, public-private partnerships have also started to play a more prominent role in financing development. In Africa, public-private partnerships are being used especially to finance infrastructure. Of the 52 countries considered during the period 1990-2014, Nigeria tops the list with $37.9 billion of investment, followed by Morocco and South Africa.

South Africa: South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Fires Journalists for Protesting Censorship (20.07.2016)

SABC 27.05.2016

The SABC is silencing journalists who protest censorship and advocate for press freedom, while its leadership appears more interested in protecting and serving a privileged few than the Public.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, July 20, 2016/APO/ —

In response to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) firing seven staff journalists and a freelance writer, who are collectively known as the SABC 8, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“It is deplorable that the SABC fired its own journalists for insisting on covering the news,” said Lynn Fredriksson, director for Southern Africa programs. “The SABC is silencing journalists who protest censorship and advocate for press freedom, while its leadership appears more interested in protecting and serving a privileged few than the public. The SABC should quickly reinstate the journalists and reverse its decision to censor news content.”

Background:
Seven SABC journalists and one contracted freelance journalist were fired between July 18-19 for protesting an SABC management decision not to report on violent protests, a directive issued by Chief Operating Officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng in May 2016, ahead of violent unrest in Tshwane, the metropolitan area that includes Pretoria, the national capital. Critics of the SABC have likened its behavior to that of the Apartheid-era state broadcaster of the same name, in its use by the government as a propaganda tool.

The eight journalists say they will contest their firing in Labour Court and the Constitutional Court.

Press Statement: Zimbabwean Government answer the tweet from Julius Malema (15.07.2016)

Zim Gov 15.07.2016 P1Zim Gov 15.07.2016 P2Zim Gov 15.07.2016 P3

Here is what the Zimbabwe Government was answering:

Malema 13.07.2016

ANC structures must refrain from commenting on SABC: Mantashe (Youtube-Clip)