As We Sink Into A Dictatorship
August 18, 2010 by Phathu
While we are busy drinking ourselves to stupors at Melrose Arch, or attending another lousy Fashion Week in Sandton or even worse, infecting each other with the virus, our country is slowly disintegrating. Yet we are so consumed with reading about Khanyi Mbau’s sexual escapades and gay TV stars that we are blind to see what is happening around us.
How did we get here? I clearly remember the day Thabo Mbeki was unseated as the president. He gave the most profound speech on his telecast, which left me in tears. I was not crying because they had booted him out, but in that moment at that time, I knew that democracy had left the Union Building. That the vultures that have been waiting in the wings will finally come out to dine at the master’s table. I still think the man was ahead of his time, and no, I am not saying he is a saint, neither are we. He was more of an authoritative father figure who made decisions when we failed to make them, and that is ultimately, what leadership is all about. If as young people, we can get over the Mandela euphoria, so what if he languished in jail for many years, he stays in the suburbs now and has white folks working for him, which is living large. We will see that Mbeki is the best president that this country has ever had!
What followed in government was a farce. A man out of his depth was given a short term as president in waiting, yes he was safe guarding the position for somebody else. We as a nation went on to appoint Zuma in power, this after he had survived the rape charges, together with corruption charges – I still say to this day, the man has a very strong sangoma. So what if the court found him innocent, are we so oblivious as people that when faced with the truth, we close our eyes and hope that a sitting judge will make a ruling that will sooth our fears?
Zuma is a populist leader and those who have been around him will tell you that he is charming, from what I see on screen, I think he is a good person. However, his presidency ushered in a new era of ethnic governance, cronies and allies ascended to power and anyone that dared to oppose him was labelled an intellectual or an Mbeki loyalist. The man was too busy bonking his many wives and mistresses to care about democracy, while his allies started to circle the foundation of this country and pillaged it as the Night’s Templers did. Newspapers and Editors were seen as bloody agents. Suddenly we could not question the leadership, without ourselves being questioned. Who was Malema in Mbeki’s era? Some Seshego boy with no clout!
Dear bloggers, please do not you dare bring my cultural respect to question here and ask me to show respect, claim that I can’t talk about Zuma in such a way, since he is an elder. Zuma is older than me, but he is not my elder – he is my president and I will fucken interrogate and question each and every decision he makes without fear or masking it with some cultural innuendos, because it’s my vote and other million people’s votes that put him to power. Being a president is not his birthright, but rather an affirmation from the nation, or a mandate to govern as Gwede Mantashe would say.
We have to ask ourselves, how did Zimbabwe end up the way it did? Robert Mugabe was a liberation hero, he was worshiped as the man who removed Rhodesia imperialisms and created Zimbabwe. How did he move from a hero to a villain? It all starts slowly, while no one is watching and we wake up one day to find ourselves in Cuba! People say it will never happen to this country, never is a long time and things are starting to get worse. The SABC continues to be the mouthpiece of Luthuli House, just as it was to the National Party during oppression. There is now talk of media tribunal, a journalist has been arrested, for his sake, I hope he is innocent. What else should happen before we realize that we are slowly descending into a dictatorship? The same party that liberated us now wants to control us!
For the record, I am neither a Zuma nor Mbeki loyalist; I am only loyal to one thing – the fundamentals of democracy. I don’t care who becomes the president, I don’t even give a shit about the manifesto, I just want a leader that cares about democracy – Zille could even be the president for all I care, as long as she sticks by the constitution, I will be happy.
It makes me wonder, can black people really honestly govern themselves? Even Obama is failing dismally. Do not be surprised if Lelo Boyana is arrested for her blog, the media is always the first sign of the deterioration of democracy.
By Phathu Makwarela ©
Brown Shuga on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:03 pm
I think people are overreacting about this media tribunal thing…. Can we discuss why it’s not a good idea and stop accusing ANC of trying to control the media.
Anyway, Phathu you did not vote so no, it is not your vote that put Zuma in power. Therefore you have not right questioning him *hides*
Kabelo on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:11 pm
I have to admit, this whole thing is a bit confusing for me. I can’t make up my mind about where i stand regarding this media tribunal thing. At least i couldn’t until i read your letter. You’ve just managed to convince me about the evilness of it all. Thank you very much.
I’m now more convinced than ever before that the ANC of Mandela is dead, all that’s lewft over is a carcas of the noble liberation movement, and the vultures have begun feeding on it. We need as citizens to make a hell of a noise against this tribunal bullsh!t. Well done Phathu.
Groupie on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:25 pm
All I know is that this country is slowly going down… Mhhhh
Fruitcake on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:32 pm
I have to agree with you on one thing, Zuma is a charming President but infortunately we need more than just charms to rule the country.
The media tribunal would not be a bad idea if the ANC was not full of corruption, for all we know they would employ their own to sit on the tribunal and therefore sway matters in their favours. Yes, the media has somehow been misusing their powers, writing bold false front page stories about people but when they have to write a retraction, it would be in page 27 at the bottom of the paper in very small font.
Maybe the government and the media should have had a sit down, discuss the issues and negotiated a way forward that would suit both parties. I guess the arrest of Mzilikazi also put more speculations as it came at a point whereby the media was exposing the corrupt tendencies of the government officials
At this point in time I am still not sure if the issue is really that serious or we are just overreacting. I guess time will tell.
mama ka Gundi on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:34 pm
“He gave the most profound speech on his telecast, which left me in tears. I was not crying because they had booted him out, but in that moment at that time, I knew that democracy had left the Union Building”
GPY u cried ..heheheh kwakwakwa …4me it was good riddance 2bad rubbish
As 4u crying hope its not literally cry aderwise im catching a Gautrain PTA
Kiki on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:37 pm
Hau,Phathu u didn’t vote?? *dissapointed face*
SPL1773R on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 12:53 pm
Zuma are the Ruler… Christianity says you should pray for him.
Him is an elder… You can deny it all you want. Doesnt make it any different just because you have some netspace. Seeing as it is your space, do you! My question is what are you going to do about this and how can we help make your south africa Zuma free?
mama ka Gundi on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:00 pm
KWAKWKAKWKAWKA SPL1773R yah neh u just reminded me of the “comrade” days ..maaar y do ppl get so worked up ka di politics & Presidency & media haaaai nizofa nibancane nibulalwa intliziyo ngento engekho!!
Phathu Makwarela on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:03 pm
KIKI…I voted..BS is being a diva nje…i care too much not to vote
BB on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:05 pm
I am against the proposed bill, but I am mature enough to say that there needs to be a change in the way that we report! There have been moments where I have cringed as a reporter seeing shocking headlines and finding out a day later that the story is in fact NOT true. The whole agenda setting of the media is also a problem- I did a proper 3rd year research on this for the elections- but there is nothing one can do when all the senior journo’s are leaving for PR and us lil journo’s are expected to investigate things and deliver within a week. That serves no purpose and actually creates more problems for the journo, hence the need for the media to also check itself to see what it is doing wrong! Going hysterical aint gonna help us one bit
Lehakoe on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:06 pm
I agree with most of what you say in your piece. But that last statement where you say;”can black people really honestly govern themselves? Even Obama is failing dismally.”; is a rather unfair statement. I would think that someone of your intellect would be able to see that good governance has got nothing to do with pigmentation.
Phathu Makwarela on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:15 pm
Lehakoe…i think what would be unfair is for me not to use my intellect to ask the question. Remember what happened to Ghana after Indipendence? What about DRC – then Zaire…
I am asking a question, let us debate it. Thank you
Makgotso on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:35 pm
I really néed to read that Bill before l can comment on it because media has tendency of reporting things that suits it.
Lehakoe on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 1:42 pm
I know what you mean but I just don’t think it is fair of you to group all black leaders and immediately assume they are going to be war-mongers and such. Good governance has got nothing to do with being black or white and everything to do with respecting the democratic laws of the state and humanity.
The reason African leaders are not thriving for their people is because all they care about is self enrichment. And that happens in other ethnicities too…Pol Pot
Fezzy on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 2:45 pm
Hayi wena Phathu…
Do not be surprised if Lelo Boyana is arrested for her blog, the media is always the first sign of the deterioration of democracy
U cant say stuff like this, uzoboshwa kamampela uLelo..*crying*
PlatinumPiedPiper on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 3:06 pm
At first when the ANC came after the Scorpions
I said nothing, because i wasnt a Scorpion.
When they came after the media,
I said nothing because i wasnt a journalist
When they came after businesses and nationalised
i said nothing
When they came after me…There was no one to to speak on my behalf
PlatinumPiedPiper on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 3:12 pm
Dictatorships and Banana republics arent created overnight,
it is like an avalanche, starts out small snowball and gains momentum.
We pride ourselves on having a robust democracy within which we can debate issues. The ANC is seeking to institutionalise what the media can say, its called censorship. that goes against the ethos of the new constitution.
why is an organisation that is made up of 800 000, choosing the direction for 49 000 000? have we let the insane asylum dictate to us?
ugogal on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 3:39 pm
haai its tough bafuethu!
Bra Bizza on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 3:53 pm
relax ntwanas, i agree with the Tribunal but disagree with information protection bill. If the Tribunal operates like the BCCA (broadcast complaints co what what)then it will be kewl,cause there’s independence.
FACT is media is run by white people with an agenda. Check how many stories involving white people and white companies involved in corruption get coverage, 1 story is enough and normally it will be in Business Times,which most people dont read. They dont make the leading story on the first page as much as our black counter parts.
How many times do reporters tell us about the same person/story in these papers..you just mentioned zuma’s cases,just an example of how much the stories were re run. What about margaret thatcher’s son??? i doubt you even remember the story.
Cande on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 3:57 pm
Loyalty mokgotsi, most people feel like they owe the ANC for Madiba going to prison! Am sure Zimbabwe started like this..the timing for the media tribunal is sooo wrong,it could be a good idea.
Lela on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 4:02 pm
If i say anything on the media tribukak it wont be christian so ja,no comment!
Phathu Makwarela on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 4:07 pm
@Bra Bizza…wa mpolaya malome..
OFENTSE on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 4:08 pm
Bra Bizza u nde nza ntoni! kwee
komani-residend on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 4:25 pm
@Phathu Makwarela, Even OBAMA is failing Dismally????Please qualify that statement, because i can tell you right now that not the brightest white man or women in the world would be doing any better than Obama.His performance has nothing to do with being black! What happened there is called a hospital pass my chom! the american economy was destroyed by the last two administrations not him. unfortunately for him, he’s now getting a lesson on how to catch a falling knife!History may remember him as the black who failed but i sure you that it is through no fault of his own!
Phathu Makwarela on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 4:30 pm
Komani…we all know that Obama inherited a mess…a country at war, a dying economy and a health care system in place….His race was marked by vision…CHANGE and stuff – where is that change he chanted about. Congress still dictates how he runs the country – the sad part is that he will forever be seen as another black leader who failed. This man needs two terms in office to clean the place up…but i doubt he will have another term….
Jellytot on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 5:09 pm
Oh my! Im moving to australia!
bra bizza on Thu, 19th Aug 2010 8:39 pm
i wish a day would come where people who know “THE OTHER STUFF MADIBA GOT INTO”,as an ANC member im tired of this great man being treated like he’s a saint.
And people need to know that we dont support the ANC because of him. Its is the only Democratic Church that is relevant to our people.
and Phatu dont worry, Intellects are still around. Look at Bathabile Dlamini,Derek Hanekom, Pallo Jordan, Joel Netshitenzhe to name the few. Others(including me) are still being groomed, when the moment is right we will raise to the occassion. Forget about that tjatjarag Malema.
Fana on Fri, 20th Aug 2010 12:21 am
Texting ovation! Speechless! If that was on a sunday newspaper maybe the impact wud b big enough 2get ppl thinking yet as a race black ppl r doomed! We may deny this but its tru! Majority is not educated, they never understand non of the big political words zuma and his fwnds throw at em. Da funny thing is dat even zuma and his fwnd dnt seem 2 knw wat do ds words mean. Repeting da same word in diff contexts. During Zuma street smart ppl will rise intellects and normal citizens will b dominated! The ANC must b removed frm power! Its like a brand black ppl cnt live witout like nike or allstars or bmw. change is needed! Its obvious non of our ministers dnt knw wat they dng. How cum do such ppl reach whr dey r. English is sounding like a rural boys Bheki cele. 500million 4 headquarters cum on now why don’t u reinvest dat money into da SAPS high more blue boys. Fcuk ANC
Stan on Fri, 20th Aug 2010 3:10 am
Both Thabo and Zuma are terrible presidents,,the one is a dumbass(Zuma) and da other an intellectual dumbass(Mbeki). I dont c how people van ever applaud Mbeki for handling Hiv/Aids, crime, corruption,Selebi issue so calllously. And the fact that he wanted to run againas president (dictator tendancies) and yet people applaud him just because he sounds smart and has a degree, and helped the economic situation for the elite and not the masses. The man was evil.
&So is Zuma, but i appreciate that Zuma is not smart enough to hide his evil intentions
shybear on Tue, 24th Aug 2010 1:47 pm
I stopped supporting ANC the day Zuma was made pres, n then during the election debates the ANC guys were jus speaking without dirction. n then came Julius,media tibunal, nuff said,
Ive neva made so many comments on JC in one day. thanks to the strike!!
Lungi on Wed, 25th Aug 2010 1:35 pm
I think we’re too quick to critisize our own people, I would rather be governed by the “corrupt” ANC than any othe the white former NP parties thank you very much. And mind you a lot of black people are benefiting from having a balck governance… we never had grands and RDP houses back in the NP days!!! we’re too quick to pin point the negetives and even go to the extent of creating negetive elements when there’s none!
Chu-ba-ber on Wed, 25th Aug 2010 2:18 pm
Tjo, Phathu! I’m speechless, i wish i could email your article to Daily Sun, so that it can win Letter of the day (Contact Nadia for that R100 prize money), not necessarily for you to get that elusive R100, but for your message to spread to the blithe masses.
It is so sad that majority of “black people” feel that politics don’t affect them, and that is why The 800k will continue to rule over 49,000K, and our country will continue to become South Zimbabwe!
Clearly talking about it if just the first small step, what can we do as ordinary citizens of this beautiful land?
Hope it’s not too late for me to raise my hand, and be counted!
Chu-ba-ber on Wed, 25th Aug 2010 2:27 pm
Tjerrrr, what’s with people and praising the ANC for GRANTS, wouldn’t you rather get a job and earn a living? No maan Lungi, i believe in social services neh, but freebies will never empower people effectively…
GRANTS will only make you 198% dependent on the ANC, cause whenever there’s a bold step to be taken, you’ll worry about your GRANT first…
Blueberry... on Thu, 26th Aug 2010 4:50 pm
My problem is greed and corruption, when will it end?????
Afrodizzia on Fri, 27th Aug 2010 12:04 am
Blacks cannot rule themselves until they learn to love themselves. Yes we have have gained ‘freedom’ from slavery., apartheid etc but we will always be the white man’s b**ch. That is why blacks do not like to see other blacks prosper or hardly perform charitable acts for other blacks even though we are almost always the recepients of that charity (whites still run most charyities.) All that we know how to do is consume we do not produce i.e.(designer labels we cant afford, German cars we can hardly put gas in, drink Blue label with coke…sic…) We then to proceed to rub our perceived betterness (I just coined that word) at other blacks feeling closer and closer to whiteness each time.
at the risk of being verbose I’ll add this: Blacks were denied the opportunity to go through their ‘Dark Ages’( note this is not a pun) The whites , chinese, japanese all went through aperiod of development when they had wars, rape, pillage barbaric behaviour and general discord in their young civilisations. They then emerged on the other side to be better societies that were industrious and progressive. Unfrotunatelly all this progress allowed them to build ships (and guns) and sail the seas discovering africa… we all know how that story ends. They dragged us into their civilisation before our time. We have been battling to adapt since. Our evolutionary process was not allowed to take its own course and therefore we can only define ourselves by the white man’s standard until we create our own standard based on our own criteria we will NEVER be free. The chains and shackles are anchored so deep in our minds we cant even begin to unravel them. Ma Afrika Mahle iintshaba zethu zisesintliziyweni zethu. Loose Translation for those not ‘Ngunilised’ My beloved Africans, Look within your heart, for your enemy lies within.