On Saturday, the ANC will celebrate its 110th birthday while the country it has governed for the past 28 years is reeling from the persistent attacks against our democracy and our constitution, both of which are perched precariously on the edge of a cliff.
South Africa is a battered and bruised country with the latest attack coming on Wednesday when the Constitutional Court was vandalised. This is after the release of the first part of the State Capture report, which heavily implicates former president Jacob Zuma for his role in the hollowing out of key state institutions.
The release of volume one of the State Capture report, followed the roof of parliament going up in flames over the weekend, which followed from the July riots that took place after Zuma was sentenced to prison for contempt of court. Those riots were described as a failed coup attempt by President Cyril Ramaphosa while the latest attack on the ConCourt has been described as an “attack on democracy” by justice minister Ronald Lamola.
Acting chief justice Raymond Zondo said he had “grave concern” for the attack on the court.
Against the backdrop of such black marks on our fragile democracy, can the ANC really celebrate their anniversary over the weekend?
Political analyst Rebone Tau writes about the assault on national key points this week and claims it cannot be a coincidence that both Parliament and the ConCourt were attacked in the same week.
“The ANC should not be going ahead with its 110-year anniversary celebrations in Limpopo while all is not well in the country. The president should go back to the way OR Tambo used to communicate the January 8 Statement – via Radio Freedom. How can you have celebrations when the country is under siege?” says Tau.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
Mondli Makhanya | The truth that should anger Zuma supporters – City Press (for subscribers)
Qaanitah Hunter | Zondo report: When it comes to corruption, we should prepare for the worst – News24 (for subscribers)
THABANG MOKOPANELE: Only if findings are acted on will Zondo commission be worth the money – Business Day (for subscribers)
JUSTICE MALALA: After Zondo’s report, prosecute the corrupt now to save SA – Financial Mail
GARETH VAN ONSELEN: A nation on fire – Business Day (for subscribers)
State capture report: This can’t be the SA Hani, Biko, Aggett died for – The Citizen (for subscribers)
After Zondo report, Boris Johnson must freeze all state contracts with Bain, advise public bodies to do the same – Daily Maverick
