The local government elections are fast approaching on November 1 and with the African National Congress (ANC) in somewhat of a shambles dealing with court cases, candidate lists and funding, a looming power vacuum has emerged for SA’s opposition parties to fill. But can they?
These elections represent the greatest chance opposition political parties have, to wrestle control of municipalities away from the ANC since the dawn of democracy.
However, former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Tony Leon doesn’t think opposition parties have set themselves up in an ideal way to exploit the numerous weaknesses put on display by the ANC.
Leon gave a lengthy Q&A interview to Pieter du Toit about the state of democracy, the SA opposition parties and the upcoming elections. Well worth the read. (for subscribers)
While Amanda Watson pens a column focusing on all the noise the three main political parties are making and have made. It’s nothing but a political circus writes Watson, “The DA shouts at the ANC, the ANC just ignores everyone and the EFF shouts at everyone who doesn’t agree with it.” (for subscribers)
And Patrick Bulger writes about the way each party will spin the Covid-19 pandemic to suit its own narrative and help it win more votes.
In case you missed it, this morning the ConCourt rejected Jacob Zuma’s bid to have his contempt of court order rescinded. The court also awarded a costs order against the former president.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions and analyses:
Voting in 2021: An emasculated, compromised action – Susan Booysen, Daily Maverick
Local government elections: The freaks come out to play – Paddy Harper, Mail & Guardian
Mandatory shots a problem but unvaccinated poor spells crisis – Anthony Butler, Business Day (for subscribers)
The story of a cabbage patch, and power-mad metro cops – Shirley de Villiers, Financial Mail
Bigger than cabbage: you reap what you sow, Tshwane – Tom Eaton, Sunday Times Daily
