NATIONAL NEWS - Bantu Holomisa, the man who was Nelson Mandela’s political “surrogate” son, says the ANC’s time as “big brother” of South African politics is over and a coalition “government of national unity” could be a reality after the 2019 general elections.
The former Transkei military ruler, and now leader of the United Democratic Movement, says the country’s political future lies in a “principled compromise” – a conscious effort by all South Africans together to achieve a consensus government in memory of Nelson Mandela.
He said that instead of “continuing the unfinished business” of Madiba by “fulfilling the dream of a new South Africa, the last few ANC-led administrations have certainly dropped the ball. They did not find sustainable solutions to ensure economic freedom, quality education, good health care, as well as safety and security for our people”.
Speaking at the fourth anniversary of Mandela’s death in Houghton, Johannesburg, last night, Holomisa said that considering the possibility of a new “government of national unity” in 2019, future coalition partners will have to practise “principled compromise” as per Madiba’s example.
There can be no space for a “big brother” mentality.
“Madiba was willing to share power and not dominate. He recognised that the advantages, which come with forging consensus and building a social compact, comprises the support of not just your side, but also that of your opponents.
“The lesson we should learn, when it comes to possible future coalitions, is that we need to develop the practice thereof, which is fundamentally about sharing power, not power mongering,” he said.
“This take will take real skill and level-headed leadership.”
