‘Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of the party”… this famous line was composed, not as a political statement, but as an exercise for learning typists.
However, as South Africa is on the brink of collapsing into a failed state, it is one that is appropriate for the ANC.
A cynic might say, not without justification, that there is a dearth of good men (or women) in the ranks of the ruling party, as many leaders have shamelessly looted government coffers for years.
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However, given the gravity of our national crisis, it may be time for the ANC hierarchy – and, in particular, the President Cyril Ramaphosa – to start acting in the interest of South Africa and not the party.
Ramaphosa, propelled to victory as ANC president for two consecutive terms on promises to clean up the country, must be wondering if his legacy could be the biggest disappointment in South African politics.
He needs to start thinking seriously about what family advisers call “tough love” for his Cabinet colleagues.
The ANC cabinet has more passengers than Prasa – although, to be fair, it’s not that difficult given the collapse of the consumer rail company.
Ramaphosa needs to purge the Cabinet of these layabouts and incompetents and replace them with people with skills and commitment.
Unfortunately, these types are in short supply in the jockeying for position in the ANC – that is clear to all.
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It must have come to bring in outsiders – technocrats who can rebuild the crumbling state edifice?
This may be difficult because the looters will fight and the current rules prevent non-MPs from getting Cabinet jobs.
But it can be done. And, Mr. President, it must be done.