Untouchables and Accountability

I starting to subscribe and step into the belief that our involvement as citizens make or break a democracy. That this applies to the normal privileges and responsibilities of voting goes without saying, but it extends into whatever ways we can keep our representatives accountable.

In recent months, the "untouchable" nature of our politic has concerned me. It hints of what happened in Zimbabwe. When the ANC youth league was asked about Zuma's behaviour with his lovechild, the response gave the impression that we are not allowed to criticise "elders". It is a violation of cultural norms. This kind of party loyalty, rationalised through culture" sits very uncomfortable for me.

Yet, the sounds in our political arena is starting to shift. The following is from a Mail & Guardian article regarding the ANC's response to Zuma recent sex debacle:

Said the NEC source: "We first thought it was a private matter. But we were surprised that the outcry did not come from white people or foreign media, but from our African constituency. They must vote for us to stay in power and we must listen to them.

"We realised that we need to change our approach or it will cost us in the 2011 local elections and beyond.

"We really want the president to zip up and make sure this doesn't happen again. If it does, it's over. We have nothing left to defend his conduct."

That speaks of accountability. It also speaks of a democracy that is alive. It bridges a divide of black and white and elevates the substance of critique above the source thereof. I look forward to a time in our politics where principle matters more than skin color.

Proudly South African.