Dear Editor
Trust. That is the key for the parties in the Multi-party Charter to achieve success in next year’s general elections and replace the ANC as government of South Africa.
Without trust and cooperation, success is not attainable.
Coalitions are usually formed after elections and, so, the Multi-party Charter for South Africa creates a unique situation as parties have already formally reached out to one another long before the elections.
Even countries traditionally governed by coalition governments, such as Germany, which members of the Multi-party Charter recently visited to take a closer look at the system, could learn something from the situation in South Africa.
According to the Germans, where three parties make up the government, it is a complicated undertaking. The local Multi-party Charter already consists of eight parties and others will most probably join after the elections.
It became apparent during the visit that there is no one-size-fits-all model for all countries. Each country has its own unique set of circumstances and a coalition government model should adapt to that.
In addition, South Africa’s Constitution determines that a coalition should be formed within fourteen days after the elections. This complicates the situation immensely and it is nearly impossible. In Germany, it takes up to six months to form a coalition government.
That is why it is important for the parties in South Africa that want to get rid of the ANC to join hands now already; each retaining their own identity, policy and election campaign.
It sends the message to the country’s voters that diverse parties are willing to reach out to one another and work together to save South Africa.
This gesture of cooperation should motivate voters to also reach out, to register and to vote for the party of their choice in order to form a united front against the ruling ANC.
Let all of us in South Africa join hands. Let us work together and vote. People who neglect to do so will merely strengthen the ANC’s hands and keep it in power for another five years.
Regards
Dr. Pieter Groenewald
FF Plus leader
Uluru Walker
Hayibo! – wow! [Hai-bo] Derived from the Zulu word meaning “definitely not!” This word is usually expressed on its own, at the start or end of a sentence when something seems incredible.Example: “Hayibo! Ha! Ha! I can’t believe that!”
Mad Robin
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”