LUKE the Dude entered the local Pub & Grill to find the convivial conversationalists deeply divided. Some quoted DA leader John Steenhuisen’s optimism that a new dawn would see South Africa build a vibrant, successful economy with jobs and growth; others preferred amaBungane’s and Daily Friend’s warnings that it will be more of the same old Ramaphosa.
Luke cornered The Prof for some clarity. “Don’t tell me all this sound and fury is about the
Government of National Unity, with the emphasis on unity?”
“Good guess, young Lucas, so it is.”
“No politics in the bar,” shouted the frowning Governor. “Oh come on Governor,” Stevie the Poet-cum-advocate argued, “these are unusual times and we all have opinions. Don’t you?”
On the button. Another victory for our learned friend. “I’ll tell you what,” improvised The Governor, “speak one at a time and I’ll suspend the rule for today.” Right. Stevie was unopposed as chairman and took his position on the little stage in the corner.
“Please order your next round as I sum up very briefly,” said Stevie, “The GNU is the same animal we had after the 1994 election. This time we did not even have a change of government and the ANC still rules, albeit now with the DA and other partners. Please lift your hand to speak; you first, William.”
Bill the Beard stepped forward. “The problem is,” growled he, “the ANC has simply swallowed the DA, which disappears in the appointment of Cabinet ministers and Deputies. Hardly a trace left. It’s a disgrace!”
“No way!” exclaimed Jon the Joker, “The DA has a talented and powerful group in government. Here’s Steenhuisen, I’ve got the text: ‘The configuration we have managed to negotiate ensures that, alongside the ANC, the DA is the only other party that is now represented across every one of the clusters in government. This means that, for the first time ever, the voices of DA voters will be heard in every sector … where decisions are made about our country’s future.’
“These are the priorities: ‘The urgent need to grow the economy and create jobs, to bring an end to the energy crisis, to combat corruption and maladministration, and to improve the quality of services like education.’ That is tackling government failure,” asserted Jon.
“My first thoughts were the same as William’s,” said The Prof, “but I don’t feel that way now. The six DA Ministers and six Deputies cover portfolios in a range of clusters, giving the DA an ear and an input all over government. This places them in a much better position – no longer shouting from outside.
“At one point the DA was one step from walking out. Had they done that, they would have caused the exact result John Steenhuisen had repeatedly pledged to prevent: a ‘Doomsday Coalition’ between the ANC and EFF or MK or both.”
“I agree,” thundered Big Ben. “The only way to go!” And The Governor, good humour restored, announced a round on the house, can you believe it.
Please give me your feedback at noag@maxitec.co.za
