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The biggest opposition party in South Africa is the Democratic Alliance. It has grown exponentially when one considers that it only garnered 1.7% of the national vote in 1994 (albeit under a different party name). It is the real deal with just over a quarter of the votes at present. The majority of South Africans want what the DA states that it can accomplish in South Africa, but what are the chances of its actualization?
The Democratic Alliance is a party that wants an open society for all its citizens. It emphasizes individual freedom and limitations on the amount of power the state has. It believes more in a free-flowing economy and that anyone should be able to become a ‘brain surgeon, sports star or concert pianist’ regardless of his or her circumstances. It believes strongly in a strong education system, excellent service delivery and non-racialism. So, is it possible to accomplish an ‘Open Opportunity Society in our lifetime?
Many critics will state that the Democratic Alliance is still exclusive to the rich and those with proper influence. Some go as far as showing the relationship between Helen Zille and the Guptas, how well run Cape Town (one of the wealthiest cities in Africa) and magnify any of its flaws. Some of these include some controversial statements by some of its leaders and a small portion of its supporters. There are also those that claim that the party uses blacks to get more votes and power as a result. These pundits use Lindiwe Mazibuko’s departure, the rise of Mmusi Maimane and the relationship with the EFF as examples. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I prefer looking at stats when comparing different political parties.
The DA is on record for governing 38 of South Africa’s municipalities, affecting close to 16 million citizens. It controls R139.5 Billion of public money. Some naysayers state that it doesn’t matter how well the DA runs its municipalities because it doesn’t benefit black people. If we look at stats, the DA run Western Cape outperforms any other province even if we were to look at mainly black areas. There is no longer such a thing as Blue light brigades (unless for the president) in Tshwane, 25 roads were tarred in the first 100 days of the DA running Nelson Mandela Bay and the list continues… 97% of schools in the Western Cape are either ‘No fee’ or benefit from subsidies. More title deeds are transferred in Cape Town than any other major metro in South Africa. The Western Cape creates more jobs and has the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Clean Audits are a norm and service delivery levels cannot be matched.
We may speculate all we want about the motives of the DA (or any other political party), but stats don’t lie. They have been an example of what it means to grab every opportunity with both hands! The DA is certainly not where they would like to be, but have been moving in the correct direction. They have more black voters than white voters, which is why the notion of them being a ‘white party’ should be dismissed! They have a track record that is very difficult to fault and continue to grow. I was one of the pessimists a few years ago and came up with all sorts of arguments to discredit their accomplishments. I now accept the DA’s track records as norms and not the flukes that some newcomers accomplish. The Open Opportunity Society will not be easy to achieve, but is one that I can see coming to fruition soon! The DA will never be able to accomplish this alone, which is why partnerships with opposing political parties is necessary.
Michael Hlope
Michaelhlope75@gmail.com
