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It's time for the DA to stop indecisiveness like a fish out of water and start swimming in a consistent direction. South Africans need leaders who can stand firm in their convictions and values, not ones who change their tune every time the wind blows, argues Bhekisisa Mncube.
Well, well, well, what a shocker! The DA's flip-flopping antics have reached new heights of absurdity, culminating in their recent elective conference, which saw John Steenhuisen reclaiming his position of power. But hold your horses, folks! I'm not here to talk about the Eskom State of Disaster that turned out to be a dud. No, I’m here to draw your attention to something of even greater concern - the DA's habitual flip-flopping on critical policies.
Besides, the DA's approach to diversity is like a "zebra without stripes." Despite claiming to value diversity, the party's recent conference elected a leadership structure that does not reflect its purported values. The top leadership team elected recently is dominated by a bevvy of white males with only three black members and two women. It is as if they expect us to believe that a zebra without stripes is still a zebra. Perhaps, it's like a rainbow with only one colour.
DA's flip-flopping
Oh, the flip-flopping of the DA during the Covid-19 pandemic was more confusing than a chameleon at a disco party! First, they all favoured the lockdown, proposing a smarter version dubbed the "Smart Lockdown." But wait, before the ink could dry on that proposal, they turned around and called the government's lockdown measures "irrational" and "costly."
The DA then went to court to oppose the "lockdown madness," only to come up empty-handed. It seems like they were just doing the hokey-pokey with their Covid-19 policies, putting their right foot in and taking it out, shaking it all about, and leaving the public confused and unsure. This smacks of inconsistency, and it is vital to note that this kind of waffle only muddles the public perception of the DA and its trustworthiness.
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Who will forget the DA's climb down on the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBEE) as a necessary tool for transformation during the Lindiwe Mazibuko days in 2013?
The DA in Parliament voted 'yes’ to support the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Bill, only to withdraw their support within weeks. This ultimately led to the ousting of Mazibuko from her position as parliamentary leader. Subsequently, the DA's federal council decided to ditch black economic empowerment, claiming the policy was "just not working." One has to wonder - do they actually have any principles, or are they just playing political hopscotch?
The DA's vacillation on load shedding is truly beyond belief. First, they called for the State of Disaster to end the power cuts. However, when the ANC, considered the leader of society, made a similar call and implemented it, the DA threatened to take legal action against them faster than one can say "flip-flop."
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Furthermore, the DA's recent announcement of their moonshot pact to outs the ANC is about as credible as seeing a unicorn galloping down the streets of Johannesburg. It's not just the fantastical nature of the plan that's concerning - John Steenhuisen himself expressed a willingness to work with the ANC in 2021, so what happened to that sentiment?
No interest in moonshot pact
Even the DA's coalition partners have caught on to this inconsistency and shown little interest in the moonshot pact. It's like the story of the boy who cried wolf - or, in this case, the party that screamed, "We’ll oust the ANC!" It's no wonder this kind of flip-flopping further erodes the already dwindling credibility of the DA and the public's trust in the party.
Moreover, one can't help but feel that Steenhuisen's education is on par with a toddler's ability to colour within the lines. It’s like trying to pilot a plane with a colouring book instead of a flight manual. One can only hope he has enough crayons in his box to lead a major opposition party, let alone aspire to govern South Africa.
READ | OPINION: Matthew Blackman - The muddled, befuddled Mr John Steenhuisen
It's like putting a child in charge of a candy store without considering the consequences; no wonder he keeps taking his eyes off the ball and taking sexist digs at his ex-wife. Well, it seems we've got a leader who's missing a few crayons from his pack! It's no secret that our previous leader, who lacked a formal education, gifted us with nine long, lost years. We can't afford to go down that rabbit hole, folks.
South Africans deserve leaders who know how to colour within the lines and possess the necessary competence, education, and ethical standards to make the crucial decisions that impact our lives. Let's not settle for anything less.
Still, the DA's political tomfoolery on crucial policies, lack of diversity, and questionable leadership raise concerns. It's time to ditch the buffoonery and embrace a new kind of politics that prioritises the needs of all South Africans.
So, my fellow citizens, let's keep our eyes open and our wits sharp regarding the DA's political escapades. Let's work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions to the challenges we face.
In conclusion, it's time for the DA to stop indecisiveness like a fish out of water and start swimming in a consistent direction. South Africans need leaders who can stand firm in their convictions and values, not ones who change their tune every time the wind blows.
So let's all take a moment to appreciate the irony of a party called the Democratic Alliance being anything but democratic nor an alliance for lack of diversity and friends in opposition benches. It's time for the DA to shape up or ship out.
- Bhekisisa Mncube is a storyteller, award-winning Witness columnist and author. His new book, The Ramaphosa Chronicles, is available for sale at www.madeindurban.co.za.
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