There are murmurs in many quarters concerning signs that the gloss on our democracy, and therefore our country, is fading fast. Some say we have cause to worry, while others say we should be alarmed and another group believes we should press panic buttons.
It is observed that the promise we held as one of the beacons of hope on the continent in terms of our democratic constitution, supporting institutions and legal arrangements, is receding; that the efforts made by many in the past 14 years to entrench democratic processes and practices in our country are being undermined by others in pursuit of dishonourable goals.
Those expressing concern about the fast-deteriorating state of our democracy, point to the following:
- The embarrassing shenanigans at the SABC and attempts by parliament to control the public broadcaster in an intimidatory manner.
- A section of the police service breaking the law by blockading roads and engaging another section of the police in a shooting skirmish that left the country shocked, while to date, no arrests or disciplinary measures have been instituted.
- Determination to reconfigure the law-enforcement agencies even against the fierce opposition of the citizens.
- The frequent attacks on the judiciary in a manner that suggests intimidation or erosion of its dignity and integrity.
- The apparent developing tendency to shut down dissenting views.
- The timid and servile manner in which the Human Rights Commission (HRC) handled the several public utterances about "killing" and "eliminating" people.
- Frequent cases of corruption published in the media relating to the public sector.
- The frightening spectacle of soldiers marching in full uniform in the streets, demanding more pay.
Concerned South Africans contend that all these point to a gradual and cumulative undermining of state institutions that will have dire consequences if not arrested.
Shortly after independence, Zimbabweans enjoyed a vibrant political environment in which political discourse took place on radio, TV, the university and other public forums.
Zimbabweans of all shades of opinion walked tall, secure in the knowledge that they were truly free in their own country.
But gradually, the political space reduced in inverse proportion as intolerance on the part of the ruling party increased. The party, state and people were conflated. Criticism of the party became synonymous with counter-revolution and therefore enmity to the people of Zimbabwe.
Incidents of corruption increased in tandem with the party and the government taking the masses for granted.
The attitude seemed to be that it did not matter what the party or the government did or did not do, the people will always give their support. After all, Zanu-PF is the revolutionary party that brought liberation to Zimbabwe.
The party was destined and entitled to rule Zimbabwe forever. Nothing else was conceivable. We all know how dearly the ordinary masses paid for this mindset.
The people of Zimbabwe, who fought for their freedom, are now reduced to extreme poverty and are teetering on the brink of failed statehood.
Millions of them have fled their country to seek survival in other lands. Instead of progressing towards prosperity and an improved quality of life of the people, the country is fast sliding into an economic wasteland.
Some South Africans say, correctly, that we would be amazingly stupid if we did not learn the bitter lessons from beyond our northern border.
Without functioning state institutions, South Africans have at best nothing, and at worst, chaos and mayhem. Somalia is the best example of what happens when organs of state collapse almost completely. You have a lawless society where the rule of the jungle takes over.
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