Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I was 19 years old when Nelson Mandela was released, and having been brought up in a family where my mother had me read Albert Lethuli’s Let My People Go when I was 13, I was overjoyed. Before the 1994 elections I joined the ANC, obtained my membership card and voted for the ANC in those elections. That was a very different ANC to the organisation that we have 20 years later, which is why even two former ANC Cabinet Ministers are telling people not to vote for the ANC.
I am personally not going to be voting for the ANC, because no matter what they have done, in terms of the new South Africa and how it is a far better place than the apartheid state we lived in before, they have very little to be proud of in recent years. I don’t believe that people should continually be thanked for what they did 20 years ago, and even if they are to be, they need to be told that the current way in which they are governing South Africa is not acceptable. The corruption is not acceptable, Nkandla is not acceptable, their efforts to hamstring the justice system and a variety of cases against the President and others are entirely inappropriate, and I don’t think there can be many attorneys in South Africa who believe that the way in which certain matters are handled have been in the interests of justice in South Africa. It would be a tragedy if the ANC were to be told that as a result of their recent poor management of our country, this means nothing to the people and they are returned with the same majority they always have.
They will win, and they will win handsomely, but they certainly need to win with a smaller majority than in the past and unfortunately the polls are not showing that. I do hope that everybody applies their mind to their vote and wonders whether or not the ANC need to be returned with the same huge majority they’ve had in years gone by, or whether or not, instead of getting 65% or 66%, they will not learn a lesson and perhaps look at their presidential candidate if for example they win with only 60% of the votes. They will not, they will almost certainly get more vote share than that, but I think if they get 60% of the votes they will certainly learn that the South African public is going to hold them accountable. If they are returned with the same majority yet again, there will not be anything for them to learn, because the electorate after all would have told them that they are as good as they were 10 and 20 years ago – even though it is not true. We get one chance every 5 years to tell parties whether we think they are going in the right direction or not and we must all use that chance.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Tuesday 06-May-14
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Comments
salome said:
on Friday 09-May-14 02:44 PM
Most people will not vote on voting day because they are still comfortable in the state that they live in. the majority of people will make no attempt to change anything unless they are force to. As long as the general public will accept what the government does no change will happen. As for the new voters, they will most likely vote for the party their parents did or still do. Every SA has to make their voices heard and to make a stand that the current political situation is not acceptable.
Elektra said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 05:08 PM
At the end of the day I hope those shirts and caps provide running water, electricity, housing a safe environment and jobs the list goes on and on as to today's current STRUGGLES.
Jolene said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 04:40 PM
This is my first opportunity to vote and Im definitely not voting ANC! This morning on my way to our brand new Pretoria offices, people form the DA were smiling and waving at me at the robot and the taxi with ANC written all over it, drove on the side of the road just to push right in front of me! They are really not making it possible to vote for them but still they win year after year. Lets just vote for the best and hope for the best!
Tersia said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 04:03 PM
I will obviously not be voting for the ANC, but of course they will win again and over and over again they will keep on winning. People feel that they're say does not count so they don't even do the effort. I agree with Melissa that it's not an excuse anymore to blame everything on the apartheid, as I see it we are still living in apartheid - we are definitely not a country united and for me we don't really have freedom as well. I live every day in fear of life and the people's life's that are close to me. Everything in this country is getting more and more terrible and people can't see that, that's the sad part.
Sorea said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 03:35 PM
A huge part of the 60-odd percent that votes for the ANC are the people that the self same government consistently fails to educate thereby keeping them ignorant to other possibilities out there. Education is the key to a brighter future and our "wonderful" ANC government is keeping that key in it's deepest pocket to ensure that they will remain in government. Maybe if we can slowly get the provincial governments to be run by other parties, the people will realise that the "bogeymen" parties that opposes the ANC are not necessarily as bad as they think.
Yolandi P said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 03:23 PM
The ANC from 20 years ago did do a lot of good I agree, but as Nicky said, people still fell like they owe them their loyalty. I believe that trust is earned and not just given and I am hoping that the younger generation who are now able to vote will bring the change that we so long to see in our country. Their loyalties will lie with the party that will serve them, not the party they serve. As for me, its blue team all the way
Lucretia said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 03:09 PM
I have always said, let the best party win, however, if I look at the way things have gone over the past 20 years, the ANC will definitely not get my vote. I am all for change but change that is in a good way and benefits all South Africans.
Safia said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 03:08 PM
@David. it is shocking but just like with his shower story, he says what he believes in and technically he is right. that is why Zim cant get rid of Mugabe for all these years while he is taking their country to its knees. Zuma is like a neanderthal comparing to the great man Mandela and ANC degenerated within 20 years. Zuma will rely on ignorant people to vote for him and it is in his interest to keep them ignorant even longer so there is be no improvement in education in coming years as uneducated people are easier to control.
Henrietta said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:59 PM
ANC definitely does not get my vote at all, but won't be surprised if they win again. I really hope I am wrong but in time we will know. It's really sad that people can be so gullible when it comes to the election and parties promising all kind of thing and still believe it will happen. I hope that people will vote for who they believe will help this country and not some empty promises.
Thabitha said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:41 PM
I was not going to vote this year but I think I must on the other hand I am not sure for which party because not long ago we were happy for freedom
Nicky said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:26 PM
I agree that the ANC shouldfnot be continually thanked for what they achieved 20 years ago-The ANC we have now is a completely different party from 20 years ago. Unfortunately thec reality is that this is what prompts most people to still vote for the ANC and although some people that vote for the ANC are not happy with Zuma they'll continue voting the for the ANC because they compare what they have now to what they had pre 1994 and still feel indebted to the ANC.
Zuma's "bright people" comment creates the impression for me that he would want as many South Africans as possible to not be bright so that the whole country will just blindly follow him and vote for him without questioning him, his government or his actions-what a disgrace for a leader-Keep everybody as stupid as possible!
In my optimism and dream world I hope that the ANC does not win but I somehow have a feeling that I will be jolted back to reality when the results are made known.
Marzelle said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:24 PM
Strange how the people that is always busy with their stiking and moaning about jobs and increases are the same people voting for the ANC everytime.
I will definitely not be voting for the ANC
Helen said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:21 PM
This year I will be staying in this country for 8 years, when I came that time I thought that this very strong country with lots of social benefits and opportunities for young people, but I do not think the same way now, 8 years later. The life here changed, has got more difficult and expensive. I believe ANC was in government for the last 8 years. If I had opportunity to vote I will not vote for ANC definitely.
Joyce said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:16 PM
The voters should now give another party a chance
Liesl said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 02:13 PM
It is cardinal that everyone goes to vote. Every single vote will make a difference in the end, we cannot go with "what's the use". The ANC will not get my vote - how 'great' a keeper of the sheep is the wolf, as the saying goes...they talk a lot but their actions speak louder than their words.
Sheena said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 01:59 PM
I will NOT be voting for the ANC. They make empty promises ,are corrupt and absolutely incompetent to be leaders.
Sally said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 01:50 PM
I will definitely not vote ANC, but everyone has their own opinion and I do not discuss politics
Kaylee said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 01:50 PM
Further to my previous comment, the stigma attached to voting for a party like the DA means white people will step in again and bring back apartheid, is ignorant. Has anyone noticed how many black people (and people of other nationalities) are actually part of the DA? Has anyone noticed the rigorous campaigning of the DA, which completely keeping up with the times, where the ANC plays on emotions of the people and has the same slogans and strategies? They rely so heavily on Nelson Mandela and what he did. But still fail to keep up with their promises. Can we please enlighten the uneducated and help them see this??
Sarah said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 01:49 PM
I wont be voting ANC.They are so corrupt and dont keep to their promises. Lets hope that ANC does not get their over all percentage they need. I think EFF will be taking a lot of ANC votes.
Jade said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 01:21 PM
This years election campaign has been very disheartening. There has been censorship of political advertisements on SABC, & whispers that the IEC aren't as independent as they should be. I saw that there were suspiciously biased stories about DA supporters beating pregnant women on the streets in the newspapers.
I agree that the ANC will be voted into power again. They still have a strong influence over the people. In town, there are posters saying "Vote for ANC, do it for Madiba", ANC political rallies serve monotonous promises of jobs, education and housing that seem renewed by the excess gifting of free T-shirts and caps which have now become a fashion statement. I also hope that the percentage of people voting for ANC drops.
Sinead said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 11:56 AM
It's sad to see how naive some people can be. Believing in empty promises... I will not be voting for the ANC! They are all thieves and liars.
It will be interesting to see how the 18-20 year old's think the voting should go though.
Refilwe said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 11:04 AM
Great blog. . . David's comment, wow really Zuma ? not surprised though, too bad that the "dumb" people wouldn't understand his comment either which is why they always vote for him.
ANC has brainwashed every black person into believing that " if you vote for DA, the country will go back to apartheid times" what a load of crap. . . Tomorrow will be my first time voting and i'm PROUDLY voting for the D.A thank you very much!!!!
Stephanie said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 10:25 AM
Viva DA! This subject makes me negative and really angry, it's better I keep quiet I will really say some things I will regret later on. My vote definitely goes for DA, like Bianca said they are doing a great job!
Brenda said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:56 AM
It is sad that the elections have become so worrying and it has actually made a person feel that its not worth voting. I will however definitely be casting my vote tomorrow, as i do want to know that i made an effort to make a difference in our country. but it has become such a battle field and when you read what is going on between the parties, it is quite shocking and disheartening. I want to see our country flourish, i want to know that there is a bright future, but the way things look now, we are digging a deeper hole and South Africa will become just a dot on the map of the world, a has been.
Before each election, promises are made and false hopes are given, but once the votes are counted and a decision is made, those promises could just as well have been part of a fairy tale book that they blow dust off every 4 years.
I will definitely not be voting ANC... They play dirty and they have proved that they will milk you for everything you have got for their personal gain, but like you said, they will win once again, but i do hope its not at the high margin of previous years, and i really hope that they lose a tremendous amount of votes, as that may just, with any luck, make them wake up a little bit.
Cornelie said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:54 AM
I will NOT vote for the ANC what have they done for me NOTHING , I will not get free housing nor schooling, I work for my money to live and don't expect to get everything free.
Alexis said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:49 AM
I have never voted for the ANC and i registered as soon as i was able to. Empty promises and no change. I see them as greedy and only thinking of themselves and what they can do for themselves. But everybody has their own opinion and the one subject i oppose to talking about is politics. I just hope that there is change, this election seems a lot bigger than usual
Juliet said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:49 AM
I am not voting ANC. I have spoken to a lot of people and I do like to ask them who they are voting for and they mostly tell me and the feedback I have been getting is they are voting for EFF. So I am not sure which I should be more scared of. Again, a blog like this will not be read by the 60% of the population who really should be reading it. The ANC's disrespect for the people and Zuma's arrogance has made me really distrustful of the government, their intentions and the future they are paving for South Africa
Ashleigh said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:37 AM
ANC has run its course of false promises and if anything people would prefer to go back to the apartheid days then live how they are living now. IF people even gave other parties half the chance I'm sure they would have seen results that they have always been waiting for by now but unfortunately some people are like cattle and follow the herd. So here is to hoping and praying for a change.
Bianca R said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:36 AM
I will not be voting ANC tomorrow, the poverty and state of our country is enough to make your mark for another party. A dream of a better future and lower employment rates, the ANC has undone any progress that was made under Madiba and also Thabo Mbeki. We are lucky in the sense that we do not have wars etc but on the other hand, we have our government spending money left right and centre on everything else but the development of our country and more importantly, it's citizens. I read last night that Jacob Zuma defended the Nkandla scandal by saying that the security was needed, he even went on to say that one of his wife's were raped there. Whilst I can sympathize, all that that statement did was turn people's focus away and make people think that perhaps it was for good reason. This is nonsense and a tactic if you ask me. The corruption and manner in which this country is being lead is disgraceful to any "proud" South African, if there are any left. All we can do is make an informed decision and hope for a better future for SA.
Simone said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:33 AM
Great blog entry. I completely agree with the points you have made. It is however a shame that we will be stuck with the most useless political "leaders"...
Lizanne said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:32 AM
I am definitely not voting fro the ANC. I really hope that South Africa will make a difference this time by realizing that, not voting for the ANC will make South Africa a better place. It is all about taking chances for those people not wanting to vote for ANC but do not know of better. Take a change and make a difference.
Melissa said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:31 AM
I am sick and tired of the people that are blaming everything on the apartheid era, but that's not an excuse anymore. Now they just have to vote for the right party that will change the world.
Bianca Els said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:28 AM
Never in my life will I vote ANC they are a bunch of crooks, promises everything to the poor people and deliver nothing!! And still there will be people believing them, and vote for the ANC... I really think the DA is doing a really good job in Midvaal where we live, so my vote will go for them definitely.
Jessica said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:25 AM
I will be voting for DA all the way, for the rest of my life too. I will never vote ANC and I also wouldn't vote EFF.
Melissa said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:23 AM
Not even over my dead body will I vote for the ANC, not even if they pay me R 10 million. They are all so corrupt and they have empty promises. What a shame!!! They are just fooling themselves by promising people things that they cannot keep. It's actually a pity that they are influencing the unliterate people that is one of the biggest amount of voters and using them to vote for the wrong party. At the end of the day they are the ones who will suffer as they will receive empty promises in return.
david said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:22 AM
JZ quoted: Im not worried about Nkandla because its not my problem. Nor is it a problem of the people that Ive been campaigning, said Zuma.
He said nobody had asked him about Nkandla during the election campaign.
I think the people who have been talking about it is you guys, the media, and the opposition. The people are not worried about it.
As a result, people dont think the Nkandla issue is a problem to affect ANC voters. Not at all&
Its an issue with the bright people, (with) very clever people its a big issue, and people who have thought using Nkandla would be an important thing for elections. It has not worked.
you must be one of the 'bright people'.
lourien said:
on Tuesday 06-May-14 09:12 AM
I will definitely not vote ANC, there is just to much corruption, but the question is who to vote for, even with all the advertising of all the parties I still dont know who I should actually vote for. At the end of the day its who is going to run our country the best. Maybe I will know by tomorrow for who to vote...
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
