The South African political scene is no stranger to controversy and upheaval. Still, one of its most glaring shortcomings has been the lack of genuine commitment to practising meaningful democracy.
A disheartening paradox has emerged where politicians, who are meant to be the torchbearers of democracy, often seem reluctant, disillusioned, or even ignorant, about its true essence.
Worse, the practice of coalition formation, a cornerstone of democratic governance, has been shrunk by major parties. In contrast, others dismiss it as a predetermined game orchestrated by hidden forces.
Political heavyweights ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have proposed coalition regulations and thresholds that raise the question: can there be too much democracy? The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), on the other hand, has cried foul, branding coalition talks as a conspiracy orchestrated by “white capitalist cartels”. In this tangled web of political posturing, the concept of true collaboration and people-centred governance often gets lost.
A recent event on national coalition dialogue paints a vivid picture of this political trajectory. But let us not lose hope just yet. Despite the disillusionment, the essence of democracy is not dead — ego-driven power struggles have just overshadowed it. The irony is that, while democracy is supposed to empower the demos, the people, the kratos, the real power, often remain out of their grasp.
Throughout South Africa’s political history, representative democracy has held sway, often to the detriment of participatory democracy.
With its historical roots in the anti-apartheid struggle, the ANC is a champion of the marginalised. However, this narrative sometimes falls victim to the seductive pull of patronage and clientelism. ANC representatives argue that they make decisions based on a deep understanding of historical struggles and societal complexities, striving for broader goals. But loyalty to the party has sometimes overshadowed accountability and proper representation.
However, the blame lies solely with the actors, where a severe lack of political will is in play. The recent wave of coalition plotting highlights the ignorance about participatory democracy. And herein lies the heart of the problem — the absence of genuine commitment to the democratic process, masked by short-sighted politicking.
Across the globe, coalition politics often find its footing in political conventions rather than legislative rules. In Germany, for instance, compliance with coalition agreements is not mandated by law but by the political calculation that parties will be held accountable by the electorate for their track record in a coalition.
It is a lesson worth absorbing — a government’s stability should not hinge on legal mandates but on politicians standing by their word, even in the face of challenges.
The debate over “regulatory reforms” and “principles necessary for coalitions” point to a broader concern. Leaving these restrictions to legislation could open the door to partisan self-interest, rather than the general public.
Furthermore, the proposal by the DA to limit no-confidence votes brings to the fore a glaring mistrust of voters that seems prevalent among political elites. The question is, should the electorate’s confidence not be a driving force behind political decisions?
Similarly, the ANC’s notion that the largest party must lead all coalitions exposes an unhealthy dynamic where collaboration takes a back seat to power dynamics.
However, focusing solely on legal solutions is akin to treating the symptoms while ignoring the root cause. The issue, expressed by many, is not the laws but political gamesmanship. For true progress, what is needed is a shift in politics, not just new rules.
Then what is the way forward? The first step is to prioritise issues over specific positions. Envision a world where political discussions revolve around necessary actions, rather than who secures particular roles.
This approach mirrors Germany’s coalition negotiations, focusing on agreeing on key political matters and initiatives before delving into appointments. This strategy eliminates power-driven politics and prioritises the country’s and its citizens’ requirements.
To revitalise the democratic spirit, South Africa could explore forming coalition groups based on ideological foundations. Instead of having one dominant party, these groupings would allow collaborative power-sharing among candidates. While this might seem ambitious in our current political landscape, it presents a commendable vision to strive for.
For example, the Center-Left Coalition emphasises social justice and welfare, while the Center-Right Coalition centres on economic freedom — the Conservative and Environmentalist Coalition champions cultural preservation and sustainable development.
The Unity and Inclusivity Coalition aims for wealth redistribution and systemic change, while the Christian and Islamic Democracy Coalition promotes moral values. The Localism and Cape Independence Bloc advocates for regions and the Social Conservatism Coalition preserves culture and values.
As we navigate these waters, remember that democracy evolves, needing vigilance. South Africa’s leaders must transcend power struggles, embracing true democracy — empowering the people and prioritising national needs. This reclaims democracy’s potential for a promising future.
Zimkhitha Manyana lectures international relations at Wits University and is pursuing his PhD in political science at the University of Johannesburg.