Entering 2015, it feels as though we should be a nation on tranquillisers. But, at the same time, there are encouraging signs for South Africa.
Political interference with Sars is a serious attack on the independence of the institution.
We need to work out how to make the knowledge gained over the past 20 years work for us.
In February 1994 Nelson Mandela, the then ANC president, said: "A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy."
The courts have ruled in disapproval of secrecy and unduly delay, and rightfully so.
South Africa has one of the fastest-growing diabetes epidemics in the world. But HIV and Aids are reported more truthfully nowadays.
Parastatals are not primarily seen as development drivers or even as providers of services answerable to citizens, but as a source of patronage.
Both party funding and political debate are obscured by non-disclosure of financial sources. Parliament must change this urgently.
The Khampepe report shows just how easy it is for leaders to reject the rights of citizens. South Africa may well be on the same slippery slope.
If the tripartite parties’ interests have diverged, then the parties should diverge. Rather give the voters a democratic contestation of issues.