The present party-based system is at the root of the problems besetting local government and I believe the depoliticisation of local politics is the only way forward.
Local government in South Africa is in disarray and Makana is no exception. Discontent is widespread and is growing rapidly. Elsewhere, communities are resorting to self-destructive protest action.
The present party-based system is at the root of the problems besetting local government and I believe the depoliticisation of local politics is the only way forward.
Local government in South Africa is in disarray and Makana is no exception. Discontent is widespread and is growing rapidly. Elsewhere, communities are resorting to self-destructive protest action.
Unless the 2011 election produces a very different outcome, local government will continue on its present downward spiral. A turnaround is essential and de-politicisation is the answer.
Local government must be freed from the stranglehold of the multi-party system which is at the root of nonperformance.
The concept of a non political-party local government is nothing new but independent candidates for office are at a disadvantage because they lack the support of the party machinery behind them. To compete, independents cannot be stand-alone candidates.
They need to be an organised coalition, albeit a loose one not bound by caucus rules and policies. They must jointly commit to serving the needs of their communities from a non party-political standpoint and must with one voice clearly spell out the advantages of a non political-party system to the local electorate.
They will also have to register as a ‘party’ and have a ‘party’ list so that some of their number can be available as proportional representation (PR) candidates.
Will such independents be allowed to be members of a political party? Yes, but such affiliation will only be exercised at provincial and national level, not at the local government level.
The advantage of depoliticising local government is that candidates will then be drawn from across the spectrum of political parties and will be individuals who are representative of all sections of the community. Under the multi-party system persons are nominated through internal political party processes in which the general public has no say.
Political parties will undoubtedly see such a new deal as a threat and they will jealously defend the potential erosion of their influence at the local level of government.
Those who stand as independents should expect a backlash but it is a price which suitable individuals with the qualities necessary to restore sound local government should be willing to pay.
Now is the time for such individuals from all sections of the community to step forward and to put Makana at the forefront of a new deal for local government.
Jock McConnachie is the chairperson of the Democractic Alliance in Grahamstown
