April 4 2004

Amazing, ain 't it? Yes, the ANC is already on a two-thirds majority and only about 50% of the votes have been counted.

With the DA showing only 20% of these votes, I'm in a state of shock. The NNP has seen it's proverbial backside, but that was to be expected. Patricia de Lille shows a surprising amount of supporters (for a new party) with the IFP battling along at 5%. If you look at percentages, the ANC is standing at just under 70% with the DA at not even 20%. The NNP is lagging in (just about) last place at not even 2%.

The ANC is "humbled" by the strong support base they've received so far. But that was one mans' perspective. This has been the strongest showing of hands for the ANC ever in spite of 10 years of corruption, murder and theft from the people in this country. Does it make sense? Not really. With strong voices on national television criticizing the ANC during pre-election day, it does not make sense. And the loud-mouthed DP (again the official opposition) has an even weaker showing this time round. Let's just get one thing straight, I believe the election was mostly fair. Peaceful it was for sure with people queuing from early morning wanting to get this out of the way. To make their mark, to try and make a difference. And the young ones? Not many of those around I'm afraid. Port St. Johns had only 77% of registered voters turning out to make their mark but with a 100% ANC vote I can't help but smell something.

Max du Preez wrote in the Star daily newspaper today that we (the people) have an even bigger responsibility now to keep government in check. To scrutinize their every move, to make sure that they govern proper. We've been doing it for the past ten years, what makes him think that the ANC will heed the calls this time round? Time will tell.

In the meantime, life goes on. An interesting (and valid) letter in the same publication (Star April 15) from a JW Chambers responding to Helen Suzman's response on the death penalty. "Suzman has reiterated the point that the death penalty is cruel, demeaning, inhumane and final. Well, true - but so is murder". Another from M Martinaglia - "I regard it as an abomination particularly the "right to life" clauses, which saved the lives of hundreds of murderers, but have never revived any of their victims". As can be seen, the scrapping of the death penalty is still hotly debated by all and sundry with most South Africans agreeing that it should be re-instated.

This weekend sees the opening round of the MotoGp at Welkom's Phakisa track. Last year was supposed to be the last but with the perseverance of local enthusiasts local government eventually caved in and promised to help stage the event again this year. Alas, not to be - they pulled out of this with the reasoning that the locals need houses and not motorcycle sport. Now the event is carried by Dorna themselves (the MotoGP controlling body). I would like to know how much foreign currency comes into the country with the staging of an international event like this, and how much of this money stays behind in Welkom. I suspect thousands of fans will be there on the weekend, as it was last year. With Rossi on the Yamaha and six extremely talented Honda riders out to proof a point, it can only be an event not to be missed.

Let's hope that at least the ANC election posters of "a better life for all" can be put to good use by South Africans.