A New Party in South Africa

Democracy in South Africa has received a shot in the arm with the formation of a new political party. Largely raised by the dissidents from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and sundry opposition groups, the Congress of the People or COPE promises inclusivity in a nation where politics and national discourse are still largely dictated and dominated by racial issues.

Published: Thu 18 Dec 2008, 9:33 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 3:55 PM

The new party is rooted in deep divisions that surfaced in the ANC last year when Jacob Zuma forced his long-time rival, Thabo Mbeki, to give up the party presidency ultimately forcing him to quit as President of South Africa. Not surprisingly, the new political party is seen as a huge blow to the governing ANC, the former liberation movement, that with a brute majority of nearly two-third seats in parliament has faced no serious competition until now.

This was only inevitable. As the governing ANC gets increasingly bogged down by its internal strife and corruption involving some of its leaders, the South Africans had been looking for alternatives. This is what often happens with liberation movements that go on to win power. From India to Indonesia to South Africa, this is a shared experience.

Unfortunately for South Africa, this is happening right before the eyes of its freedom icons like Nelson Mandela who devoted their entire lives for the cause of independence. The rise of the new party is sure to reshape the political landscape of the continent’s richest country.

What is really good about the change is the new party’s focus and keenness to present itself as a party of all South Africans - blacks, whites and those in between. This is something the country badly needed. Besides, a strong and vigilant opposition serving as the watchdog is essential to the growth of a healthy and working democracy.

COPE’s leader Mosiuoa Lekota clearly understands the overwhelming mood and desire for change prevailing in the country. He has also talked of fighting corruption and crime - two big concerns of his people right now. The new political party could indeed present the people of South Africa with a good alternative.