In the very first offering of the My Vote Counts (MVC) 2024 newsletter, it is noted that President Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address speech, failed to recognise that all the progress made around socio-economic issues in South Africa has been because people have had a say. South Africa is known for having a robust civil society, and through people’s struggles, we have seen many victories that uphold democracy and drive it towards working for people.
Elections have often been placed at the apex of democracy, and by extension, political parties have been at the centre of democracy. This distorted view has created a culture that takes the concept that the people shall govern further away from the people and into the hands of a few that have to further the interests of the elites. In a very simplistic manner, this relationship creates the conditions for several problematic realities within a democracy. Firstly, we see an erosion of a social fabric that participates in democracy beyond just elections. Secondly, we see an erosion in the belief that elections will bring change, and we see people not even engaging with political parties and participating in elections as a whole. Lastly, we see political parties believing that access to basic services and human rights takes place through their altruism.
Considering that this year (2024) is an election year and the South African democracy is turning 30, the moment calls for us to be critically reflective and accept that people’s movements, campaigns, research and advocacy done by the many stakeholders in civil society have led us to victories for access to antiretrovirals, they have led us to the protection of land and the environment, they have led us to the protection of workers. People’s organisations have at all times put forth ideas and solutions that inspire and will drive change that can transform the lived experiences of many South Africans. It is, therefore, rather prudent to look towards people to determine what we need as South Africans and how we will move towards a different South Africa.
To that end, My Vote Counts, with several movements and organisations in civil society, have collaborated on unfolding a People’s Analysis of Manifestos. The People’s Analysis of Manifestos is a document that seeks to focus on the demands that will ensure running water, electricity, roads, land, houses and safe schools that activists and people’s movements have developed and shaped through struggle. This document seeks to compare what major political parties are promising in their manifestos and people’s demands. Do their promises align with what people really want in South Africa?! The answers, the solutions and ideas of what can be done are in people’s demands. Are political parties listening, and if they are not, what will the people do to hold them accountable? Click on the link below to read the full report.
