Vote for the Vote, and Vote ANC

Vote for the ANC! And vote for the vote itself! This democracy was fought for and won in struggle. The vote must be kept alive. It must be exercised. The SACP has campaigned energetically, and it enthusiastically recommends the vote and a vote for the ANC. So does COSATU. Even Johannesburg’s main English-language paper, The Star, is recommending a vote for the ANC this time round. See the four linked articles below. The Business Day’s Karima Brown attempts to suggest that the SACP-COSATU-ANC alliance is affected by the Khutsong adminstrative boundary changes that have been rejected by the people of that place. That and a lot of other nonsense typical of her wacky views on politics (see link). Perhaps it is time to remind readers of these dispatches that the aim here is learning how to be politically active in this South African context. The aim is not endorsement of people’s views, nor annihilation of their views. Karima Brown’s journalism has been carried often. Her reporting of facts and events is good. It is part of the South African landscape. Using it does not mean acceptance of her opinions as well. Nor should too much stress be put on these introductory notes, which are only meant to draw people’s attention to the material, and not to indoctrinate readers. Some of the feedback says they are impertinent, but others say they are essential. They are written from a point of view. But they are neither meant to be gospel nor provocation. The attribute that is sought more than any other is brevity. Ebrahim Hassen’s article on why one should vote is not brief enough, but it has some shining moments. Thanks, my comrade. (linked) The full text of Arthur Mutambara’s MDC Presidential acceptance speech is now up on the CU site and linked below. Mutambara is an actual rocket scientist, but his politics are not outstanding. He offers liberal democracy, comfort to the bourgeoisie, and precious little for the working class. Usually this distribution goes out in the morning at around 06h00 but in this case because of election duties it will go out the night before. The breaking story of the night is the statement by Minister Erwin that the recent failure of the Koeberg nuclear power station was caused by sabotage. Eskom bureaucrats, to bump up their bid for more public money, were opportunistically using this event as political blackmail. Heads should roll. And the criminals must be caught. Links: Blade Nzimande, SACP campaign for ANC at Park Station (293 words) SACP urges workers and poor to vote ANC in millions (396 words) Vote ANC on Wednesday, says COSATU (401 words) Give ANC 5 more years, Editorial, The Star (553 words) Khutsong, new era for ANC ties with allies, Brown, B Day (777 words) Why a protest non-vote is useless, Ebrahim Hassen (2619 words) MDC, Presidential acceptance speech, A Mutambara (1936 words)