GOOD statement by Brett Herron
GOOD: Secretary-General
28 October 2021
Both the ANC and the DA have recently conceded, in their own ways, that they haven’t done enough to retain the support of their voters and are looking to post-election coalitions to cling to what remains of their diminishing power.
There has even – God forbid – been some discussion that these dinosaurs of South African politics, which for decades have positioned themselves as mortal enemies, will consider climbing into bed together. Not, to be clear, on the basis of love, integrity or any shared principles.
The recent histories of Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane and Johannesburg have been very poor adverts for coalition governments. That’s because, in these metros, coalition partners did not view the outcome of elections as a directive from voters to get their act together, together, but as a challenge to outwit their coalition partners.
But there are many cities and countries around the world that are very successfully run by coalitions.
They may not be first prize to political parties, but they clearly needn’t be as destructive as those of the dinosaurs have proven.
Constructiveness is the missing link in our politics.
Vigorous contestation is the mark of a healthy democracy, but once elections are over governments aren’t just there for those who voted for them; they are public representatives for all the people.
Opposition parties aren’t just there to oppose everything in sight, regardless of merit; they should be looking to contribute, too.
GOOD is not entering Local Government Elections with any fixed views about coalitions. We are ready to govern, and we are ready to provide constructive opposition.
When the results are out, if coalition talks are necessary, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis – guided by our analysis of the wishes of voters.
GOOD is a new party, but its candidates for councils are not new to community leadership or politics. Many have joined GOOD in the search for a viable alternative after working with one or other of the dinosaurs in the past.
South Africa’s political re-boot is underway. The long season of taking voters for granted on the basis of historical divisions is over.
Although the take-off may be bumpy, and the journey ahead is long, the transformation of our party political landscape is a positive step forward that all good people should embrace.
Media enquiries:
Ms Karabo Tledima, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 061 794 3819
Email: karabot@forgood.org.za