Examining the Pros and Cons of Democracy: Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy

By: Patrick Mcobothi

South Africa will celebrate 30 years of democracy in April this year after enduring undemocratic rule by the National Party. This party favoured white people and enforced laws that disregarded most of the population. Progress toward democracy is owed to political parties, civic movements, and the international community.

There have been valid sentiments of progress and regress from the gains of the 1994 democracy, this has resulted in marginalized groups in the country who are economically and politically disenfranchised and convinced that the current government still needs to fulfil the promises made in 1994. I remember watching videos of people queuing to vote for a government that would provide essential services such as water, housing, social infrastructure, and education when I was about six years old. Unfortunately, the reality was harsh for many people living in challenging conditions and hoping for a better future.

How I benefited from the 1994 Government

I am sharing my sincere thoughts on the current situation in South Africa. Growing up, I attended government-supported schools that offered free or low-cost education from primary to high school and even provided meals during my schooling. Such programs implemented by the government should be acknowledged and valued. During the SONA address, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about Tintswalo, who has benefitted from this government’s essential services. Such should not be dismissed, but I still believe that more can be done to change the lives of young people in South Africa.

Access to housing

As a resident of Chesterville township, especially Blackhurst, I have noticed the establishment of over three small new townships, including extensions two (2), three (3,) and Ridgeview, as a result of government-funded housing developments. While some of these developments may not meet high-quality building standards (low-quality building material- because of a corrupt tender system, requiring many of these developments to be re-done again after ten years), many families have benefited from providing homes that align with the government’s pledge to deliver adequate services to its citizens, as outlined in the South African constitution.

At a national level, we have witnessed the positive impact of democracy in South Africa. It has resulted in the establishment of the National Student Funding Aids Scheme (NSFAS) and the construction of Universities and Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) colleges. Additionally, democracy has contributed to the emergence of educated, middle-class black citizens and has supported black-owned businesses through tenders and contracts.

Social grants

The benefits of democracy extend to over 18 million South Africans who receive social grants, which is a commendable achievement. While some may question the sustainability of these grants, they serve as a lifeline for those in need, fighting poverty and its devastating effects. Lastly, democracy has facilitated the development of crucial amenities such as water systems, internet infrastructure, libraries, and schools. These services are a fundamental promise of democracy that must be safeguarded and improved at all costs.

Earlier, I highlighted some of the advantages we have witnessed in our democracy over the last three decades. As a young person, I experienced some of these benefits firsthand, particularly during my educational years in Chesterville. However, in the following paragraphs, I will discuss some of our country’s calamities during democratic governance in South Africa. While the ruling party brought about some of these disasters, others resulted from the democratic structure’s failure to tackle real-life issues faced by communities.

Earlier, I highlighted some of the advantages we have witnessed in our democracy over the last three decades. We have experienced some of these benefits firsthand as youth, particularly during my education in Chesterville. However, in the following paragraphs, I will discuss some of our country’s calamities during democratic governance in South Africa. While the ruling party brought about some of these disasters, others resulted from the democratic structure’s failure to tackle real-life issues faced by communities.

Despite 30 years of democracy, the South African economy has shown no significant improvement.

The South African economy has faced significant hurdles since the global financial crisis. Sadly, many individuals have lost their livelihoods, and the economy has grown by less than 2% annually (reference where you get these numbers please). Experts suggest that these obstacles stem from the governing party’s policies, which do not prioritize economic growth ref. South Africa has experienced frequent policy shifts and a need for transparent financial direction. Consequently, the country’s unemployment rate has surged to over 30%, according to Stats SA.

The South African economy has faced significant hurdles since the global financial crisis. Sadly, many individuals have lost their livelihoods, and the economy has grown by less. Experts suggest that these obstacles stem from the governing party’s policies, which do not prioritize economic growth. South Africa has experienced frequent policy shifts and a need for transparent financial direction. Consequently, the country’s unemployment rate has surged to over 30%, according to Stats SA.

The pledge of our democratic government to provide essential services has not been fully realized. This is primarily attributed to internal conflicts among political parties, especially the ruling party. The recent local elections resulted in the ruling party losing votes in many of the Municipal metros they had governed for an extended period, leading to coalition governments. Although such coalitions may bring about instability, this voting pattern indicates that people prefer fresh political ideologies rather than remaining loyal to the same ruling party. This trend was evident in the Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane metros.

Damage to Infrastructure

I have always been concerned regarding the state of infrastructure in the provinces of South Africa. As a country known for its advanced infrastructure and industrialization in Africa, it is disheartening to see the collapse of vital infrastructure in my community in 2024. Furthermore, the aftermath of the floods in Durban has left many buildings in ruins, with no action taken by the government to repair them. This has led to Durban’s (eThekwini Municipality) once-beautiful cityscape needing to be more cohesive and cohesive. It is troubling that while an elected government is in place to maintain the city’s infrastructure, they seem to be failing in their duty to do so.

Youth unemployment

I firmly believe that democracy’s benefits may be viewed differently by individuals of various ages. While older individuals may appreciate the opportunities that have arisen since the end of a racist white government, as a young and educated person, I recognize what democracy has accomplished while remaining unsatisfied with its shortcomings for me and my peers. My generation is grappling with high unemployment rates, hindering our independence and potential. This is not what we were promised.

State of Women and Gender Based Violence (GBV)

Although we acknowledge the strides made in democracy, there remains much ground to cover. When considering the status of women, it is undeniable that gender parity in South Africa has yet to be fully realized. The discrepancy in pay between genders remains unacceptably wide, and men continue to hold a disproportionately high number of leadership roles in various non-profit, corporate, and religious sectors throughout the nation.

In Conclusion

The gift of democracy allows us to express our dissent without fear of punishment. In the past, during apartheid, people were silenced for speaking out, and some even lost their lives. South Africa now sets an example for the world as a nation where the government can be held accountable in a court of law. Sadly, many African countries still do not uphold fundamental values such as democracy, the constitution, and human rights. We should be grateful for the safeguards that democracy has provided us in South Africa and cherish them.

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About the author:

Patrick Mcobothi is the policy and health sector programs coordinator, for Activate Changer Drivers. His focus centres on youth and community development. Patrick also coaches and mentors young boys through basketball. He is currently pursuing an MBA from Durban University of Technology.

Contact details:
patrick@activateleadership.co.za
081 530 4228b

Examining the Pros and Cons of Democracy: Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy – By Patrick Mcobothi