ONE of the disconcerting features of South Africa’s democracy is the
growing disconnect between political leadership and the rest of society.
The underprivileged, in particular, suffer a severe form of neglect,
with underdelivery of services defining their daily existence.
Theirs
is an existence marked by the silent violence waged on them by
political authorities in the form of indifference and the plundering of
public coffers. It is a reality compounded by rising social inequalities
and growing unemployment, with no serious leadership or functioning
institutions to address their plight.
The only time their
situation comes to the attention of politicians is when they take to the
streets with violent eruptions on sites like the Marikana killing
fields and shapes like the deadly service delivery protests in
Khayelitsha. Worryingly, we seem to have reached a cul de sac as a
country. There is a colossal leadership void.
The disconnect
between political leadership and society is manifest in the growing
intensity of service delivery protests. According to a study published
by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation last year,
the dramatic upsurge of violent protests in various underprivileged
communities began in 2009, triggered by corruption, the indifference
shown by officials and the lack of service delivery. Communities no
longer trust political leaders, and see them as part of the problem
rather than the solution. Political leaders treat underprivileged
communities with suspicion and disdain. One explanation for this
disconnect is that political leadership is seen by those holding office
as more about self-preservation, with a short-term horizon, than the
pursuit of a worthy and multigenerational vision.
The distance
between government leaders and the public has also been widened by a
political culture that establishes a hierarchical relationship between
the governing elite and the governed in a way that privileges
politicians. As such, politicians see themselves as hovering above
society, accountable to no one. Even when they visit communities, they
create an aura around themselves and are found shielded by a wall of
bodyguards and gatekeepers that ensure they remain inaccessible to
ordinary people. They can’t even see the writing on the wall: that our
sociopolitical framework is disintegrating, with mistrust multiplying.
Political
leaders brush away warnings of an impending social revolution over
inequality and the deepening strains of unemployment with rhetoric that
the quality of life of ordinary citizens has improved in absolute terms
since 1994. While this is true, it is the sustained progress and
credibility of political leadership that shapes perceptions about the
future. For many, it looks grim.
Before the recent revolution in
Tunisia, that country had been making progress in reducing social
inequalities. Tunisia was counted among Africa’s four most advanced and
diversified economies, with impressive educational reforms. However,
perceptions of a yawning gap between a small elite and the rest of
society abounded. The image of the president and his family living a
life of obscene affluence amidst a sea of poverty dealt a violent blow
to the underprivileged. They returned it in kind.
It is a easier
to manage expectations and perceptions when political leaders conduct
themselves responsibly, consistently deliver services and work hard to
improve the country’s economy and social structure.
There are a few things that can be done to prevent further damage.
The
first is that leaders generate a sense of urgency accompanied by
action. It is important, for example, that the government establishes a
mechanism for quick response to concerns raised by citizens. Action
against officials, including underperforming or corrupt Cabinet
ministers, should be taken swiftly to reassure the public. That is how
public leadership values are established.
Second, since the
mid-1990s the government has devised economic policies that correctly
identify our socioeconomic challenges. Now that there is an overarching
plan, put together by the National Planning Commission, our leadership
should act faster, especially on improving socioeconomic conditions;
building capability among citizens to enhance their participation in
political life; and building partnerships with business leaders to
generate solutions for inclusive development. A sense of purposeful
action will be likely to secure the country’s future.
The
government needs to develop a sense of responsibility towards its
citizens. Such political leadership can direct the efforts of
individuals, communities and other critical sectors of society towards
positive action. When political leadership is disconnected from society
and dispenses with all sense of responsibility, this can blunt faith in
the future and weaken self-belief among citizens.
Source: Business Day
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