THE 2014 ELECTION
There are a few points that we should consider in the wake of last week's election.
The first - and most positive - is that the fifth election of our new constitutional dispensation has helped to consolidate and entrench our constitutional democracy. The elections were free and fair and were, on the whole, managed in an exemplary fashion. All those involved - the 18.6 million voters who cast their ballots; the political parties that participated and the IEC - deserve our sincere congratulations.
The second point is that South Africans continue to vote largely along racial lines. Although the DA has succeeded in significantly broadening its base among black South Africans - particularly in Gauteng - there is still no indication that it will soon be able to win sufficient black votes to challenge the ascendancy of the ANC.
The ANC's reputation as the party of liberation; its close identification with Nelson Mandela and its record as the provider of social transfers to more than 16 million South Africans - and of jobs and well-being to the rapidly growing black middle class - is a powerful formula for continuing domination. In addition, the ANC's coalition with COSATU makes it the party of choice for the great majority of South Africa's 3.6 million trade unionists.
All these factors - together with the ANC's effective control of the SABC and state communication - are evidently strong enough to sweep away any concerns that may exist regarding the ANC's poor record in respect of service delivery; its failure to achieve adequate levels of economic growth and job creation; and its defence of the expenditure of R246 million on the President's private residence.