Rather controversial but; do you think the ANC will win back Cape Town, as well as the Western Cape in the upcoming elections? So far; the ANC has made it clear they are ready to "win back the city and province" But will they?
http://twistedsifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/cape-town-stadium-aerial-south-africa.jpg
LOCAL ELECTION DATE: WEDNESDAY MAY 18TH 2011

What will it take for Western Cape residents to tick the ANC box in the next general election and hand the province back to the green, gold and black?
http://news.iafrica.com/cm_pics/news/2662-6432-0-0_2303013.jpg
That is the question that the leadership of the ANC, perhaps more so than the Democratic Alliance, needs to answer. And, once it does, the party won't have long to win over the hearts and minds of the pariah province.

The DA already has the confidence of voters and it appears that the province is theirs to lose.

Challenges such as bridging the racial divide and challenging the DA's reputation in good governance — be it through undermining them or doing a better job — will take a dynamic leader.

The coloured line
The Coloured voting block in the Western Cape is often seen as the real decider when it comes to who will win the elections and gaining their support was crucial to Helen Zille in 2009.

But Professor Robert Mattes, a political scientist at the University of Cape Town, holds that race isn't the key issue when it comes to gaining votes in the province.

"The ANC need a leader with credibility," he said, noting that it isn't about the race of the party leader but the respect they have within the community. Mattes points out that many Coloureds who stayed at home in 2004 came out to vote in 2009.

In the most recent election, the credibility of the leader of the DA seemed to have enough weight to draw the voters out of their homes and into the polling booths. The manner in which the ANC hosts its events and the type of language it uses is also important notes Mattes — 10 points for Zille on how she reacted to President Jacob Zuma's trademark 'Mshini wam' with a song and dance of her own during the 2009 election.

The ANC won't be able to take voters from the DA in the Western Cape by appealing to old loyalties or cultural similarities, agrees Roland Henwood, a lecturer in politics at Pretoria University.

An effective strategy to win back the province would be to "prove that the DA fails in terms of governance," he said, "The line that the DA is only looking after the elite won't cut it."

Holiday-makers notice clean Cape
Interestingly, Henwood notes that in examining letters published outside of the Western Cape there is an impression that whatever the DA is doing is working.

Letters with phrases such as, "compared to where I come from", that note details such as neat entrances to towns and roads free of potholes, are being voiced by those who came to the Western Cape and were impressed.

Managing a popular domestic destination is an opportunity to show off the area during peak holiday times and, it would seem, a chance to gain support through results seen and not promises made.

Not Coping
As for the 200 000 voters who crossed Cope's box during the 2009 elections, their influence is unpredictable, Mattes said.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission, the DA got 989 132 votes (48.83 percent), the ANC 666 223 (32.89 percent) and Cope 183 763 (9.07 percent) with the Independent Democrats receiving 91 001 votes (4.49 percent).

Voters from across the colour line cheered Cope's rise to fame and the party attracted dissatisfied supporters right across the ballot sheet — and this means that opposition parties could also benefit if Cope's dissolution continues, Henwood noted.

The leadership of Cope immediately started to sink after winning a fair number of seats in the elections. Instead of trying to show that they are as effective an opposition as the DA they vanished and rumours of infighting arose. Lately their own youth association has called for all of their leaders to be fired.

"Cope had the potential to take huge amounts of ANC votes away, and the party still has potential to be effective and even rival bigger parties," Henwood said. With Cope's current leadership and policy issues it will not be a threat as it starts to fit the role and behaviour of a minority party.

"In 2009 Cope definitely played a role, but it's difficult to make predictions. If people break ranks once they may do it again."

Unofficial voter migration polity?
As a successful province, the Western Cape is seen as a popular destination for job seekers — especially those from the Eastern Cape, traditionally an ANC stronghold.

It is difficult to predict whether the movement of ANC supporters to the province will have an impact in the next general elections in 2013, but it would be "difficult to accept" that this is an intended manipulation on the part of the ANC, Henwood said.

Henwood states that one reality of the modern state is migration — especially from poor rural areas to urban areas. "Look at Zimbabwe — it's the failure of the Eastern Cape governance that is pushing people away more than anything," he points out.

Changing the regional view that the ANC disappointed when it had its chance and is now suddenly able to meet the needs of the voters seems to be a bridge too far. Especially considering that the DA will be pulling out all the stops to keep what they see as their launching pad to real political power.

Henwood holds that if the ANC councillors mobilise supporters to vote during elections on the back of proven service delivery and good governance, they can issue a real challenge to the DA in the province as good governance is what counts. Period.

The DA has retained control of Cape Town, winning 62% of the Vote.

are they cooked in the head? maybe in 100 years and maybe if half the Eastern Cape moves to Cape Town.

I honestly don't ever see that happening. Makes me smile :)

In this case, my decision is based purely on the way CT has been run over the past few years in comparison to it being under ANC rule. The City is cleaner, "safer" and and really works for the people.
IF we have a shift in management, I hope another coalition will be formed with the DA, ID and other smaller parties as done before.
Judging by the noise at the Cape Town Stadium, and other events when introducing Helen & Dan, there is a strong possibility the DA is here to stay

There is NO denying Cape Town is better governed than any other municipality in South Africa, there is NO denying the province of the Western Cape is better governed than any other province... anyone that disputes that is just so loyal to the "comrade party" they don't read the stats, see the awards and see the audit reports pertaining to municipal responsibility and governance. They've been posted on SSC many times.

Yes, the Eastern Capers migrate here... but they don't see: They migrate to the better life in a DA province form the mismanaged ANC province, then vote ANC here... :ohno: That goes against all logic! But, as stated, we'll need faster inward migration to change the overall vote as quick as a matter of a couple years... especially with the negotiations I'll explain below, currently underway.

Yes, the Cape has major issues, but more answers and actions are presented here than anywhere else in the country... and yes, the screams at Cape Town Stadium shows the intense popularity the current government enjoys in the Cape (and the stadium crowd was an excellent cross-cultural mix).

With Zille in negotiations with De Lille currently... there is no chance the ANC will gain control of the Western Cape or Cape Town for that matter. A DeLille/Zille ticket would gain the coalition an immediate extra 10% of the vote in this province.

However, i have a deep mistrust of de Lille. In 2004 she really screwed over the people that voted for her. With regard to the eastern cape migration, one never knows it has been shown that people still vote along racial lines irrespective of poor service delivery. One can only hope that people carry over their dissatisfaction over to the ballot box and not only keep it on the streets through the protests.

If only the DA can get full control of the municipalities in the Southern Cape also, and not have to deal with all these coalitions. The ID really screwed the DA in George...although I must say the DA lot in George isn't the best either, but at the moment it's all such a mess...few years ago it was Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Bitou with these coalition problems and party-jumpers now it's George and the Eden district municipality on the brink of being put under provincial administration, just because people don't want to see eye-to-eye, just consider their own ego's thus jumping parties to suit their needs and turning anything into a political thing, including a drought-disaster. We really need full co-operation!!

^^ I've noticed that trend. It's disgusting that metro-municipalities are generally better run and have better cooperative politics, whilst the smaller municipalities are often fraught with the worst internal politics, internal fighting and service delivery issues. I take Breede Valley Municipality for example, which controls Worcester... they are frikken hopeless!!! :gaah: I call them, email them over and over again over very urgent matters, they do not bother to ever schedule a meeting, or to email or call you back... Cape Town, a huge administration covering 3.5million calls me back within hours and assists my endeavors wherever they can...

Sickening I tell you.

I truly wish that half the country will be controlled by an opposition party like the DA then we will see progress in SA as they will out perform each other for votes.

With the ANC people will vote for it even if shits on them on their heads. They will be angry and get the major out from office and get another ANC member who is more likely to do the same and its all good with the supporters.
In SA we need maybe 2 opposition parties than this endless junk like the PAC and FF Plus who both don't really believe in the constitution, and that KISS party should kiss their political dream good.

^^ Province by province! ;) The DA shall conquer :D

I dunno hey...its a tough one to call, the Western Cape will swing close in the years ahead. I think the DA will hold on, but dont be overly sure on that

^^ They screwed up again... even the ANC councilors from Gugulethu sad they felt like liars as they organised the event; then Zuma canceled on them last minute made supporters extremely angry. The word from some of the people on the ground in the Cape at the moment, from the majority populous here, "Jirre, Zuma is 'n man-slet!" The ANC exec is now interfering in the local branches, in the hope to bolster then and prevent collapse.

Do not know how quickly the Capie voter will warm to the ANC again... they'll have to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Malema DOES NOT help them down here either.

all i'm saying is dont be surprised if they do. alot people in the rest of the country are losing faith in the da as they appear to be ignorin their duties in other provinces in an attempt to hold onto wc.

^^ Isn't that quite contradictory a statement then? If the rest of the country are losing faith in them because they're focusing on the Western Cape, then logically they'd lose votes in other provinces, not the Western Cape.

The DA will win CT once again, and whether they win a majority in the province or not will not matter too much, because even in the case that they don't they will join up with other parties and win the majority.

Winning any other province is optimistic.

What is going to be interesting, is to watch things transpire around Zuma and if he can't keep it in his pants. Moral decay could end up being the one thing that may finally erode ANC support; sh*t, nothing else has worked upcountry, not the Mbeki saga, not AIDS-cock-ups, not corruption and not COPE.

ΛΛ Zuma is spitting on the face of many religious supporters by keeping his pants opened to the opposite species. When Zuma was still campaigning I will hear that many will pray and starve themselves food so that he could win and lead the country and now his doing his far payback by breaking all their religious beliefs.

ANC supporters are hardcore loyalists even if they will help them with nothing they will simple want another man from the Luthuli house. Most will say ANC supporters are going against all logic by keeping the same party in power and deliver nothing for them at local level, I say most ANC voters not only live in poverty but also dwell in high levels of ignorance therefore dont expect logic from them, they are likely to vote for anyone who leads the ANC even if he threatens to make them suffer after he wins and the ANC banks on that.

What is going to be interesting, is to watch things transpire around Zuma and if he can't keep it in his pants. Moral decay could end up being the one thing that may finally erode ANC support; sh*t, nothing else has worked upcountry, not the Mbeki saga, not AIDS-cock-ups, not corruption and not COPE.

You're assuming ANC supporters do not support his ways, when in fact his conquests are seen in a positive light with many of them.

^^ Also true, but I can imagine his escapades resulting in him losing more support than it they will gain him. I mean, it's bound to have pissed off a few people, and I highly doubt there's very many people who will suddenly support him because of all this drama.

^^ I do not necessarily mean the ANC supporters themselves, but the ANC-NEC, they are reportedly extremely embarrassed by this. If Zuma does not calm down in the "dick-placed-in-anything" department, we could very well see the ANC top brass getting despondent and agitated by him globally giving them a very negative image, resulting in him being ousted as ANC-President; and we know what that means for the State President.

Reports of the ANC saying their supporters will make the WC ungovernable...so much for a free country. In this case; I support the party that has really worked for the people, the DA has done an exceptional job in running the province. I think they will still have it in the next election; however the ANC is probably going to put up a fight… On a lighter note, I wonder what Julius will say… I actually cant wait.

DA have done well running the city but their performance in the province is yet to be seen.

I hope the DA stay in control. The city (I can’t speak for the rest of the province) is without a doubt the best it’s been in my lifetime. There’s definitely a sense of forward movement. Cape Town is thriving and you can see it. I don’t like Zille though, but thank God Tony Leon is not around anymore.

Why hasn't the DA taken over the Northern Cape? Considering it has a large Dutch culture?

The DA doesn't only have "Afrikaans" support. It basically has the support of every group, except a large black-South African support base. Often, Indian-, Coloured- and White-South Africans support the DA. But, the Northern Cape actually has a significant Black-SAfrican population, particularly to the north-east. Hence, why the DA almost wins the province, but never quite makes it.

Read yesterday in the Saturday Argus, Zille's apporval rating is just above 50% amongst ANC-supporters in the Western Cape, whilst Lynne Browne, our previous ANC-Premier only had an approval rating amongst ANC-supporters of around 40%... That says something major!

Isn’t it sad that we still vote along racial lines?

Isn’t it sad that we still vote along racial lines?

It is... I've said it before... it's called "Liberation Hangover." The ideal democracy votes along issue-driven lines, not loyalty lines.

That’s a very good term for it. The ANC’s entire campaign centres on reminding people that they were at the forefront of the struggle.

A large part is race based but it comes down to education.

The DA doesn't only have "Afrikaans" support. It basically has the support of every group, except a large black-South African support base. Often, Indian-, Coloured- and White-South Africans support the DA. But, the Northern Cape actually has a significant Black-SAfrican population, particularly to the north-east. Hence, why the DA almost wins the province, but never quite makes it.

Read yesterday in the Saturday Argus, Zille's apporval rating is just above 50% amongst ANC-supporters in the Western Cape, whilst Lynne Browne, our previous ANC-Premier only had an approval rating amongst ANC-supporters of around 40%... That says something major!

So which Province will be the next to be taken over by the DA then? Gauteng or Northern Cape?

So which Province will be the next to be taken over by the DA then? Gauteng or Northern Cape?
Not soon. Maybe Northern Cape.
Gauteng may be optimistic.

Not soon. Maybe Northern Cape.
Gauteng may be optimistic.

If the DA gets the Northern Cape then half or more than half of South Africa will be DA. lol

Almost half... but then we're talking about land area only. However, the ANC should begin to take heed: Their moral compass is broken, the Alliance is more fragile than ever, there is no clear ideology or policy cohesion and the tail in the organisation wags the dog... the ANC is showing signs of serious fragmentation, infighting, mistrust, demoralisation, disciplinary decay and moral misguidance. This could become much worse if left unchecked than the Mbeki-COPE issues of late. And, indications are, the ANC-NEC are nowhere to be seen... this could ultimately slowly eat the ANC from inside out.

If the DA gets the Northern Cape then half or more than half of South Africa will be DA. lol

power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I think if the DA gain another province, it would be the Northern Cape. Gauteng is probably a very optimistic goal for now.

the DA made large gains in gauteng in the last general election and with more splitting in the alliance breaking the liberation mentality the province will fall(be saved) sooner rather than later and the country will then quickly follow . change happens eksponentially ,slowly almost untangible at first and then escalates taking most by total surprise.

The DA needs to prove they represent everyone in the Western Cape (i.e. by not building toilets without walls in the townships) before they'll be taken seriously countrywide.

that was a gross misrepresentation of the facts and then twisted by the anc! the community asked for the toilets in that form so that they could build their own structure around it . less than a tenth remained uncovered and only because the residents were to lazy to build what they had agreed to! samething with the water cuts story . anc members closed the watermains of the houses interviewed.......

Maybe so, but they walked right into that criticism. The DA needs to learn to manipulate its image better.

^^ Just as the DA has the image of the "slow delivery to townships," so the ANC has the image of "corrupt, incompetent, nepotistic, foot-in-mouth or foot-in-nether-regions (that's a new one)." It's difficult to counter any perception and the one that draws first blood in the press is always heard the loudest, the counter-argument is almost always more muted in the media.

The DA needs to prove they represent everyone in the Western Cape (i.e. by not building toilets without walls in the townships) before they'll be taken seriously countrywide.

They have already. but if the masses are stupid and uneducted loyalists, they'll never see beyond the race barrier.

The Informal Settlements masterplan should be more than enough proof.

What percentage of the vote did the DA get in Gauteng in the 2009 elections?

And BTW the DA are not that big in the Northern Cape: the ID are a bigger party there.

^^ The DA got 22.19% in Gauteng and 11.83% in Northern Cape (higher than ID's 5.73%, but lower than COPE's 17.12%).

More bad press for the DA this morning.

^^ That was that Argus article about alleged favouritism towards white candidates. Will need to be confirmed before we assume it's accurate and not some overlooked politician's sour grapes. One has to be careful before we assume allegations as truth, politics is a dirty game.

But, to go and scream "DA bad press" when the ANC is more like "perpetual bad press" is like screaming "bomb" when a cracker goes off.

Lol. True. I don't necessarily believe it. It's just a shame that they're so easily stitched up.

^^ Just read the article and the claims are indeed hearsay and probably false. The two agitated councilors of colour are using "Die Son" articles to back up their claims of alleged racism... I mean come on... nobody will take you seriously then!

They are comparing Max's extramarital affairs and his subsequent forced special leave, with alleged remarks Theuns Botha made in 2007, calling Zille a "Liegbek", but he was never suspended or placed on special leave.

Thus, their conclusion... Zille favours whites. Sounds like Malemlogic to me.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

There's no such thing as logic when it comes to the ANC. makes political debates easier i guess when you don't have to speak sense and still win.

Well regardless of the truth of the allegations this is very damaging to the party. Dan Plato needs to have a word with these guys and tell them to keep their mouths shut!!

You can't believe "Die Son". These papers mainly fabricate news instead of reporting it

^^

A friend of mine knows that all too well first hand :lol:

Good times...

Isn't one of the Councillors making all this mess Frank Martin? The guy who created that whole N2 gateway back dweller scandal, yet the DA were lenient and suspended him only for a month? Talk about hypocrisy!!

^^ Not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised. It's more often than not the politicians with a dodgy history and something to hide that try to point fingers at someone else to divert attention from their own weaknesses. As I said, politics is a dirty game... for people to instantly believe a politician's unfounded accusations is stupid.

Thus: Racism Accusations Rocks DA = Storm in a Bitter Politician's Tea-Cup

^^

A friend of mine knows that all too well first hand :lol:

Good times...

Do tell...:)

Do tell...:)

Apparently movie nights with your gay friends = mass orgies :lol:

First hand experience - they are NOT orgies, just friends getting together for movies believe it or not.

Tell that to how the world views us gay people......

First hand experience - they are NOT orgies, just friends getting together for movies believe it or not.

Does make for a hilarious story though :lol:

What elections are you talking about? I googled but all found was this result of by-elections:
http://www.elections.org.za/news_get.asp?press=0&NewsID=454&Opt=&Data=&RecNum=1

The ANC is now criticizing the DA GVT in the WC for not having a youth league, or attempting to set it on "high priority" in the provincial GVT address. What they don't understand is that many of the youth support the DA, which alone encourages them to vote for the party.

And, funny enough, said Youth League is in the process of being formed :lol:

They were deciding on the logo the other day, and were sending out Facebook messages asking people who were interested in joining to contact them.

Antagonist Narcissist Corrupt Youth League
Distinguished Accountable Youth League


I wonder which one should join??? Actually, I choose the first... I want to make money off of taxpayers, I'm all for selfish and unashamed self-enrichment! :lol:

lol guys, lets not get too excited. Although it may be challenging, let us not disrespect other parties.
Anyone see the update on Julius's lifestyle? IMAGINE if that was someone from another party...

I do not disrespect the ANC, I disrespect the bad elements within any party; I loathe political positioning for personal gain at costs to the populace. Thus, I disrespect Julius! People like Pravin, Manuel, Sexwale and others that DO carry out their duties and respect the constitution and have accountability, those I will show respect. The old stalwarts of moral-supremacy, the Mandelas. Tambos etc. I will give all the respect in the world. Respect must be earned, it's not a given.

Western Cape By-election results show momentum with DA ahead of 2010


Jonathan Moakes, Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic Alliance
25 February 2010

Yesterday the Democratic Alliance won all three of the by-elections it contested in the Western Cape, taking a seat off both the ANC and ICOSA in doing so. The results stand as an overwhelming vote of confidence in DA-run governments and confirm that the momentum generated by the DA in winning the Western Cape in 2009 looks set to follow the party into the local government elections in 2011.

Mossel Bay (Ward 9)

DA: 63%

The DA won this seat off ICOSA. Compared to 2009, the DA increased its vote both in absolute terms and percentage terms, while the ANC’s share of the vote decreased in absolute terms (and stayed the same in percentage terms). The Mossel Bay result is significant because both COPE and the ID did not stand and as a proportion of their vote went to the DA, the result constitutes further evidence that smaller parties simply split the vote and increase the ANC’s chances of prevailing (as the closeness of the 2009 result reveals).

Overstrand (Ward 1)

DA: 46%
ANC: 41%

The DA won this seat off the ANC. Compared to 2009, the DA increased its percentage of the vote, while the number of votes it received in absolute terms decreased marginally. Not only did the ANC’s percentage of the vote drop but the actual number of people who voted for the party dropped significantly - by just over 800.

Bergriver (Ward 1)

DA: 65%
ANC: 21%

Compared to 2009, the DA’s percentage of the vote and its support in absolute terms remained relatively stable in this ward, while there was a small increase support for the ANC in absolute terms.

The context in which these results come is significant in two important respects: first, the ANC has made much noise about its renewed drive to reconstitute itself in the Western Cape and win back the province; if these results - particularly the results in Mossel Bay and Overstrand - are any indication of the effect that drive is having in real terms, it is failing dismally. Voters continue to turn to the DA, and away from the ANC.

Second, and not unrelated to the point above, these results are no doubt partly a response to real and tangible impact that the DA provincial administration is having on the lives of the people of the Western Cape. As a recent Markinor survey revealed, even 53% of ANC supporters believe the DA is doing a good job.

Seeing is believing, and on a daily basis the DA is demonstrating that it is delivering a credible and effective alternative to the ANC. That belief is now translating into bigger support on the ground, all of which bodes well for 2011.

Thanks for that Lydon. Very interesting and encouraging election results. Bring on 2011 when hopefuly the ANC can be kicked out of most of the municipalities that they govern.

I would certainly be great for the DA to win a proper working majority in Stellenbosch and for the ANC to be kicked out in Paarl.

I keep saying that the ANC may be in trouble come next national election due to internal rifts. Few people seem to agree with me, which is understandable, as the ANC's hegemony over SA politics has virtually been absolute over the last few decades...

However, the one scenario I painted, as one where the ANC implodes from within, with the dissolution of the Tri-Party Alliance and the fragmenting of the ANC itself due to rifts between the ANC-government, ANC-NEC and ANCYL...

Seems my scenario is slowly but surely panning out... the moral decay is threatening to fracture the ANC once and for all. This is not Mandela or Tambo's ANC anymore... :ohno:

http://www.iol.co.za/data/mastheads//mast_3.gif
Gloves off in alliance rift
March 06 2010 at 07:20AM

By Carien Du Plessis, Candice Bailey and Sapa

The fissures in the tripartite alliance have burst wide open.

On Friday, the ANC lashed out at the country's trade union federation, its key ally Cosatu, calling it divisive.

The ANC Youth League went one step further, openly accusing unionists of peddling lies and rumours.

On Thursday, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi launched a public attack on the ruling party.

He accused it of having become subsumed by a culture of "crass materialism" and "tenderpreneurs" who did not serve the interests of the country.

Small groups of elites used their positions of power to further their own business interests, he added.

Vavi said the political fight was so dirty that the labour federation was receiving threatening letters warning that union leaders would "get bullets" for "hoodwinking" the workers.

He called on President Jacob Zuma to intervene and for the ANC to stop the youth league from targeting ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe in favour of Fikile Mbalula, the Deputy Minister of Police and a former ANCYL leader.

On Friday, Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said "the usual suspects within the liberation movement were responsible for rumours that Vavi had fathered a child out of wedlock in an ongoing campaign of misinformation, slanders and rumour-mongering".

On Friday afternoon, the ANC called an urgent press conference at its Luthuli House headquarters in Joburg as a Cosatu affiliate, the SA Municipal Workers Union, warned that "counter-revolutionaries" were threatening to topple Zuma with a motion of no-confidence at the ANC's national general council in September.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu accused Cosatu of trying to be an opposition party. He said Cosatu could talk to Zuma at any time, but it had not.

"They can't do these things. They can't treat the ANC as a little baby."

Mthembu said Cosatu's comments were "untrue, devious and disingenuous".

He added: "Everything we seem to be doing in recent days seems not to find favour with Cosatu. Taking potshots at the ANC and its government show signs by Cosatu of veering towards oppositional politics and not sticking to alliance politics and traditions.

"...When you lose a debate in the alliance and then you want to go out and win the debate in the media, it's just so disingenuous.

"Communicating among each other through the media is not how the alliance has operated over many years. Taking potshots at the ANC through cheap news headlines will not serve to build the alliance but to weaken it."

Youth league spokesman Floyd Shivambu accused Cosatu of "joining the band of media detractors" spreading "rumours and lies" about the ANCYL's leadership.

Shivambu said Cosatu should understand that "concentration on peripheral petty politics" undermined their vision.

He added that the ANCYL and Cosatu's common programmes on the nationalisation of mines and labour brokers "should never be compromised".

Craven said Cosatu stood by everything it had said.

"We are criticising a small unrepresentative group who want to reverse the great progress we have made since the ANC 2007 Polokwane conference," he added.

No party should be so large. Parties should always be on their toes come elections.

DA Youth League are a bit funny. The UCT Student Head was not the brightest spark and often made ridiculous statements about poverty..

DA Youth Media Relaunch

Date:
Thursday, 11 March 2010

Time:
13:15 - 14:15

Location:
Caucus room, 3rd floor, Marks building, Parliament

Description
If you are in Cape Town and would like to join the DA Youth for our exciting media relaunch, at which Helen Zille will be our guest, please rsvp to Aimee on aimeef@da.org.za.

'Gatvol' residents
threaten mayor
Mar 10 2010 08:15 AM
Hilda Fourie
Pretoria - Residents of
Oukasie outside Brits on
Tuesday called for Sophie
Molokoane-Machika,
executive mayor of the
Madibeng municipality, to
resign.
One of the approximately 5
000 protesters who took
part in a march against poor
service delivery on Tuesday
morning, held a sign with the
threat: "Ms Sophie, please
step down before we kill you."
"We're gatvol," declared
another sign.
Residents say the water is
dirty, the roads are covered
in potholes, the street lights
don't work, the grass is
overgrown and municipal
buildings and areas are not
maintained.
"This thing is very bad. We're
struggling," said Emily
Maseke, 43.
'Chaotic conditions'
The residents marched the
few kilometres, singing and
toyi-toying, from Oukasie to
Madibeng's municipal offices
to hand over a memorandum
to Louisa Mabe, North-West
MEC for finance.
The memorandum declares
residents' disgruntlement
about "the chaotic
conditions" in the Madibeng
area.
"The community is being
denied its basic right to clean
and safe water by criminals
who use money intended for
water purification to finance
their lifestyles.
"The majority of council
members and their buddy-
buddy officials are stealing
from the poor instead of
addressing inequalities and
job creation," states the
memorandum.
Residents sang, danced and
blew on vuvuzelas while they
waited for Mabe in front of
the municipal offices,
amongst garbage which was
dumped there two weeks
ago.
A large group of armed police
officials were present to
keep the peace. The police air
wing also flew above the area
with a helicopter and a plane.
'Almost everything is
wrong'
This came after a similar
protest over service delivery
got out of hand last week
when the community couldn't
get permission to go to the
municipal offices.
Thato Molelekoa, 20, said
"almost everything is wrong".
"There are potholes in the
roads, the water is dirty and
the sports fields are not
maintained," he said.
"We want the mayor to
resign because she has a
feud against us.
"We want a white leader
again, because the people of
our race are destroying us.
It's better if a white person
fights for you."
Jaco Dercksen, chair of the
Concerned Rate Payers
Association (Corpa), said it's
fantastic that so many
people marched on the
municipal offices.
"People have had it with the
government. The
government should know
that people won't stop
(protesting) until something
is done."

without trying to sound cliche, the article posted by Johan is interesting to say the least. As far as I can ascertain, the political socio/economic governace within South Africa has to a large extent begun to SEVERLY disintegrate. The ruling party quite simply put lacks the 'adversary' of an oppressive regime to fight against in this day and age, as it once did, in the time of its inception and throughout the troubled times of the Afrikaner Nationalist Regieme (1948 -1994).

Aside from this, perhaps I could ask the various people concerned specific to this topic - perhaps the time has come for us the young south africans to step up - literally, each one of us born from 1985 onward cannot really claim to suffer the full extent of the effects of the last political regieme, understandably we have in one way or the other been affected however, where we stand today, we stand, as far as I can percieve it - here in 2010 - we find ourselves on on a barren plain, the reasons for which could be understood as follows.

The major problem of Indifference seems to pervade our generation to the point that it would seem that the task that lies ahead a -daunting one- in attemting to extraplulate from this same generation, a real 'awakening' requiring a shaking off of this indifference and in a real sense rude awakening to the duties that are placed upon each one of us as South Africans for the upkeep and overall care for this our country and her people. The issue of indifferance is not the only problem that is faced by us South Africans, and seen in the article posted by Johan is revealed as being the sense of entitlement which seemingly, pervades the majority of South African people regardless of race or creed. The sooner we wake up and realise that the world, the country, certain demographics within South Africa owe us nothing, the sooner it will be that we will see a REAL change. It has gone on for too long now, for such a perception to be continued. In actual fact we have become sick of it, and South African society in general is the canvas upon which this is easily seen.

It is easy to obatain a hand out, all we need do is blame a third party ( apartheid, the ANC etc) and plead our case in the light of how these same third parties have ruined some part of our lives. Come on, seriously - how much more of this must we have to bear? I strongly believe that it is incumbent upon us the young generation to begin the change which South Africa so badly needs, nay, deserves. We have been raised in a society which either rebelled or continues to rebel against the accepted authority, in a society within which it is almost every man for himself as since there no longer seems to be a respected authority - men and women alike, have established themselves as ultimate authorities.

Its quite simple to see, sadly enough - for example, what ever happened to using the pavement as a pedestrian walkway? Why now is it the accepted norm that not only motorised traffic makes use of an asphalted space but also that any john, jane, bongani and Igwe see fit to use the street as a pedistrian walkway. What happened to the sense of civic pride? What happened to that healthy sense of pride that was experienced by those who, secure in the knowlege that they had done their upmost best to maintain the ideal and practice thereof speaking specificicaly in respect of personal accountablity, hard work and care for ones neighbour?

What happened to civic honour, decency and respect ? Why do we persist in maintaining a goverment which no longer preforms its function as a body civil servants who ceased to exercise there specific function as serving the needs of the South African people? In fact the only need they serve, which is quite blatently seen in the circus which is todays political realm, are their own. Thus it is no wonder to see something such as the distrust and anger expressed by the community noted in Johans article.

We face one of the greatest tasks that South Africa has ever had the misforune of experiencing. Perhaps my perception of the gravity of the situation is out of proportion, however, the desire remains not only for myself but for all of us, the desire for a prosperous, safe and honest South African future- a future which lies in our 20something hands.

Zille is officially sueing Malema for defamation of character after he called her a satanist at his latest rally.

Lay it on thick!

^^ Well said Calvmellas! Indeed so true. Indeed so sad indifference is sinking in, and even sadder the well-educated feel so despondent, many would rather abandon South Africa than fight for her. People like Julius do not make it easier... hearing that type of rhetoric from "tomorrow's leaders" makes one see a jaded, corrupt and undemocratic future.


Well done my Helen... go for it, go for millions!!! Unfortunately, it must be done, the only place he will learn his lesson is in his "Johnny Walker Expense Account." Although many say, we should leave the "clown" alone... one must remember, many of the masses believe and worship him and do not consider him a clown, but a future-president. Those of more intelligence must stop him, before he corrupts the future of South Africa and before he ascends to any position of power where he can inflict national damage.

It's said that the incompetent are usually promoted until they reach the position where they can do the least damage. What is the South African equivalent of Canada's Department of Oceans and Fisheries?

pretty much evry national department! thank god i live in the the republic of the western cape of south africa lol . viva helen zille viva

^^ If the ANC government carries on anymore and morally decays any further; I see the murmurings of "separate the Cape" getting loader and loader. The great chasm in the difference between governance of the Cape versus National is getting larger and larger. The people of the Cape are growing impatient with the north again.

Sadly, I must say that I too have become despondent with the current political circus and the lack of integrity in our leaders and their unwillingness to do the right thing. I have now become disgusted with having to switch on the TV and have to listen to the drivel spewed by our leaders. Not only that but the usual patriotic adverts now insults my intelligence.

Now before anyone jumps on my back let me say that my heart belongs in Africa, I love this country dearly, and this will never change. I work hard in my job and have not taken leave for a very long time as I feel I have a responsibility to the country, to its people to provide the best service possible. However, as a minority I am starting to feel unwelcome and my skills set could be better put to use elsewhere.

^^ I think that is the point! I'm also trying to work hard for this nation and her people... but the rhetoric is indicating a "we don't want you" attitude and the actions are indicating a "we don't give a sh*t" implementation of governance.

I think this is where the Capies are frustrated. They feel "fine" in the Cape, but see the rest is going to pot. They see their roads are fixed, they see a transparent government and the see the reduction of cronyism and mismanagement. However, this is juxtaposed against things going the opposite way in most of South Africa.

People in the Cape see a mostly "unwelcome attitude" here towards corrupt leaders, leaders with megalomania and leaders who misuse their power... whilst elsewhere, the people "welcome" these individuals.

If people like described above come to power in SA and the ANC and northern populations do not wake up and smell the rot, I'm afraid the only way the Cape can secure its future is to break away (which for the record, I don't want; but I say ditch SA if their rot infects our healthily-ripening fruit).

ANC: Whites still control
Cape
Mar 19 2010 06:04 PM
Johannesburg - The people
who died in the 1960
Sharpeville massacre did not
lose their lives in vain, the
Western Cape ANC said on
Friday, ahead of planned
commemorations on Sunday,
Human Rights Day.
"Today as we remember
their life-sacrifice for
country, we are also
celebrating their lives and
times that had made our
freedom to be possible
today," spokesperson Mandla
Dlamini said in a statement.
The people who marched
against pass laws were vital
in ending all forms of
oppression and
discrimination.
"Whilst we are 16 years in
our freedom, we are still
haunted by the legacy of
colonialism and apartheid in
the Western Cape," said
Dlamini.
Inequality, economic
deprivation and disrespect
for human rights were still
the order of the day in the
province, he said.
"These inequalities
necessitate that we continue
to fight for the total
liberation of our people in
Western Cape, and continue
to sing the struggle songs in
order to rally our people
behind and take the Western
Cape out of the white
minority."
The party will hold a rally at
the St Francis hall in Langa
on Sunday.
In a separate statement, the
Nelson Mandela Foundation
said it too was reflecting on
the massacre in which 69
protesters died and 180
were wounded.
"It is also a day to reflect on
the progress that has been
made in ensuring basic
human rights for all South
Africans, as enshrined in our
constitution," the foundation
said.
SAPA

thats why the racist criminal mass murdering demons will never ever again infect this beautiful province!

If they think statements like that are going to help their cause, well...they can say goodbye to the rest of the country province-by-province :lol:

If this happens; It will be almost impossible for the ANC to gain full control over the city and province.

Zille hints at merger with ID

Cape Town - An Independent Democrats conference to be held at the weekend could turn out to be a significant event in the realignment of South African politics, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said on Friday.

Zille wrote in her weekly newsletter that it would be a privilege for her to attend the conference and that she had developed "a sound mutual understanding and respect" with ID leader Patricia de Lille.

"This weekend, the Independent Democrats are holding a special conference to which they have invited leaders of various opposition parties," Zille said.

"It will be a privilege to attend.

"It could turn out to be a significant event in the realignment of South African politics, a turning point in the development of our democracy."

Alternative to ANC

Zille said the ID would seek support from party delegates to amend its constitution so it could take the next steps in building "a strong, value-based alternative" to the ANC.

She said she realised before the 2009 elections that she and De Lille had far more in common than the issues that divided them.

"I believed our political philosophy was compatible. We both believed in the open society, we shared an analysis of the role of the state, and we agreed that it was a priority to defend the Constitution.

"I started to believe that the ID and the DA could move beyond coalition politics."

Zille said she approached De Lille early in 2008 and proposed that the two parties merge. In return, De Lille would be the party's premier candidate for the Western Cape in the 2009 election.

It was, however, too early for the move and "this step was not to be".

"Fortunately, we were able to win without it," Zille said.

"But, with the 2009 election behind us, we are now ready to take the next step in preparation for the 2011 local elections."

I got so stoked reading the newsletter.

Steps like these are definitely the way forward. We need to build a strong, consolidated alternative to the ANC. The more, the merrier, as the pathetic race excuse the ANC seem to use against the DA for everything will become less and less applicable.

So much is wrong with South Africa, but it should not overwhelm you to the point that you are blinded to the forward movements of the country. Recognizing the failings of the government holds no weight if you can't appreciate the positives or upward movement of the country in some areas.

In the last 5 years we've been a witness to South Africa's largest infrastructural investment programme.

So I see it's not only the DA and ID that were conversing today, but the DA, COPE, ID and UDM.

Can you imagine if they were all to merge? It could change the face of politics in SA overnight. The ANC wouldn't be able to call the merged party "white," as the three other parties are not traditionally white parties. Instead of votes being split between them, they'd have collective votes, and most probably attract more voters due to their new-found political strength.

Exciting times :banana:

Hopefully they merge with harmony I pray and keep the ruling party in check otherwise we are screwed.

Signs good for opposition unity - Zille
2010-03-20 17:04

Cape Town - The signs were good for taking the relationship between opposition parties to the next level, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille (http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/user/3528) said on Saturday.


She was speaking at what she described as a "historic" special conference of the Independent Democrats, called to discuss the question of opposition unity.

The conference, held in Cape Town, was also addressed by ID leader Patricia De Lille, Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota (http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/user/914), and United Democratic Movement deputy president Ntopile Kganyago.

Zille said the parties should in their efforts at greater unity move "as quickly as possible, but as slowly as necessary".

"When you are moving beyond coalition politics to alliance politics, you have to make absolutely sure that the partners are compatible," she said.

"It is like moving from dating to marriage. It is useful to have an engagement in between, just to make sure... they are really compatible."

Good indicators

The parties would spend the next few months engaging in this part of the process.

"At present, the indicators are good," she said.

She said there were differences between the parties, but they were differences in emphasis, style and the issues they chose to highlight.

"These differences are not so great that they cannot be overcome. And they are not so important that they should prevent us from joining hands to save our democracy."

She said the conference would one day be seen as a key moment in South Africa's history, a "vital step" towards the fundamental realignment of the political landscape.

A political force

De Lille told the hundreds of orange-shirted ID delegates that the push for unity was not about convenience, positions or egos.

"It is about building a political force that can hold the government accountable where it really counts - at the ballot box. That for me is the outcome of the process we are starting.

"If we build this formation, formidable opposition formation, the people of South Africa will vote for it."

Some of the parties represented at the meeting had in the past exchanged harsh words at election times.

"However it is my hope that we can put all of that behind us and work together as trusted partners," she said.

She said she would ask the ID delegates for a 180-day period to conclude negotiations on a new agreement.

A new beginning

Lekota said the starting point for a united opposition should be short term campaigns, such as the 2011 local government elections.

Victories there would allow them to show demonstrable service delivery to communities, which would lead to greater things.

In a video message to the conference, social commentator Mamphela Ramphele (http://www.whoswhosa.co.za/user/4739) said she hoped it would mark a new beginning for opposition politics in the country.

South Africans owed it to themselves to make sure that they had strong opposition politics alongside a strong government, she said.

It was also true that monopolies in whatever form or shape were "not very good for you".

In the private sector there were monopolies overcharging people in even such basic areas as food.

"I believe that in the same way that we've got a very beady eye... making sure that private monopolies don't thrive in our economy, we have an even bigger responsibility to make sure that political monopolies don't become the norm in our democracy."



- SAPA

Just hope the egos of the current party leaders won't bugger up things afterwards. People will lose trust and more harm would come of it. I support this move fullheartedly though.

It just keeps getting better...:)

DA unseats ANC in Worcester
March 25 2010 at 10:31AM

The DA has unseated the ANC in Worcester, receiving more votes than the ANC and two independent candidates combined.

The party also retained its seat in Caledon in by-elections yesterday.

The DA's unseating of the ANC came within days of a major initiative to unite opposition parties. On Saturday the DA, COPE and the United Democratic Movement responded positively to an ID call to form an alliance of opposition parties to take on the ANC.

None of the other opposition parties fielded candidates, in line with a push to unite the opposition ahead of next year's local government elections.

By deadline yesterday the Worcester result had not yet been confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), but independent candidate Awamodien Karriem said the DA's candidate, George Stalmeester, had received 872 votes, the ANC's Hellen Kariem 433 and two independent candidates 100 votes. The seat was vacated when the ANC's Dirk Eland resigned.

In Caledon, DA candidate Adriaan Hanekom received 991 votes, the ANC's Johnvin Hendricks 150, while 73 ballots were cast for independent candidate Francois Theron. There was a turnout of 30 percent of about 3 500 registered voters, according to IEC provincial manager Grenville Abrahams.

"I'm happy that everything went very well. We are on top," Hanekom said.

The seat was vacated when DA councillor Aletta Brakel moved to the Southern Cape.

Hendricks was gracious in defeat and acknowledged the DA's firm hold on Caledon.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100325043021774C676325

:cheers:

By-election victories show that the DA continues to grow
Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic Alliance
25 March 2010

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has recorded emphatic victories in by-elections in the Breede Valley and Theewaterskloof municipalities.

The DA continues to grow across South Africa, increasing our support levels in all communities and winning more and more seats previously held by the ANC.

Since the 2009 national election the DA has won four seats previously held by the ANC and one seat previously held by ICOSA.

Last night's result in Breede Valley is particularly significant. This victory, with the DA capturing a seat previously held by the ANC, follows our winning of an ANC seat in another by-election there in October last year.

In Breede Valley the DA polled 62% (up from 18.8% in 2006 and 46.5% in 2009). The ANC polled 30.82% (down from 49.27% in 2006).

In Theewaterskloof the DA polled 82% (up from 81% in 2006 and 76% in 2009). The ANC received 12.68% of the vote.

These victories are endorsements of the DA's performance in government and confirm that the DA is the only serious alternative to the ANC, which continues to lose support.

The growing trend of winning seats from the ANC is real democracy in action. The ANC has had its chance and has failed to deliver. Now the ANC is being voted out.

Last night's results bode well for next year's local government elections, where the DA will aim to govern in an increasing number of towns and cities across South Africa.

http://www.da.org.za/newsroom.htm?action=view-news-item&id=8104

All good and well but are they making in roads with the black population?

^^ As far as I know... the ward contested in Worcester was Hex Park, which is both a demographically coloured and black suburb. Seems it has made some headway; although the "masses" are a tough cookie to crack when it comes to taking votes from the ANC.

I has already been reported that Zille's approval rating as Premier is higher than Browne's only amongst ANC supporters, which indicates the "good governance" is having an effect. Problem is, transferring that good faith into actual transfer of votes.

I think here, the super-opposition has a huge role to play in utilising the more racially diverse leadership when COPE, ID and UDM jump on board to gain the trust of the "masses" and change that perception that the ANC is the only party of the "masses." Get them over that Liberation Hangover and into mature voting patterns based on issues.

Well, after the happenings of late. I think this thread can be closed. The ANC in the Western Cape is now like a fish-out-of-water gasping for oxygen. There's NO chance they'll get the province back. The Western Cape being the most highly educated province, will show what happens in a mature democracy when you have mature voters and an infantile national ruling party.

^^ who are willing to investigate their own members when they make damaging statements.

^^ who are willing to investigate their own members when they make damaging statements.

Which, the IT company running the province's systems says is a fabrication. Thus, showing the ANC is getting desperate... should the email prove to be a hoax, seems they may be facing charges of libel. If the email is true (pending investigations which are pointing more and more towards the hoax side), the DA will oust him from the party and remove him from his council seat.

thereby showing what a ruling party should do.

I don't think the DA has it quite in the bag yet. They need to move into the poorer communities more. Also, we need some more activity, more voice from Dan- still many people who don't know who he is.
People in CT (not just those in upper middle & upper class) need to be reassured that the DA is here for everyone and they don't just sit in their air conditioned offices but they come out to the streets to hear the voice of the people and get community projects running.
People Must remember you not just voting for Helen, as ANC supporters must know they not just voting for Mandela, Zuma, or eish Malema

^^ I really think that believing the ANC could take the Western Cape now, is being overly "optimistic" or shall we say, pessimistic! Posted a while back, Zille already has a better approval rating amongst ANC supporters compared to Brown. The indications are, the "good governance" is trickling through to the electorate. Malema is very much a fringe icon in the Western Cape and harms ANC support here terribly. Remember, our province in one of moderates. Afrikaners here can't stand the AWB and quite a few Black-Africans and almost all Coloureds here are frightened of Malema.

I would take a poll in my head... and postulate, that if last year's election were to be held right now in the Western Cape, the DA would scupper up 55% of the vote, compared to 50% then. And, those numbers are continuing to tick against the ANC. Should the shenanigans continue in the ruling party and the DA stays the course of good governance with some decent electioneering... by 2014, they could, as part of a super-opposition (COPE, ID, UDM incl.), get 70% of the vote here. This would basically mean, only poor Black-Africans would vote for them then. That, is also only if COSATU does not act on the threats its making.

Yo Annman how come some coloureds vote ANC and others vote DA? If they would all vote DA then the Northern Cape and a lot of the Eastern Cape would be DA. And you wouldn't get no 50% DA in Western Cape.

The DA should take this opportunity to lure voters in Gauteng and other key provinces.

what south africa needs is a young leader with fresh ideas not living off the old apartheid regime of discrimination....america went thru that and we have a fresh leader in barack thats now leading the free world....its not about ANC or DA....its about young mindset that cater to all south africans ....when obama was running..he never used race to make people vote for him.....he used unity...thats what can move south africa forward...and it's politics should be open to all south african...black, white, coloured and indians....i would like to see an indian south african president....maybe durby lol

Yo Annman how come some coloureds vote ANC and others vote DA? If they would all vote DA then the Northern Cape and a lot of the Eastern Cape would be DA. And you wouldn't get no 50% DA in Western Cape.

The DA should take this opportunity to lure voters in Gauteng and other key provinces.

This may be all just be conjecture but I think that a lot of the younger coloured folk in particular the Western Cape probably did not vote last time around. There is a definite we don't really care amongst 20 somethings, especially the working class. I think there will be a much higher voter turnout next time round as people start to realise that their vote do count for something. I also think that Ebrahim Rasool being a Muslim attracted quite a lot of the Muslim vote? For some reason most Muslim cloured people I know voted ANC or used to vote ANC. Voter dynamics I suppose.

Hey Annman, I know this all off-topic but since you live on a wine esate, what are your thoughts about all these mining applications?

Yo Annman how come some coloureds vote ANC and others vote DA? If they would all vote DA then the Northern Cape and a lot of the Eastern Cape would be DA. And you wouldn't get no 50% DA in Western Cape.

The DA should take this opportunity to lure voters in Gauteng and other key provinces.

The Eastern Cape has a tiny Coloured population in comparison to the massive Xhosa majority.

Coloureds have always felt marginalized. They have been uncertain of where they fit into the political spectrum. One can see the ANC-Coloured group as those that felt "too black" under the Apartheid regime. One can see the DA-Coloured group as those that currently feel "too white" under the ANC government. The ID under De Lille (a Coloured herself) could've been seen as an option, but I believe many Coloureds felt the ID as a party was just too weak to make a difference.

What is happening, the further Left the ANC is taken by people like Malema, the more it alienates the Coloureds (as well as the Whites, Indians, moderate Black-Africans etc.). Coloureds are moving towards the DA in droves, as the "not black enough" Coloureds are growing in number as the ANC pursues an ever-narrowing agenda. Coloureds generally vote on issues, not on loyalty.

You will indeed see a mass-voting migration to the DA in the following provinces: Gauteng; Northern Cape; Western Cape. Many in Durban metro will also shift to the DA. If a super-opposition is formed, you will see the ranks swell amongst Black-Africans making more than R50,000 a year (lower-middle class upward).

If the DA, ID, COPE, UDM, IFP play their cards right between now and 2014, the ANC could be unseated from power nationally. COSATU is the ANC's largest voting block and they are increasingly at loggerheads with ANC Leftists and warning them, "The COSATU voting cattle days may be over."

What we're witnessing now is ANC desperation posturing, becoming more populist to muster support... but they continue to hemorrhage support. The ANC are victims of BEE, with a growing wealthy, educated Black-African class, the ANC's promises-without-substance and policy-without-practical-application are alienating them.

The tax base of South Africa realises, without White and middle-class Black interests, the economy collapses. If these interests are completely sacrificed for a populist agenda... the country will be in ruins. Should the ANC ever subvert the foundation of a successful economy, "The Right to Own Property and Gather Assets," it will take only 6 months to bring SA's economy to its knees. Hyperinflation will hit in 12 months, economic contraction could reach -10% within those same 12 months, mass-out-migration could be in order of 1million people per year.

The consequences of not reigning in the ANC are dire... we only have till 2014 (the two decade Liberation-goes-crazy deadline).

Hey Annman, I know this all off-topic but since you live on a wine esate, what are your thoughts about all these mining applications?
It's political. I opposed them too; was in communication with Gary Jordan of Jordan Wine Estate, with government departments and with the legal council of MARCEC. There was NO geological methodology behind it whatsoever. I studied Geology at Uni. Stellenbosch. Can you believe it, not even the Dept. of Water Affairs was notified (they were shocked and horrified). It was an attempt to undermine the strategic economic interests of the Western Cape, in my opinion. AEMFC have since withdrawn all applications in the south western Cape and George. Some applications remain near Verlorevlei near Elandsbaai.

The provincial government admitted that they saw it as plausible that the applications were sinister and that a movement of aggitation within the Western Cape was growing; meaning it is plausible the Western Cape populous is becoming extremely sick of National Government and elements are arising that want secession.

There is a rapidly growing feeling that "all is fine here" and that "all is chaos up there," and that "the elements from up there wish to undo the good down here." I can tell you, talk on the ground in the rural Western Cape is getting drastic. People, although proud of SA, would rather ditch SA to save the Cape, than give up the Cape and stick with an increasingly maniacal SA.

The Velorevlei, that is such an imortant landscape in terms of its precolonial history, the environment etc.

^^ I really think that believing the ANC could take the Western Cape now, is being overly "optimistic" or shall we say, pessimistic! Posted a while back, Zille already has a better approval rating amongst ANC supporters compared to Brown. The indications are, the "good governance" is trickling through to the electorate. Malema is very much a fringe icon in the Western Cape and harms ANC support here terribly. Remember, our province in one of moderates. Afrikaners here can't stand the AWB and quite a few Black-Africans and almost all Coloureds here are frightened of Malema.

This is about gaining power. I question whether the DA has done enough of the poorer communities to gain their vote. There is more to Cape Town then the upper S.Subs, N.Subs etc, this is where the DA mainly gets their support from.
It is Clear that since CT had a change in governance, things have improved but for who mostly? E.g. Since they have such a great deal of power of the province, what have they done about land reclaim? E.g. D6 is still sitting there...

I highly object to your belief that people of colour in CT are afraid of Malema. By now; people of all races know the characteristics he posses, and his high security bill is evidence of the way people feel about him.

Again, Dan is not doing it for me, we had all this activism, now all I hear is the odd address and that his driver was speeding on the N2. Voting DA is not just voting for Helen Zille. She cant be party leader, premier, mayor (i know she is not) etc etc etc. I want and i believe it is important that we see more activism from other members of her party.

So is the ANC to win back Cape Town/ gain power? It is possible. It is also possible and important that we get a powerful third contender to highlight that this is not a ANC vs DA (a Black vs White party, and people pick and choose which team to back) scenario.

The Eastern Cape has a tiny Coloured population in comparison to the massive Xhosa majority.

Coloureds have always felt marginalized. They have been uncertain of where they fit into the political spectrum. One can see the ANC-Coloured group as those that felt "too black" under the Apartheid regime. One can see the DA-Coloured group as those that currently feel "too white" under the ANC government. The ID under De Lille (a Coloured herself) could've been seen as an option, but I believe many Coloureds felt the ID as a party was just too weak to make a difference.

What is happening, the further Left the ANC is taken by people like Malema, the more it alienates the Coloureds (as well as the Whites, Indians, moderate Black-Africans etc.). Coloureds are moving towards the DA in droves, as the "not black enough" Coloureds are growing in number as the ANC pursues an ever-narrowing agenda. Coloureds generally vote on issues, not on loyalty.

You will indeed see a mass-voting migration to the DA in the following provinces: Gauteng; Northern Cape; Western Cape. Many in Durban metro will also shift to the DA. If a super-opposition is formed, you will see the ranks swell amongst Black-Africans making more than R50,000 a year (lower-middle class upward).

If the DA, ID, COPE, UDM, IFP play their cards right between now and 2014, the ANC could be unseated from power nationally. COSATU is the ANC's largest voting block and they are increasingly at loggerheads with ANC Leftists and warning them, "The COSATU voting cattle days may be over."

What we're witnessing now is ANC desperation posturing, becoming more populist to muster support... but they continue to hemorrhage support. The ANC are victims of BEE, with a growing wealthy, educated Black-African class, the ANC's promises-without-substance and policy-without-practical-application are alienating them.

The tax base of South Africa realises, without White and middle-class Black interests, the economy collapses. If these interests are completely sacrificed for a populist agenda... the country will be in ruins. Should the ANC ever subvert the foundation of a successful economy, "The Right to Own Property and Gather Assets," it will take only 6 months to bring SA's economy to its knees. Hyperinflation will hit in 12 months, economic contraction could reach -10% within those same 12 months, mass-out-migration could be in order of 1million people per year.

The consequences of not reigning in the ANC are dire... we only have till 2014 (the two decade Liberation-goes-crazy deadline).

Nice explanation Annman. As more black people become wealthier they will open up to the right party. It will be nice to see the DA win another province and spread their power. But you never know what if by next year the ANC are actually doing great things for the country. :lol:

Maybe this thread should be renamed, "DA to win SA?"

Now wouldn't that be something - pipedream?

Maybe this thread should be renamed, "DA to win SA?"

Now wouldn't that be something - pipedream?

Sorry to say, that will never happen while they have a white leader, however amazing he/she is. Thanks apartheid.

Sorry to say, that will never happen while they have a white leader, however amazing he/she is. Thanks apartheid.

It will happen in about 25 years or so. Change will come quicker than one thinks.

dont think so.

dont think so.

The DA won 16% of the last election plus the DA won a whole province. They are not that far off, as educated people increase they will vote different.

Gah I live in hope hey, I don't think the DA will ever win national, but I do think a super coalition has a chance if they don't bicker and ruin it.

The DA won 16% of the last election plus the DA won a whole province. They are not that far off, as educated people increase they will vote different.

So what you saying is ANC/other party supporters are uneducated? Another statement i highly object to. Many people (Black Coloured, Indian,White etc)vote ANC in South Africa because they were either apart of the struggle or they were severely effected (lost family through death or separation etc etc etc) while others vote because for them as it is simply their choice and they exercising their right to vote. Yes, there may be people who vote for the party because they might not be as educated, but there is people who vote for other parties simply because e.g their friends or family vote for them, thus to a degree that is also a uneducated thing to do.


Yes we need to move on from the APHD era, but although the struggle is over, people have not yet stopped feeling the effects of it.
Those who do not vote DA or Vote for the ANC cannot be called uneducated.

I wouldn't say they are uneducated either, but misled. There is simply no alternative for most voters worth noting other than the party that fought and won our freedom. The DA, seen by most as a "white/coloured party", is not going to get many votes from the voters that still resent whites in general, which is a vast majority. That is just a fact.

I am sorry, I love what the ANC did for the country, I will always respect them for that, but this ANC is not what it used to be. Corruption, racist policies and views, no understanding of how to deal with the press or criticism. The leader was put on trial or rape and corruption, in any other country this would have been grounds for immediate resignation. But no, he was voted in because most voters feel the ANC can do no wrong.

More clued-up voters are seeing more and more what the ANC is really all about and therefore not voting for them, hoping for a party that will REALLY unite us all.

http://www.news24.com/images/imgnews24_logo.jpg
Racist email is fake - DA
2010-04-20 11:48

Lunga Biyela, News24

Cape Town - A forensic investigation conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers into the alleged racist email sent by the acting municipal manager of Stellenbosch, Petrus du Plessis, has found that it is a fake, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille said on Tuesday.

The email was released to the media by the ANC’s Membathisi Mdladlana and Lynn Brown on April 7. The ANC called for swift action from the premier at the time.

The email, which is dated March 8 2010, contains racist language in a discussion about by-election results and in-fighting in the Stellenbosch municipality.

“When they released the fake email to the media, they called on me to ‘put (my) money where my mouth is and act swiftly’,” said Zille. “Well, we have acted swiftly. It took us less than two weeks to expose this as an ANC smear.”

Dirty tricks

“This bears all the hallmarks of the ANC’s dirty tricks department.”

Zille said she suspects that the email either originated from the ANC itself, or was fabricated by a third party and forwarded to the ANC, who in turn abused it for political purposes without verifying it.

“The ANC will know where it came from, but I suspect they will cover it up,” said Zille.

“This will affect the credibility of the ANC”, Zille said.

“The investigation cost the taxpayer R72 000, but we do not see why the public should bear the costs of investigating a fake email which was abused by the ANC,” she said.

She said she had written a letter to Mdladlana and Brown requesting that ANC foot the bill. “I have also requested that she and Mdladlana issue an unreserved public apology for disseminating a fabricated email which suggests that the individuals concerned harbour racists views.”

Legal action

“I have given the ANC leadership five working days to respond to my letter,” she said. “If they refuse to pay for this investigation, we will consult with our lawyers to see what legal options are available to us.”

She added that du Plessis and Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredel were also within their rights to consider what action they would be taking against the ANC.

The ANC’s Mdladlana and Brown were not immediately available for comment when News24 tried to contact them.

Haha what a bunch of fools. Did they really think they'd get away with that?

Wahahahaha love it...

Zille is awesome.

^^ They just keep digging their own grave in the Western Cape.

LOL!! That made my day. Seriously, how low can you go.

Which of course is followed by this :

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/ANC-stands-by-racist-email-claims-20100420

Cape Town - The spat between the ANC and the DA in the Western Cape has taken another twist, with the ANC saying it was not involved in the investigation into the racist email allegedly sent by acting municipal manager of Stellenbosch, Petrus du Plessis.

The email, which contains racist language in a discussion about by-election results and in-fighting in the Stellenbosch municipality, was dismissed as a fake by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille at a media conference on Tuesday after an investigation was conducted by auditing firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"The DA has appointed its own investigators and not involved the ANC in the investigation," ANC spokesperson Mandla Dlamini told News24.

Equality Court, HRC

He said the Equality Court and Human Rights Commission should have been a part of the investigation, and they will make a request for the email to be re-investigated.

"We have filled out the form, and we will deliver it to them by the end of the week," he said.

"The ANC still stands by its claim that the email originated from the DA," he added.

Dlamini declined to comment on whether the ANC would be footing the R72 000 bill for the PricewaterhouseCoopers forensic investigation as he had not seen Zille's letter to Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana and leader of the opposition Lynne Brown.

^^ :lol: Trust one of the best auditing firms in the world in an independent probe, or trust the ANC?

I'll trust the ANC. People voted for them so they must be telling the truth!

I was going to say "No political party would get away with that up here" but they probably do it all the time...

I'll trust the ANC. People voted for them so they must be telling the truth!

I was going to say "No political party would get away with that up here" but they probably do it all the time...

Mr Lawrence, with all do respect, you have no clue whats going on here. If you wanne trust the ANC, then please do so, but one thing is clear, we in the Cape Town area dont trust the ANC at all, cause they have caused havoc and shit in Cape Town in the past. So , go on and go trust the ANC.

I'll trust the ANC. People voted for them so they must be telling the truth!

I was going to say "No political party would get away with that up here" but they probably do it all the time...

:lol: :lol: :lol: With all due respect, there's no logic in your reasoning. So you'd hand your financial affairs over to the ANC and not Deloitte or PriceWaterhouse... maybe you were being sarcastic... I hope so? :)

Shame... you're gonna be broke, mate. Pretoria ain't Ottawa, trust us!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: With all due respect, there's no logic in your reasoning. So you'd hand your financial affairs over to the ANC and not Deloitte or PriceWaterhouse... maybe you were being sarcastic... I hope so? :)

Shame... you're gonna be broke, mate. Pretoria ain't Ottawa, trust us!!!

LOL, I just love your comment, but then again, most western believe the ANC to be this wonderful party, little do they know what they do to us here in Cape Town or atleast try to do.

Its not just in the WC that they try do it...

Its all over the country.

Those who Vote for the ANC cannot be called uneducated.

Of course not, that would be generalizing.

But I wouldn't be surprised by stats that showed that their voting base in the WC were mostly uneducated.

Those who do not vote DA or Vote for the ANC cannot be called uneducated.

Um actually they could if you defined been educated as been willing to vote for the DA (I myself and very few people would probably see it that way) its juts that educated and uneducated are very inprecise non defintive terms. eg educated in what, agriculture, academic persuit, reading and writing, politics, liberal viewpoints.

That said I think that statistically there might be a corralation between formal education levels and parties people vote for in this country, but Im not sure how it would fully materilise other than I suspect 'liberal democratic' parties to be favoured by those with a larger amount of forma education.

^^ Lets face facts. After the Malema fiascoes of late, education levels are probably related to ANC support. Let's not try to be so politically correct that we end up lying to ourselves. You will definitely find socio-economic standing is closely related to party support. You will find socio-economic classes of a higher bracket are ID, DA, COPE supporters and you'll find the lower brackets mostly constituting ANC support. Socio-economic brackets are most often indicative of the education level. It's not being mean... it's just the way it is.

I would like to know what the DA party has done in the western cape. Just some quick facts. :)

I would like to know what the DA party has done in the western cape. Just some quick facts. :)

Well, I can promise you this, Annman will share that with you.

^^ HAHA! :) Actually, Mo is more well versed in that department than I am.

What I can tell you is, the Western Cape under the DA administration is by leaps and bounds the most well-run province in South Africa. Maintenance backlogs on all major infrastructure, from roads, to storm water, sewage and electric is the lowest in the nation. The financial health of the province and most of its municipalities are healthy in comparison to local governments up north, most getting A-ratings from auditing firms.

Corruption levels are at their lowest and wasteful public spending is dropping rapidly, with provincial ministers placing a moratorium on all new vehicle purchases, all salary hikes etc.

Local public health care facilities are without a doubt, the best in the nation. Many provincial hospitals have recently been upgraded and they look comparable with private health care institutions. Hospitals are being built in poor areas, like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain and the Worcester Provincial Hospital looks utterly first-world. Although service levels are not on par with private health care yet, the situation is much better in our province than most other places.

Provincial government here, is also accessible; you call them with a query, they answer your concerns or requests quickly.

Funnily enough, BEE compliance is even higher in the Western Cape, which people find unbelievable, but because the administration is appointed on merit, the service delivery levels have skyrocketed, meaning more tenders are going out at a much faster pace, pushing BEE compliance levels way up. The Western Cape believes in placing the right people for the job up top, to empower people lower down the ladder... not to "window dress" the ministerial positions, but rather benefit the previously disadvantaged on the ground, not just in the top ranks.

^^ HAHA! :) Actually, Mo is more well versed in that department than I am.

What I can tell you is, the Western Cape under the DA administration is by leaps and bounds the most well-run province in South Africa. Maintenance backlogs on all major infrastructure, from roads, to storm water, sewage and electric is the lowest in the nation. The financial health of the province and most of its municipalities are healthy in comparison to local governments up north, most getting A-ratings from auditing firms.

Corruption levels are at their lowest and wasteful public spending is dropping rapidly, with provincial ministers placing a moratorium on all new vehicle purchases, all salary hikes etc.

Local public health care facilities are without a doubt, the best in the nation. Many provincial hospitals have recently been upgraded and they look comparable with private health care institutions. Hospitals are being built in poor areas, like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain and the Worcester Provincial Hospital looks utterly first-world. Although service levels are not on par with private health care yet, the situation is much better in our province than most other places.

Provincial government here, is also accessible; you call them with a query, they answer your concerns or requests quickly.

Funnily enough, BEE compliance is even higher in the Western Cape, which people find unbelievable, but because the administration is appointed on merit, the service delivery levels have skyrocketed, meaning more tenders are going out at a much faster pace, pushing BEE compliance levels way up. The Western Cape believes in placing the right people for the job up top, to empower people lower down the ladder... not to "window dress" the ministerial positions, but rather benefit the previously disadvantaged on the ground, not just in the top ranks.

See what I mean!!! Well said!!!!

Well firstly, nobody quite understands the mess the DA first has to sort out when taking over, especially when there are no proper systems in place. This takes almost a year just to navigate your way through the horrors left behind.

That in itself is a major achievement.

Its probably too early to judge their performance but the Provincial Property disposal/rethink will be quite important, along with the new hospitals, new schools and releasing the R10-14 bn from roadworks to public transport.

Guys just remember, although the DA is in power here, it doesn't mean it controls everything that goes down here. We still live in a quasi-federal country and therefore many powers are still with the ANC, such as the police and economic policy. Therefore the DA can only improve a few limited areas of governance and function. Same applies to Cape Town, although local government does have abit more say of what happens in its municipality.

I agree with Mo, it's too early. I will give the DA until May 2011 to prove itself to me :) But nonetheless, lots has already been done!

They've more than proven themselves to me already!

^^ HAHA! :) Actually, Mo is more well versed in that department than I am.

What I can tell you is, the Western Cape under the DA administration is by leaps and bounds the most well-run province in South Africa. Maintenance backlogs on all major infrastructure, from roads, to storm water, sewage and electric is the lowest in the nation. The financial health of the province and most of its municipalities are healthy in comparison to local governments up north, most getting A-ratings from auditing firms.

Corruption levels are at their lowest and wasteful public spending is dropping rapidly, with provincial ministers placing a moratorium on all new vehicle purchases, all salary hikes etc.

Local public health care facilities are without a doubt, the best in the nation. Many provincial hospitals have recently been upgraded and they look comparable with private health care institutions. Hospitals are being built in poor areas, like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain and the Worcester Provincial Hospital looks utterly first-world. Although service levels are not on par with private health care yet, the situation is much better in our province than most other places.


Provincial government here, is also accessible; you call them with a query, they answer your concerns or requests quickly.

Funnily enough, BEE compliance is even higher in the Western Cape, which people find unbelievable, but because the administration is appointed on merit, the service delivery levels have skyrocketed, meaning more tenders are going out at a much faster pace, pushing BEE compliance levels way up. The Western Cape believes in placing the right people for the job up top, to empower people lower down the ladder... not to "window dress" the ministerial positions, but rather benefit the previously disadvantaged on the ground, not just in the top ranks.


Those are great news. It's good to see a clean run state that doesn't get it's people all fired up just to gain political points :ohno:. I like how they are providing hospitals in townships.

But I am sure not all the provinces in South Africa are all ruined with the ANC. I hear big township developments in Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal. But i hear corrupt ANC in western cape and Eastern cape. But this is the same every where like here in Brazil. You just need the best government to run your province, because what if the DA starts messing things up. One cannot just keep voting for DA because they hate the ANC. And the ANC starts doing great things in the future. You need to vote on a good government not a lifetime government pick. :)

And there is a beautiful city here in Northeastern brazil called Natal. So i thing Kwazulu-Natal is the best province :banana::cheers:

Those are great news. It's good to see a clean run state that doesn't get it's people all fired up just to gain political points :ohno:. I like how they are providing hospitals in townships.

But I am sure not all the provinces in South Africa are all ruined with the ANC. I hear big township developments in Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal. But i hear corrupt ANC in western cape and Eastern cape. But this is the same every where like here in Brazil. You just need the best government to run your province, because what if the DA starts messing things up. One cannot just keep voting for DA because they hate the ANC. And the ANC starts doing great things in the future. You need to vote on a good government not a lifetime government pick. :)

And there is a beautiful city here in Northeastern brazil called Natal. So i thing Kwazulu-Natal is the best province :banana::cheers:

My Dear, the people in teh Western Cape volted for the ANC before, and they messed up. But what you must also understand, the western cape demographic are totally difference from the rest of the counrty. So what happend?

They voted ANC into power, the ANC took care of the black people only and forgot who the mojory was in the western cape and they are the coloureds. The coloureds look like brizilians. So what happend was, the coloured voted for another party that will assist them and if they cannot do it, they'll vote for someone els.

I am sure annman will explain again or eveb Mo

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/bruinmense/20449_101025959930075_1000006801495.jpg

Executive Mayor of Cape Town

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/bruinmense/25722_1371121398600_1248694840_1083.jpg

Mayco Member of Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation

My Dear, the people in teh Western Cape volted for the ANC before, and they messed up. But what you must also understand, the western cape demographic are totally difference from the rest of the counrty. So what happend?

They voted ANC into power, the ANC took care of the black people only and forgot who the mojory was in the western cape and they are the coloureds. The coloureds look like brizilians. So what happend was, the coloured voted for another party that will assist them and if they cannot do it, they'll vote for someone els.

I am sure annman will explain again or eveb Mo

I know that but if they start doing good polices in the future you can't just not vote for them. And the DA as well. Vote for the best government. :) The coloured vote is very strange. I was looking at election results and some coloured areas vote ANC and others vote DA. :nuts:

And not all brazillians look like coloured people. :lol:

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/bruinmense/20449_101025959930075_1000006801495.jpg

He is colured right?

Ya he definitely is. Why?

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/bruinmense/20449_101025959930075_1000006801495.jpg

Dan Plato is the executive mayor of Cape Town. He served as mayco member of Housing under former executive mayor Helen Zille. He is also ward councillor for Ward 22 in Belhar. Plato was recently elected as one the three provincial vice chairpersons of the Democratic Alliance.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/bruinmense/25722_1371121398600_1248694840_1083.jpg

Grant Pascoe is the Mayco member of social welfare and poverty alleviation in mayor Dan Plato's city administration. He was the Mitchell's Plain subcouncil chairperson when Helen Zille was mayor. He is also the ward councillor for Ward 78 in Beacon Valley. Pascoe was recently elected as the Cape Metro Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance.

Take your pick.

Is it Dan Plato or Grant Pascoe for mayor of Cape Town in the 2011 municipal elections?

By the way I didn't post anyone from the ANC as I do not think they have a chance of winning Cape Town although showerhead's party will still put up a dirty fight as they are doing right now with the email race scandal in order to divide our brown people.

It's your choice Capetonians!

Although it has not yet been confirmed, It looks like the possibilities of the DA & ID merging are increasing. eNews Prime Time showed footage of both party leaders marching to the constitutional court today as part of a freedom day celebration. They had a following of +/- 2000

This could be it for the ANC in CT, and possibly the beginning of reduction in power possessed by the ANC in other provinces.

Although it has not yet been confirmed, It looks like the possibilities of the DA & ID merging are increasing. eNews Prime Time showed footage of both party leaders marching to the constitutional court today as part of a freedom day celebration. They had a following of +/- 2000

This could be it for the ANC in CT, and possibly the beginning of reduction in power possessed by the ANC in other provinces.

The DA doesn't really need the ID as it got less than 5% of the provincial vote while the DA got 51.5%. In the City of Cape Town, the ID got less than 3% of the vote while the DA got 53.8% of the provincial vote. Sure if the ID wants to join the DA that will be great as it will help the DA (the ID has many brown leaders that the DA sorely needs) but there is no sense of giving the ID plum positions just like the DA did in it's loose arrangement with NNP only to find out later that Kortbroek sold out and wanted to join the ANC.

Point is: If they (DA & ID) unite, we will have a stronger, multiracial party. Other smaller parties could also join; and a similar but not the same effect would be achieved. The main criticism to the DA is the lack of people of colour in the party, this (ID) would help.

viva anc viva, amandlax2

comrades, we dont need to worry about these minnow parties joining, we are just too much and too big for them. we will still win the elections. after the wc, approval rating will be about 90%. thats all you need to know, mickey mouse parties in SA cant harm the grand old party. viva comrades viva.

Ya he definitely is. Why?

Oh i was just wondering. In Brazil there is many different classification for Multiracial people.

I know that but if they start doing good polices in the future you can't just not vote for them. And the DA as well. Vote for the best government. :) The coloured vote is very strange. I was looking at election results and some coloured areas vote ANC and others vote DA. :nuts:

And not all brazillians look like coloured people. :lol:

You r right, not all brazillians look like coloured, cause coloured people look like everybody els in the world. LOKL, so funny, some look indian, some look hispanic, some look white and some look black.

I choose Grant Pascoe over Dan Plato as he can best articulate the position of the brown people or bruinmense who voted the DA into power in both the provincial and metro city governments. Grant Pascoe will take a stand for the poor communities of the Cape Flats in a way that our current mayor Dan Plato seems to have floundered while allowing Helen Zille to run the show in the city even though she is no longer mayor. Pascoe can show that the real power rests not at the provincial level (which does not have real power in SA's unitary state) but at the local government level where the unicity enjoys some autonomy. His ability to mobilize the people of the Cape Flats to vote DA shows that he is a rising star within the DA.

^^ I would love to see the "Super-Tannie Party!" I really want Helen and Patricia to join up to unify the Western Cape. Plus, would like Lekota and Shilowa to join a Super-Opposition for a truly, non-racial, political juggernaut to take the ANC on nationally. The ANC is no longer multi-racial in their electorate, goodness knows, they aren't even multi-socio-economic level. The well-educated Black-Saffer is abandoning them in droves.

Ha, just now that I said that, on Freek Robinson's current affairs show, they had high profile representatives from the DA and IFP as well as De Lille (ID) and Lekota (COPE) talking on TV about their aspirations and goals to amalgamate their parties in a Super-Opposition.

^^ The well-educated Black-Saffer is abandoning them in droves.

Hey Annman, do you have any evidence to support this statement?
Just seems a tad exaggerated... Whilst I do believe theyve lost voters due to a great deal of problems, I find it hard to grasp that they are indeed losing support in droves.
The big problem are the uneducated masses. They continue to vote for the ANC.

^^ I would love to see the "Super-Tannie Party!" I really want Helen and Patricia to join up to unify the Western Cape. Plus, would like Lekota and Shilowa to join a Super-Opposition for a truly, non-racial, political juggernaut to take the ANC on nationally. The ANC is no longer multi-racial in their electorate, goodness knows, they aren't even multi-socio-economic level. The well-educated Black-Saffer is abandoning them in droves.

Who cares about de Lille and her one-woman party. She only got 0.8% of the national assembly vote. As for Lekota and Shilowa, they can fight each other out until there is no more Cope left as they cannot get their act together. Cope doesn't have any structures to speak of in the Cape metro and it's leadership elections have been a fiasco. I would say that the educated black voter right now is disenchanted right now and probably wouldn't vote as none of the parties including the ANC appeal to them right now.

Hey Annman, do you have any evidence to support this statement?
Just seems a tad exaggerated... Whilst I do believe theyve lost voters due to a great deal of problems, I find it hard to grasp that they are indeed losing support in droves.
The big problem are the uneducated masses. They continue to vote for the ANC.

I agree. If you look at by-elections outside of the Western Cape, the ANC still manages to win every single one of them.

Fellows, the best solution is to rally support and encouragement for members of parliament who are working hard and urge them to sponsor good legislation. However bad legislators should be voted out in those constituencies, this will indeed result in a solid vibrant parliament.

^^ Goliath, to answer our questions: No, I obviously do not conduct Markinor Surveys and the like to gauge definite support is a scientific manner. I gauge support in those constituencies through the media and opinion pieces, through friends of my own, but also in sometimes having candid discussions with people on the ground.

You may be right in saying that Black-Saffers of the middle class are more disillusioned and not "abandoning in droves", as perhaps in the semantics it is almost implied by saying "abandon" that they'll vote for someone else. I do believe their is a flight from the ANC, but if this "disillusionment" will transfer into votes or just into abstention of voting is still to be seen.

From all indications I have seen, from Left-leaning publications, Black journalists, Black university staff/students... there is a "fear" of where the ANC is headed. There is a palatable feeling amongst them that the Mandelavelian policies of the ANC are fading and that this shift may pose a threat to our democracy.

That said, can that disillusionment be transferred into an actual vote for another party... well, I think that's up to the tactics of a Super-Opposition.

On that topic, to answer Bruinmense, yes... we all know De Lille's ID is weak and has performed badly. We know about the infighting in COPE. Both of these issues do not bode well for SA's opposition politics. The DA in today's terms, seems like the only viable option to the ANC, but is still viewed as being a "too White party."

Truth is, De Lille is a powerful woman on a weak platform. People do not vote for her, because the platform she stands on could collapse, so people are wary with their "X". If she were to be on a stronger footing, I would not discount her. We need strong leaders in this country, I think her, in a Super-Opposition would be a step in the right direction. Zille gets votes because she stands on the firm platform of a strengthening DA.

The same goes for COPE, there are strong leaders there, but no control of leadership. Under a larger umbrella, with a larger slice of pie to fight over, but around a table with more controlled circumstances, these leaders could be brought in to fight for one cause, rather than the somewhat petty cause of "who will run COPE."

Under this proposed Super-Opposition you will have a top party brass of very powerful, very strong leaders. People you will need to keep in check, but people who can really guide SA into a newer future with confidence, under constitutionalism and with poise. Imagine: Shilowa (presidential candidate); Lekota (Gauteng Prem.Candidate); Zille (W.Cape Premier Candidate); De Lille (N.Cape Premier Candidate); Pascoe/Grindrod (City of CT Candidate) etc. etc. Let's not argue over the placement, just painting an example.

The ANC unfortunately will not change. We can say, keep the good in parliament, but get rid of the waste and bad elements. However, it has been proven that leadership in the ANC is paralyzed. Zuma only reacts when pushed far into a corner. Gwede Mathashe has been attacked, even mooted to be unseated. Jesse Duarte has now abandoned the Zuma presidency. The lack of leadership is leaving a tangible vacuum that a megalomaniac, narcissistic fascist is trying to occupy... so now the ANC Dog is wagged by its Tail.

The only solution is to punish them at the polls. If not, they will continue to think they're not accountable to the people, because they have the growing psychosis that they will "Rule till Jesus Comes." And, they have uttered those very words, most recently, that Tails little Flea, Floyd Shivambu.

A party that feels a "divine mandate to rule", will never rule for the people; if they feel their mandate is a "given", they will not be accountable to them. The people are the country, so thus, such a party is dangerous for the country.

This is just a question and please dont stone me, why is the western cape car number plates not changing like the rest of the countries?

This is just a question and please dont stone me, why is the western cape car number plates not changing like the rest of the countries?
Why would I stone you, this isn't Jerusalem circa BC500! :lol: But, it is "other provinces" not "other countries". Because... we don't need to, it's a stupid expense the provincial government has no need to spend. Our numbers already start with "C" representing "Cape" and all other provinces that used the "C" have already changed theirs. So, all our traffic department does if they run out of numbers in a certain region, is they split that region in two and use one of the disused letter from either the Eastern or Northern Cape.

Example: when too many vehicles registered in the Northern Suburbs, they used the old Grahamstown "CF" and gave that prefix to Kuils River and kept "CFR" for Kraaifontein and kept "CY" for the remainder of Bellville/Durbanville. Too many "CA" cars were registered for council/police etc. use, so now all City of Cape Town government and civil service departments use the "CCT" prefix.

Why would I stone you, this isn't Jerusalem circa BC500! :lol: But, it is "other provinces" not "other countries". Because... we don't need to, it's a stupid expense the provincial government has no need to spend. Our numbers already start with "C" representing "Cape" and all other provinces that used the "C" have already changed theirs. So, all our traffic department does if they run out of numbers in a certain region, is they split that region in two and use one of the disused letter from either the Eastern or Northern Cape.

Example: when too many vehicles registered in the Northern Suburbs, they used the old Grahamstown "CF" and gave that prefix to Kuils River and kept "CFR" for Kraaifontein and kept "CY" for the remainder of Bellville/Durbanville. Too many "CA" cars were registered for council/police etc. use, so now all City of Cape Town government and civil service departments use the "CCT" prefix.

Oh, thanx annman, you are like way swift, then again, I think our number plates look quite nice though

I choose Grant Pascoe over Dan Plato as he can best articulate the position of the brown people or bruinmense who voted the DA into power in both the provincial and metro city governments. Grant Pascoe will take a stand for the poor communities of the Cape Flats in a way that our current mayor Dan Plato seems to have floundered while allowing Helen Zille to run the show in the city even though she is no longer mayor. Pascoe can show that the real power rests not at the provincial level (which does not have real power in SA's unitary state) but at the local government level where the unicity enjoys some autonomy. His ability to mobilize the people of the Cape Flats to vote DA shows that he is a rising star within the DA.

I agree on Pascoe.

On that topic, to answer Bruinmense, yes... we all know De Lille's ID is weak and has performed badly. We know about the infighting in COPE. Both of these issues do not bode well for SA's opposition politics. The DA in today's terms, seems like the only viable option to the ANC, but is still viewed as being a "too White party." [/I]

Agreed. While the ID is a mickey mouse party, I do think that Patricia de Lille is one of our country's greatest leaders as she stands against the corruption and sleaze taking over our government. She is not afraid to speak her mind. We need more people like her. She should join the DA and work with other great DA brown leaders in the Cape like Grant Pascoe and help to racially transform the party so that it becomes a majority brown party in W Cape and N Cape and majority black party in the other provinces in SA.

I agree on Pascoe.

You should go to Facebook and see his page at Grant Pascoe - Cape Town (http://www.facebook.com/GrantpascoeCT). He has 3,093 friends including myself but by the time you see his page it will be more. Look at his Wall and also become a friend of his as he needs all the support he can get to convince Helen and the DA that he is the best person for the job of CT mayor.

I am already a friend, already following him on twitter, and he has already replied to one of my tweets!

racially transform the party so that it becomes a majority brown party in W Cape and N Cape and majority black party in the other provinces in SA.

Which is actually makes it such a pity that the DA is viewed as "too white" because in reality, more of the vote came from people of colour... it is impossible to win the Western Cape otherwise. Having strong people like DeLille on board and having rising stars like Pascoe would be great. But, they need more of the Joe Seremane's as well to win over other people of color in the rest of the nation, thus why I think COPE needs to be an integral part of a Super-Opposition.

If the DA/ID/COPE/IFP etc. play their cards right, but leadership battles aside in favour of the battle against total ANC political domination... they could unseat the parliamentary majority of the ANC in 2014.

We desperate need a Coalition of the Centre. The ANC has drifted way too far Left. I don't really think there's a place in the Coalition for the ACDP and FF+, as they are too politically Right. We need a viable and powerful home for political moderates.

As I've said before, a political philosophy that works globally: "Go Left and nothing's right, go Right and nothing's left."

Which is actually makes it such a pity that the DA is viewed as "too white" because in reality, more of the vote came from people of colour... it is impossible to win the Western Cape otherwise. Having strong people like DeLille on board and having rising stars like Pascoe would be great. But, they need more of the Joe Seremane's as well to win over other people of color in the rest of the nation, thus why I think COPE needs to be an integral part of a Super-Opposition.

If the DA/ID/COPE/IFP etc. play their cards right, but leadership battles aside in favour of the battle against total ANC political domination... they could unseat the parliamentary majority of the ANC in 2014.

We desperate need a Coalition of the Centre. The ANC has drifted way too far Left. I don't really think there's a place in the Coalition for the ACDP and FF+, as they are too politically Right. We need a viable and powerful home for political moderates.

As I've said before, a political philosophy that works globally: "Go Left and nothing's right, go Right and nothing's left."

I'm a centrist and non-ideologue too.

I don't want de Lille for mayor of Cape Town as she will do better on the national scene but we do need her just as well as we need Helen. I would more than love to see Patricia become the DA's new party leader while allowing Helen to run the PGWC and Pascoe to become the next unicity mayor of CT. Seremane could be punted as a mayoral candidate for Joburg or Tshwane. Leave Cope out as Lekota is no different from the ANC and is ANC-Lite and he is more busy fighting with Shilowa in a Polokwane-like dual. Inkatha are a bunch of Zulu tribalists who have a past of violence and collusion with the former regime and will disappear after Buthelezi steps down. The UDM led by Bantu Holomisa is the party we should look at including as they have some support in W Cape with their power base in E Cape. I personally think that the FF+ (Mulder dynasty), ACDP (led by Kenneth Meshoe) and the CDA (led by Louis Michael Green, a brown leader from the Cape) will form their own niche political party in 2011.

Which is actually makes it such a pity that the DA is viewed as "too white" because in reality, more of the vote came from people of colour... it is impossible to win the Western Cape otherwise. [/I]

Your right. Here in the Western Cape the white population of 900,000 is outnumbered by the brown population of 2,500,000 and the black African population of 1,500,000. So it was a pity that Theuns Botha was elected WC DA leader over Lennit Max or Dan Plato. Since the DA won 51.5% of the provincial vote in last year's election then one can surmise that if whites are only 18% of the province's population and not all whites but maybe 95% voted DA then 65% of the people who voted DA in 2009 were people of color. Since only 2% of black Africans voted DA, a massive 65% of brown people or bruinmense voted DA. So this is where we are at as far as the need to appeal to black African voters and Grant Pascoe who is a kaapsevlaktemens is very close by and can understand their plight.

I don't know about the ACDP forming their own little coalition hey...

I don't know about the ACDP forming their own little coalition hey...

I think that the FF+ will drive this process because they think they can rival the DA which is their arch enemy right now.

I think that the FF+ will drive this process because they think they can rival the DA which is their arch enemy right now.

Yes, but keep in mind that the ACDP is a religious party, and that will be a major factor in determing who they choose to align themselves with. The ACDP voters and party members I know are very particular about specific policies - such as anti-abortion. I don't expect the ACDP to align with just anyone for the sake of an alliance without further alienating their dwindling support base.

Yes, but keep in mind that the ACDP is a religious party, and that will be a major factor in determing who they choose to align themselves with. The ACDP voters and party members I know are very particular about specific policies - such as anti-abortion. I don't expect the ACDP to align with just anyone for the sake of an alliance without further alienating their dwindling support base.

The FF+ and CDA would agree with them on these issues since they are right wing as well as the Federal Alliance (FA).

The FF+ and CDA would agree with them on these issues since they are right wing as well as the Federal Alliance (FA).

And the Christianity-specific policies?

The DA is absolutely not forming any alliance with the FF+. This will alienate both future potential "black" voters and existing liberal voters.

It is also unlikely to join up with the ACDP after the "break-up" fiasco which resulted in the ACDP guy being dropped as deputy mayor.

There will be no niche party including the above two. Its simply not worth the fuss.

I'm a centrist and non-ideologue too.

I don't want de Lille for mayor of Cape Town as she will do better on the national scene but we do need her just as well as we need Helen. I would more than love to see Patricia become the DA's new party leader while allowing Helen to run the PGWC and Pascoe to become the next unicity mayor of CT. Seremane could be punted as a mayoral candidate for Joburg or Tshwane. Leave Cope out as Lekota is no different from the ANC and is ANC-Lite and he is more busy fighting with Shilowa in a Polokwane-like dual. Inkatha are a bunch of Zulu tribalists who have a past of violence and collusion with the former regime and will disappear after Buthelezi steps down. The UDM led by Bantu Holomisa is the party we should look at including as they have some support in W Cape with their power base in E Cape. I personally think that the FF+ (Mulder dynasty), ACDP (led by Kenneth Meshoe) and the CDA (led by Louis Michael Green, a brown leader from the Cape) will form their own niche political party in 2011.


I don't agree on Patricia becoming the Party leader at National Level. It should not be a situation of "tomorow i will still wake up white in a city that's not". If someone is qaulified for postition let he/she do the job.

I think that the number of black population in the Western Cape may be 26 % at any given time, however, there is a significant transhumance factor to this, i.e number of people work and live here but have aspirations of moving back to either the eastern cape or their hometown. For example there is about 20 black people working at the place where I work, but none of them call the Cape their home. This i put down to the Cape's more developed status in relation to some of the other provinces. This may in turn also impact on service delivery. How exactly does one qauntify service delivery, sewage works, housing, roads, other infrastructure to portions of a community that are semi-permanent, tempory and permanent?

http://www.news24.com/images/imgnews24_logo.jpg
DA set to swallow ID
2010-05-03 10:31

Anesca Smith, Die Burger

Cape Town – The ID is on the verge of being swallowed by the DA, and the ID leader, Patricia de Lille, is expected to be elected to one of the DA's two top posts along with Helen Zille.

Die Burger learned on Sunday from sources within the DA that De Lille would be nominated as the DA's national chairperson at the party congress at the end of July. She would have to become a member of the DA before she could be nominated.

Joe Seremane, who is currently in this position, is to retire from politics and as an MP this year. In August, he turns 72.

Zille is expected to be re-elected as DA leader unopposed.

Neither Zille nor De Lille's offices would confirm the rumours on Sunday. Zille was not available for comment.

Opposition co-operation

De Lille said since the ID congress in March, when four opposition parties - the DA, ID, Cope and UDM - had discussed the possibility of a co-operation front, they had not yet met again. "There was no talk of any positions," said De Lille and added that the parties agreed in principle, but the deadline for feedback was August.

Cope's congress is set to take place this month.

The DA's leader in Parliament, Athol Trollip, announced about three weeks ago at a caucus meeting that he was not intending running for any of the top national posts.

Trollip, who was the DA leader in the Eastern Cape, and Seremane, had competed against Zille in 2007 to succeed Tony Leon as leader.

He told Die Burger he would not compete for any of the seven national leadership positions.

"(Ms) Zille does incredibly good work and will give momentum to the party by taking it to the next election."

James Selfe, chairperson of the DA's federal council, said he could shed no light on the rumours about De Lille. He did say, however, that before De Lille could be nominated as chairperson of the DA, she had to join the party.

DA congress

The organising committee for the DA's congress still had to determine a deadline for nomination lists, but this was expected a week before the congress.

Seremane said he would welcome Zille and De Lille "any time" in his cabinet.

"It is about which contribution you make to the country and not about positions."

About his retirement from politics, he said it was time that he made way for younger people. "I don't want to copy uncle Bob (Mugabe)," he joked.

The DA congress is expected to be held on July 25 and 26 in Cape Town.

- Die Burger

I wonder if we will soon start to hear the infamous "Umshini wami mshini wami" again... ;)

http://vne-resource.iol.co.za/6/images/breakingnews/site_header_1.jpg

Cosatu gives Zille an 'F'
7 May 2010, 14:20
The Congress of SA Trade Unions has given Western Cape premier Helen Zille and her administration an F in its report card on her first year in office.

"A year has passed and communities have very little to be impressed about in the area of actual delivery," Cosatu Western Cape provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich said on Friday.

"There has been no innovation and vision, no grand statement that responds to the social injury and directs the administration's vision."

He said Zille's equal opportunity society had been exposed as merely a sophisticated model of preserving the privileges of apartheid beneficiaries.

"Botox is still dished out to the middle and upper class woman at the private hospitals in drums, whilst working family wom[e]n cannot get the desperately needed cervical cancer facilities." - Sapa

...They say as the "Botox Premier" builds two massive new hospitals in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha... you get an "F" for being informed and up-to-date with current affairs. :lol:

I found that article hilarious :lol:

Western Cape creates jobs while country loses them

May 7, 2010 9:56 AM | By Staff Reporter

Western Cape is creating jobs despite a 1% rise in unemployment nationally. Figures from Statistics SA show that unemployment in the DA-run province has dropped by 1.2% between the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter this year.

Helen Zille
RELATED ARTICLES

Cosatu gives Zille a failing grade

Across the other eight provinces the average unemployment rate is 26%.

DA MP, Ian Ollis MP, says: "The Western Cape’s performance need to be viewed particularly in the context of the performance of other provinces. The number of unemployed people in the Eastern Cape has risen by 60 000 over the first quarter of 2010 and the unemployment rate jumped 2.8%. In Gauteng, 81 000 more people are unemployed, and the unemployment rate is up 1.4%. Other provinces like Mpumalanga (34 000 more unemployed; up 2.7%) and the Free State (19 000 more unemployed, up 1.9%) faired similarly poorly."

He says these figures reflect the strong economic stability brought to bear in the Western Cape’s financial hub, the City of Cape Town, over the past four years, as well as the early but steady progress being made in the Western Cape administration.

"This progress, both in provincial and local DA administrations, has resulted in better delivery of infrastructure and services, it has created more space for small and medium sized enterprises to take root, it has eased administrative burdens, and it is actively improving investor confidence. This is translating into tangible employment opportunities - opportunities that will help us win the fight against poverty," says Ollis.

The unemployment rate in the Western Cape fell from 21.5% to 20.3% in the first quarter of 2010 - by far the best performance of any province.

In agriculture, 45, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010, even while agriculture struggled in neighbouring provinces during the same time period—the Eastern Cape lost 5, 000 agricultural jobs in the first quarter, while the Northern Cape lost 6, 000 jobs.

In trade, 11, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010, while, nationally, 48, 000 jobs were lost in the sector. Of these, 42, 000 were lost in Gauteng.

In the transport sector, 14, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010. The Western Cape contributed half of all new jobs created in this sector nationally, during the first quarter.

Although the finance sector,Gauteng lost 52, 000 jobs were lost during the first quarter; KwaZulu-Natal, 31, 000, while the Western Cape lost 5, 000 jobs.

"What all those provinces that have experienced job losses have in common is ANC administrations that put the interests of the politically connected few above the interests of ordinary South Africans. Instead of attending to the economy and creating the space for job creation, ANC politicians engage in turf battles, reserve ‘jobs for pals’ and enrich themselves through irregular tenders," says Ollis.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article437949.ece/Western-Cape-creates-jobs-while-country-loses-them

I find the "related articles" link so ironic :D

you guys are always maoning about the anc, but please tell me any government who did a better job than the A.N.C in helping South Africans have better lives.

you guys are always maoning about the anc, but please tell me any government who did a better job than the A.N.C in helping South Africans have better lives.

The Western Cape government, no province is nearly as well run, as efficient, as proactive in building schools, hospitals, fixing infrastructure, maintenance of bulk services, cleanliness, BEE tender award credentials, job growth, accountability, liquidity of municipal finances, private sector involvement, lack of corruption etc. etc. etc. And the proof is in this thread... so enjoy the hours of reading. :)

We're lucky to live here. We live in a province where regardless if you're ANC, DA or anyone else: Our electorate doesn't tolerate bad governance and doesn't vote for blind-loyalty, they vote for issues. You don't perform, you're OUT.

you guys are always maoning about the anc, but please tell me any government who did a better job than the A.N.C in helping South Africans have better lives.

If you thought about it, Im sure you would come to the obvious conclusion that most of the great work the ANC did to help South Africans have better lives was while they weren't goverment. Thing is the ANC never realised that once you come to power you cant fight the people in power to achieve things, you have to achieve things, so now they make up imagenary threats to keep the masses occupied and pretend they are still a 'revolutionary house' when you really can't revolt against yourself (as much as the ANC is trying it appears, and in doing so further ignoring the people of SA). So in conclusion I would say that the ANC out of goverment did far more for the people than the ANC in goverment and that wrt to annman's comment the DA has been far better for the people of SA (well at least WC, as thats all they control) than the ANC has ever been in goverment.

The Western Cape government, no province is nearly as well run, as efficient, as proactive in building schools, hospitals, fixing infrastructure, maintenance of bulk services, cleanliness, BEE tender award credentials, job growth, accountability, liquidity of municipal finances, private sector involvement, lack of corruption etc. etc. etc. And the proof is in this thread... so enjoy the hours of reading. :)

We're lucky to live here. We live in a province where regardless if you're ANC, DA or anyone else: Our electorate doesn't tolerate bad governance and doesn't vote for blind-loyalty, they vote for issues. You don't perform, you're OUT.

am talking about the country as a whole, the old gov't did bring sanctions on SA and it was disastrous. now the economy is recovering despite the recession last yr but even before that we had an average of 6% growth, the govt has increased electricity provision, rdp houses, water and in most cases upgraded or has improved the transport system. dont take these achievements for granted. i mean u must be brain dead not to acknowledge these achievements in 16 yrs of racial polarization. look at northern Ireland, they struck a peace deal between ulster and the unionist but there standard of living is still not on the same level of the rest of the u.k and they still have I.R.A planting bombs. i think people are actually over estimating our government's capability (68 billion budget) to actually change south africas problems. i mean Africans were denied education that's well known, thats why we have an under qualified president. reforming the education system of the old govt was a daunting task, that's why even if the largest pie of the budget is spent on education, the system has been slow to bear fruit.

the crime issue is more complicated and directly linked to living standards so even if mickey mouse DA were to come in power crime would still be problem. there no magic bullets to this problem. therefore. i think one day some people will see that actually the government did what it could despite the limited capacity.

i think people are taking things for granted!!!!!!

More like some people - in other words you - have extremely low standards. Your above post is littered with pathetic excuses for government's underperformance.

For starters, you're using electricity of all things as an example of the ANC government's success? :lol: And education? Where the hell have you been? The education system is getting worse as the years go by. Take a look at the matric pass rate if you need any proof.

Furthermore, transport networks are only largely being upgraded because of the World Cup. Our taxi's, trains and in many cases buses are still hardly anything to write home about. And let's not forget government's inability to meet housing delivery targets.

That doesn't even touch on factors such as IT, where government allowed Telkom to reign supreme for years at the expense of the consumer whilst it owned a large portion of said company. We're now lagging behind other developing countries in the IT field.

Corruption, spending sprees with tax payers' money, laziness and underperformance...I could go on for ages. Take your head out of the sand you poor thing.

Western Cape creates jobs while country loses them

May 7, 2010 9:56 AM | By Staff Reporter

Western Cape is creating jobs despite a 1% rise in unemployment nationally. Figures from Statistics SA show that unemployment in the DA-run province has dropped by 1.2% between the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter this year.

Helen Zille
RELATED ARTICLES

Cosatu gives Zille a failing grade

Across the other eight provinces the average unemployment rate is 26%.

DA MP, Ian Ollis MP, says: "The Western Cape’s performance need to be viewed particularly in the context of the performance of other provinces. The number of unemployed people in the Eastern Cape has risen by 60 000 over the first quarter of 2010 and the unemployment rate jumped 2.8%. In Gauteng, 81 000 more people are unemployed, and the unemployment rate is up 1.4%. Other provinces like Mpumalanga (34 000 more unemployed; up 2.7%) and the Free State (19 000 more unemployed, up 1.9%) faired similarly poorly."

He says these figures reflect the strong economic stability brought to bear in the Western Cape’s financial hub, the City of Cape Town, over the past four years, as well as the early but steady progress being made in the Western Cape administration.

"This progress, both in provincial and local DA administrations, has resulted in better delivery of infrastructure and services, it has created more space for small and medium sized enterprises to take root, it has eased administrative burdens, and it is actively improving investor confidence. This is translating into tangible employment opportunities - opportunities that will help us win the fight against poverty," says Ollis.

The unemployment rate in the Western Cape fell from 21.5% to 20.3% in the first quarter of 2010 - by far the best performance of any province.

In agriculture, 45, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010, even while agriculture struggled in neighbouring provinces during the same time period—the Eastern Cape lost 5, 000 agricultural jobs in the first quarter, while the Northern Cape lost 6, 000 jobs.

In trade, 11, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010, while, nationally, 48, 000 jobs were lost in the sector. Of these, 42, 000 were lost in Gauteng.

In the transport sector, 14, 000 new jobs were created in the Western Cape during the first quarter of 2010. The Western Cape contributed half of all new jobs created in this sector nationally, during the first quarter.

Although the finance sector,Gauteng lost 52, 000 jobs were lost during the first quarter; KwaZulu-Natal, 31, 000, while the Western Cape lost 5, 000 jobs.

"What all those provinces that have experienced job losses have in common is ANC administrations that put the interests of the politically connected few above the interests of ordinary South Africans. Instead of attending to the economy and creating the space for job creation, ANC politicians engage in turf battles, reserve ‘jobs for pals’ and enrich themselves through irregular tenders," says Ollis.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article437949.ece/Western-Cape-creates-jobs-while-country-loses-them

Good news but 20% unemployment is still very high.

who saw the blatant anc propaganda on sabc news thursday night regarding the cape town brt ? the anc is most deffinitely a cleptocracy ! btw i only watch it as a distraction not for info , twitter , news24 and enews gives me my news.

the crime issue is more complicated and directly linked to living standards so even if mickey mouse DA were to come in power crime would still be problem. there no magic bullets to this problem. therefore. i think one day some people will see that actually the government did what it could despite the limited capacity.

i think people are taking things for granted!!!!!!

Just by stating your case in that way means you're a political follower, not a leader for the electorate. You cannot argue "your" case and then say another party is "Mickey Mouse", because it's not ANC, because then people will dismiss your commentary because it smells of people like Floyd Shivambu's arrogance. What's even more sad, is that the NATs used the same arrogant rhetoric during Apartheid to refer to struggle supporters. The ANC of 2010 uses the same rhetoric in reverse than the NATs of the 1980's used!

Nobody has ever denied the ANC liberated South Africa and brought about the end of an evil political system (but the ANC of 2010 is not Mandela's ANC of 1994), however to vote blindly en infinatum for one party just because they changed the political landscape way back when, would be like Germany only always voting for the party that followed the Nazi's, no matter how many mistakes they made.

Just because one group is a liberator, does not mean they're the only existing alternative to Apartheid. To think that only disadvantages yourself and the masses. Just as in business, where a monopoly takes liberties at the cost of the consumer; so in a democracy, where one party has a political monopoly, so they will take liberties at the cost of the electorate.

Democracies can only be healthy when there's political competition... period. You cannot dismiss the Western Cape's performance, as it is the only province where there is true political competition and this competition undeniably works for the people of this province. The Cape is the only model of post-Apartheid politics where the ANC is not ever assured of a clear win... and wow... it works so well, so extrapolate that "political pattern" to the rest of SA and what do you have? An SA that is run as efficiently as the Western Cape!

While Gauteng, our economic powerhouse languishes under frequent water supply failures, power outages effecting suburbs ad hoc, a lack of funds to maintain urban parks, roads still with gaping potholes (but one glorious train), we have the Cape, who's budget in tiny compared to Gauteng's, yet a place where the city is already investing R500million in electrical infrastructure upgrades even before we're affected by ailing ESKOM infrastructure, our towns are secured of water, they just built the R2billion Berg River Dam and are now investing 100's of millions in upgrades to our bulk infrastructure. Southern Cape towns already have desalination plants (unlike PE, where they just pray the drought will end, our government ACTS). Potholes almost don't exist in Cape Town. Our city not only maintains urban open spaces, it's expanding them by hectares and hectares. The city is rolling out a fibre optic network, you actually now get FREE wi-fi internet in the Cape Town CBD. We are world class for a reason. We have no issues with water/electricity supply and maintenance for a reason. We have 2 massive R500million hospitals and 27 new schools being built in the poorest suburbs for a reason.

We are the best run... we all know it... there's no arguing it, because the stats and facts have backed it up for years.

We'll never take the work of CODESA and Mandela for granted... but we owe the ANC nothing. This is not the ANC that liberated us, this is the new blood of political infighting, Polokwane spats, ill-disciplined rants, corruption scandal after corruption scandal, the ANC of tenderpreneurs. We owe them NOTHING. The people we owe thanks to are already retired and live on as legends. The ANC of today is just another political party in the pursuit of power and influence.

Disclaimer: However, this whole piece will mean nothing to a staunch ANC supporter. Many have become so brainwashed by their party's propaganda, any other party who's not the ANC is dismissed as "counter-revolutionary" or "tiny and insignificant" if their leader is Black, and any other party who's not ANC is dismissed as "racist" and "doesn't represent you" if they're any other colour. Too often, ANC supporters look in the mirror, then vote, rather than listening to their brain, then voting.

Just by stating your case in that way means you're a political follower, not a leader for the electorate. You cannot argue "your" case and then say another party is "Mickey Mouse", because it's not ANC, because then people will dismiss your commentary because it smells of people like Floyd Shivambu's arrogance. What's even more sad, is that the NATs used the same arrogant rhetoric during Apartheid to refer to struggle supporters. The ANC of 2010 uses the same rhetoric in reverse than the NATs of the 1980's used!

Nobody has ever denied the ANC liberated South Africa and brought about the end of an evil political system (but the ANC of 2010 is not Mandela's ANC of 1994), however to vote blindly en infinatum for one party just because they changed the political landscape way back when, would be like Germany only always voting for the party that followed the Nazi's, no matter how many mistakes they made.

Just because one group is a liberator, does not mean they're the only existing alternative to Apartheid. To think that only disadvantages yourself and the masses. Just as in business, where a monopoly takes liberties at the cost of the consumer; so in a democracy, where one party has a political monopoly, so they will take liberties at the cost of the electorate.

Democracies can only be healthy when there's political competition... period. You cannot dismiss the Western Cape's performance, as it is the only province where there is true political competition and this competition undeniably works for the people of this province. The Cape is the only model of post-Apartheid politics where the ANC is not ever assured of a clear win... and wow... it works so well, so extrapolate that "political pattern" to the rest of SA and what do you have? An SA that is run as efficiently as the Western Cape!

While Gauteng, our economic powerhouse languishes under frequent water supply failures, power outages effecting suburbs ad hoc, a lack of funds to maintain urban parks, roads still with gaping potholes (but one glorious train), we have the Cape, who's budget in tiny compared to Gauteng's, yet a place where the city is already investing R500million in electrical infrastructure upgrades even before we're affected by ailing ESKOM infrastructure, our towns are secured of water, they just built the R2billion Berg River Dam and are now investing 100's of millions in upgrades to our bulk infrastructure. Southern Cape towns already have desalination plants (unlike PE, where they just pray the drought will end, our government ACTS). Potholes almost don't exist in Cape Town. Our city not only maintains urban open spaces, it's expanding them by hectares and hectares. The city is rolling out a fibre optic network, you actually now get FREE wi-fi internet in the Cape Town CBD. We are world class for a reason. We have no issues with water/electricity supply and maintenance for a reason. We have 2 massive R500million hospitals and 27 new schools being built in the poorest suburbs for a reason.

We are the best run... we all know it... there's no arguing it, because the stats and facts have backed it up for years.

We'll never take the work of CODESA and Mandela for granted... but we owe the ANC nothing. This is not the ANC that liberated us, this is the new blood of political infighting, Polokwane spats, ill-disciplined rants, corruption scandal after corruption scandal, the ANC of tenderpreneurs. We owe them NOTHING. The people we owe thanks to are already retired and live on as legends. The ANC of today is just another political party in the pursuit of power and influence.

Disclaimer: However, this whole piece will mean nothing to a staunch ANC supporter. Many have become so brainwashed by their party's propaganda, any other party who's not the ANC is dismissed as "counter-revolutionary" or "tiny and insignificant" if their leader is Black, and any other party who's not ANC is dismissed as "racist" and "doesn't represent you" if they're any other colour. Too often, ANC supporters look in the mirror, then vote, rather than listening to their brain, then voting.

A solid statement Annman!!! The WC is the best well run province in SA by a mile. Whoever comes from a 1st world country to SA notices that. I think the biggest achievement is the fact that the electorate doesnt vote by race but by performance.
I do however disagree on the point that Gauteng is only about one glorious train. Massive upgrades are also being done up north. A lot has been done for the poor.
The million dollar question is, who has done more for them (poor), WC-DA or Gauteng-ANC? Only stats can provide an answer.
Now SA must not follow Malemas nationalization plans. This will be a disaster. Investors will flee SA in droves...

The million dollar question is, who has done more for them (poor), WC-DA or Gauteng-ANC? Only stats can provide an answer.
Now SA must not follow Malemas nationalization plans. This will be a disaster. Investors will flee SA in droves...

Maybe I said that wrongly. What I meant was, is that in Gauteng, they're not getting the basics right. When water systems and electricity infrastructure are failing, no amount of "big budget" projects really matter. I think Gautrain is the most glorious engineering project in SA to date (we would only be so lucky), the Gauteng Freeway System is going to be marvelous... but you cannot neglect the basics: Gauteng's administration has many times done just that. Great to travel on a new freeway or train, but then suddenly, you exit onto a provincial or council road and it's falling to pieces... nope... simply not on for Africa's powerhouse. And all that says to me is: Inefficiency and Ineptitude.

And Malema must get lost. How can someone who fails metalwork know anything about the intricacies of complex financial systems; here is someone who believes he's always right, and their own ANC brains of Pravin Gordhan and Trevor Manuel are wrong! Nationalisation has not worked in a SINGLE nation. Even the powerhouse that is China has now admitted as much by instituting the "One China, Two Systems" policy. You do not guarantee the rights to own assets, your economy collapses within 12 months.

Good news but 20% unemployment is still very high.

Of course it is, but how many of these unemployed have not moved here from the Eastern Cape looking for the bright city lights and a job.

Maybe I said that wrongly. What I meant was, is that in Gauteng, they're not getting the basics right. When water systems and electricity infrastructure are failing, no amount of "big budget" projects really matter. I think Gautrain is the most glorious engineering project in SA to date (we would only be so lucky), the Gauteng Freeway System is going to be marvelous... but you cannot neglect the basics: Gauteng's administration has many times done just that. Great to travel on a new freeway or train, but then suddenly, you exit onto a provincial or council road and it's falling to pieces... nope... simply not on for Africa's powerhouse. And all that says to me is: Inefficiency and Ineptitude.

And Malema must get lost. How can someone who fails metalwork know anything about the intricacies of complex financial systems; here is someone who believes he's always right, and their own ANC brains of Pravin Gordhan and Trevor Manuel are wrong! Nationalisation has not worked in a SINGLE nation. Even the powerhouse that is China has now admitted as much by instituting the "One China, Two Systems" policy. You do not guarantee the rights to own assets, your economy collapses within 12 months.

gees annman, the WC is not heaven, of course the mountains around and the sea help the city attract tourists and the place must look in good condition to do so. western cape has a comparative advantage compared to other areas such as gauteng because of its tourist income and its the mother city. i acknowledge the work of the mickey mouse D.A they got wait for it....... 16% of the vote and they consider themselves an opposition party. back to the point it was making, its no surprise that they are working hard and fighting to always pointing out what wrong with the anc. i might just as well get 1% of the vote and consider myself the 3rd opposition party. if they werent doing that (checking the gov't with limited success) they would be useless.

who saw the blatant anc propaganda on sabc news thursday night regarding the cape town brt ? the anc is most deffinitely a cleptocracy ! btw i only watch it as a distraction not for info , twitter , news24 and enews gives me my news.

its not a crime to watch sabc, you sound like its a sin to watch it. they have poor cameras and studios thats all. but they are the most watched news anyway and i think they would give a shit if u watched.

ROFL. The last few posts is like watching an adult trying to have a civilised debate with a 4 year old. Very funny. Nicely said btw annman...

u guys all sound like some kind of echo chamber feeding off yourselves. . .

I would like to know what the black ppl in the western cape think. . .

apparently they dont get on here much it seems

gees annman, the WC is not heaven, of course the mountains around and the sea help the city attract tourists and the place must look in good condition to do so. western cape has a comparative advantage compared to other areas such as gauteng because of its tourist income and its the mother city. i acknowledge the work of the mickey mouse D.A they got wait for it....... 16% of the vote and they consider themselves an opposition party. back to the point it was making, its no surprise that they are working hard and fighting to always pointing out what wrong with the anc. i might just as well get 1% of the vote and consider myself the 3rd opposition party. if they werent doing that (checking the gov't with limited success) they would be useless.

You really are a bright spark... intellectually speaking of course!!! :yes:Please tell me youre not SAn... what an embarrassment!!!!
You still havent figured out that nobody cares who runs the country... black, white, green, purple, prawn... as long as its WELL RUN!!!
The big difference is that you only see race. Are you Julius Malema?
I only read 2 posts of yours and didnt know if I should cry or laugh.
The ANC is not the same party as used to be under Mandela, O. Tambo or Steve Biko just too name a few.
Just a couple of problems that come to my mind under ANC rule: Service delivery, housing, infrastructure and (public)transportation. What do you get??? S.H.I.T.
I think those 4 letters sum up the ANC as a working government for SA.

^^ He's not using any factual argumentation to prove any point. So I'm not going to supply rebuttal, as there is nothing to counter-debate on. We have a "competitive advantage" because we have mountains and sea (wow, an economist supreme!)..:lol: So, tourism income in SA is higher than that of the financial, mining and manufacturing industries combined? Which, let me remind you, is almost ALL in Gauteng!

So, KZN has more of an advantage over Gauteng &Western Cape because it's sea is warmer and mountains are 1200m higher? :lol: "Mickey Mouse DA" after I said, that arrogance smacks of Floyd Shivambu's rhetoric, smells of old Apartheid NAT political dismissal?! :lol:

No use!!! Read my disclaimer again... ANC = vote about my race, not about my issues. ANC blind-supporter = everyone else is insignificant and racist, we are always right, because we "own" the liberation.

Debate like adults, debate with your brain, not your political blinkers and racial dogma, else people will laugh at you. What I also fail to understand, is that you this person sits in the UK and we sit in South Africa. We're the ones that help build this country on the ground and tolerate the political quagmire we're in for the betterment of S.Africa and her people; yet you are a cheerleader for the ANC, yet you are the one that abandoned them for a "white" nation?! Somewhat hypocritical, if they're so perfect and the SA they're running is the best, you would not be there.

gees annman, the WC is not heaven, of course the mountains around and the sea help the city attract tourists and the place must look in good condition to do so. western cape has a comparative advantage compared to other areas such as gauteng because of its tourist income and its the mother city. i acknowledge the work of the mickey mouse D.A they got wait for it....... 16% of the vote and they consider themselves an opposition party. back to the point it was making, its no surprise that they are working hard and fighting to always pointing out what wrong with the anc. i might just as well get 1% of the vote and consider myself the 3rd opposition party. if they werent doing that (checking the gov't with limited success) they would be useless.

You won't and can't present a balanced view based on facts.

So there is no point really..is there?

Lets all just dress up in Mickey Mouse costumes and scream "Julius!".

its not a crime to watch sabc, you sound like its a sin to watch it. they have poor cameras and studios thats all. but they are the most watched news anyway and i think they would give a shit if u watched.

Which just proves another point e can actually do better than them without goverment backing and they with goverment backing have shit studio broadcasts.

Why on earth do E-tv not do a BBC and actually use the Cape Town backdrop?

its not a crime to watch sabc, you sound like its a sin to watch it. they have poor cameras and studios thats all. but they are the most watched news anyway and i think they would give a shit if u watched.
Only when it comes to news in additional African languages like IsiNdebele IsiXhosa IsiZulu Afrikaans etc. eNews Prime Time is the most watched English news in South Africa, hence the 24 hour news channel

Only when it comes to news in additional African languages like IsiNdebele IsiXhosa IsiZulu Afrikaans etc. eNews Prime Time is the most watched English news in South Africa, hence the 24 hour news channel

and the majority of people are?

and the majority of people are?

And the majority of the people understand English... that's why it's SA's lingua franca?!!

^^ He's not using any factual argumentation to prove any point. So I'm not going to supply rebuttal, as there is nothing to counter-debate on. We have a "competitive advantage" because we have mountains and sea (wow, an economist supreme!)..:lol: So, tourism income in SA is higher than that of the financial, mining and manufacturing industries combined? Which, let me remind you, is almost ALL in Gauteng!

So, KZN has more of an advantage over Gauteng &Western Cape because it's sea is warmer and mountains are 1200m higher? :lol: "Mickey Mouse DA" after I said, that arrogance smacks of Floyd Shivambu's rhetoric, smells of old Apartheid NAT political dismissal?! :lol:

No use!!! Read my disclaimer again... ANC = vote about my race, not about my issues. ANC blind-supporter = everyone else is insignificant and racist, we are always right, because we "own" the liberation.

Debate like adults, debate with your brain, not your political blinkers and racial dogma, else people will laugh at you. What I also fail to understand, is that you this person sits in the UK and we sit in South Africa. We're the ones that help build this country on the ground and tolerate the political quagmire we're in for the betterment of S.Africa and her people; yet you are a cheerleader for the ANC, yet you are the one that abandoned them for a "white" nation?! Somewhat hypocritical, if they're so perfect and the SA they're running is the best, you would not be there.

i said comparative advantage. WC has a robust tourism industry, without it your shit almost everything apart from producing wine for the joburg yuppies. anyway, joburg is still the richest city. and on the point of supporting the anc. do u really think that people who are often called kaffirs, monkeys, incompetent etc can vote for any other party other than the anc. may be u want them to switch to the communist party so u will continue moaning until Jesus comes back. anc are not perfect but at the same time do not think the electorate is ready to vote for any other party and the fact is the DA is a chameleon party.

And the majority of the people understand English... that's why it's SA's lingua franca?!!

ur trying to dodge the point. SABC by far has the most veiwers. 20 million that leaves others way behind. i lsiten to some 702 but it is still not listened to by the majority of radio listeners. look at these figures.

even in the wester Western Cape's radio shares
The top 10 Western Cape stations, based on percentage of gross ¼ hours, average Monday to Friday are:
1 Kfm 94.5 (19.1%)
2 GHFM (16.2%)
3 RSG (14.5%)
4 Community radio (13.1%)
5 Umhlobo Wenene FM (12.8%)
6 Metro fm (5.2%)
6 5fm (5.2%)
7 P4 Radio Cape Town 100-108fm (4.6%)
8 SAfm (2.4%)
9 Cape Talk (2.3%)
and thats only radio

tv ratings are even more in line with my argument.
SABC 1 (50.3%)
2 e.tv (16.4%)
3 SABC 2 (14.4%)
4 SABC 3 (9.5%)
5 M-Net (total) (4.8%)
6 DStv (3.8%)
7 Bop TV (0.8%)

^^ :lol: :lol: :lol: It is Julius! Same verbage of "till Jesus comes" that he uses to the ire of Christian's everywhere. Such arrogance and political bullying befits the Apartheid government.

DA is a chameleon. HAHA... Malema likes Zuma, Malema hates Mbeki, Malema likens Zuma to Mbeki. Zuma says "Afrikaners are the true white Africans," Zuma fails to condemn "Shoot the Boer," till all hell breaks loose. Zuma supports Mathashe during Polokwane, Zuma fails to condemn blatant attacks on Mathashe during Malema's onslaught. Zuma criticises the judiciary when charged with corruption, Zuma praises the "transformed" judiciary when Judge Nicholson acquits him, Malema later calls judiciary a "relic of Apartheid."

Hmmm... chameleon? ? ? :lol:

PS. your previous stats are for total viewership. Your argument pertained to the news; not Generations, Survivor, Bold and the Beautiful and all other shows. The SABC is run by government... it's news is not impartial.

^^ :lol: :lol: :lol: It is Julius! Same verbage of "till Jesus comes" that he uses to the ire of Christian's everywhere. Such arrogance and political bullying befits the Apartheid government.

DA is a chameleon. HAHA... Malema likes Zuma, Malema hates Mbeki, Malema likens Zuma to Mbeki. Zuma says "Afrikaners are the true white Africans," Zuma fails to condemn "Shoot the Boer," till all hell breaks loose. Zuma supports Mathashe during Polokwane, Zuma fails to condemn blatant attacks on Mathashe during Malema's onslaught. Zuma criticises the judiciary when charged with corruption, Zuma praises the "transformed" judiciary when Judge Nicholson acquits him, Malema later calls judiciary a "relic of Apartheid."

Hmmm... chameleon? ? ? :lol:

PS. your previous stats are for total viewership. Your argument pertained to the news; not Generations, Survivor, Bold and the Beautiful and all other shows. The SABC is run by government... it's news is not impartial.

its like you don't understand. the argument ur making is right, myself i dont want to see the erosion of separation of powers, eroding constitution sovereignty etc. what is provided by zuma is stability balancing communist urges with cpitalist cultures is not easy. your remarks about zuma not condemning shoot to kill are just plainly wrong. the fact is for the time being the state south africa is in at the moment can be describe as stable. this is the ultimate quality that i have seen in zuma although he is puppet sometimes. i dont think it was right for him to comment during gayteblaches death. above all, the economic siatuation is encouraging despite the socialist cries from malema. no companies have been nationalised yet and the anc should be judged on this basis.

Anc are not perfect but at the same time do not think the electorate is ready to vote for any other party and the fact is the DA is a chameleon party.

Yes but in the WC they are and the WC is currently been run better...

Also all politcal parties are chameleons, it is in there nature.

^^ You have some points to make... but then stop using rhetoric which then detracts from the points made... things that smack of pure political arrogance. That will get you nowhere as it shuts opposition ears down to the actual argument you wish to convey.

Yes, the ANC has been engaged in a very precarious populist vs. what-works balancing act. However, to base your voting purely based on racial lines will only perpetuate racism. To call all other parties in SA "mickey mouse," implies you believe the ANC has sole mandate and a right to rule. This argument is not that of a democracy, but of totalitarianism and thus does not sit well with anyone who upholds constitutionality.

The ANC has both screwed up and maintained balance in SA, admitted. But, one cannot then say there is not an alternative and never will be to the ANC. This is a democracy... therefore, alternatives will always exist. The nature of democracy is choice.

What I did notice about you political psychology, is you used "bigoted terms" referring to Blacks in your voting methodology. This tells me one thing... your vote and political methodology is based more on resentment and race than true issue driven voting. This, you do understand... must stop...

We cannot live like this in SA and must not perpetuate racial politics. South Africans must stop being held hostage to their own "blackness", "whiteness" or "colouredness" and embrace and develop their South Africaness. Vote with your head, not your skin.

^^ You have some points to make... but then stop using rhetoric which then detracts from the points made... things that smack of pure political arrogance. That will get you nowhere as it shuts opposition ears down to the actual argument you wish to convey.

Yes, the ANC has been engaged in a very precarious populist vs. what-works balancing act. However, to base your voting purely based on racial lines will only perpetuate racism. To call all other parties in SA "mickey mouse," implies you believe the ANC has sole mandate and a right to rule. This argument is not that of a democracy, but of totalitarianism and thus does not sit well with anyone who upholds constitutionality.

The ANC has both screwed up and maintained balance in SA, admitted. But, one cannot then say there is not an alternative and never will be to the ANC. This is a democracy... therefore, alternatives will always exist. The nature of democracy is choice.

What I did notice about you political psychology, is you used "bigoted terms" referring to Blacks in your voting methodology. This tells me one thing... your vote and political methodology is based more on resentment and race than true issue driven voting. This, you do understand... must stop...

We cannot live like this in SA and must not perpetuate racial politics. South Africans must stop being held hostage to their own "blackness", "whiteness" or "colouredness" and embrace and develop their South Africaness. Vote with your head, not your skin.

am afraid to say that south africa will vote along racial lines for about the next 2 elections. so ur need for black people not voting for a black government will not materialise untill some demographics (age) die. white people will still vote for the DA or will decide not to vote. therefore, i still see the anc winning every election in this decade.

but i think you should also give credit where its due, the fact that minorities are largely protected under the constitution is also testimony to the anc. if the anc decided one day to remove this pluralist system they can but they haven't. so give them some credit, they are not perfect but they are the best we can have at this moment. if forexmple the DA was to be in power, it would be sad to see helen zille putting up with everyday strike, lack of action would be seen as racist i mean i could be a real mess. so the stage we are on in this democratic south africa is fine. surely we could do without corruption but its hard to do so in a 3rd world country. even coutnries such as brazil and other south american coutnries still suffer with grinding corruption. we are still maturing and there is always room for improvement.

ur trying to dodge the point. SABC by far has the most veiwers. 20 million that leaves others way behind. i lsiten to some 702 but it is still not listened to by the majority of radio listeners. look at these figures.

even in the wester Western Cape's radio shares
The top 10 Western Cape stations, based on percentage of gross ¼ hours, average Monday to Friday are:
1 Kfm 94.5 (19.1%)
2 GHFM (16.2%)
3 RSG (14.5%)
4 Community radio (13.1%)
5 Umhlobo Wenene FM (12.8%)
6 Metro fm (5.2%)
6 5fm (5.2%)
7 P4 Radio Cape Town 100-108fm (4.6%)
8 SAfm (2.4%)
9 Cape Talk (2.3%)
and thats only radio

tv ratings are even more in line with my argument.
SABC 1 (50.3%)
2 e.tv (16.4%)
3 SABC 2 (14.4%)
4 SABC 3 (9.5%)
5 M-Net (total) (4.8%)
6 DStv (3.8%)
7 Bop TV (0.8%)
Where did you get that information from. How reliable is it cause it mentions "p4 radio" which changed its name to Heart104.9 years ago.

Your tv rating statistics are based on the network in general e.g. shows, not news as we are talking about. ALSO note each networks target market...

Where did you get that information from. How reliable is it cause it mentions "p4 radio" which changed its name to Heart104.9 years ago.

Your tv rating statistics are based on the network in general e.g. shows, not news as we are talking about. ALSO note each networks target market...

WOT THE HELL IS BOB TV??????

^^ Got to remember Davin, our constitution was written by CODESA, not just by the ANC. It was also jointly-wrtitten by the ANC of Mandela. I know for certain many current ANC stalwarts are not pleased with the "protective and Western" nature of our liberal constituition. However, I am glad it was Mandela's ANC that played a pivotal role in drafting our constitution.

The ANC is a party that causes confusion, because too many ideologies and voices come out of one body. There are those within the ANC that seem grounded and intelligent, and others who speak as if the constittion is not a guidance to government, but a hindrance and want a populist, undemocratic agenda of minority subjugation.

Thus one of the resons why the WC province votes the way it does. The ANC infighting literally got violent on a provincial level in the Cape, this alienated many of their Cape supporters too.

Hey DAVINCHEMACKER, Ill give credit to the ANC fiscal policies which have created sustainable growth and its political stability until Mbeki was ousted. All other forms of government have been a total disgrace. Corruption, crime, service delivery, education, health... and the list goes on, are in shambles.
The sadest part of this all is that people like you (DAVINCHEMACKER), who already have access to information and education above all, continue to be blinded with race issues, when theirs so much more going.
As Annman pointed out, many inside the ANC arent pleased with our constituition and westernization. Thats why Bob Junior gets too act like a fool and nothing happens to him. Hes got large support within the party but nobody wants to admit this.
Ive said it a 100 times, no country on this planet can survive without foreign direct investment. What Bobby boys doing is precisely that, scaring off investors.
He thinks that by nationalizing mines, farms, banks...etc, SA will survive.
Look at Zim, same ideology, catastrophic results...
What our forumers are trying to tell you is that the DA isnt the best party in the world, but at least its the most efficient in SA. If one day they dont deliver,they vote on someone else. Thats how most democracies work... but not SA. Vote for the party which can provide the best for urself and your family, not because of their colour.

Hey DAVINCHEMACKER, Ill give credit to the ANC fiscal policies which have created sustainable growth and its political stability until Mbeki was ousted. All other forms of government have been a total disgrace. Corruption, crime, service delivery, education, health... and the list goes on, are in shambles.
The sadest part of this all is that people like you (DAVINCHEMACKER), who already have access to information and education above all, continue to be blinded with race issues, when theirs so much more going.
As Annman pointed out, many inside the ANC arent pleased with our constituition and westernization. Thats why Bob Junior gets too act like a fool and nothing happens to him. Hes got large support within the party but nobody wants to admit this.
Ive said it a 100 times, no country on this planet can survive without foreign direct investment. What Bobby boys doing is precisely that, scaring off investors.
He thinks that by nationalizing mines, farms, banks...etc, SA will survive.
Look at Zim, same ideology, catastrophic results...
What our forumers are trying to tell you is that the DA isnt the best party in the world, but at least its the most efficient in SA. If one day they dont deliver,they vote on someone else. Thats how most democracies work... but not SA. Vote for the party which can provide the best for urself and your family, not because of their colour.

Well Said!!!!!

May 17, 2010
From rape capital to safe capital – Khayelitsha transformed

Fadela Slamdien

Cape Town’s sprawling township of Khayelitsha was once dubbed the ‘rape capital of the Western Cape’, but is now one of the safest townships in the province, thanks to an ambitious five-year project by the City of Cape Town and the German government.

The R120 million project, known as VPUU (Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading), which has also been nominated for the prestigious national Impumelelo Innovations 2010 Sustainability awards, has managed to contribute to reducing crime affecting the approximately 1.5 million residents by over two thirds since 2004, by improving the living and social conditions through urban improvements and innovative interventions.

Police statistics show that all crimes reported in 2003-2004 amounted to 16 648 incidents. The VPUU interventions on the ground started in 2006, and the latest statistics, from 2008-2009, show a total of 5 046 incidents, including a reduction in reporting of all violent crime.

And a drive along the township’s roads certainly reveals a wealth of recent developments in the area. These range from a sports complex, well lit paved pathways, 24 hour safe houses with community rooms, and the revamping of a business area, all of which, according to residents and project partners, have contributed to an improvement in their quality of life.

Other initiatives include business and life skills training for residents.

The inception of the VPUU began in 2001, but hit the ground in 2006 through funding provided by the City of Cape Town, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Co-operation and Development, and the German Development Bank (KfW).

“At that time (2001), crime levels were unacceptable,” said Khayelitsha Development Forum chairman, Zamayedwa Sogayise.

“There are no less than 67 000 households in the informal (shacks) sector, police vans cannot penetrate those shacks…the best way to combat crime would be to develop the infrastructure of the township,” he said.

As a result, five “safety node areas,” namely Monwabisi Park, Site B, Kuyasa, Site C, and Harare were identified, and crime hotspots were cleared and revamped.

“There used to be a lot of crime here, now I feel free to walk,” said resident Zoleka Mraji, who was referring to ‘precinct 3’, which used to be a dumping ground littered with rubbish and sewage and was once one of the crime hotspots.

The area, which is a popular pedestrian route to the train station, is now home to a children’s park, two sports fields and a 24 hour ‘active box’ (see sidebar).

The project has also developed local businesses. One of many businessmen who have benefitted is Lundi Takayi, chairperson of the informal Ntlazane Traders Association.

Takayi and a number of informal traders have been trained in bookkeeping, trade, and finances.

“My business has improved…We are also receiving ongoing support in running our businesses,” said Takayi.

Traders previously ran their businesses from shacks outside Khayelitsha station but the area has been revamped and trading stalls improved.

Improving businesses also meant there was more money circulating in the township which was created as a labour dormitory by the apartheid government said Sogayise.

Violence against women has also been addressed, with a gender-based violence office opened in partnership with the VPUU last year.

Primrose Tetyana, a Mosaic social auxiliary worker at the office, said the VPUU’s support “made it easier for Mosaic to reach out to the communities”.

“We now have an office, and a meeting hall, and because more women are aware of our services, more women are being trained (on dealing with abuse and assertiveness),” she said.

Although SAPS statistics showed sexual crimes had reduced since a highpoint in 2003, the levels of violence against women, including rape and domestic violence, remained unacceptably high.

“Many men are unemployed, angry and have nothing to do,” said Tetyana.

For Sogayise, the high unemployment rate (more than 50 percent), is the major factor contributing to crime in the township.

“If you go to Khayelitsha in the day, the streets are full,” he said. But he said Khayelitsha was “no longer the crime hotspot it was before”.

And the City and the German government intend to soon replicate the VPUU project in the township of Manenberg, where drug related crime is high and gangsterism rife. Similar projects for other Cape Town townships, as well as Port Elizabeth, are also in the pipeline. – West Cape News

Sidebar: How the VPUU works to combat crime:

The creation of the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) project has relied on a number of interlinked initiatives to reduce crime in the township of Khayelitsha. These include:

* The creation of four ‘active boxes’ in previous crime hotspots, along with paving and extra lighting. An active box is a 24 hour centre which serves as a lookout point for criminal activity. Each active box is manned by “facility guardians” who are in contact with the police. The boxes contain a caretakers’ flat, a community room and a spaza shop.

* 200 to 300 volunteers who have been assigned as neighbourhood watch patrols in areas where crime is committed most, particularly on weekends when many residents frequent the shebeens.

* A sports complex, a children’s park and two sports fields.

* A new library which will house an early childhood development area, a study room, local NGO and civic organisation offices, and a community hall, are soon to be completed.

* A youth centre is also on the cards.

* Upgrading of an informal trading areas by constructing buildings from which traders can do business.

* Providing support for 200 small businesses through the provision of training courses.

* Up to eight ‘live-work units’ – structures where traders both live and work – are due to be completed.

* Almost 1500 residents have received training courses as part of the project’s initiative. These range from computer courses, safety and security, conflict management, to one on how to obtain a drivers license.

* The funding of more than 80 community projects.

* Financial support for thirteen crèches.

* The opening of a gender based violence satellite office in partnership with Mosaic, an organisation providing counselling and support services to victims of rape and domestic violence.

* Partnership with University of the Western Cape’s Legal Aid Centre which has an office in the township.

Bullets fired at ANC supporters
http://www.iol.co.za/images/redesign2004/iol_logo.gif (http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=&art_id=vn20100525043835532C490980)
A fight broke out between ANC and DA supporters as DA leader and Premier Helen Zille addressed a by-election meeting in Gugulethu last night.

It started when a small group of DA members was heckled by an even smaller number of their ANC counterparts and ended with police firing rubber bullets at the ANC supporters to disperse them.

In no time after the meeting opened the opposing sides fought as police officers inside the NY111 Community Hall tried to push out ANC supporters.

The Cape Times was shown SMSes sent to ANC members' cellphones by the DA inviting them to the meeting. The members said they had decided to attend the meeting to demand to know from the DA where it had obtained their cell numbers.

Eventually the ANC supporters were forced outside the small hall where they began gathering, singing liberation songs and trying as much as they could to disturb the meeting inside.

While Zille was trying to address her party members inside, some of the ANC supporters started banging on the hall's prefabricated walls. Inside DA members struggled to hear Zille's speech.

Accompanying Zille was ward candidate and mayoral committee member for housing Shihaam Sims, DA MP Masizole Mnqasela and Housing MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela.

Inside the hall Zille told enthusiastic supporters in Xhosa that tomorrow's by-election in Ward 44 was no ordinary election.

"This is the time to show everyone that the DA is for all people," alluding to claims that the party was racist.

"The DA has won all the elections it has participated in.

^^ Sigh.

ANCYL vows to make the Western Cape ungovernable- eNews

Bah, good luck to them! They forget - they're in the minority here.

^^ After the DA-lead City of Cape Town was taken to task by the national government regarding the "open toilets" in Khayelitsha; after the community requested them open, so they could build informal housing around them, in effect having a loo within their homes and not as an "outbuilding." The City then enclosed them, which the ANCYL then destroyed as the city erected the structures around the toilets. The ANCYL said they would not settle for anything other than concrete and brick walls.

Plato then hit back saying the ANCYL are vandals, are destroying service delivery and if the community does not take vandals to task, they would halt service delivery in communities where structures are destroyed.

They ANC needs to step in. The ANCYL is trashing their (ANC) name, and by the looks of it, the country too.

My question is whilst firing rubber bullets etc, did they not think of arresting the vandals?

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Plato asks ANC to rein in ANCYL
2010-05-25 14:34

Hlengiwe Mnguni, News24

Cape Town - The mayor of Cape Town, Dan Plato, has asked the ANC to "constrain their youth league" by Thursday. This after members of the league tore down zinc enclosures the city had put up around toilets in Makhaza, Khayelitsha on Monday.

Plato was speaking to councillors during his budget speech on Tuesday.

"Mr Speaker we cannot continue in this way. I am therefore asking the ANC as the governing party to publicly confirm by close of business on Thursday, 27 May that they will constrain their Youth League," Plato said.

He said the ruling party should prevent the league from "intimidating the community and from organising this resistance and damage to public property paid for with public money".

'Temporary'

Meanwhile the ANC Youth League in the area says it will only accept zinc enclosures around toilets only if they get a clear indication of how long the structures will remain.

"We accept the zinc toilets, we have no problem, but only on a temporary basis," said ANCYL Dullah Omar region secretary Loyiso Nkohla.

He said they had asked the council how long these structures would remain in place and had been told that "temporary could mean up to eight years".

He said the youth movement wanted to know what type of housing development plan the city had in place for the area. According to him, concrete structures would mean more stability for the residents.

He also accused the DA of not wanting to commit itself to the area, particularly with next year's local elections looming.

Nkohla said the majority of people in the community were against the toilet enclosures. Those who signed an agreement with the City of Cape Town did not know that the enclosures would be made from galvanised zinc, he said.

The City of Cape Town says 95% of the residents signed the agreement.

"I asked them and they said they didn't know," Nkohla said adding he had been surprised at the "visit" from the mayor and construction workers on Monday morning before the league had given the city feedback, as had been agreed.

'Vandalise Cape Town'

He said most of those who did not go along with the trashing of the toilets did not have toilets to begin with.

"That woman who was crying there doesn't have a toilet," he said referring to reports that as the toilets were being trashed on Monday, a woman cried.

On Tuesday Sapa reported that Nkohla had called on young people to vandalise Cape Town.

"We are going to destroy everything and make the city ungovernable," Nkohla said.

Asked what the city would do should the ANC not respond to calls to reign in the league by Thursday, the mayor's spokesperson Rulleska Singh said the office of the mayor would wait until Thursday.

"We would not want to pre-empt the decision," she said.

She said however, that regardless of whether the ANC co-operates or not, the enclosures would be put back up on Friday.

The Western Cape ANC was not immediately available for comment.

Shehaam Sims contests Heideveld/Gugulethu ward

Two by-elections will take place in Western Cape:

• Ward 44 in City of Cape Town [Cape Town] - CPT will be contested by Anthony Charles Moses, an independent candidate; Ethel Zuzeka Mnotoza of the African National Congress; and Shehaam Sims of the Democratic Alliance. The ward was previously represented by the African National Congress and became vacant due to the death of the councillor.

• Ward 12 in Theewaterskloof [Caledon] will be contested by Henry Syster, an independent candidate; Nokwanda Elizabeth Roro of the African National Congress; Catharine Nondumiso Booysen of the Democratic Alliance; and Tembile Nomshuve of the United Democratic Movement. The ward was previously represented by the African National Congress and became vacant due to the expulsion of the councillor by the MEC.

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It only gets better! :banana:

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ANC rocked in crucial by-elections
May 27 2010 at 07:18AM[/I]

By AZIZ HARTLEY, JASON WARNER, ANEEZ SALIE and QUNTON MTYALA
IN a watershed night in South African politics, the DA trounced the ANC in two of its strongholds - Gugulethu and Caledon - gaining two wards where there was not a single white voter and the majority were blacks, not coloureds.

In Ward 44 in parts of Gugulethu and Heideveld, where the DA received 21.6 percent of the vote in the last election in 2006, the party received 60.5 last night.

And in Ward 12 in Caledon's Theewaterskloof municipality, where the DA received only 6.6 percent in 2006, the party garnered more than 60 percent.

Ward 44's previous incumbent, Nombulelo Ntoko, was shot dead by her boyfriend on April 8.

In Theewaterskloof's Ward 12, the ANC councillor was removed for breaching the Councillors' Code of Conduct by missing five successive council meetings without excuses or reasons.

ANC provincial co-ordinator, Duma Ndleleni, congratulated the DA on its victory and said his party had been confident of retaining the ward.

"Yes, it belonged to us. I think our campaigning was wrong. We did not work sufficient work in the ward," he said.

The DA proportional representative and mayoral committee member for housing, Shehaam Sims, who defeated ANC candidate Zubeka Mnotoza in Gulugethu, said her victory meant hard work for the DA.

"We need to go into Gugulethu and show what the DA can do," an ecstatic Sims said shortly after results became known last night.

DA leader Helen Zille said: "This result has gone way beyond our expectations. From the previous election of 21.6 percent to 60.5 percent is a massive difference. We've trippled our Gugulethu voters.

"We are growing and that is the most important thing. We are growing in all communities. People say the DA is a white party. In this ward, there is not a single white voter."

Zille said that, while the Ward 44 win was spectacular, more spectacular was the DA's demolition of the ANC in yesterday's Ward 12 by-election in Theewaterskloof.

Here the DA's candidate, Catherine Booysen, beat the ANC's Nokwana Roro in a ward that was the ANC's strongest in the Overberg.

Zille said that in 2006 the DA received 26.1 percent of the vote and the ANC 71 percent. Yesterday, the DA received about 60 percent in an area where the majority of the population was black.

Booysen, a former ANC and later a Cope member, joined the DA in October.

"There was so much corruption and chommie chommie (buddy buddy) in the ANC. I decided that was not for me or where I want to be politically. I was with Cope for a year, but it was very frustrating. I could see Cope's failure coming."

"They were not that different from the ANC.

^^ :lol:

The tide is turning. The good governance strategy of the DA is paying off. Township wards in Cape Metro (urban Xhosas) and Caledon (rural Xhosas) voting DA. What a litmus test of note! With only 11months to go to local government elections. Indications are from this, the ANC will be decimated in this, the province of the future!!! :banana:

The Western Cape is showing South Africa there is a post Apartheid alternative government of accountability, rationale, low corruption and multi-racial agendas that does not blame their ineptitude on "their history."

Take note SA of where the Cape is headed... and vote with your head, not your skin. Will the tide turn nationally?

Thats fantastic news!!:) That pathetic show that the ANCYL did by destroying peoples toilets must have been the nail in the coffin for them. Im sure it had some influence over teh BY-Elections!! Talk about being idiotic.
Guys which province out of the WC does the DA or any other party have a good chance of gaining power? NC or Kwz/Natal?

I do wonder though if the DA does not just do the most by getting its voters to go and vote in these by elections. Maybe its just because the ANC doesn't rally its voters to go out there and vote.

Maybe...whats voter turn out?

I do wonder though if the DA does not just do the most by getting its voters to go and vote in these by elections. Maybe its just because the ANC doesn't rally its voters to go out there and vote.

Maybe...whats voter turn out?

Yeah, the numbers seem pretty low for a suburb like gugs. Hmm. Whatever, well done DA!

^^ Well that's because when staunch ANC supporters are disillusioned with their party, instead of switching parties, they abstain from voting. In any case, the ANC's idiocy is having the same effect, making areas go DA, whether it's because of abstention from voting or switching parties.

True...I've heard countless people on the news saying "I won't vote," not "I'm voting opposition."

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This should give you some idea of what the 2011 local elections hold in store for us. The ANC held onto most wards but with mostly declining percentages outside of KwaZulu-Natal, where JZ comes from. ANC manages to take the Ndwedwe ward from the IFP while IFP keeps firmly keeps two wards. ANC performs poorly in Limpopo, the province Julius Malema hails from, and loses a ward to an independent. ANC loses ground in Mogale City to the DA while DA consolidates support in Hibiscus Coast at the expense of the ANC. The ANC was dealt a bloodbath in Western Cape where both wards were taken from it by the DA in Cape Town and Theewaterskloof (Caledon).

If only the DA gains could be replicated on a national scale. As an observer from the UK, the DA looks to be the one party with the sense to turn South Africa around.

^^ The Western Cape is the source of democracy in South Africa. Mandela stepped into freedom here and spawned the end of Apartheid here; here too, the corruption and nepotism will stop. We will infect SA with sound democratic principals. The "West" will prevail. :banana:

DA takes Gugulethu

May 27, 2010 10:01 AM | By Sapa

A key Gugulethu voting ward, where ANC supporters trashed a Democratic Alliance meeting, has been won by the DA.

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille
Photograph by: .
RELATED ARTICLES

Youth League action undermines Cape administration
Malema refuses to comment on Cape Town threat
Zille flays Zuma
Bullying shows ANC can't accept being second best
Zille slams ANC 'culture of violence'


The Independent Electoral Commission said on Thursday morning that the DA had polled 60.3 percent in Gugulethu-Heideveld, up from 26.2 percent in 2006. The ANC polled 37.7 percent, down from 53 percent in 2006.

The ANC has not won a ward in the Western Cape since the April 2009 national election.

DA leader Helen Zille said Wednesday's victory in Gugulethu and another in Grabouw, where it polled 48.12 percent up from 9.6 percent in 2006, were "endorsements of her party's performance in government".

"The DA has never won these wards since 1994," she said.

"The victories mean that since the 2009 national election, the DA has won eight seats previously held by the ANC, and one previously held by Icosa (Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa).

"The results demonstrate the extent to which the DA is increasing support across all communities."

Zille said the victory followed a campaign "marked by ANC perpetrated political violence and intimidation".

On Monday ANC Youth League members destroyed newly erected toilet enclosures in the Makhaza section of Khayelitsha and blamed the DA-run city for treating the township dwellers with disrespect.

Around 50 families had used the toilets in full view of the public since 2008.

Later on Monday ANC members heckled Zille as she spoke at a meeting in Gugulethu.

According to Zille, ANC members outside the NY111 Community Hall began to "thump" against its prefabricated walls, sang liberation songs and set a DA banner alight. The police then fired rubber bullets at the group.

Zille said the ANC was going "all out" to prevent the party from governing and from winning elections in traditional ANC strongholds.

"The campaign in this ward has unmasked the ANC's intolerance for democratic competition," Zille said.

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Huge voter swing to DA

IN a watershed night in South African politics, the DA trounced the ANC in two of its strongholds - Gugulethu and Caledon - gaining two wards where there was not a single white voter and the majority were blacks, not coloureds.

ANC rocked in crucial by-elections

May 27 2010 at 07:18AM

Get IOL on your mobile at m.iol.co.za

By AZIZ HARTLEY, JASON WARNER, ANEEZ SALIE and QUNTON MTYALA
IN a watershed night in South African politics, the DA trounced the ANC in two of its strongholds - Gugulethu and Caledon - gaining two wards where there was not a single white voter and the majority were blacks, not coloureds.

In Ward 44 in parts of Gugulethu and Heideveld, where the DA received 21.6 percent of the vote in the last election in 2006, the party received 60.5 last night.

And in Ward 12 in Caledon's Theewaterskloof municipality, where the DA received only 6.6 percent in 2006, the party garnered more than 60 percent.

Ward 44's previous incumbent, Nombulelo Ntoko, was shot dead by her boyfriend on April 8.

In Theewaterskloof's Ward 12, the ANC councillor was removed for breaching the Councillors' Code of Conduct by missing five successive council meetings without excuses or reasons.

ANC provincial co-ordinator, Duma Ndleleni, congratulated the DA on its victory and said his party had been confident of retaining the ward.

"Yes, it belonged to us. I think our campaigning was wrong. We did not work sufficient work in the ward," he said.

The DA proportional representative and mayoral committee member for housing, Shehaam Sims, who defeated ANC candidate Zubeka Mnotoza in Gulugethu, said her victory meant hard work for the DA.

"We need to go into Gugulethu and show what the DA can do," an ecstatic Sims said shortly after results became known last night.

DA leader Helen Zille said: "This result has gone way beyond our expectations. From the previous election of 21.6 percent to 60.5 percent is a massive difference. We've trippled our Gugulethu voters.

"We are growing and that is the most important thing. We are growing in all communities. People say the DA is a white party. In this ward, there is not a single white voter."

Zille said that, while the Ward 44 win was spectacular, more spectacular was the DA's demolition of the ANC in yesterday's Ward 12 by-election in Theewaterskloof.

Here the DA's candidate, Catherine Booysen, beat the ANC's Nokwana Roro in a ward that was the ANC's strongest in the Overberg.

Zille said that in 2006 the DA received 26.1 percent of the vote and the ANC 71 percent. Yesterday, the DA received about 60 percent in an area where the majority of the population was black.

Booysen, a former ANC and later a Cope member, joined the DA in October.

"There was so much corruption and chommie chommie (buddy buddy) in the ANC. I decided that was not for me or where I want to be politically. I was with Cope for a year, but it was very frustrating. I could see Cope's failure coming."

"They were not that different from the ANC. In the DA, I've found there is teamwork and a support system. The networking is excellent and everything is well organised. There is respect for colleagues and party leaders."

A community worker, Booysen studied nursing at UWC and in 2008 founded a substance abuse project to help the young in her community. She is now working on a project against domestic violence.

Zille said: "The DA continues to grow across South Africa, with more and more South Africans turning out to vote DA for the first time. In contrast, the ANC continues on its path of steady decline."

The Independent Electoral Commission is expected to verify the results today.

In Heideveld, ANC supporters arrived just before polling closed. For a few tense minutes, ANC supporters toyi-toyied in one lane of the road and DA supporters in the other. Earlier, DA members served a dish of akni to voters as they arrived which was only about 7pm. "We waited for 7de Laan to finish."

aziz.hartley@inl.co.za, jason.warner@inl.co.za, aneez.salie@inl.co.za, quinton.mtyala@inl.co.za

This article was originally published on page 1 of Cape Times on May 27, 2010

Earlier, DA members served a dish of akni to voters as they arrived which was only about 7pm. "We waited for 7de Laan to finish."


Hahaha please tell me the obvious pronunciation of that is incorrect?

DA takes Gugulethu

May 27, 2010 10:01 AM | By Sapa

A key Gugulethu voting ward, where ANC supporters trashed a Democratic Alliance meeting, has been won by the DA.

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille
Photograph by: .
RELATED ARTICLES

Youth League action undermines Cape administration
Malema refuses to comment on Cape Town threat
Zille flays Zuma
Bullying shows ANC can't accept being second best
Zille slams ANC 'culture of violence'


The Independent Electoral Commission said on Thursday morning that the DA had polled 60.3 percent in Gugulethu-Heideveld, up from 26.2 percent in 2006. The ANC polled 37.7 percent, down from 53 percent in 2006.

The ANC has not won a ward in the Western Cape since the April 2009 national election.

DA leader Helen Zille said Wednesday's victory in Gugulethu and another in Grabouw, where it polled 48.12 percent up from 9.6 percent in 2006, were "endorsements of her party's performance in government".

"The DA has never won these wards since 1994," she said.

"The victories mean that since the 2009 national election, the DA has won eight seats previously held by the ANC, and one previously held by Icosa (Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa).

"The results demonstrate the extent to which the DA is increasing support across all communities."

Zille said the victory followed a campaign "marked by ANC perpetrated political violence and intimidation".

On Monday ANC Youth League members destroyed newly erected toilet enclosures in the Makhaza section of Khayelitsha and blamed the DA-run city for treating the township dwellers with disrespect.

Around 50 families had used the toilets in full view of the public since 2008.

Later on Monday ANC members heckled Zille as she spoke at a meeting in Gugulethu.

According to Zille, ANC members outside the NY111 Community Hall began to "thump" against its prefabricated walls, sang liberation songs and set a DA banner alight. The police then fired rubber bullets at the group.

Zille said the ANC was going "all out" to prevent the party from governing and from winning elections in traditional ANC strongholds.

"The campaign in this ward has unmasked the ANC's intolerance for democratic competition," Zille said.

Is this a township with black people?

^^ Yes, there was not a single white voter within the two wards won.

Gugulethu voters stick with ANC

May 28 2010 at 02:06PM

Get IOL on your mobile at m.iol.co.za

By Political Writer

Despite the DA trouncing the ANC in two by-elections this week, the party still failed to make inroads in Gugulethu, the predominantly black African area.

The DA won the hotly-contested Ward 44, which covers large parts of Heideveld and portions of Gugulethu, with a convincing 60.3 percent, up from 26.2 percent in 2006. The ANC polled 37.7 percent, down from 53 percent in 2006.

Five of the ward's seven voting districts were in Heideveld, a mainly coloured area, with two in Gugulethu.

The ANC, in its poor showing, still managed to get 96.3 percent or 2 214 of the 2 299 votes in Gugulethu, while the DA managed 79 votes or 3.4 percent.

Western Cape premier and DA leader Helen Zille admitted her party needed to work harder in areas like Gugulethu to show people that "we care for them like we care for everyone".

The DA won the Caledon ward, which has a 60 percent black African population, with 48 percent of the vote, up from 6.6 percent in 2006.

The ANC's Mcebisi Skwatsha said while the point was not to downplay the DA's victory, it was also important to note that there were no real inroads made by the party in black African areas.

"The DA did significantly increase its vote in Heideveld by more than 200 percent but the ANC trounced the DA in Gugulethu," he said.

In the Cape Argus on page 3 on Thursday, in the article "Zille hails spectacular victory", we refer to the ID and UDM as "scarcely cracking a nod" from voters.

The ID, in fact, did not contest the by-elections. We regret the error and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

This article was originally published on page 5 of Cape Argus on May 28, 2010

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DA takes key wards off ANC in Cape by-election

BEKEZELA PHAKATHI
PUBLISHED: 2010/05/28 06:52:04 AM


DA leader Helen Zille. Photo: Sunday Times

The African National Congress (ANC) has paid a high price for the violence of its youth league and other acts of intimidation on the Cape Flats in the past few days, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) winning two key wards from it in by-elections yesterday.

ANC Youth League leaders trashed toilet shelters erected by the DA-led Cape Town city council in one of the wards earlier this week in a show of “solidarity” with local people. And police fired rubber bullets when a DA election meeting was disrupted in Gugulethu on Monday night, in an incident in which ANC councillors were allegedly involved.

DA branch chairwoman Lungiswa Gazi-James, who was forced out of her home through intimidation, said houses had been set alight and DA members attacked.

The Independent Electoral Commission said yesterday morning the DA had polled 60,3% of the vote in Gugulethu-Heideveld, up from 26,2% in 2006. The ANC polled 37,7%, down from 53% in 2006. In Grabouw the DA polled 48,12%, up from 9,6% in 2006.

The DA’s victory comes just days after a fight broke out between ANC and DA supporters as DA leader Helen Zille addressed a by-election meeting in Gugulethu, traditionally an ANC stronghold.

Political analyst Steven Friedman said the DA’s victory has made it look highly unlikely the ANC will gain ground in the Western Cape. “The Western Cape is clearly a solid DA area and this must be a problem for the ANC,” Friedman said.

The result was also indicative of a swing in South African politics as the DA continues to gain popularity. But Friedman said people should not read too much into this result as minority parties generally tended to perform well in by-elections.

DA spokesman Geordin Hill- Lewis said this result showed that the public was feeling the difference made by the DA. “People are beginning to identify with the DA and the public is increasingly being alienated by the ANC’s brand and type of politics. This results also shows that the DA continues to grow and the ANC is in decline,” Hill-Lewis said.

ANC national spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the DA’s victory would be short-lived.

“The much-publicised DA by- election victory is bound to be short- lived as the ANC’s mobilisation machinery is already in full swing.”

Mthembu said the loss was a wake-up call and the ANC would redouble its efforts in working with communities. “The Western Cape loss as well as that to an independent candidate in Limpopo is a wake-up call to all our structures to redouble efforts in engaging and working with communities — in line with the recently launched Imvuselelo campaign,” said Mthembu.

Editorial: Page 10