Lessons for liberation movements from South Africa’s polls

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu

There are many lessons that Former Liberation Movements (FLMs) of Southern Africa can draw from recent elections in the region.

Polls within our region have always been unique due to several factors, including interference from outside forces.

At first, people used to think that it is only Zimbabwe that has elections that draw a lot of attention.

However, that is no longer the case.

Whenever we go to the polls, some interested parties always follow our processes with a keen eye.

We, FLMs of the region, always seem to be under some sort of siege.

We need to remain united and resilient.

Unresolved personal differences tend to reverse the gains of our struggle.

As FLMs, we all struggled to free our nations from the bondage of colonialism and introduce majority rule.

Personal differences

Personal differences have and will always be an unfortunate reality.

They start small but, in some instances, spiral out of control. This is a slippery slope that should be avoided at all costs.

This is not the time to be pursuing personal interests ahead of national interests. Unity of purpose should be all that we have room for.

As a result of the outcome of the May 29 elections in South Africa, the ANC has begun the intricate task of trying to forge a coalition to form the next government.

Although the ANC lost its governing majority in Parliament for the first time in 30 years, it still carries the popular vote. Be that as it may, it is in a less-than-ideal scenario, which I believe it will be able to navigate.

At this stage, all political parties should put South Africa first.

Rival parties seem to be stampeding to partner with the ANC to form the next government.

This demonstrates that FLMs have not lost their lustre; they are still very much relevant.

If anything, this is the time to demonstrate that unity of purpose, which was tapped into when liberating our respective countries.

Giving our nations away on a silver platter to the enemy should never be an option.

So much was sacrificed and lost in the fight for freedom.

Less time should be spent on politics and politicking, and focus should be squarely on economic emancipation and taking our people to the promised land.

Our continent still lags behind the rest of the world.

Unproductive politics and divisions will only slow down our progress.

There are many suggestions as to who the ANC should get into a coalition with.

I believe they should do so with whoever will assist them in fighting to uplift their people and improve their lives.

Ideologically clear

They should never stray from the ethos of the South Africa they founded after upending the apartheid regime.

The ANC has never wavered and has always been ideologically clear.

It cannot afford to stray from its deep conviction and values upon which it was founded.

This was always going to be a difficult election. There were a lot of issues raised before, during and after the votes were cast.

We should all remember that, while elections are held once in a four- or five-year cycle, nation-building is a continuous process.

Nothing should ever come in the way of developing our nations and our people.

What was clear from the South African polls was the sheer determination of people to protect the gains that came with their independence.

As vultures continue circling, let us remember that freedom for the black African means everything.

At this stage, we must trust in the people of South Africa to find their way in this seemingly difficult time.

If all personal differences are put aside, then they should be able to find a lasting solution.

This is perhaps one of the greatest lessons that the FLMs should pick up.

We are on our own and we should strive to always do what is right for our people and our respective nations.

Dr Obert Moses Mpofu is an academic and the Secretary-General of ZANU PF. He writes in his own capacity.