I am quite irritated that there are probably rape victims who voted for Zuma. Also that a few of my gay friends probably voted for the ANC after Zuma’s utterings. I personally did not waste my vote on a man who will use the collective voice to destroy Constitutional values.

I believe that issues that are abstract are real to those who consider them. The real issues of the poor are foreign to the super-wealthy. There should be some sort of expressionof the issues, whatever they may be, in a way that the rich and poor both realise they have the same concern. The DA had, among its principal concerns, Health, Education and Safety. Education and Safety affect us all in various shapes and forms. Health is a primary concern of those without medical aids and who have to currently deal with striking doctors. The “open opprtunity society” promotes a sociaty where all South Africans are equal from the starting blocks, as it were. It is, obviously, in keeping with the DA’s liberal policies. I understand it to suggest that the playing fields must be levelled as soon as possible and that we cannot simply use AA in a way that does not advance the society. It also promotes that there be more focus on people’s contributions than to race, in many a context.

The matter of Zuma is particularly sad. He was let off the hook as a political ploy and the people have been, largely, silent. I may be wrong, the people have endorsed that with their vote. If Zuma is to be a reflection of South AFricans then I’d much rather go to the USA and have Obama be my representative to the world.

Many (but not all), of this group assume the charges against Zuma were trumped up anyway . For them, even a conviction would hardy have dimmed their enthusiasm.
As for the balance of voters (much less than 50%, I think), those predisposed against Zuma were not going to start supporting him because the charges have been dropped. Most of the chattering classes (I think this includes all of us on this blog, almost by definition), are convinced, rightly or wrongly, that Zuma is corrupt. If anything, what is seen as the cynical political manipulation of the NPA may make them even less inclined to support him and his party.

I concede there will be a sub-class of chatterers may be less hesitant to vote ANC after the dropping of the charges — because they thought that having the President on trial would be destabilising. But I think this grouping would be too small to make much of a difference.

Vuyo, what you said in your comment made for upsetting reading. If it’s true that the ‘masses’ don’t care about ethics, then we will inevitably become a lawless society. I’m having a really dark moment here.

And what about that little matter of the illegal/classified/declassified tapes? Would one be correct in assuming that, having been conveniently swept under some carpet, it will never see the light of day again? Are we off to a fresh start, so to speak, now that the elections are over, with everything forgiven and forgotten? Can we be expected, as usual, to again become spectators for the next five years?

I must admit though that I also admire the man. I have been consistently quoting him when these ardent ANC supporters ask me who I have voted for. When asked by the journalists who he voted for, Mbeki said that he cannot reveil such information as he, just like everyone else, is supposed to vote with his conscience and not fear.

fair enough but before we end up hi jacking this thread. yes i agree 300 000 ground troops were needed thats why the bush administration tried to get countries involved it wasnt just a war between the US and terrorism its a global problem and im afraid the world powers didnt come to the party. so part of the blame for the lack of success is really the other countries lack of support and not helping out and they based it on personnalities im afriad.

but back to south africa I strongly believe politics is all about who has access to a magical vault that has an endless supply of cash.

Think about it if the ANC was going to get two thirds majority anyway, then why even bother spending R200m on the campaign? if im not mistaken the most any party in south africa has ever spent?

All its about is showing you that we have access to huge amounts of money and we will direct it straight to the poor in other words we have the biggest dick in africa.

If the DA spent R800m in this elections they would of won. money talks and people are desperate for houses here. you show people you can get your hands on that kind of money people will follow and you can forget about trying to play the liberation struggle, poor is poor people are having there own liberation struggle everyday and if your hungry you go to the party with the bling.

lol i must admit you guys have become americanized

LOL!

I disagree with all your points i was one of them who voted for george bush so be a bit careful. the guy stood up to something were the rest of world didnt. so for that he has my respect but yes there were some bad policies no administration is perfect its all about tweeking them.

secondly its about money and its an african thing as well. If you have MIllions close to billions on elections you can buy your way to the presidency. The poor will see one thing and one thing only a party or an administration who has access to this kind of money and promise of delevery you cant bet that.

have a look here
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.php

You have money people listen doesnt matter if your black or white.