From the newsletter of the Democratic Alliance:

The Democratic Alliance last Wednesday welcomed former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota's move to realign SA politics.

"The DA welcomes Mosiuoa Lekota's sharp criticism of Jacob Zuma's ANC and his call for a national debate to discuss the future of our constitutional democracy," DA leader Helen Zille said.

"The disintegration of the ANC has begun, heralding an exciting new era in South Africa. We have long championed the realignment of politics which is now clearly underway," she said.

The DA was open to discussing the way forward with Lekota and his colleagues and would seek an opportunity to do this as soon as possible.

The DA was prepared to work with any party or individual sharing its vision of a non-racial South Africa united behind the Constitution.

"We are committed to building a new political vehicle to tackle poverty and unemployment, to root out corruption and to beat the scourge of crime," she said.

"We share Mosiuoa Lekota's rejection of resurgent tribalism in the ANC, the anti-constitutional rhetoric of Zuma's supporters and the illegal and unconstitutional idea of a 'political solution' to the 783 counts of alleged bribery with which Jacob Zuma has been charged."

The DA would continue to work with all parties that shared its commitment to the Constitution to challenge Zuma's ANC for power at the next election.

"We will also make our case to the electorate, which is beginning to get used to the idea of real choice.

"This is good for South Africa and good for the cause of the open, opportunity society that the DA is building," Zille said.

-----------------------

Wish us luck, it's a chance to try and restore some of what was, until recently, a successful first world country in Africa. It may be too late, but better late than never and South Africans are inveterate optimists.
[Rep]

Yes, the disintegration of any anti-European communist-based organisation with a terrorist wing is always good news. But I think we should wait for developments. Things like this are usually too good to be true.
[Rep]

I agree. As far as I am concerned the only good thing about it is that the ruling elite are coming apart at the seams. Until they remove affirmative action and allow people who can achieve a turnabout to take the country back to the standards of excellence once enjoyed and the prospects once offered, it makes no difference which hopeful liberal democrat is shaking hands with which cheesed off ex-revolutionary.

There may be a chink in the armour for more diversity on the political front, but as there are already umpteen political parties and no cigar, I am sceptical (personally) about headway. But, for the sake of all the young people who need to have some hope of a future and all those elderly who cannot get out, I would like to see an end to crime and preferential treatment at the very least.

But I won't hold my breath. :-)
[Rep]