The Voiceless

28/12/2024

“We must deprecate the myth that the GNU reflects the will of the majority, the ANC went to GNU because they didn't want to relinquish power and all perks associated with being in power after it's comeuppance election outcomes. The GNU is all about self serving and self gratification—this administration will not be responsive to the plight of the historically and contemporary disfranchised.” — writes Mzwakhe Shongwe

OPINION: The ANC’s Inertia and the Challenges of a Government of National Unity By: Mzwakhe Shongwe The African National Congress’s (ANC) inertia in addressing the conditions of the historically ma…

20/12/2024

[UN] UNBREAKING NEWS: The Con-Court finally lambasts Government for Reckless Use of Taxpayer Money on Litigation

The Constitutional Court has raised serious concerns about the government’s misuse of public funds in legal proceedings. This criticism arose in the case of Ingwana John Mohlaba and Others v. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Others, where State Respondents briefed four legal counsel—two senior advocates and two junior advocates—to oppose a cost order.

The case centered on the imposition of levies by traditional councils in Limpopo Province. These levies were intended to fund community services but were challenged by residents, who argued that such taxes could only be imposed by democratically elected legislative bodies at the national, provincial, or local levels. The High Court in Limpopo ruled in favor of the communities, declaring the levies unconstitutional, a decision that the Constitutional Court unanimously upheld.

In its judgment, the Constitutional Court stated, “Under the Constitution, traditional leaders are not democratically elected legislators, and therefore cannot impose taxes. Neither can they impose taxes under customary law.”

However, beyond affirming the unconstitutionality of the levies, the Court criticized the government for its excessive legal spending. It emphasized that briefing four counsel to oppose a cost order was an unjustifiable use of taxpayer money. The Court called for an ethical obligation on legal representatives to ensure the reasonable and efficient use of resources before incurring costs.

The judgment also directed that the decision be shared with professional legal bodies, including the Legal Practice Council, to promote accountability and reform in the handling of state-funded litigation.

The Voiceless is the Mouthpiece of the Marginalised Voices

18/12/2024

DISTURBING FACT OF THE DAY: How smartphones are products of blood

It is estimated that about 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, and often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions.

Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles.

14/12/2024

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Voiceless would like to inform all readers and potential participants of our 🖋️ Writing Competition that the submission deadline has been extended to 📅 31 December 2024.

This extension is necessary due to the low number of submissions received so far. As of today, we have received only one entry, which makes it impractical to proceed with the competition.

We encourage all aspiring writers 📝 to take advantage of this additional time to submit their articles and be part of this exciting opportunity. Thank you for your understanding and continued support! 🙏✨

13/12/2024

ICYMI!

COMMENT | The Axe is Already at the Root: Ndlozi’s Political Fate is Sealed

In the theatrics of South African politics, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) operate less like a political party and more like a stage for high-stakes political drama. The latest episode centers on Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, once a golden boy of the EFF, now cast in the role of the “enemy within.” Despite his last-ditch effort to salvage his standing by publicly pledging allegiance to the party and its commander-in-chief, Julius Malema, it is abundantly clear that the axe is already at the root of his political tree.

Ndlozi’s recent proclamations of loyalty come across as too little, too late. His silence in the face of detractors who attacked the EFF and his alleged failure to “protect and defend” the party from his own household—read: his wife—have sealed his fate. Malema, ever the vigilant political purger, has made it clear that loyalty in the EFF is not merely a principle; it is a performance. And Ndlozi, it seems, has failed the test.

The Scriptural Satire of Power

In a move reminiscent of biblical prophecy, Ndlozi’s predicament calls to mind the fiery warnings of John the Baptist:

“The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 3:10).

The metaphor feels apt, not least because the EFF often functions with the zealous fervor of a radical sect. Malema, playing both high priest and executioner, has already pronounced Ndlozi’s political death sentence. The sin? Failing to defend the party against perceived betrayal, even within the confines of his personal life.

It doesn’t help Ndlozi’s case that Malema has invoked the teachings of the Apostle Paul to justify his stance. As Paul once wrote, “A man who cannot lead his family must not hope to lead the church.” In the EFF’s gospel, the “church” is, of course, the party itself, and Ndlozi’s alleged domestic lapses have become symbolic of a broader failure to lead.

Loyalty as Theater

Ndlozi’s public pledge of allegiance, delivered with all the sincerity of a cornered politician, might have been intended to quell rumors of his disloyalty. But in the world of the EFF, loyalty is not something you simply declare—it must be performed, defended, and demonstrated with unwavering conviction. In this theater, the audience (or, more accurately, the leadership) is unforgiving.

Malema’s accusation of Ndlozi as an “enemy within” is not a casual remark; it’s a calculated framing that sets the stage for a purge. The EFF has built its brand on militancy and discipline, where dissent is not tolerated, and loyalty is scrutinized to the point of paranoia. Ndlozi’s failure to speak up at critical moments—or to control the narrative surrounding his wife’s perceived disloyalty—has made him a liability in Malema’s eyes.

The Forever Purge

The EFF has often been described as a movement that thrives on perpetual revolution, both within and without. Internally, this manifests as the “Forever Purge,” an unrelenting drive to eliminate anyone who does not fit the mold of absolute loyalty. Ndlozi’s fate is a cautionary tale for those who fail to grasp the party’s unwritten rules.

What makes Ndlozi’s downfall particularly ironic is that he was once one of the EFF’s most eloquent voices, a rising star whose speeches captivated audiences. But eloquence without loyalty is a sin that cannot be forgiven in Malema’s church.

The Lessons of the Axe

Ndlozi’s political demise, though tragic in its inevitability, serves as a reminder of the dangers of political cults of personality. In the EFF, as in many populist movements, power is centralized, dissent is demonized, and loyalty is demanded in totality. For Ndlozi, the lesson may come too late: the axe is already at the root, and the tree is about to fall.

In the end, the EFF’s drama continues, a spectacle of loyalty tests and purges where no one—no matter how gifted, charismatic, or once-favored—is safe from the chopping block. Ndlozi, like others before him, has learned the hard way that in the EFF’s theater of power, even the slightest misstep can lead to a swift and merciless end.

The Voiceless is the Mouthpiece of the Marginalised Voices

10/12/2024

OPINION | The Case for Democratizing the South African Reserve Bank’s Interest Rate Decisions

In democratic societies, central banks hold significant power to shape the economic landscape. Their primary mandate is often to protect the value of the currency and ensure balanced economic growth. In South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) derives this authority from Section 224 of the Constitution, which states:

“The primary object of the South African Reserve Bank is to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in the Republic.”

While this constitutional provision reflects a democratically conceived mandate, the process by which the SARB executes it—particularly the determination of the repo rate—remains fundamentally undemocratic. This power rests in the hands of seven individuals on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), who meet six times a year to set interest rates. Their decisions directly affect the cost of borrowing for South Africans, with far-reaching implications for households, businesses, and the broader economy.

The process, as it stands, lacks meaningful public input or oversight. Parliament, the elected representatives of the people, plays no role, and ordinary citizens are entirely excluded from the decision-making process. This raises an important question: should decisions with such profound consequences for millions of South Africans be left solely to a small, unelected group?

Why Democratize the SARB’s Decision-Making Process?

The repo rate, which determines the rate at which private banks borrow from the Reserve Bank, has a cascading effect on interest rates for consumers. It influences everything from home loans to credit card debt and is a critical lever in shaping economic growth, employment, and inflation. Yet, these decisions are made without the direct input of those most affected—ordinary citizens and their elected representatives.

Economic decisions of this magnitude should not be the exclusive purview of technocrats. While expertise is undoubtedly valuable, it should be complemented by mechanisms that ensure decisions reflect the broader interests of society. A democratic process—such as a jury system within the MPC—would provide a platform for diverse perspectives, making monetary policy more representative and accountable.

The Role of a Jury System

Introducing a jury system at the MPC level would be a transformative step toward democratizing monetary policy. Here’s how it could work:
1. Composition: The jury could consist of a diverse cross-section of South African society, selected randomly or through a balanced appointment process to ensure representation across socioeconomic, regional, and demographic lines.
2. Function: This jury would work alongside the technocrats on the MPC, deliberating on interest rate decisions. While economists would provide technical insights, jury members would ensure that broader societal concerns—such as unemployment, income inequality, and the impact of inflation on vulnerable populations—are considered.
3. Deliberation and Decision-Making: Decisions would emerge from a collaborative process, blending expert analysis with public interest. This approach would create a system that is both informed and democratic.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Critics may argue that monetary policy is too complex for non-experts to weigh in on. However, this perspective underestimates the ability of ordinary citizens to engage with important issues when given the necessary information and support. Moreover, the jury system would not replace expertise but would complement it, ensuring that economic policies align with the lived realities of the population.

Others might worry about politicizing the Reserve Bank. But democratization does not necessarily mean partisan control. A well-structured jury system could be designed to maintain the independence of the SARB while making it more accountable and inclusive.

The Broader Implications of Democratization

The introduction of a jury system would not only enhance the legitimacy of the SARB’s decisions but also strengthen public trust in monetary policy. By involving citizens in the process, the Reserve Bank would signal its commitment to serving the interests of all South Africans, not just the financial elite or the technocratic class.

Moreover, this model could inspire similar reforms in other areas of economic governance, fostering a culture of participatory decision-making in a country that continues to grapple with stark inequalities.

Conclusion

The SARB wields immense power over the economic fortunes of South Africans, yet its decision-making process remains insulated from public input. By introducing a jury system at the MPC level, South Africa can democratize monetary policy, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests and concerns of the people. In a democracy, no decision with such wide-reaching consequences should be made without the voices of those it affects.

09/12/2024

OPINION | Politicians should serve at the pleasure of the people, not at their expense

In South Africa, politics has become less of a calling and more of a golden ticket to a life of luxury. Even if we were to ignore the alleged grand larceny that often accompanies political office, there remains an unsettling question: how can our politicians afford such extravagant lifestyles? The answer lies in the generous benefits and perks attached to the offices they occupy—privileges so lucrative that they render salaries almost superfluous.

Consider the basics: the president, cabinet ministers, and Members of Parliament (MPs) earn no less than R1 million per annum. But this is merely the starting point. On top of these substantial salaries, they enjoy perks that most South Africans could only dream of. Free accommodation, chauffeur-driven transportation for so-called “official duties,” and fully catered meals are standard. Their work trips—domestic and international—are often treated as five-star vacations at the taxpayer’s expense. Not even the most prosperous nations in the world offer their politicians such a cushy deal.

Luxury at a Cost We Cannot Afford

This indulgence is particularly galling in a nation grappling with widespread poverty, an ailing economy, and failing public services. South Africa’s unemployment rate hovers at crisis levels, basic services like healthcare and education are in shambles, and the majority of citizens struggle to make ends meet. Yet, our politicians are treated as royalty, insulated from the daily struggles of the people they claim to represent.

It’s no wonder that everyone seems to aspire to a political career. After all, politics in South Africa pays more handsomely than any other profession, with the added benefit of near-zero accountability. This is why individuals with no leadership track record—people who have never even managed a community stokvel—suddenly develop grand ambitions to lead the nation. Parliament has become less about governance and more about personal gain, a stepping stone to wealth rather than a platform for service.

Paying for a Job Half-Done

The truth is, South Africans are paying a premium for a job that is barely being done. How many of our elected officials can point to tangible achievements that justify their salaries and perks? Service delivery failures, rampant corruption, and policy stagnation tell a different story. In essence, taxpayers are funding a political aristocracy, one that appears more concerned with maintaining its own comfort than with addressing the needs of the nation.

The Bigger Picture

What’s particularly disheartening is the lack of global perspective. South Africa, a nation struggling to balance its budget and meet the needs of its citizens, provides benefits to its politicians that even leaders in wealthier nations would find excessive. In most developed democracies, public officials are held to higher standards of accountability, and the trappings of office are far more modest. Here, extravagance is normalized, and any suggestion of austerity is met with fierce resistance.

Time for Change

If South Africa is to move forward, it must reassess how it compensates its leaders. Lavish benefits for politicians are not only unsustainable but also morally indefensible in a country where so many live in poverty. Public office should be a service, not a jackpot. It’s time to reform the system, curtail unnecessary perks, and ensure that political leaders are driven by a desire to serve the nation—not to enrich themselves.

In the end, South Africans must demand more from their leaders. The current arrangement, where politicians enjoy princely lives while delivering pauper-like results, is not only unfair but also a betrayal of the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded. It’s time to remind our leaders that they serve at the pleasure of the people, not at their expense.

07/12/2024

🚨 CALLING ALL ASPIRING WRITERS! 🚨

The Voiceless Writing Competition is Back — with R1,500 in Prizes! 🖋️💡

We’re thrilled to announce the second edition of The Voiceless Writing Competition in partnership with the Centre for Emerging Writers! This is your chance to win cash prizes, showcase your talent, and contribute to meaningful discussions about South Africa’s future.

Prizes:
🏆 Best Article: R700
🥈 Second Place: R500
🥉 Third Place: R300

NB: These prizes can increase depending on the donations received.

Topic: The future of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) within the South African political landscape

🔍 Key themes to explore include:

• Will the EFF survive or outlive the Julius Malema Presidency?
• Will the EFF survive the MKP onslaught ?
• Will Julius Malema ever let go of the party reigns?

OR

Authors can write on the future of the GNU and explore whether it was the only viable or ideal outcome from the May General Elections.

Winners will also have the opportunity to become regular contributors to The Voiceless, with additional incentives (subject to funding).

Submission Guidelines:

📜 Article length: 700–1000 words.
🔗 Sources must be cited within the article (no footnotes).
💡 Content must reflect informed opinions — do the spate work.

All articles must be submitted on a word document and must include the full names of the author and a short bio.

Timeframe for article submissions: 25 November – 15 December 2024
Winners to be announced on 25th December 2024.

Prizes will be awarded according to the highest number of engagements received per article (all articles will be published on The Voiceless’ Wordpress blog)

Send your submissions to [email protected].

🌟 Why Enter?

This competition is designed to inspire a culture of reading, writing, and debate on issues that matter to all South Africans. Let your voice be heard!

Support the Cause!

We also welcome donations to help promote public discourse and empower emerging writers. If you’d like to contribute, email us at [email protected] or reply to this post. Contributions can be made anonymously or with public acknowledgment.

Don’t miss your chance to win, inspire, and make a difference. Submit today!

06/12/2024

[UN] Breaking News | Former President Kgalema Motlanthe & cabinet minister, Dr. Naledi Pandor take the ANC-led GNU government to court over land reform failures

Two senior ANC members and former cabinet members, Dr. Naledi Pandor and former President Kgalema Motlanthe, have taken legal action against the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU), accusing it of failing to implement effective land reform policies. The court case centers on the government’s alleged inaction in enacting national legislation to give effect to Section 25 of the Constitution, which deals with land redistribution and restitution.

Dr. Pandor and Mr. Motlanthe, now board members of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, are leveraging the name and legacy of Nelson Mandela in their effort to highlight this critical issue. They claim the government has fallen short in addressing the land reform agenda—a cornerstone of South Africa’s transformation goals.

In the court filings, Mr. Motlanthe specifically criticizes the government for disregarding the recommendations of the High-Level Panel on Land Reform, which he chaired. The report, which identified key legislative and policy failures, provided a framework for addressing land inequality. Its neglect, according to Mr. Motlanthe, reflects a broader failure of leadership in prioritizing transformative land reform.

This legal challenge underscores deepening tensions within the ANC over its policy direction and governance effectiveness, with some of its most senior figures now pushing for accountability through the courts. The case could have significant implications for land reform policy and the political landscape in South Africa.

Screen grabs: Courtesy of Eyewitness News.

04/12/2024

OPINION | The Case for Uniting Africans in South Africa: Seven (7) Economic Reasons for an Open Border Policy

The debate around South Africa’s open border policy is often reduced to emotional rhetoric and sweeping generalizations. Advocates, like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), envision it as a crucial step toward a unified Africa—a vision rooted in the founding ideals of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. Critics, however, argue that foreign nationals are taking jobs and contributing to crime, an argument frequently driven more by fear than by evidence. Yet, beyond the emotional debates, there are compelling economic and social reasons to consider an open border policy in South Africa.

1. Open Borders Lead to Better Migration Management

Building barriers to keep people out often backfires, as Ian Goldin points out. Instead of reducing migration, stricter borders tend to increase undocumented crossings, making it harder to manage migration effectively. Workers who come for seasonal jobs or wish to retire in their home countries may find it impossible to return, inadvertently turning temporary migrants into permanent ones. Harsh border policies push people toward dangerous and unregulated routes, exposing them to exploitation and life-threatening conditions. Open borders, on the other hand, enable structured and safer migration, benefiting both migrants and host nations.

2. Migrants Create Local Employment Opportunities

Contrary to the perception that migrants take jobs from locals, they often create employment opportunities, particularly for marginalized groups like women. For example, migrant domestic workers make childcare and eldercare more affordable, allowing South African women to enter or expand their roles in the formal workforce. International evidence supports this: in the UK, incoming migrants are projected to add £7.4 billion to the economy by 2028, and in the U.S., migrants paid a staggering $520 billion in taxes in 2021. These contributions highlight the economic benefits of a mobile, integrated workforce.

3. Filling Workforce Gaps

Migrants tend to occupy roles that locals are either unwilling or unable to fill, ranging from skilled trades like plumbing to physically demanding jobs like fruit picking or night-shift labor. In South Africa, foreign nationals have revitalized sectors such as small-scale retail, with the proliferation of salons and spaza shops standing as testimony. Other regions, like the Gulf states, depend so heavily on migrant labor that their economies would collapse without it. South Africa, too, stands to gain from fully embracing this workforce to address labor shortages and inefficiencies.

4. Positive Contributions to Social Security Systems

Migrants, particularly working-age ones, contribute more in taxes than they draw from public resources. They work longer hours on average, rely less on state-funded services like education or pensions, and thus strengthen social security systems. This phenomenon is not unique to South Africa; globally, migrants are often net contributors to the public purse, contrary to claims that they burden social welfare systems.

5. Undocumented Migrants: Hidden Economic Contributors

Even undocumented workers—often vilified in public discourse—make significant contributions to the economy. In the U.S., for instance, unregistered migrants are more likely to be employed than native workers and documented immigrants. They pay taxes but are often excluded from public benefits due to their undocumented status, which means their contributions bolster government revenue while they remain underserved. South Africa can similarly benefit from this hidden workforce if their status is regularized.

6. Migrants as Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Migration is inherently an act of entrepreneurship. The willingness to leave one’s homeland and navigate unfamiliar systems often reflects boldness, creativity, and determination. These traits translate into real economic impact: in the U.S., immigrants file patents at three times the rate of natives and are significantly more likely to start businesses. South Africa’s informal economy already showcases the entrepreneurial drive of foreign nationals. Harnessing this potential more systematically could lead to a surge in innovation and business growth.

7. Unlocking Creativity and Ambition

Compared to those who remain in their home countries, migrants tend to be more resourceful and determined. Restricting migration means losing out on the intellectual and creative contributions of these individuals. South Africa, by deterring migrants, risks stifling the economic dynamism that accompanies this ambition. Open borders would ensure the country benefits from the energy and skills of people seeking better opportunities.

The Practical Ineffectiveness of Border Restrictions

Even the most stringent border policies cannot entirely prevent migration. The U.S. experience is a case in point: despite billions spent on constructing a border wall under Donald Trump’s administration, undocumented migration continued. People escaping war, poverty, and conflict are willing to take extraordinary risks to reach safer, more prosperous destinations. South Africa, with its relative stability, will remain a magnet for migration regardless of its policies. Instead of pouring resources into ineffective restrictions, it would be wiser to embrace and manage migration proactively.

Conclusion: A United Africa Through Economic Integration

South Africa’s open border policy is not just a lofty ideal tied to Pan-African unity—it is an economic imperative. From boosting tax revenue and filling labor gaps to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the benefits of an integrated African workforce are clear. Emotional arguments against open borders overlook these advantages, focusing instead on unfounded fears. Embracing open borders aligns with South Africa’s role as a leader on the continent and provides a path toward a more dynamic, prosperous, and united Africa.

The Voiceless is the Mouthpiece of the Marginalised Voices.

03/12/2024

OPINION: South Africa: The Moral Superpower of the World?

South Africa has increasingly positioned itself as a self-appointed moral leader on the global stage. Whether accusing Israel of genocide and seeking to hold it accountable at the International Court of Justice or attempting to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, the country appears intent on championing justice and peace worldwide.

These are undoubtedly noble pursuits. Yet, this moral authority should have started at home. A house divided cannot stand, and South Africa’s domestic and regional record raises serious questions about its credibility in claiming such moral high ground.

At the heart of the issue is the glaring contrast between South Africa’s international advocacy for justice and its failure to address domestic corruption. The former African National Congress (ANC) government had become almost synonymous with graft, with numerous scandals exposing the plunder of state resources meant to uplift the country’s citizens. Public services, from healthcare to electricity, are crumbling under the weight of mismanagement and looting, leaving millions of South Africans disillusioned and impoverished. How can a government beset by such dysfunction credibly champion justice and good governance abroad when it fails to embody these principles at home?

Beyond its borders, South Africa’s regional track record further undermines its claim to moral leadership. The former ANC government had often turned a blind eye—or even offered tacit endorsement—to blatant electoral fraud in neighboring countries. Zimbabwe is a case in point. Despite the widespread repression of opposition voices and rigging of elections under ZANU-PF’s rule, South Africa has largely remained silent, offering only lukewarm calls for reform. Similarly, in Mozambique, questionable election results have gone unchallenged by the region’s supposed moral superpower. These actions suggest complicity or, at the very least, a prioritization of political alliances over democratic principles.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s involvement in conflict zones across the African continent further complicates its moral narrative. While preaching peace on the global stage, it has sent troops to fight in the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The complexities of that conflict cannot be ignored, but South Africa’s militarized involvement sits uneasily alongside its peace-brokering ambitions. Even more troubling is the government’s apparent indifference to the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where a brutal conflict has displaced millions. Sudan’s crisis represents the largest humanitarian emergency on the continent, yet South Africa’s silence has been deafening.

South Africa’s aspirations for global moral leadership are not inherently misguided. Indeed, the world needs nations that advocate for justice, peace, and accountability. The country’s history, shaped by the struggle against apartheid, gives it a unique perspective and moral standing to address issues of oppression and inequality. But moral authority cannot be selective. A failure to address pressing issues at home and in its immediate neighborhood undermines the legitimacy of South Africa’s global interventions.

If South Africa truly seeks to be the “moral superpower” of the world, it must lead by example. That means confronting corruption and rebuilding trust in public institutions. It means standing firm against electoral fraud and repression in its region, even when politically inconvenient. It also means engaging meaningfully with humanitarian crises in Africa, demonstrating that its commitment to justice is not limited to faraway lands but extends to those closest to home.

Until then, South Africa’s lofty international rhetoric will remain at odds with its actions, a stark reminder that moral leadership starts with self-accountability.

The Voiceless is the Mouthpiece of the Marginalised Voices.