South African politics

Elections are coming in South Africa, amidst much celebration of 10 years of democracy since the end of racist apartheid rule. Here is the text of Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation 2004 address (pdf, 72KB). But not everyone is thrilled at the prospect of South Africa becoming a one-party (African National Congress) state: The South African newspaper Business Day [update: corrected title] notices some of the opposition--Tony Leon of the Democratic Alliance. Here are some remarks as Mr. Leon opens the 2004 campaign for the Democratic Alliance:

[A government] that puts people first, one that keeps its promises, one that delivers.
. . .
Speaking under the slogan "South Africa Deserves Better", he said the DA and its partners in the "coalition for change" had clear goals.

To create a mighty bloc in Parliament that will fight for real change; to govern in the Western Cape; to govern in KwaZulu-Natal, to be the second biggest party in every other province in South Africa.

Make no mistake: ANC and its allies on the one hand, and the DA and its allies on the other.

It is a choice between multi-party democracy that thrives, or a one-party state that withers.

It is a choice between real non-racialism, or the neo-racialism of the ANC.

It is a choice between real power to the people and the provinces, or more and more power to the president.

Here's a bit more from Mr. Leon's weekly letter to his supporters:

It is simply extraordinary that the President would say that South Africa does not need new policies when 8 million people are out of work, 21 million South Africans live in poverty, violent crimes such as rape and murder are at crisis levels, a million of our fellow citizens have died of AIDS, and nearly half a million more will be infected with HIV this year. The fact that the President does not think this situation requires urgent change suggests an unbelievable complacency.

(The DA website uses frames, so I don't know how to directly link to the letter.)

I will be checking South African newspapers for coverage of other opposition candidates and parties. I wonder what happened to the Afrikaner Nationalist Party? Now they are the New Nationalist Party.

Father, let me dedicate All this year to you
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)