By Alec Hogg
Yesterday it took a man from another continent to put my homeland’s recent political ructions into perspective.
After the eight year long American Revolutionary War, he said, the US had to overcome decades of corruption and retribution before rights listed in the Declaration of Independence could be applied. And even then, it took a bloody Civil War before the country started enjoying fruits flowing from its promise of an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
By comparison, he pointed out, South Africa has barely started her democratic journey. It will take time before citizens fully understand they have the power to shape their future. Until that reality is ingrained, he offered, the most precious commodity will be courage – of public servants withstanding political coercion; of journalists speaking truth to power; of ordinary folk prepared to blow the whistle on corruption.
Events of the past week reflect a nation which possess this vital ingredient in spades. Led by the example of courageous Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. And all of those who sided publicly with his righteous cause.
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