By Werner Human, Head of Operations at the Solidarity Movement
It is ludicrous that the ANC, more than ever before, insists that it is founded on impeccable moral values as a party and a government – and that its actions reflect these values. As for the deep-rooted corruption, crime and incompetence, these are conveniently dismissed as the work of a few “bad apples” who supposedly do not affect the pure moral roots of the organisation.
There are too many examples of this self-deception to mention, but Ebrahim Rasool’s comments earlier this year – during his brief tenure of less than two months as ambassador to the US – probably take the cake. His claim that South Africa is the “moral superpower of the world” resurfaced in a recent article by former DA leader Tony Leon. He pointed out that South Africa was not even invited to the signing of the peace agreement in the Gaza Strip – a gathering attended by more than thirty countries, including Pakistan, Jordan and Iraq. South Africa’s absence, Leon writes, confirms that the ANC’s claim to be a “moral superpower” simply does not correspond to reality.
The ANC is clearly in a state of political delusion – a form of alienation from reality in which, despite its involvement in corruption, mismanagement and crime, it still believes that its supposed moral authority can eliminate these sins. What we are now witnessing is that even the international community no longer shares this illusion: South Africa’s moral credibility is exhausted, and the world knows it.
The philosopher and psychiatrist Karl Jaspers, who studied the phenomenon of delusional perception of reality, put it this way: A group can live in a delusion of moral purity, while at the same time participating in guilt.
This is an almost apt description of the ANC – a movement that can no longer act as a “moral superpower” of the world, but rather as a super failure in full view of all.
During the Solidarity Movement’s recent visit to the US, it was clear that the world is not blind to this reality. In discussions with representatives of the White House, the US Department of State and several states, it became clear that South Africa is no longer associated with moral authority or credibility.
For precisely this reason, the institutions of the Solidarity Movement will continue to create hope – by building institutions, communities and a future that is truly grounded in the values of honesty, work and calling. And where possible, we will also seek support from the international community in this endeavour: not out of dependence, but out of the conviction that only those who build their own house can protect it.
As Rev. J.D. Kestell rightly said:
“A nation (volk) saves itself.”
And in that simple truth lies the principle of our hope.
