As the end of 2024 approaches, the year that lies behind us looks eventful in retrospect. It was said to be a year in which democracy was on trial as half the world’s population went to the polls to elect their leaders in over 70 countries. The results have been a mixed bag.
In some countries, political dynasties have fallen followed by peaceful transitions. There have been swings towards dangerous populist politics in other countries. In yet another set of countries, the results are contested and peace is in peril. We have even seen the return of old political actors whose conduct as leaders is very questionable.
In South Africa, what has followed from the elections has been unexpected. The Government of National Unity (or Grand Coalition as some would have it) was a surprise to many of us. It generated both a lot of criticism and a great deal of optimism. It was a throwback to the heady days of the mid-1990s when Madiba and his generation of public leaders from different walks of life had to navigate the country to peace and stability.
The present GNU has come about in very different circumstances. When democracy dawned in 1994, it is fair to say that we expected that freedom would bring prosperity, what one party’s slogan called ‘a better life for all.’ After 30 years, we are nowhere near where we anticipated to be, even those of us who were teenagers at the dawn of this democracy. What is most distressing is that we have managed to move ourselves to the position of being the most unequal country in the world. Daily, the haves flaunt their flashy possessions in the faces of those who have little to nothing.
The approaching festive season is perhaps the worst of times for these ostentatious displays. Many travel to rural homes to show off material possessions and excessive consumption while neighbours practically beg from them. This tells me that something is fundamentally wrong in the world and in our own country, right down to our neighbourhoods.
As many have pointed out, Democracy is not delivering sufficient returns to people who are marginalised. In South Africa it is making a few phenomenally well off, some comfortable and many, many more miserable. Is this the fault of democracy?
As the season approaches, it is perhaps a good time for each of us to turn the gaze on ourselves and question how we are in the world. A fairer, more just world begins with each one of us and how we live, show up for others and create an environment for those around us to thrive. Yes, we deserve better leadership in the country and in the world – not warmongers and self-interested thieves. But more than that, we can each do something where we are in the world, every day, to add to the actions others are taking to make the world a better place. We are the ones we have been waiting for – all of us.
On 8 December 2024 we will gather for the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run to mark 11 years since Madiba left us. The commemoration will be a moment to remind ourselves and the world that a better world is possible. That better world can be realised in spite of the mixed bag of election outcomes. It is for all of us to make that world a reality before it is too late. COP29 has reminded us that the climate crisis means we do not have the luxury of time. We must dare not linger.